Adirondack Paddling Season Kicks Off May 9 in Saranac Lake
The annual ‘Round the Mountain Canoe and Kayak Race on Saranac Lake.
Ice-out is giving way to open water across the Adirondacks—and with it, one of the region’s clearest signs of spring: paddlers returning to the water.
That seasonal shift comes into focus on Saturday, May 9, when the ‘Round the Mountain Canoe and Kayak Race returns to Saranac Lake. Hosted by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, this annual race has quietly become the unofficial kickoff to paddling season in the Adirondacks.
For many, it’s less about competition and more about marking the moment: the Adirondack waters are open again.
ADK Taste is your weekly guide to Adirondack stories, food, and events—timed to exactly this kind of seasonal shift.
Sure sign of spring in the Adirondacks.
In a region defined by water, the transition from frozen lakes to navigable waterways carries real weight. It signals the return of paddling routes that have shaped Adirondack travel for generations—from Indigenous pathways to modern recreation.
Kayaking on Saranac Lake.
The ‘Round the Mountain race taps directly into that tradition. Held each year on the second Saturday of May, it draws a mix of seasoned racers, casual paddlers, and spectators who understand that this is more than an event—it’s a seasonal milestone.
There’s a distinct Adirondack quality to the day. You’ll find competitive boats pushing pace alongside recreational paddlers soaking in the scenery. At the finish, it’s less finish line frenzy and more community gathering.
How the race traces Adirondack waterways.
The 10.5-mile course is a moving snapshot of classic Adirondack paddling.
It begins at Ampersand Bay on Lower Saranac Lake, where paddlers head west across open water before entering the Saranac River. From there, the route winds downstream, requiring a short carry around the lower locks—a reminder that Adirondack travel has always involved both water and trail.
The final stretch crosses Oseetah Lake and finishes on Lake Flower, right in the heart of Saranac Lake.
For participants, it’s a varied and engaging course. For visitors, it’s a front-row seat to the region’s interconnected waterways.
Watch: Paddling the ‘Round the Mountain race course
This video offers a look at the Adirondack waterways and conditions paddlers experience during the ‘Round the Mountain Canoe and Kayak Race in Saranac Lake.
Paddlers navigate Lower Saranac Lake, the Saranac River, and Oseetah Lake during the annual ‘Round the Mountain Canoe and Kayak Race in the Adirondacks.
The race showcases one of the most scenic and interconnected paddling routes in the Adirondack Park.
What it means for travelers right now.
Early May is one of the Adirondacks’ most underrated windows.
The crowds of summer haven’t arrived. Trails are reopening. Waterways are accessible. And the landscape—somewhere between late spring and early green-up—feels wide open.
Events like this give travelers a reason to lean into the season rather than wait for peak summer. It’s an invitation to explore the Adirondacks when they feel most like themselves: a little raw, a little quiet, and deeply connected to the elements.
Even for non-paddlers, the race offers a compelling experience. Watching boats move through lakes and river channels, cheering at the Lake Flower finish, or simply spending the day in Saranac Lake—it all adds up to a distinctly local kind of spring outing.
The race is on in May on Saranac Lake.
A paddling culture rooted in place.
What makes this event stand out isn’t scale—it’s authenticity.
The Adirondacks are one of the few places in the Northeast where a race like this can still feel grounded in the landscape it moves through. The waterways aren’t staged; they’re lived-in, historic, and essential to the region’s identity.
The Northern Forest Canoe Trail, which connects waterways across four states, reinforces that connection. This race is just one piece of a much larger network—but it may be one of the most accessible entry points for those looking to experience it firsthand.
ADK Taste recommendations.
Arrive early in Saranac Lake. Parking and viewing spots near Lake Flower fill in organically.
Catch both moments. If possible, see the start at Ampersand Bay and the finish in town.
Dress for variability. Early May weather can swing—layers are key.
Make a day of it. Pair the race with lunch or a walk through downtown Saranac Lake.
ADK Taste perspective.
Every Adirondack season has a signal.
Fall has its foliage. Winter has its first snowfall. And spring—spring begins when paddles hit the water.
The ‘Round the Mountain Canoe and Kayak Race isn’t just an event to attend. It’s a reminder that the Adirondacks are ready again—ready to be explored by water, one stroke at a time.
For more moments like this—and the best things to do across the region—subscribe to the ADK Taste newsletter.
Kayakers throwdown on Saranac Lake.
FAQ: Adirondack paddling season kickoff event
What is the ‘Round the Mountain Canoe and Kayak Race?
An annual 10.5-mile paddling race in Saranac Lake that marks the start of the Adirondack paddling season.
When is it happening?
Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Where is it located?
The race begins at Ampersand Bay on Lower Saranac Lake and finishes on Lake Flower in Saranac Lake, NY.
Can spectators attend?
Yes. Spectators can watch portions of the race and gather at the Lake Flower finish area.
Do you need to be an experienced paddler to participate?
No. The race welcomes a range of skill levels, from recreational paddlers to competitive racers.
For more information, visit the event website.
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