The kayak trip from Raquette Lake to Blue Mountain Lake is one of the great paddles of the Adirondacks. In about 13 miles, you traverse four lakes, a major river and two inlets. You pass beautiful homes and quiet woods and follow the path of what was once the nation’s shortest railroad. You will see wildlife.
There is a portage, albeit an easy one. You never fully escape the sound of traffic, or at least loud motorcycles. And you need two cars, or a ride back to the start to retrieve your vehicle.
I’ve been wanting to do this through-paddle for years, ever since I learned about it while staying with friends on Blue Mountain Lake. A year ago on Labor Day weekend, I finally made it happen.
The route begins at the tiny hamlet of Raquette Lake, located at the western shore of the lake of the same name. From there,
