ADIRONDACK CANOE CLASSIC
The Adirondack Canoe Classic, the 90-Miler, follows the original highways of the Adirondacks, from Old Forge to Saranac Lake. See splendid autumn foliage and scenery, experience friendly competition, and establish a bond with the other folks who make up the “Classic Community”. Organizers of the Adirondack Canoe Classic work with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, numerous regional business people, and an incredible army of volunteers to provide you with a positively memorable experience. The event takes place annually the weekend after Labor Day.
COURSE DESCRIPTION- DAY ONE
Distance: 34 Miles Carries: 4 Carry Distance: 3.5 miles
The Start Line for Day one is at The Old Forge Public Beach adjacent to the Town of Webb Visitor Information Center. Paddlers begin their trek by crossing Old Forge Pond and paddling 1.5 miles of channel to First Lake. The route is well marked through the Fulton Chain of lakes. The distance across Fourth lake is 5.5 miles. Paddlers will go down the channel at the Town of Inlet and cross a small body of water called Fifth Lake. A narrow channel brings you to the muddy beginning of your first carry. Follow the path to the left to Route 28, turn right and head uphill on the side of the road. There is a Paddler’s Crossing to the road leading to Sixth Lake.
Paddle across Sixth Lake and go under a bridge into Seventh Lake. Cross Seventh Lake headed East along the Northern shore. You will pass through an often shallow, stumpy area. Go around a point of land on the left to the beginning of the carry to Eighth Lake. The carry is clearly marked. The 1-mile carry will take you through the Eighth Lake Public Campground. Once on Eighth Lake, head East past a point of land on the left. From here, you will see the beginning of your next carry, which is flat but long. There is a "Pit Stop" roughly halfway through the carry as you come close to Route 28. Head off again to the board walk dropping you into the narrow winding 2.5 mile paddling challenge known as Brown’s Tract. You will paddle under the Raquette Lake Bridge and into Raquette Lake. Duck going under the bridge!
THE CUT-OFF TIME TO REACH THIS POINT IS 3:00 PM
Paddle across Raquette Lake to “St. Huberts Lake” and the Marion River. Paddle 4 miles up the river to a 0.25 mile carry into Utowana Lake. There is an official water station midpoint of the carry. NOTE: The carry is on private land. Only race officials will be allowed on the carry. No Pit Crews please.
THE CUT-OFF TIME TO REACH THIS POINT IS 4:30 PM
Paddlers will across Utowana and Eagle Lakes on their way to the finish line at the beach on Blue Mountain Lake.
COURSE DESCRIPTION – DAY TWO
Distance: 33 Miles Carries: 1 Carry Distance: 1.25 miles
Day Two begins on private land at Bissell’s field at the end of the Endion Road about 2.5 miles south of the Long Lake Bridge. Paddlers go under the bridge and paddle downstream 10 miles past Round Island, the Camp Islands, and Island House on their way to the often shallow mouth of the Raquette River.
CUT-OFF TIME TO REACH THIS POINT IS 1:00 PM
The Raquette River is winding, but is easy to follow as you paddle with the current. Approximately one mile down the river, there is a shallow area and a big rock in the middle of the river. Cold River enters from the right. Go to the left. Paddle approximately 5 miles downriver through several shallows to the Raquette Falls Carry. You must carry your boat here. There is a Pit Stop at the other end! Put back onto the river below Raquette Falls and paddle 6 miles to Stoney Creek and another Pit Stop. Keep going! Just past the Pit Stop is Axton Landing.
CUT-OFF TIME TO REACH THIS POINT IS 3:30 PM
Six miles downstream is Trombley’s Landing, a wide bend to the left with a high sandy bank. You have 1.5 miles to go to the Finish Line at “The Crusher”. The Finish Line is tight. Please do not recross the line and interfere with others who are finishing behind you. Assist the boat handlers, and drink lots of water!
COURSE DESCRIPTION- DAY THREE
Distance: 22 Miles Carries: 3 Carry Distance: .6 Miles
Day Three starts at the narrows of Fish Creek Ponds adjacent to campsite 230. Paddlers will cross under the Route 30 bridge to the narrow, winding passage of Fish Creek out into Upper Saranac Lake. Follow the right shoreline to The Narrows, and turn right down the lake past Eagle Island. Go around Doctor’s Island and cut to the left, behind Birch Island into Huckleberry Bay. Bartlett Carry is to the left behind a small island at the end of the bay.
The far end of Bartlett Carry is notorious for mud, so proceed with caution! Back on the water, follow the channel left to Middle Saranac Lake. Head across the lake, keeping Norway and First Islands to your right. The entrance to the Saranac Lake is east of First Island. Stay in the marked channel around numerous curves to The Upper locks. Carry your boat here, DO NOT SHOOT THE RAPIDS!
Follow the river downstream into Lower Saranac Lake, passing The Devil’s Pulpit. Go straight through The Narrows to Bluff Island. Turn right into the mouth of the river across from Bluff Island and follow the channel through First Pond, under the Route 3 bridge, and through Second Pond. Continue paddling downriver to the third carry of the day, on the right, around the Lower Locks. Be careful at the put-in.
The red and green channel markers indicate the best course through Oseetah Lake and into Lake Flower.
The Finish Line is at the cedar tree in Riverside Park in Saranac Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
about the Adirondack Canoe Classic
How do I get into the event …
How do I get an entry form?
Contact the race hotline at 518-891-2744 or grace@macscanoe.com. Please provide your name, mailing address and phone number and indicate you are interested in a 90-Miler entry form. Previous entrants ( 3 years back ) will be mailed an entry form in mid-June.
When is the entry form due?
Entry forms are mailed out in mid-June and are due by July 25.
Does everyone who sends in an entry form get into the event?
If we have more than 250 boats (teams) entered, we use a weighted lottery to determine who will be awarded a position. (Weighted lotteries favor long-time participants.)
How will I know I am in?
Confirmation letters are sent to all participants.
Is there a boat that is not good for the 90-Miler?
Yes, short, fat or inflatable kayaks or canoes do not work well. Heavy layups can also be problematic due to the significant numbers of carries on the route. Paddlers using these boats frequently are not able to meet cut-off times or do not finish.
Now that I'm in the 90-Miler …
Do I need to carry all my gear with me during the event?
No, most people carry water, food and extra clothing. A pit crew can move the rest of your gear from the start to the finish each day.
Do I need a pit crew?
At a minimum, you will need someone to move your car and extra gear from the start line to the finish line each day while you're paddling.
Is there a shuttle provided?
No. Paddlers are responsible for their own transportation at all times. If you shuttle back to get your vehicle with another paddler, it will take well over an hour each day.
Where do people stay overnight?
Participants can either stay at the camping provided by 90-Miler sponsors or stay at one of the many lodging establishments along the route.
Are campgrounds at the finish lines?
Campgrounds are not at the finish lines. They are located several miles away. This is where pit crews become essential.
Do we start where we finished the day before?
No, start lines are different from the finish lines each day.
What if I don't have a car or truck to move my boat?
Race organizers have trailers to move boats from the finish to start lines each day. Please indicate on your entry form if this is something you want to take advantage of.
What if I don't have a canoe?
Canoes are available for rent from several local liveries.
Where do I eat?
Meal packages are available for Saturday breakfast and Thursday, Friday, Saturday dinners. A post race meal for all participants is included. There are also restaurants along the route.
Is there food and water provided during the event?
Race organizers provide pit stops at strategic locations each day of the event. Please consider pit stop foods (snacks and water) as supplemental to your own supply.
The Adirondack Canoe Classic, the 90-Miler, follows the original highways of the Adirondacks, from Old Forge to Saranac Lake. See splendid autumn foliage and scenery, experience friendly competition, and establish a bond with the other folks who make up the “Classic Community”. Organizers of the Adirondack Canoe Classic work with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, numerous regional business people, and an incredible army of volunteers to provide you with a positively memorable experience. The event takes place annually the weekend after Labor Day.
COURSE DESCRIPTION- DAY ONE
Distance: 34 Miles Carries: 4 Carry Distance: 3.5 miles
The Start Line for Day one is at The Old Forge Public Beach adjacent to the Town of Webb Visitor Information Center. Paddlers begin their trek by crossing Old Forge Pond and paddling 1.5 miles of channel to First Lake. The route is well marked through the Fulton Chain of lakes. The distance across Fourth lake is 5.5 miles. Paddlers will go down the channel at the Town of Inlet and cross a small body of water called Fifth Lake. A narrow channel brings you to the muddy beginning of your first carry. Follow the path to the left to Route 28, turn right and head uphill on the side of the road. There is a Paddler’s Crossing to the road leading to Sixth Lake.
Paddle across Sixth Lake and go under a bridge into Seventh Lake. Cross Seventh Lake headed East along the Northern shore. You will pass through an often shallow, stumpy area. Go around a point of land on the left to the beginning of the carry to Eighth Lake. The carry is clearly marked. The 1-mile carry will take you through the Eighth Lake Public Campground. Once on Eighth Lake, head East past a point of land on the left. From here, you will see the beginning of your next carry, which is flat but long. There is a "Pit Stop" roughly halfway through the carry as you come close to Route 28. Head off again to the board walk dropping you into the narrow winding 2.5 mile paddling challenge known as Brown’s Tract. You will paddle under the Raquette Lake Bridge and into Raquette Lake. Duck going under the bridge!
THE CUT-OFF TIME TO REACH THIS POINT IS 3:00 PM
Paddle across Raquette Lake to “St. Huberts Lake” and the Marion River. Paddle 4 miles up the river to a 0.25 mile carry into Utowana Lake. There is an official water station midpoint of the carry. NOTE: The carry is on private land. Only race officials will be allowed on the carry. No Pit Crews please.
THE CUT-OFF TIME TO REACH THIS POINT IS 4:30 PM
Paddlers will across Utowana and Eagle Lakes on their way to the finish line at the beach on Blue Mountain Lake.
COURSE DESCRIPTION – DAY TWO
Distance: 33 Miles Carries: 1 Carry Distance: 1.25 miles
Day Two begins on private land at Bissell’s field at the end of the Endion Road about 2.5 miles south of the Long Lake Bridge. Paddlers go under the bridge and paddle downstream 10 miles past Round Island, the Camp Islands, and Island House on their way to the often shallow mouth of the Raquette River.
CUT-OFF TIME TO REACH THIS POINT IS 1:00 PM
The Raquette River is winding, but is easy to follow as you paddle with the current. Approximately one mile down the river, there is a shallow area and a big rock in the middle of the river. Cold River enters from the right. Go to the left. Paddle approximately 5 miles downriver through several shallows to the Raquette Falls Carry. You must carry your boat here. There is a Pit Stop at the other end! Put back onto the river below Raquette Falls and paddle 6 miles to Stoney Creek and another Pit Stop. Keep going! Just past the Pit Stop is Axton Landing.
CUT-OFF TIME TO REACH THIS POINT IS 3:30 PM
Six miles downstream is Trombley’s Landing, a wide bend to the left with a high sandy bank. You have 1.5 miles to go to the Finish Line at “The Crusher”. The Finish Line is tight. Please do not recross the line and interfere with others who are finishing behind you. Assist the boat handlers, and drink lots of water!
COURSE DESCRIPTION- DAY THREE
Distance: 22 Miles Carries: 3 Carry Distance: .6 Miles
Day Three starts at the narrows of Fish Creek Ponds adjacent to campsite 230. Paddlers will cross under the Route 30 bridge to the narrow, winding passage of Fish Creek out into Upper Saranac Lake. Follow the right shoreline to The Narrows, and turn right down the lake past Eagle Island. Go around Doctor’s Island and cut to the left, behind Birch Island into Huckleberry Bay. Bartlett Carry is to the left behind a small island at the end of the bay.
The far end of Bartlett Carry is notorious for mud, so proceed with caution! Back on the water, follow the channel left to Middle Saranac Lake. Head across the lake, keeping Norway and First Islands to your right. The entrance to the Saranac Lake is east of First Island. Stay in the marked channel around numerous curves to The Upper locks. Carry your boat here, DO NOT SHOOT THE RAPIDS!
Follow the river downstream into Lower Saranac Lake, passing The Devil’s Pulpit. Go straight through The Narrows to Bluff Island. Turn right into the mouth of the river across from Bluff Island and follow the channel through First Pond, under the Route 3 bridge, and through Second Pond. Continue paddling downriver to the third carry of the day, on the right, around the Lower Locks. Be careful at the put-in.
The red and green channel markers indicate the best course through Oseetah Lake and into Lake Flower.
The Finish Line is at the cedar tree in Riverside Park in Saranac Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
about the Adirondack Canoe Classic
How do I get into the event …
How do I get an entry form?
Contact the race hotline at 518-891-2744 or grace@macscanoe.com. Please provide your name, mailing address and phone number and indicate you are interested in a 90-Miler entry form. Previous entrants ( 3 years back ) will be mailed an entry form in mid-June.
When is the entry form due?
Entry forms are mailed out in mid-June and are due by July 25.
Does everyone who sends in an entry form get into the event?
If we have more than 250 boats (teams) entered, we use a weighted lottery to determine who will be awarded a position. (Weighted lotteries favor long-time participants.)
How will I know I am in?
Confirmation letters are sent to all participants.
Is there a boat that is not good for the 90-Miler?
Yes, short, fat or inflatable kayaks or canoes do not work well. Heavy layups can also be problematic due to the significant numbers of carries on the route. Paddlers using these boats frequently are not able to meet cut-off times or do not finish.
Now that I'm in the 90-Miler …
Do I need to carry all my gear with me during the event?
No, most people carry water, food and extra clothing. A pit crew can move the rest of your gear from the start to the finish each day.
Do I need a pit crew?
At a minimum, you will need someone to move your car and extra gear from the start line to the finish line each day while you're paddling.
Is there a shuttle provided?
No. Paddlers are responsible for their own transportation at all times. If you shuttle back to get your vehicle with another paddler, it will take well over an hour each day.
Where do people stay overnight?
Participants can either stay at the camping provided by 90-Miler sponsors or stay at one of the many lodging establishments along the route.
Are campgrounds at the finish lines?
Campgrounds are not at the finish lines. They are located several miles away. This is where pit crews become essential.
Do we start where we finished the day before?
No, start lines are different from the finish lines each day.
What if I don't have a car or truck to move my boat?
Race organizers have trailers to move boats from the finish to start lines each day. Please indicate on your entry form if this is something you want to take advantage of.
What if I don't have a canoe?
Canoes are available for rent from several local liveries.
Where do I eat?
Meal packages are available for Saturday breakfast and Thursday, Friday, Saturday dinners. A post race meal for all participants is included. There are also restaurants along the route.
Is there food and water provided during the event?
Race organizers provide pit stops at strategic locations each day of the event. Please consider pit stop foods (snacks and water) as supplemental to your own supply.
