Trail Segment of the Month - Northern Forest Canoe Trail

New York Segment 8: The Saranac Lakes

February's NFCT Trail Segment is New York 8, maintained by Stephen Doxzon and Jason Smith of Adirondacks Lakes and Trails Outfitters in Saranac Lake.  Steve and Jason have been involved with the NFCT since the early days.  Stephen was part of the committee that planned the local maps and route descriptions and Jason has been the driving force behind the Northern Forest Paddlers Film Festival which is a local fund raiser for the NFCT.  2012 will mark the seventh annual film festival.  When asked about  the NFCT Stephen describes it as a most worthwhile project.  "It has and continues to bring a sharp focus to the paddling opportunities in the Northeast region as well as the Adirondacks.  We are honored to be a vital part of this project."  

Jason Smith and Stephen Doxzon stand on the shore of Lake Flower at a site where we hope to do some trail work.

Stephen describes the section of the Saranac River between the Village of Saranac Lake and Franklin Falls as a "best kept secret" of paddling in the area.  When one looks on a map and sees that much of this part of the river is along Route 3, it is often discounted as a worthwhile paddle.  However, this part of the river offers some great views and an impressive variety of wildlife along the way.  Once past Bloomingdale, the River veers away from the road and offers great views of the McKenzie Range and Whiteface Mountain.  Stephen and Jason always make this one of their first paddles of the season after ice out, and it doesn't hurt that the fishing is also good!

You can thank them for all they do by going to the new interactive Trail Maintainer Map Tool and clicking on their Forum link.

Thank you for all you do, Stephen and Jason!