Recreation in Hamilton County, NY
Canoe Kayak Map Guide for Hamilton County, NY

Hamilton County, NY


Big Brook
A 4.7-mile cruise through a scenic corridor with fast water sections, best done at high water in the spring.




Blue Mountain Lake
10 islands on this mountain-ringed lake recently became state land. Explore the islands before heading west to the outlet and into narrow Eagle and Utowana lakes. A ½ mile carry at the west end of the lakes leads to the Marion River which can be paddled in either direction. The route leads through meadow and marsh to Raquette Lake.




Forked Lake
The shores are mostly privately owned and undeveloped. State land borders the southeast shore, and the east and west end of this 7-mile lake. The downstream route through to Long Lake is a mix of flat and fast water and carries.




Lake Lila
This beautiful lake has 17 campsites, 7 islands, tall white pines and sandy beaches. A .3-mile carry leads from the parking area to the sandy launch site. Climb Frederika Mtn. for a great overview of the area.




Little Tupper Lake
The William C. Whitney Area includes Little Tupper Lake, Rock Pond and 9 other bodies of water. It was opened to the public in 1998 and has been designated as a Wilderness Area. Explore the beautiful 6-mile-long lake and Rock Pond; camp at 30 designated sites. Anglers will enjoy catch-and-release fishing for native brook trout. An informal, unmarked canoe carry route leads from Rock Pond, linking a series of small ponds and carries, to Lake Lila.




Long Lake
The prevailing west to east winds are usually to your back on this 14-mile "long" lake. There are a number of campsites and leantos on state land along the eastern shore, north of Long Lake Village.




Lows Lake/Bog River Flow
Just getting into Lows Lake is an adventure. From the lower dam, this 11-mile paddle, with one short carry at the upper dam, traverses a beautiful narrow waterway. The wide expanse of Lows Lake then opens up with marshes to the south and a backdrop of rugged mountains to the north. Islands and bays provide refuge when it's windy. There are 39 designated campsites. For the ambitious, a three-mile carry at the west end of the lake leads to the Upper Oswegatchie River. Your reward is huge white pines, vast wilderness and an 18-mile downstream cruise to Inlet.




Raquette Lake
The many bays of this large lake will provide hours of exploration; keep your eye out for some of the Great Camps. Explore the two-mile channel of South Inlet and Browns Tract Inlet where a one-mile carry that connects to Eighth Lake on the Fulton Chain. From the northeast outlet bay, a half-mile carry leads to Forked Lake.




Cedar River Flow - Moose River Plains
Cedar River Flow is tucked in the mountains far from the main road. Several sites are by the outlet dam. Isolated wilderness sites are located along the shoreline and up the narrow inlet. 40 miles of seasonal dirt roads traverse the Moose River Plains Wild Forest from Cedar River Flow to Inlet. Other old roads and paths branch off the main road and lead to lakes or rivers. Designated camping areas are found along several of the main roads. A brochure on the area is available from the DEC. The area opens to vehicles in the spring after the mud season.




East Branch Sacandaga River
This eight-mile section has a gentle drop with some fun Class II water. You will need to take out at the unrunnable Griffin Falls, a cascading drop of 20 feet.




Piseco Lake Area
Piseco Lake offers some interesting side trips, such as a paddle up Fall Stream to Fall Lake. Only two miles further upstream, and several beaver dams later, is the remote Vly Lake. Big Bay is accessible from Pisceco Lake and from a parking area on Route 10.




Sacandaga River
Start your trip below the three impassable waterfalls which can be viewed from Route 30. The next 13 miles is an exciting slalom of almost continuous fast whitewater with up to Class III rapids. Lake Algonquin appears four miles into the run. After a carry around the outlet dam, the race resumes. The route is best done at high water levels.




Stillwater Reservoir
The reservoir (nine miles long) is surrounded by wilderness areas on state land and has 46 designated campsites on its many isolated bays, islands and scenic points. The area is known for its large loon population. Summer weekends are very busy with motorboat traffic.




Big Moose Lake
State land borders the northeastern end of the lake where there are several interesting bays, marsh areas and trails. The trails start from the lake and lead into the Pigeon Lake Wilderness where there are campsites and leantos on Russian and Gull Lakes (half-mile carry) and the remote Sister Lakes (3 miles).




Moss Lake
This small lake, nestled at the foot of a steep mountain, has seven designated campsites along its eastern shore and is encircled by an old bridle trail.




Fulton Chain of Lakes
The famous 16-mile Fulton Chain is a heavily traveled route. From First Lake to Fifth Lake the waterway is continuous and lined with summer cottages. Two carries connect the remaining lakes which are less-developed and have several campsites and leantos. At the edge of Eighth Lake, a one-mile carry connects you to Raquette Lake and northern routes.




Jessup River
A nice side trip while in the Indian Lake area, this small meandering stream is an interesting four-mile cruise which may involve lifting over log jams or beaver dams. It is best canoed at higher water levels in the spring. There's a picnic area and short trail to a waterfall just prior to entering Indian Lake.




Indian Lake
This 14-mile waterway is just one of the many lakes in the Adirondacks where you can enjoy island camping. Sites are also located on sheltered bays of the lake. Snowy Mountain's rugged cliffs stand out above the western shore. The view from Baldface is worth the short 1.25-mile hike that starts from the lake in Norman's Cove.




Lower West Branch Sacandaga River
At the right water levels this can be an exciting eight-mile run with up to Class III rapids. Spring is the best time for attempting this steep gradient of 55 feet per mile.




Kunjamuk River
A round trip of seven miles along this winding river may require more time than you think. Paddling up to Elm Lake, your turn around point, requires lifting over several beaver dams. The first four miles of the Sacandaga River can be incorporated into this trip. It is a beautiful stillwater channel which can be paddled in either direction.




Sacandaga Lake Area
These two large headwater lakes are connected by a short navigable channel. From Sacandaga Lake you can paddle up to Mud Lake, or carry to beautiful Fawn Lake, which is surrounded by state land and has several good campsites.




Upper West Branch Sacandaga River
This Class I flatwater can be paddled in either direction, making a nice round trip. Both Chub and Trout Lake have navigable outlets and are worthy side trips. Below this point, the river drops rapidly through a remote gorge and two impassible waterfalls.




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