Tips for a Trek on Long Lake

[Scott]

I am planning a family Kayak Trek on Long Lake. Where is the best place to "put in" at the southern tip? Is there a parking lot for vehicles? Where are the best places to camp for the night? How far can an average person travel in a day?

Any other tips would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[Cold River Bob]

There is a marina in the village that a few years ago let us park there and I think there is a park and boat launch there to. there are leantu"s on your way up at Plumleys on the east side, You can go the full leanth in one day, There are lean tu"s on the North end to. If you go up the Cold there is Calkinsbrook lean tu.
Hope this helps

[Old Rivers]

The public boat launch & parking lot is just north of village; Follow paved road to the north adjacent to lake. Using this access will help avoid some of the busy motorboat & airplane use in the village.

[Wldrns]

I am planning a family Kayak Trek on Long Lake. Where is the best place to "put in" at the southern tip? Is there a parking lot for vehicles? Where are the best places to camp for the night? How far can an average person travel in a day?

Any other tips would be appreciated!

Thanks!

If you really want to start at the southern tip, then it is at Deerland Leanto on the way to Buttermilk Falls. It's not far from the road, but there is really not much of a place for long term parking other than beside the road. Otherwise it's the launch site just north of town. Mileage varies greatly. If you are energetic enough to get all the way north into the Raquette River, it's a different world, very paddleable and pleasurable going. There is a slight current.

If you are just cruising along, 3mph is a good clip without racing. Stopping for enjoyable things such as sightseeing, exploring the shoreline, fishing, or giving inexperienced arms a rest will subtract substantially from your pace. Once you get beyond the last of the private holdings there are places to camp. There are a number of public campsites along a trail that follows near the eastern shore. The western shore is mostly private until you get very near the northern end. Maps showing state land and campsites are available at Hoss's Country Corner store in town. If you dont find an available designated campsite, it is okay to camp on state forest land as long as you set up at least 150 feet away from the lake shore, or any streams, or trail. Please LNT no matter where you go.

[Scott]

Thanks everyone! These are great tips!

....Scott

[redhawk]

If you do go down the Raquette River from long Lake, make sure you stay to the East Side and don't miss the pullout for the Falls. You won't make it past the first falls.

If you have time and two cars, you can spot a car at Corey/s or Ashton landing and do a point to point. There is a quarter-half mile portage at the falls. It's a nice spot to camp for the night and walk to Raquette falls and then body surf at the lower falls.

there are also several lean -tos or campsites between the falls and the pull outs.

The lower raquette is great for fishing and birding. Bald eagles, red headed woodpeckers and Great blue herons among many others.

Given a choice, I would do the raquette as opposed to Long Lake.

Hawk

[Wildernessphoto]

Hi Scott!
Long lake is a great place to paddle!
Here's a link to the public boat launch;
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=18...=l&datum=nad83

Here's some links to lean-to's:
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=18...=l&datum=nad83
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=18...=l&datum=nad83

and more:
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=18...=l&datum=nad83
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=18...=l&datum=nad83

I'd caution you about the wind on Long lake...I've been caught out there numerous times with a south/west wind driving waves down the lake. It's fine if you plan on paddling on down the Raquette, but if your coming back to town, you could get in trouble, so watch the weather...and have fun!

[Wldrns]

I'd caution you about the wind on Long lake...I've been caught out there numerous times with a south/west wind driving waves down the lake. It's fine if you plan on paddling on down the Raquette, but if your coming back to town, you could get in trouble, so watch the weather...and have fun!

WP is very accurate on this one. I've been lucky many times there, but luck will run out one of these days. Just remember there's a trail paralleling the eastern shore with an easy walk to the village, don't be afraid to use it as a "bail out" route. You can always go back to get your boats tomorrow under calmer winds.

[ADKSara]

You didn't mention when you would be hitting Long Lake with your family. ADacKR and I have canoed the length of the lake to Axton Landing (on the Raquette River) numerous times. We generally try to do it very early in the season (1st weekend in May for my b-day usually) b/c the lake can become busy w/ motor boats. The boats have never caused a problem b/c of their waves and/or speed, but nothing is more disapointing than paddling your canoe and gear and family to a lean-to and finding it occupied with a group that motor boated in all of their gear...(perhaps I am personally a bit sour on this topic b/c it's happened to ADacKR and I on a couple of outings!!)

The lean-to's on the Raquette River are great sites, as are the lean-to's further down Long Lake. Consider taking a break from paddling to hike up Kempshall Mountain. The trail begins near one of the lean-to's, but I'm not sure which one. Maybe somebody else can chime in w/ that info!

[canoe_junkie]

very early in the season (1st weekend in May for my b-day usually) b/c the lake can become busy w/ motor boats.

I can confirm this, and yes it is irritating to have to compete for shelters/campsites with motorboats. I've found that the further downstream on the Raquette you go, the more readily you'l find available lean to's.