Tupper's Top 6
Paddling season is in full swing in Tupper Lake. Have you started your paddling bucket list for this season? Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or experienced paddler, we’ve got trips for you! Spend a couple hours, a whole day, or even a couple nights discovering our waterways.
Tupper’s Top 6 Paddling Trips
1. Stony Creek Ponds to Axton Landing
This is a great trip for beginning paddlers! Meandering through streams, ponds, and rivers to get to Axton Landing will take you about half of a day. There are no portages, and there are great swimming and picnic spots. Pick a beautiful summer day and spend your day on the water with this fun and easy paddling trip! Check out the birding here, it is said to be plentiful.
2. Axton Landing to The Crusher
This half-day paddle is one of my favorites. You see some of the most beautiful parts of the Raquette River, and going downstream is a great trip to bring friends on who are not experienced paddlers. Starting at Axton Landing, you will paddle about nine-and-a-half miles to the crusher launch, where you can decided to take out, or you can keep going to paddle right to Tupper Lake. From Axton Landing to The Crusher there are multiple spots where you can pull off for lunch, or take a break. My boyfriend, some friends, and myself recently did this paddle in the spring when the water was high. It took about three hours to complete. There are over ten campsites along the way and we were tempted to spend the night. Next time!
3. Little Tupper Lake to Lake Lila
This 20-mile trip can take anywhere from two to four days to complete, and it's for the more experienced paddler. Having good route finding skills is a must for this trip, as the portages are not clearly marked, only flagged. There are five portages on this remote wilderness trip. It is challenging but it is worth the effort.
4. Axton Landing to Raquette Falls
This can be a one- to two-day paddle, with gorgeous scenic views along the Raquette River. You are accompanied by a gentle current, with no portages. The falls make a great place to swim and fish, and you will almost always see ducks, birds, beavers, otters, and deer throughout your adventure. There is also an optional hike to do. The total paddling distance is 12 miles along the beautiful Raquette River.
5. Bog River to Lows Lake
Lows Lake is one of the most talked about and secluded lakes in the Adirondacks. Get to Lows Lake by following the Bog River from Lows Lower Dam to Hitchins Pond. Once you cross the pond and take out at the base of Lows Upper Dam, you continue following the Bog River to Lows Lake. You should plan on spending anywhere from one to five days on this challenging paddling trip. There is tons to explore, places to camp, and beautiful wilderness views to take in.
6. Long Lake to Tupper Lake
This is a classic flat water three- to four-day trip. Paddle 40 to 50 miles past Raquette Falls through some of the most scenic and beautiful scenery along the river. Enjoying swimming, fishing, and camping along the way. There is one portage during this trip and there is optional hiking up the remote Cold River Valley. A must do trip for every summer!
Break out the kayaks or canoes and start planning your summer trip! If you are coming to the area without your own gear, stop into Raquette River Outfitters for your one stop shopping or rentals.
After you complete your paddling trip, head into town and visit The Wild Center and The Adirondack Public Observatory, find a place to stay the night and enjoy some of our delicious eateries!
This week in other ADK stories:
Paddling the ponds in Saranac Lake
5 Lake Champlain fishing facts