‘Round the Mountain Race Set for May 9

Photo courtesy Northern Forest Canoe Trail

SARANAC LAKE, NY — The annual ‘Round the Mountain Canoe & Kayak Race is set for Saturday, May 9, bringing together paddlers from across the Adirondack region and beyond.

The 10.5-mile ‘Round the Mountain race kicks off the Northern Forest Canoe Trail’s Adirondack Race Series, which also includes the Adirondack Canoe Classic — the 90-Miler — and the Long Lake Long Boat Regatta.

“We’re excited to once again open the paddle racing season with ‘Round the Mountain race in Saranac Lake, which has a little bit of everything for participants,” said Karrie Thomas, NFCT’s executive director. “The course offers great views of nearby mountains and the Saranac Lake region is the perfect place to host events, with its collection of restaurants and lodging establishments.”

The ‘Round the Mountain Canoe & Kayak Race takes paddlers on a 10.5-mile course that begins at Ampersand Bay Resort on Lower Saranac Lake, heads west to the mouth of the Saranac River across from Bluff Island, then continues downriver with a short carry around the Lower Locks to Oseetah Lake before finishing at Riverfront Park on Lake Flower. NFCT requires all racers to pre-register online by May 8 at midnight to help event staff ensure that the race proceeds smoothly and on schedule. To learn more and/or register, visit https://bit.ly/4tVMX3Q.

‘Round the Mountain is part of Celebrate Paddling ADK, a season-long partnership promoting paddling opportunities across the Adirondack tri-lakes region. For a list of paddling activities, see celebratepaddlingadk.com.

To learn more about the NFCT, the Adirondack race series, and community paddles taking place throughout the summer, visit northernforestcanoetrail.org.

About Northern Forest Canoe Trail

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is a nonprofit organization that maintains and promotes the 740-mile water trail that runs from Old Forge, NY, to Fort Kent, Maine, and connects New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine. The trail showcases the mix of landscapes and communities currently lining the traditional routes used by Indigenous peoples, settlers, and guides. It is the longest in-land water trail in the nation and consists of 23 rivers and streams, 59 lakes and ponds, 45 communities, and 65 portages. To learn more, visit northernforestcanoetrail.org.