Adirondack Lodge-to-Lodge Canoe Classic, New York

The Trip

This is a classic Adirondack canoe trip, a bucket list trip perfect for experienced paddlers who love canoeing and want to join Sierra Club paddling the first leg of the Adirondack Canoe Classic, the “90-miler,” while staying in lodges. At six+ million acres, Adirondack Park in northern New York State is the largest park in the Lower 48 and the Northeast’s last great wilderness. The combined acreage of Yellowstone (2.2 million acres), Yosemite (0.76 million acres), Glacier (1 million acres), Grand Canyon (1.2 million acres), and Great Smokies (0.5 million acres) National Parks fit together inside the Adirondack Park.

Established as a state forest preserves in 1885, and Adirondack Park in 1892, the park boasts more than 2,000 lakes and ponds, over 1200 miles of rivers, and some of the highest mountains in the eastern United States. The Adirondacks have long been recognized as an outdoor enthusiasts’ paradise with the lakes, ponds, and rivers connecting to form canoe trails, including the now classic Adirondack Canoe Trail, the first leg of which we will paddle. We also paddle the first leg of the more recently developed Northern Forest Canoe Trail, the longest paddling trail in the U.S. running from Old Forge, New York through Vermont, Quebec, and New Hampshire to Fort Kent, Maine. In 2011 the Trail was named “Best Canoe Trail” by Outside Magazine and in 2012 the magazine named the Trail a “Best East Coast Adventure.” This is a lifetime bucket list kind of trip. We will soak up the scenery, history, and atmosphere staying at a mix of accommodations: modern, older, and more “rustic,” and more “rustic” deluxe historic Great Camp lodging.

The Adirondack Park contains a unique mixture of state-owned lands, including vast expanses of Wilderness, as well as private lands and several towns and villages. We will be on lakes, wilderness rivers, and trails with varied habitats and opportunities to see wildlife, such as eagles, loons, osprey, and more.

Our 6-night 7-day paddle traverse begins in Old Forge, the southwest gateway to the Adirondacks! Sunday afternoon we have our meet and greet followed by our welcome dinner. We get acquainted, go over equipment, do our final packing, and review canoe safety and expectations, then have our 6 PM welcome dinner (included) at a local restaurant. We’ll get an early start with donuts and muffins and aim to be on the water early enough to arrive at Raquette Lake well before dinner time. Saturday morning, our last morning, we paddle across Blue Mountain Lake to hike Castle Rock Mountain with splendid views of the area before paddling back and saying our goodbyes.

Our route starts in a more populated area where we enjoy the variety in architecture of camps and homes along the shore. Gradually we paddle away from civilization, enjoying more wild lands with old-growth white pine trees in the Cathedral Pines grove along Seventh Lake and the winding waterways of Brown’s Tract and the Marion River.

Our itinerary below is what the leaders have planned. However, various factors may require changes for reasons of safety, transportation, or lodging availability, and unforeseeable circumstances (such as weather considerations, natural disasters in areas to be visited, or ranger recommendations). The leaders reserve the right to make such changes as necessary, both before and during the trip. Please be aware Sierra Club specifically empowers the leader to exclude any individual from a trip activity if the leader feels there is a significant individual or group safety or health risk.

After checking in:

Day 1 (Sunday):

We meet at The Forge Motel in Old Forge, NY by 3:00 p.m., check-in, and gather for our 4:30 p.m. meet and greet. We get acquainted, go over equipment, do our final packing, and review canoe safety and expectations, then have our 6 PM welcome dinner (included) at a local restaurant. You can purchase tomorrow’s lunch at the deli counter at the local grocery or bring your own. The Forge Motel has comfortable lakeside double rooms, each with private bathrooms and WiFi and likely mobile telephone reception as well.

Day 2 (Monday): Paddle from Old Forge, NY to Inlet, NY (10.4 miles)

Monday we wake early, enjoy our continental breakfast at The Forge Motel (included), and head off paddling 10.4 miles from Old Forge to Inlet, First Lake through Fourth Lake. As we paddle we take in the charming mix of mountain and water scenery and check out the variety of homes and camps that line stretches of the shore. Possible ~ 1-mile side excursion paddle into the inlet for Third Lake Creek. 

On arrival in Inlet, NY we check into our historic lakeside accommodations, The Woods Inn, built in 1894. For those with yet more energy, there is an optional side trip, a hike up Rocky Mountain. The walk/hike is 3.0 miles total round-trip. There is a mile walk from Inlet to the trailhead and a mile walk back. The trail up the mountain itself is 1 mile round-trip with 475 feet of elevation gain.

Our group family-style dinner (included) provides the opportunity to savor some of the best pizzas in the Adirondacks. Ice cream or gelato at Northern Lights Creamery is an option not to be missed after dinner as well as an amble over to Arrowhead Park to watch the sun set behind the distant mountain ridge.

Day 3 (Tuesday): Paddle from Inlet to Raquette Lake (8.9 miles with 3 canoe carries)

This is a big day with three Canoe Carries (portages). We’ll get an early start with donuts and muffins and aim to be on the water early enough to arrive in Raquette Lake well before dinner time. Along the way, we’ll make a much-appreciated stop for those who wish to purchase coffee and additional breakfast. We’ll also have at least one set of “wheels” with us as an option to ease the load on the carries.

Continuing down Sixth Lake, our next carry is 1 mile between Seventh Lake and Eighth Lake, again a relatively flat, wide path through Eighth Lake Campground. Next, we paddle to the far shore of Eighth Lake for an optional swim before our 1.3-mile carry. Again, the carry will be on an easy and wide path to a 0.1-mile-long raised bridge boardwalk to Browns Tract Waterway, which winds its way out to Raquette Lake.

Upon arrival, we check into our accommodations at the popular Central Adirondack gathering spot, the Raquette Lake Hotel and Taproom, an old-time, somewhat quirky favorite with rustic charm, clean but basic rooms (some are double-occupancy and some are triple; some have private bathrooms and some have bathrooms down the hall). Limited WiFi is accessible outside the small library across from the hotel, but cellular telephone connections are spotty.

Day 4 (Wednesday): Paddle/hike from Raquette Lake to Great Camp Sagamore (paddle 4.8 miles, hike 1.7 miles)

We’ll get an early start this morning to paddle 4.8 miles from the Raquette Lake Town Dock across South Bay over to and up the peaceful, winding South Inlet with good wildlife viewing opportunities. At the base of the modest but beautiful Cascade Falls, we lock up our boats and continue on foot 1.7 miles into Great Camp Sagamore, the grandest of the Adirondack Great Camps. Great Camp Sagmore was built in 1897 and served as a wilderness retreat for the Vanderbilt family for half a century, and is now a National Historic Landmark.

After our picnic lunch looking out on Sagamore Lake (on your lunch “fixing”), we enjoy a 1:30 p.m. historic tour of the camp, learning about its unique history, the architectural designs of the buildings, and the intrigues, habits, and business ups and downs of the enterprising owners and their many well-heeled guests. There are options later that afternoon for swimming or paddling on Sagamore Lake, a hike on one of the Great Camp Sagamore trails, or relaxing in the rustic comforts of days gone by. Great Camp Sagamore dinner (included) in the old-style dining room follows.

After supper, we may have an opportunity to test our skills at bowling (harder than it looks!), see how the camp’s staff set the pins manually, and marvel at the ingenious design of a gravity-only ball return system.

Accommodations are in comfortable double rooms and triple rooms with shared hallway bathrooms and showers. WiFi service indoors is reliable; cell service works with some carriers.

Day 5 (Thursday): Hike/paddle from Great Camp Sagamore to St. William’s on Long Point (hike 1.7 miles/paddle 4.7 miles)

After a hearty breakfast at Great Camp Sagamore, we hike 1.7 miles back to Cascade Falls and paddle 4.7 miles down the South Inlet, back to Raquette Lake, across South Bay, and wend our way across the point to Saint Williams on Long Point, built in 1890 by William West Durant. Today St. Williams is a quiet retreat featuring the historic church, beautiful grounds and swimming off the dock, and comfortable co-ed bunkroom accommodations with a large homey living room with a fireplace and modern kitchen facilities we will use to prepare our meals (included). Saint Williams has WiFi in the main house, but cell service is unreliable. Please note St. William’s is unheated and can get cool or even cold at night. We will inform you later if you need to bring sleeping bags for this night.

Day 6 (Friday): Paddle 11.4 miles up the Marion River, canoe carry 0.3 miles into Utowana Lake and Blue Mountain Lake to The Hedges

After a hearty breakfast “chez nous” (we cook and clean up ourselves) we paddle 11.4 miles east up the slow-moving Marion River, following the route of yesteryear’s travelers from New York City and places beyond to reach lavish, long-gone resorts on Blue Mountain Lake. Our short 0.3-mile portage brings us from the beginning of the Marion River to Utowana Lake along the former railbed of the Marion River Railroad, which connected two steamboat landings at this site and facilitated tourists’ passage to their Blue Mountain Lake destinations.

Once on Blue Mountain Lake, we paddle over to The Hedges, our grand finale with unique charm and ambiance, rugged yet comfortable, and with one of the most beautiful settings in the Adirondacks for our last night. The Hedges, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built as the Duryea Camp by Civil War General Hiram Duryea in 1880 for family and guests wishing to escape the heat and humidity of New York City. The “General’s Camp” became “The Hedges” in 1921 when the Collins family welcomed its first guests. The 12+ acre property with 1,600 feet of waterfront has grown over the years, but its rustic beauty has been carefully preserved.

We will check in and enjoy our final dinner in the full-service dining room. After dinner we are welcome to roam the property, taking in the elegant boathouse and docks, the beach, tennis courts, activities pavilion, and game room (available for our use and fun with ping pong and other games).

Day 7 (Saturday):

On Saturday morning after breakfast at The Hedges, we’ll choose our boats from the Hedges' “fleet” of canoes and kayaks. Then we'll paddle across Blue Mountain Lake to hike 1.4 miles round-trip with 640 feet of elevation gain to reach the summit of Castle Rock Mountain for splendid views. Then we’ll paddle back across to the Hedges to say our goodbyes and head out. For those interested, we recommend an extra day in Blue Mountain Lake to enjoy all the Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, has to offer!

Getting There

We meet on Sunday at 3 p.m. at The Forge Motel in Old Forge, New York. The nearest train station (Amtrak’s Albany Rensselaer-Albany) and airport (ALB) are in Albany, NY, about two and a half hours by car. New York City (with its three airports) and Boston are each about five hours by car. 

Anyone who left their cars at Blue Mountain Lake at the beginning of the trip will need to be ready to shuttle other participants to Old Forge at 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Of note, you might want to come a day early to enjoy the Enchanted Forest Water Safari and experience the mountain biking trails and chairlift at McCauley Mountain in Old Forge. 

Accommodations and Food

Accommodations are varied to reflect the nature and feel of the Adirondacks, from experiencing the grandeur of Great Camp Sagamore and The Hedges to the more rustic “local” accommodations of the Raquette Lake Hotel and Taproom to more modern accommodations at The Forge Motel. Some accommodations are shared double rooms with private baths, some are shared rooms with 2-3 people per room with a bath down the hall, and at least one is larger bunk room accommodations. While we will try to accommodate individual preferences, we may have gender-neutral shared sleeping rooms and bathrooms, depending on the composition of the group. Couples traveling together may or may not have separate rooms depending on the night.

All lodging has electricity, flush toilets, and hot water, but WiFi service is limited in some places and telephone signals are spotty at best. Do not expect or depend on constant reliable cell or WiFi communications during the trip. 

During our days out on the trails, paddling, or in service work, restrooms may be pit toilets, outhouses, and, of course, the woods.

Our first group meal is Sunday dinner in Old Forge. Our last group meal is breakfast at The Hedges in Blue Mountain Lake, NY on Saturday. Included in the trip price are all dinners, four of six breakfasts, and three of six lunches. We will provide some group snacks, but recommend you bring some of your favorites.

Groceries for your “on your own” lunches can be purchased in Old Forge, NY the first day of the trip, or in some cases you will be able to pick up pre-made sandwiches locally the day prior for the next day or even possibly the morning of. Tuesday's “quick” coffee and breakfast on your own is available at the Citgo gas station and Convenience Store we pass on our portage with rave reviews “Best donuts in the Adirondacks." Wednesday breakfast is available at Raquette Lake Hotel. 

At St. Williams, we will cook for ourselves as a group offering lunch “fixings” for “pack your own” bag lunches for Friday. We’ll arrange boat transport for our luggage and provisions for group meals at Saint Williams. All participants will help prep, cook, clean up, and do other tasks as needed. Food will be varied, nutritious, and plentiful. We will do our best to accommodate dietary needs, but those with allergies or challenging restrictions may be asked to bring or prepare some of their food to supplement group food. Please discuss any food-related issues with the leader. 

Meals will be interesting, varied, and nutritious. There will be plenty of food. If you wish, you can bring additional between-meal snacks. We will do our best to accommodate vegetarians and medical dietary restrictions. Those with challenging restrictions may be asked to bring or prepare some of their food to supplement. Please contact the leader if you require accommodation.

Trip Difficulty

This is a moderately strenuous trip for experienced canoeists in good health, given the nature and variety of the paddling, the itinerary described above, the need for some agility to climb in and out of the canoes to navigate around and over an occasional beaver dam, and the canoe carries (portages).

Before your acceptance as a participant in this trip, you will be asked to discuss your capabilities and experience with us. We also request references to confirm your fitness level and suitability for participating in trip activities. This trip is designed so everyone experiences our adventure through shared participation in activities and tasks in an organized group environment. Sierra Club travelers are known for cooperative efforts. Expectations are that all participants will be considerate of others sharing this Sierra Club Travel experience, arriving on time for scheduled activities, etc. As leaders, our number one trip priority is to see that you have a wonderful and memorable experience and return home safely.

To fully enjoy this trip, you should be comfortable traveling in new areas. You should recognize you may find yourself in closer quarters or be less comfortable than you are used to at home. You should make it a priority to help others on the trip and contribute to their having a great time. If you do that and have an all-around good attitude and friendly, cooperative manner, you will have a great time. 

In addition, you should be in proper condition for the challenges outlined above and equipped with the appropriate gear. You should always be aware of the risks involved and conduct yourself accordingly. You are ultimately responsible for your safety. We would like you to know how to swim; but if you do not or are not a strong swimmer, please let us know.

Equipment and Clothing

Our outfitter will provide all lightweight Kevlar canoes, paddles, and life jackets, included in the trip price, though you may bring your own personal paddle and flotation device if they meet standards. You will need a waterproof bag to pack your belongings though some form of plastic bag inside a duffle could accommodate. You will also need a day pack, preferably waterproof, (or again you can use plastic bags inside) to carry your lunch and gear for the day. A good two-piece waterproof rainsuit is a must. 

For Saint William’s, we will need to provide our bedding (sheets or sleeping sack, compressible pillow) and camp or quick dry towel. Bedding and towels may be available for rent at a nominal cost. We will get back to confirmed participants as to whether you need a sleeping bag as well.

You’ll need to be prepared for warm daytime temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s, while nighttime temperatures can dip into the 30’s and 40’s.For comfort and safety, avoid wearing cotton garments during outdoor activities. When wet, cotton becomes cold, does not wick moisture, and can contribute to hypothermia. While daytime temperatures may reach the 80s or 90s, at night they can dip into the 30s and 40s. Participants need at least one warm extra layer form cold evenings and mornings when temperature can be in the 30’s and 40’s.

Footwear: Water shoes (they will get wet!), sturdy hiking shoes or boots, dry, comfortable shoes for camp

The leaders will furnish a detailed clothing and equipment list to confirmed participants. If you have questions about what to bring, contact the leader.

In general, you’ll want quick-drying synthetic clothing that can be layered. For comfort and safety, avoid any cotton garments on the water. Wet cotton becomes cold, does not wick moisture, and can speed up hypothermia. Participants need at least one warm extra layer from cold evenings and mornings when the temperature can be in the 30s and 40s.

A few sources for affordable outdoor clothing and gear (new and pre-owned):

• Patagonia Worn Wear: https://wornwear.patagonia.com/
• REI Outlet: https://www.rei.com/rei-garage
• Mountain Warehouse: https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/us/

Other essentials: refillable water bottle, lunch carry kit, sun and warm hat, sunglasses, extra warm layers, long sleeves and pants, sun protection, lightweight gloves. Optional: paddling or cycling gloves and clothing.

Health and Safety

Your trip leaders have Wilderness First Aid certification and will carry a first-aid kit. You should also carry your basic first-aid kit and any medications in a waterproof container. At times during our trip, communications will be difficult, and rescue and advanced medical care will be two or more hours away. Anyone who has limited mobility, cardiac or respiratory problems, asthma, diabetes, or who needs to carry an EpiPen or special medications must notify the leader and may be asked to submit clearance from your health care provider.

The area has a low population of deer ticks, some poison ivy, and few other poisonous or dangerous plants or animals. We will have access to potable water to refill our containers each day. You should not drink water directly from streams or lakes.

Weather

The main message about the Adirondacks is that weather will change -- wise outdoors people are prepared. 

Temperatures drop or rise, clear days turn stormy, and we can experience three or four seasons within 24 hours. While we’ll check each day’s weather forecasts, it is important to carry an extra layer and rain gear when we are away from the lodge. Good news for us: September is the month with the least rainfall and the fewest rainy days in the calendar year. In September, the average daytime temperature range is from 60-75 degrees. 

• Weather atlas for Raquette Lake, New York in August – Weather conditions can vary greatly, so be prepared. 
• National Weather Service webpage (local conditions change)
• Weather averages - Adirondacks

COVID-19

We will adhere to applicable public health protocols. 

Hygiene

Personal hygiene and handwashing are essential. Carry sanitizing liquid/gel or wipes with you and wash hands with soap and water when they are available. Use appropriate measures (wash hands, use utensils) when preparing or handling food.

References and Resources

• Book: Schneider, Paul, The Adirondacks: A History of America's First Wilderness.
• Website: Visit The Adirondacks: https://visitadirondacks.com/about/adirondack-park
• The Adirondack Mountain Club has good books and materials and an online store for gear, maps, and guidebooks. www.adk.org tel: (800) 395-8080 or (518) 668-4447. 
• Adirondack Park Interpretative Centers, Newcomb NY (518-582-2000, www.northnet.org/adirondackvic and Paul Smiths, NY (518-327-3000). 
• Adirondack Experience, https://www.theadkx.org/, a private non-profit educational institution. Blue Mountain Lake NY (518-352-7311),
• Maps of Adirondack Park and adjacent areas where we will visit can be found on the New York State USGS quadrangles
• See also DeLorme Mapping Co.'s New York State Atlas and Gazetteer, which contain topographic maps of the entire state.

Area Attractions

• Raquette Lake Navigation
• Camp Sagamore
• Weather forecast for Raquette Lake (13436)
• Town of Long Lake: Raquette Lake Information

St. Williams on Long Point

• National Register Certification
• Follow us on Facebook
• About Josiah Cady Cleveland (Architect)

Conservation

For this Sierra Club Outing, we are collaborating with Adirondacks Hamlets to Huts (ADKH2H), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that creates, manages, and promotes an internationally acclaimed hamlet-to-hut system that fosters vibrant communities by advancing economic development, conservation, and wellness. By joining Hamlets to Huts, we contribute to responsible and sustainable tourism as we enjoy the region’s natural treasures and support small-town economies and employment for residents. 

As always, we use the principles of responsibly leaving no Trace and minimal impact in the outdoors. The leaders will also encourage discussion of preservation and environmental issues of the Adirondacks. Invasive species, such as Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussels, and spiny waterfleas, pose a serious threat to lakes and rivers in the Adirondack Park; the wooly adelgid and the emerald ash borer pose a serious threat to hemlocks and ash trees; climate change lessens snow falls and ice overs on lakes, shortening winters and threatening the ecology; and hiking trails and campgrounds can be overused due to the popularity of the Adirondacks and their proximity to the NY and Boston metropolitan areas.

On the trip, we will discuss

• ways to prevent carrying aquatic invasives by properly cleaning boats
• how to prevent invasives that damage tress by not transporting wood from outside the area
• Leave No Trace principles.

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.