Adirondacks State Park

Lake Champlain
A sea kayak is eminently suitable for travel on Lake Champlain, however small vessels of any kind should avoid this large lake on all but the calmest days. Getting caught on the water in a small kayak or open canoe on a rough, windy day is a life-threatening situation. So watch the weather and pick your day carefully. Remain close to the shore and in the sheltered bays of the western shore. Take advantage of the morning and evening calms, and paddle from south to north with the prevailing winds. Taking these words of caution into consideration it is possible to find the perfect day to paddle short sections of the Lake Champlain shore.

One of the most scenic cruises is from Westport around Split Rock Point to Essex, or the mouth of the Bouquet River. Sheer palisades drop to the water under split Rock Mountain. The route offers dramatic views, but offers little space for emergency landings. A shorter trip is all out and back from Essex to Split Rock Point. The lake's maximum depth of 400 feet is just off this picturesque point.

Explore the waters in sheltered Willsboro Bay, or paddle out to state-owned Schuyler Island (about one mile off shore). Several campsites can be found along the island's rocky shore but there is also poison ivy so be careful. Below Crown Point Bridge the lake is narrower arid there may be some scenic sections. such as Putts Creek Wildlife Area to explore.

Boquet River
Canoeable at higher water levels in the spring, this river offers trips of varying lengths and difficulty. From starting points below Split Rock Falls you'll enjoy a fast current through a narrow, winding channel with mild Class II rapids and one short carry. There are few boulders in the 11 mile stretch to Elizabethtown. The 6.5 mile section below this point to the Northway overpass becomes more difficult with a tricky Class III drop and rapids.

The next 2.5 mile stretch to Lake Champlain is best done as a series of short day trips due to the dams and waterfalls at Wadhams, Wallonsburg, Boquet arid Willsboro which would require long carries. Overall this is a fairly easy cruise through pasture lands and wooded hills but it can only be done at high water levels.

Rich Lake and Harris Lake
Start on the public beach at either lake for a scenic 7.5 mile roundtrip cruise. The flatwater channel between the lakes has some riffles and a carry. Do not proceed beyond the Route 28N bridge or you will be committed to running the turbulent Hudson River Gorge.

Upper Hudson River and Hudson River Gorge
The 12 miles from Newcomb to the Indian River is a beautiful remote stretch (bordered by private land) with Class III rapids at Ord Falls. This otherwise inviting section of river leads directly into the turbulent Hudson River Gorge which packs in a series of difficult Class V rapids with powerful hydraulics, souse holes and high, standing waves. These 13 miles are for expert paddlers only. Several outfitters offer rafting trips through the Gorge. Periodic releases from Indian Lake maintain high water levels through June, and in September and October. Open canoes should not be used here except by experts at mid-summer water levels.

Upper Schroon River
The 15 mile stretch from North Hudson to Schroon Lake is an easy Class I flatwater cruise with one carry at the four-foot Schroon Falls. Wildlife sightings are frequent as you travel along this slowly meandering river. Beautiful Schroon Lake opens up at journey's end, revealing mountain views in all directions.

Hudson River
From North River to North Creek (five miles) the river flows gently with some Class II rapids which gives you time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Over the next 18 miles to its junction with the Schroon River, the Hudson resumes some of its former gusto with exciting Class III rapids and several drops over ledges.

East Branch Sacandaga River
This eight mile section has a gentle drop with some fun Class II water. You will need to take out at the unrunnable Griffin Falls, a cascading drop of 20 feet.

Lower Hudson River Kumjamuk
The Lower Hudson is broad and more shallow than the previous sections. The current is a swift Class I but obstacles are few except at lower water levels when sandbars may impede progress down this 17 mile stretch of river. Take out is one mile above the Hadley Luzerne Falls which are dangerous and should not be approached.

Lower Schroon River
The Lower Schroon from Schroon Lake to the Hudson (27 miles) is a mixture of long flatwater stretches and exciting Class III whitewater, such as "The Big Drop," which you may want to scout before running. Adjacent roads provide easy access at various points along the way, but go unnoticed while on the tree-lined, secluded river.