Adirondack Canoe Classic

The Adirondack Canoe Classic, affectionately known as the 90-Miler, is a revered tradition that has been weaving its way through the pristine waters of the Adirondack region in New York for over four decades. This annual event is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly boaters, athletes, and nature lovers who are drawn to the challenge and beauty of paddling 90 miles along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.

At its core, the Adirondack Canoe Classic is for those who revel in the tranquility and adventure of the great outdoors. Families with a passion for kayaking or canoeing, serious athletes seeking to test their endurance, and casual paddlers looking to immerse themselves in nature all find a place within this event. While it doesn’t feature notable guests or performers in the classical sense, the true stars are the paddlers themselves, along with the stunning landscapes they traverse.

The 2025 edition of the Adirondack Canoe Classic is scheduled to take place from September 5th to September 7th. Registration for this three-day event begins on July 1st, marking the countdown to an exhilarating weekend. Each day is filled with the steady rhythm of paddles dipping into the water as participants make their way from Old Forge to Saranac Lake. There are no fireworks or parades, but the sense of community and camaraderie among the paddlers creates a unique and compelling atmosphere.

The journey begins in Old Forge, a charming town in the heart of the Adirondacks, and winds its way through various lakes, rivers, and portages before culminating in Saranac Lake. The route is a testament to the region’s natural beauty, with paddlers gliding past dense forests, serene lakes, and picturesque villages. For those traveling from afar, the nearest airports include the Adirondack Regional Airport in Saranac Lake and the Albany International Airport, which is about a two-hour drive from Old Forge. The area is also accessible via several major highways, and local transportation options are available for those without cars.

Why should people attend? The Adirondack Canoe Classic offers an experience that is both physically demanding and spiritually enriching. It is a chance to connect with nature on a deep level, to push one’s limits, and to be part of a vibrant community of paddlers. The event is characterized by its raw, natural beauty; the sound of water lapping against the hulls of canoes, the sight of sunlight filtering through the trees, and the feeling of accomplishment as paddlers overcome each stretch of the journey.

While there are no live music performances or lakeside lobster boils, the real magic lies in the quiet moments of solitude on the water and the shared experiences among fellow paddlers. The evenings often involve campfire gatherings where stories are exchanged and friendships are forged. This is an event that celebrates the simple yet profound joys of paddling and the profound connection it fosters between humans and the natural world.

In essence, the Adirondack Canoe Classic is a celebration of endurance, community, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the Adirondack region. It is an invitation to immerse oneself in one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country, to challenge personal limits, and to experience the timeless allure of paddling through some of America’s most magnificent waters.