The 90-Miler: Adirondack Canoe Classic
Paddlers compete along a continuous route stretching from Old Forge to Saranac Lake.
Paddlers on Long Lake during “The 90 Miler” Adirondack Canoe Classic. Photo courtesy Northern Forest Canoe Trail.
The Adirondack Canoe Classic, commonly known as "The 90-Miler," is an exhilarating paddling competition featuring canoes, war canoes, kayaks, and guideboats.
Scheduled for the weekend after Labor Day, this three-day, 90-mile race navigates the "Highway of the Adirondacks.” It culminates at the DEC boat launch on Lake Flower in Saranac Lake, where participants gather to celebrate with a festive dinner.
Race along the routes used by early European settlers and Adirondack guides.
The race takes participants along the same chain of lakes, rivers, and carry paths that were used by early European settlers and local Adirondack guides.
Paddling on Fish Creek Pond during the 90-Miler. Images by Mike Lynch Photography
However, modern competitors will benefit from lighter boats, pit crews, and the convenience of trailering from the finish to the starting lines each day.
The route starts in Old Forge and includes the following stops: the Moose River, the Fulton Chain Lakes, Raquette Lake, the Raquette River, Forked Lake, Long Lake, Stony Creek Ponds, the Indian Carry, Upper Saranac Lake, Bartlett's Carry, Middle Saranac Lake, Lower Saranac Lake, and finally, Lake Flower in Saranac Lake.
While this may seem like a long journey, it is just the first leg of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, which ultimately extends to the state of Maine.
Competitors carrying their water craft. Photo courtesy SaranacLake.com (ROOST).
An exciting event for participants and spectators.
The 90 Miler is open to participants of all ages and skill levels, ranging from professionals to families looking for recreational fun. This exciting event attracts paddlers from around the globe.
Please note that registration for this year's competition is now closed. However, many spectators gather along the route (see map below) to cheer on the determined paddlers and watch as hundreds of watercraft compete in this epic race.
If you’re not able to participate this year, consider another weekend this fall to tackle sections of the 90 Miler or even the entire course on your own. For more information, visit the 90 Miler and Northern Forest Canoe Trail websites.
Plan for the 2026 Adirondack 90-Miler.
Watch this super informative video about what it takes to train, prepare and execute the 90-Miler.
Discover places to eat, shop, stay and things to do along the 90 Miler route.
Shop our store for unique Adirondack gifts, clothing, merchandise and cool stuff.
Upcoming events on the Adirondack Canoe Classic route.
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- Posted In: Events, Central Adirondacks, Tri-Lakes & High Peaks