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

Stony Creek Pond to Axton Landing

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! 

Raquette River Boat Launch to Big Tupper Boat Launch

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!

Raquette Pond to Setting Pole Dam

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!

How to register

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.

To register via mail, simply download, fill in, and mail the form, along with the $5 registration fee, to: TL Triad, 121 Park Street, Tupper Lake, NY 12986.

Please make checks payable to ROOST (Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism).

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

Ready for more?

The Tupper Lake area has many more great opportunities to paddle. Check them out!

Love Your ADK

By taking the Love Your Adirondacks Pledge and practicing Leave No Trace ethics you can help ensure that the forests, waterways, and communities of the Adirondacks remain beautiful and unique for generations to come.