Paddle, Laugh, Repeat at the Great Brant Lake Canoe Race
Paddlers on Brant Lake. Photo courtesy North Warren Canoe.
A classic Adirondack canoe race returns.
The Great Brant Lake Canoe Race returns to Brant Lake in the southeastern Adirondacks on Saturday, August 8, sending paddlers on a six-mile journey from Hoyt's Beach at the north end of the lake to the town beach on Mill Pond in Horicon.
Part canoe race, part costume contest, and entirely Adirondack, this community event has quickly become one of the North Country's most delightfully unconventional summer traditions.
The seventh annual race blends friendly competition with lakeside fun, inviting serious paddlers, first-time racers, and enthusiastic spectators alike to celebrate one of the Adirondacks' favorite natural resources—its waterways.
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Expect plenty of paddling—and plenty of personality.
The race begins at 10 am, but speed isn't the only thing on display. Every canoe doubles as an entry in the race's popular costume contest, making pirates, superheroes, loggers, wildlife, and imaginative homemade creations just as likely to appear as carbon-fiber racing boats.
That playful spirit is part of what makes the event memorable. While experienced paddlers chase fast times across Brant Lake's calm waters, many participants simply embrace the opportunity to laugh, paddle, and celebrate summer with family and friends.
Following the finish, everyone gathers at the Horicon Community Center for an awards ceremony beginning at 12:30 pm. Community organizations and nonprofit groups will also be on hand, creating a welcoming post-race atmosphere for racers and spectators alike.
An Adirondack tradition continues.
Although this is the seventh edition of today's event, the race traces its roots back much further.
The original Brant Lake Canoe Race began in 1974, organized by local volunteers who recognized the lake as both a recreational treasure and a gathering place for the community. Today's organizers have successfully revived that tradition while introducing it to a new generation of Adirondack paddlers.
Brant Lake in the southern Adirondacks.
"This continued success is made possible by the amazing support we receive from the Town of Horicon, the community, and the enthusiastic paddlers who keep the BLCR spirit alive," said race director Matt Strickland.
A partnership that celebrates Adirondack paddling.
New for this year, the Northern Forest Canoe Trail joins the Great Brant Lake Canoe Race as an operational partner.
The collaboration feels like a natural fit. Both organizations share a commitment to protecting waterways while encouraging people to experience the Adirondacks from the seat of a canoe or kayak.
"We love how committed the Great Brant Lake Canoe Race is to fun and community," said NFCT Executive Director Karrie Thomas. "It's an honor to be able to stand behind the Town of Horicon and the paddlers who give this race its energy and character."
Race proceeds will benefit both the Bob and Gert Newton Campership Fund at Camp Read and the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, helping support outdoor recreation and access for future generations.
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ADK Taste insight.
Few activities capture the Adirondack experience better than paddling long before roads crossed the mountains, lakes and rivers connected communities throughout the region. Events like the Great Brant Lake Canoe Race honor that history while reminding visitors that some of the Adirondacks' best adventures still begin at the water's edge.
Listen before you paddle.
If the Northern Forest Canoe Trail sparked your curiosity, listen to ADK Talks' episode, "The Adirondacks and America's Longest Water Trail," featuring Executive Director Karrie Thomas.
The conversation explores why paddling remains one of the most rewarding ways to experience the Adirondacks, the importance of protecting waterways, and how community events like the Great Brant Lake Canoe Race help inspire the next generation of paddlers.
Whether you're planning to race on Brant Lake or simply looking for your next Adirondack paddling adventure, the episode offers valuable local insight into the region's rich canoeing culture.
ADK Taste recommendation.
Arrive early to watch racers launch from Hoyt's Beach before heading to Horicon for the finish. You'll experience both ends of the event, enjoy the creative costumes, and have plenty of time to explore Brant Lake or nearby Chestertown after the awards ceremony.
For race registration, updates, and additional information, visit northwarrencanoe.com or their Facebook profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Great Brant Lake Canoe Race?
The race takes place on Saturday, August 8, beginning at 10 am.
Where does the canoe race start and finish?
The race starts at Hoyt's Beach on the north end of Brant Lake and finishes at the town beach on Mill Pond in Horicon.
How long is the Great Brant Lake Canoe Race?
Participants paddle approximately six miles across Brant Lake.
Is there a costume contest?
Yes. Racers are encouraged to wear costumes, making the event as entertaining for spectators as it is for participants.
What charities benefit from the race?
Proceeds support the Bob and Gert Newton Campership Fund at Camp Read and the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.
Where can I find registration and event updates?
Visit northwarrencanoe.com for more information and the latest event updates.
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