Paddle & Pedal Fest Returns to Old Forge for Adirondack Season Kickoff

Kayaker on white water. — The Adirondack Park has 3,000 lakes and ponds and 30,000 miles of rivers and streams—a paddler’s dream.

Each spring in the Adirondacks, the shift from mud season to movement season happens fast—and Paddle & Pedal Fest in Old Forge at Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company is one of the clearest signals that it’s time to get outside.

Taking place May 16–17, 2026, at Mountainman’s Paddlesports Shop on Route 28, this two-day paddling and biking event blends gear demos, test runs, and early-season energy into one of the most hands-on outdoor weekends in the Central Adirondacks.

This is not a spectator event. It’s a try-it-yourself weekend designed for paddlers, cyclists, and anyone looking to dial in their setup before summer fully arrives.

After a long Adirondack winter, there’s something undeniably satisfying about the first paddle stroke or trail ride of the season—and this event leans fully into that feeling.

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A hands-on Adirondack paddling and biking event.

At its core, Paddle & Pedal Fest is about access—access to new gear, to expert insight, and to the kind of trial-and-error that’s hard to replicate online.

Attendees can get their first look at 2026 boats and bikes, including new models from brands like Swift Canoe & Kayak, Vélotric, and Kona. But the real draw is the ability to test them.

Free on-the-water paddling demos let visitors try kayaks and canoes in real Adirondack conditions. On land, bike demos offer a chance to feel the difference between models on local terrain rather than showroom floors.

It’s part gear showcase, part experiential workshop.

Canoers on Saranac Lake. — The Adirondacks are an ideal destination for canoers of every level. Photo courtesy ROOST.com.

Why this Old Forge event matters in the Adirondacks.

Old Forge sits at the gateway to the Fulton Chain of Lakes and a growing network of biking trails, making it one of the most accessible outdoor hubs in the Adirondack Park.

That context matters.

Testing a kayak here isn’t theoretical—you’re imagining it on nearby lakes like Fourth Lake or the Moose River. Trying an e-bike? You’re picturing the ride down Route 28 or into the backroads of Inlet.

This is gear selection grounded in place.

What to expect at Paddle & Pedal Fest.

The weekend moves at a relaxed but purposeful pace. Staff and brand reps are on hand, but the atmosphere remains approachable rather than sales-driven.

Expect:

Free test paddles on-site
Bike demos on local terrain
Early-season sales on accessories
Pre-order opportunities for 2026 boats
Conversations with people who actually use the gear

It’s a mix of curiosity and intention—people asking questions, adjusting foot pegs, comparing paddle strokes.

Mountain bikers outside of Inlet, NY, in the Adirondacks. — Mountain biking near Inlet, NY. Photo courtesy ROOST.com.

Who should attend this Adirondack outdoor event.

This event draws a wide range of attendees, from first-time paddlers to seasoned Adirondack explorers looking to upgrade their setup.

It’s especially valuable for:

Travelers planning a summer in Old Forge or the Fulton Chain
Second-homeowners getting ready for the season
Families introducing kids to paddling or biking
Anyone tired of buying gear without trying it first

Event details.

Promotional flyer for Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company

Where: Mountainman Paddlesports Shop, 2855 Route 28, Old Forge, NY
When: Saturday, May 16 – Sunday, May 17, 2026 — Hours vary—check Mountainman’s website or Facebook for updates

ADK Taste recommendation.

Arrive early in the day for the best selection of demo gear and calmer water conditions. If you’re serious about buying this season, come prepared with questions—and wear something you don’t mind getting wet.

Stay in the Adirondack loop.

For more events like Paddle & Pedal Fest—and the stories behind them—subscribe to In Good Taste, ADK Taste’s weekly Adirondack guide.