Saranac Lake’s ‘Round the Mountain Race 2024
Kick-off paddling season in the Adirondacks.
‘Round the Mountain Race
Northern Forest Canoe Trail’s annual ‘Round the Mountain Canoe & Kayak Race in Saranac Lake is scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2024.
Saranac Lake: A hub for paddlers in upstate New York.
Hosted by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) with support from over a dozen partners, ‘Round the Mountain Weekend features the traditional Saturday race and the Freshet Film Festival, as well as a paddler mixer and a community paddle.
“Saranac Lake is one of the busiest NFCT trail towns, hosting several of our marquee events and serving as a hub for paddlesports in upstate New York,” said Karrie Thomas, executive director of the NFCT. “The ‘Round the Mountain race is a mainstay of spring in the Adirondacks, and this year, we’re excited to team with our local partners to add more activities to round out the weekend.”
The 10.5-mile race course starts at Ampersand Bay Resort.
The 'Round the Mountain Canoe & Kayak Race’s 10.5-mile course will start at Ampersand Bay Resort on Lower Saranac Lake, head west on Lower Saranac to the mouth of the Saranac River across from Bluff Island, continue downriver with a short carry around the Lower Locks, then proceed to Oseetah Lake before finishing at Riverfront Park on Lake Flower.
‘Round the Mountain 10.5 mile course. Map courtesy NFCT.
This year, the NFCT requires all racers to pre-register online to help event staff ensure that the race proceeds smoothly and on schedule.
Explore Adirondack Frontier and Ampersand Bay Resort are this year’s sponsors.
Paddlesport film fest is part of ‘Round the Mountain weekend.
The 2024 ‘Round the Mountain event includes the Freshet Film Festival on May 11. The Film Festival showcases paddlesports and outdoor recreation films from across the globe. The film screening is presented by the NFCT, NRS, Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters, and Explore Adirondack Frontier and hosted at The Waterhole’s Upstairs Music Lounge.
Freshet Film Festival.
Proceeds from the Film Festival will benefit the NFCT’s stewardship of the 740-mile water trail connecting Old Forge, NY, to Fort Kent, Maine.
This year’s lineup includes films produced by Maine the Way, NRS, and the Maine Outdoor Film Festival.
Doors open at 7:30 pm, and the show starts at 8 pm. During intermission, there will be a raffle with items donated by local outfitters. Tickets are available for purchase online.
Social events and community paddle “Round” out the weekend.
The ‘Round the Mountain Weekend includes a Paddler Mixer on Friday, May 10, from 4 to 6 pm at the new Ampersand Bay Resort Sunset Bistro. Attendees can enjoy complimentary soda and water, live music on the deck, a raffle for a restaurant gift certificate, and hors d'oeuvres. Cocktails, beer, and wine are available at the inside bar and can be brought to the deck.
On Sunday, May 12th, Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters and the NFCT invite the public to join a community paddle from South Creek to Second Pond. A complimentary shuttle service will be available. Participants are requested to gather at the South Creek boat launch at 9:30 am, with the paddle scheduled to commence at 10:00 am.
Paddling on Saranac Lake. Photo courtesy: SaranacLake.com (ROOST)
Additional support for ‘Round the Mountain Weekend is provided by NRS, Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters, Mac’s Canoe Livery and Outfitter, Raquette River Outfitters, St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, Hornbeck Boats, Placid Boatworks, Guide ADK, the Hotel Saranac, ROOST, the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Celebrate Paddling ADK.
For more information, visit NFCT’s website.
Places to stay, shop, eat, and things to do near Saranac Lake.
