Northern Forest Canoe Trail
(518) 891-1990
Riverside Park Saranac Lake, NY 12983, Saranac Lake, NY12983
How to get there
There are many places to access the NFCT in and around Saranac Lake. The DEC public launches at Lake Flower, Second Pond, or the hand launch on the Saranac River on Pine Street are all popular places.
Paddling and Portage
The NFCT paddling route begins in Old Forge, along the Fulton Chain of Lakes, following the path of Iroquois trappers in birch bark canoes. The route takes you through Long Lake to the Raquette River, then on into the Saranac lakes and the Saranac River. From there the journey continues on into Lake Champlain, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Quebec, Canada, with the journey ending in Fort Kent, Maine.
Additional Information
Using the NFCT's handy interactive trip planner, you can explore section one to help you plan your ideal trip on the trail, whether it's for a few hours or a few days. The trip planner shows portages, campgrounds and sites, dining options, and the all-important fastwater sections, so that you go into your trip well-informed and prepared.
Recommended resources: Adirondack Paddler’s Map: North, South, Raquette River, and Saranac Lakes; as well as Northern Forest Canoe Trail Map Series.
Online resources