LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk 41 I have run into many beaver dams and shallow sections where, depending on the year's rainfall, scooching your boat across the sandbars just won't cut it. Be prepared for some walking and dragging (water shoes are very helpful to avoid injuring your feet on a beaver dam, like the one my aunt encountered). Word to the wise: there are likely no leeches, so don't let anyone lead you to believe otherwise. My mother learned this the hard way aer a particularity convincing prank and a screaming sprint through a sandbar. is section of the paddle is not easy, but makes for a memorable trip, especially if your group is as dysfunctional as mine. Aer about a mile and a half the small stream will open to Osgood Pond. Osgood is remote, quiet, and dotted with some beautiful camps, including of course, the White Pine Camp. My uncle, not being the biggest fan of open-water paddling, attached a trolling motor to his canoe. is is a wonderful option to surpass the pond but be sure to pay attention to where your boat is headed. He learned quickly that hitting the encroaching shore with a propeller can send you and your gear face first in the water. Paddle around the camp and you will see the Osgood River at the northernmost point of the bay. e farther you paddle from the pond the more wilderness you will experience. I've seen circling bald eagles, families of loons, blue herons, and my favorite sighting, a young beaver. We were quietly eating our lunch along the grassy shore when we heard some rustling in the bushes and a small beaver popped out carrying a stick. We were able to watch him diligently swim his way into a small bit of water towards the shore, no doubt to deliver his stick to a dam. e river continues for a long distance, so be careful not to get lost in its beauty before you're too tired make the trip back. If that trip sounds like too much of an endeavor, or you want some other options, take a look at these beautiful paddles to experience this fall: Raquette River and Stony Creek Ponds: is paddle is great for families with young children or anyone looking for a relaxing day on the water. e Axton Landing launch is located off Route 3 between Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake. From the launch, paddle le for about 0.5 mile to a fork in the river. Follow the river upstream to pass under Coreys Road. Continue paddling north through the meandering oxbows to reach Stony Creek Ponds. Be aware that Ampersand Brook will branch off to the right. Long Pond Mountain: is out-and-back trip, which combines a 3-mile paddle and 3.2-mile summit hike, is perfect for anyone looking to experience the Adirondacks to the fullest. Launch your boat 4.5 miles down Floodwood Road off Route 30. From the parking area, follow a 0.3-mile carry to the Long Pond launch. Paddle the length of Long Pond for 1.5 miles. When you approach a fork in the pond, head le to reach the trailhead for the carry to Mountain Pond. Leave your boat at the carry and walk east around Mountain Pond on an unmarked trail (map and compass skills are a must). e trail heads north before beginning a steep climb (930-foot elevation gain) to the summit of Long Pond Mountain, a grassy peak with views of the High Peaks. Blue Mountain Lake to Utowana Lake: is paddle begins at a public beach on the southeast bay of Blue Mountain Lake off Route 28. On Blue Mountain Lake you can explore, island hop, or hike Castle Rock on the northern shore. For more adventure, paddle le along the south shore until you reach an outlet to Eagle Lake. Paddle the length of Eagle Lake to reach a second outlet to Utowana Lake. Turn around on Utowana Lake, or, for a longer trip, continue straight through Utowana Lake to the Marion River for a 4-mile paddle to Raquette Lake. A paddling trip is the perfect way to enjoy cooler temperatures and see changing leaves this fall. Getting a close look at the water and wildlife offers a truly immersive Adirondack experience.

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