Remarkably, even today, the best way to savor this wilderness is to jump in a boat and canoe up to 120 continuous miles of waterways. Starting from the southwest corner of the park in Old Forge, paddlers can follow a sinuous blue line all the way north to the Saranac Lakes. However, the word portage (or carry, as New Yorkers say) better be in your vocabulary. The countless rivers, lakes, and ponds are connected by short trails, resulting in a seemingly endless combination of canoeing options. So pack lightly, get ready to throw your canoe on your shoulders, and venture to these pristine waters for an improvisational or pre-planned journey lasting anywhere from one day to three weeks.

St. Regis Canoe Outfitters in Saranac Lake, New York, will provide all the necessary amenities for a canoe trip including canoe, paddles, food, maps, tents, backpacks, and sleeping bags. Owners Dave and Kathy Cilley will also go over suggested routes (ask about the 4-day loop that includes eight ponds and the Upper and Middle Saranac Lakes) and provide a shuttle service to drop you off at outlying waterways. Their put-in at Floodwood Pond is located approximately 3 to 4 hours northwest of Albany, New York, off Route I-87.