Discover an Adirondack Paddling Challenge

Combine the winding creeks and rivers with the expansive lakes of the Tupper Lake area and you’ve got a delightful recipe for awesome paddling. Throw in a challenge that could earn you eternal glory — at least in your own home — and a super cool patch, and you’ve got the Tupper Lake Paddling Triad! 

Just as the Hiking Triad involves three hikes, the Paddling Triad involves three paddles. Complete them all, over the course of a few days or a year or more, and you’ve earned your patch. Along the way, you’ll marvel at lush foliage on riverbanks, watch for otters, and enjoy fresh air and sparkling water. Expert or beginner, get ready to dip your paddle — the challenge is open to canoe and kayak — in these great waters. Need gear? Local shops and guides rent canoes, kayaks, and all the necessary gear. You just have to bring your sense of adventure!

Meet the paddles

 

1/3 - The Routes

Raquette River Boat Launch to Big Tupper Boat Launch

Raquette Pond to Setting Pole Dam

Stony Creek Pond to Axton Landing

About

Enjoy a day paddling downstream on a popular, scenic portion of the Raquette River, where the slow current makes for a gentle trip. The views are excellent as you wind through twists and oxbows. Start at the Raquette River Boat Launch on Route 3 (locally known as "The Crusher") and leave a second car at the Tupper Lake Boat Launch to make it a one way trip of 7.75 miles!

This is a fun paddle from the launch at the Tupper Lake Municipal Park, across Raquette Pond to the Raquette River as far as Setting Pole Dam. This paddle offers great views of Raquette Pond, the village of Tupper Lake, and the low peaks beyond. At 3.25 miles one way, it's a nice, family-friendly paddle that should take 1-2 hours. Leave a second car at Setting Pole Dam. Be sure to use caution as you near the dam!

This part of the triad is a beautiful flatwater paddle that is 3.25 miles one way. The paddle starts at Stony Creek Pond on Coreys Road, crosses Stony Creek Ponds, takes you down the beautifully meandering Stony Creek to the famous Raquette River and ends at Axton Landing, a great scenic spot to explore. Watch for wildlife!

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1/3

The Routes

 

Raquette River Boat Launch to Big Tupper Boat Launch

Raquette Pond to Setting Pole Dam

Stony Creek Pond to Axton Landing

Enjoy a day paddling downstream on a popular, scenic portion of the Raquette River, where the slow current makes for a gentle trip. The views are excellent as you wind through twists and oxbows. Start at the Raquette River Boat Launch on Route 3 (locally known as "The Crusher") and leave a second car at the Tupper Lake Boat Launch to make it a one way trip of 7.75 miles!

This is a fun paddle from the launch at the Tupper Lake Municipal Park, across Raquette Pond to the Raquette River as far as Setting Pole Dam. This paddle offers great views of Raquette Pond, the village of Tupper Lake, and the low peaks beyond. At 3.25 miles one way, it's a nice, family-friendly paddle that should take 1-2 hours. Leave a second car at Setting Pole Dam. Be sure to use caution as you near the dam!

This part of the triad is a beautiful flatwater paddle that is 3.25 miles one way. The paddle starts at Stony Creek Pond on Coreys Road, crosses Stony Creek Ponds, takes you down the beautifully meandering Stony Creek to the famous Raquette River and ends at Axton Landing, a great scenic spot to explore. Watch for wildlife!

Learn More Learn More Learn More

Registering for the triad online.

After you’ve completed your paddles, register online to have your paddles recorded! You’ll then receive your amazingly cool patch and sticker (we love stickers) in the mail! Please be aware there is a one-time $5 registration fee. This covers patches and postage.

Registering by mail:

If you prefer to send in your registration by mail, download and print out the Tupper Lake Triad registration form and mail it with your $5 registration fee (please make checks payable to ROOST). Registration can be sent to: Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism attn: TL Triad, 121 Park Street, Tupper Lake, NY 12986.


Disclaimer: Patches could take up to 3 weeks to be received.

Online registration:

Triad Roster

View roster prior to 5/10/2019 for: Summer/Fall/Spring, Winter, Canine

Paddling

# Name Town/City Canoe/Kayak Start End Ultra
209 Mark Epstein Saranac Lake, New York Kayak
208 Lauren Epstein Saranac Lake, New York Kayak
207 Sally Lorbach tupper lake, New York Kayak
206 Eric Schnieder Ballston Lake, New York Kayak
205 Laurie W. Smith Boalsburg, Pennsylvania Canoe
204 Michael W. Smith Boalsburg, Pennsylvania Canoe
203 Ed Larkin Queensbury, New York Kayak
202 Robin Larkin Queensbury, New York Kayak
201 Rudolph Schneider Hammond, New York Kayak
200 Ron Patterson Seabrook, Texas Canoe
Love Your ADK Paddling Info
Fun paddling means safe paddling! When you’re getting ready to grab your paddle, you want to be sure to be prepared. Always wear a PFD, sun protection, and the right clothes. These are beautiful waters, please help keep them clean! Don’t litter and please clean off your gear before and after your paddling adventure.

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Paddling Triad 101

You won’t be hiking anything to complete this challenge. All you have to do is get in your canoe, kayak, or SUP and paddle three awesome routes near Tupper Lake!

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Paddling the Oxbow

Paddling through the waters of Adirondack lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams is a rustic dreamworld, and they are a perfect spot to learn how to paddle. Here are some beginner tips from Anne Fleck, co-owner of Raquette River Outfitters.

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Spring into Paddling Season

It's time to get excited about the spring paddling season in Tupper Lake!