Adirondack Mountain Club

Beginner Canoe Camping is an experiential, three-day canoeing trip in the St. Regis Canoe Area. This introduction to overnight canoe camping is designed to assist you in your future canoeing goals, no prior experience necessary! It entails a cooperative group camping experience with the shared responsibility of camp chores, cooking, and decision making while practicing Leave No Trace skills and ethics. The trip will be led by one or more of ADK’s Education Department staff.

Please plan on meeting at ADK’s Heart Lake Program Center at 8:00am, located at 1002 Adirondack Loj Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946. After introductions, a classroom discussion, and a thorough gear shakedown, we will divvy up our necessary group gear and head out on our journey after lunch.

Our tentative itinerary is as follows: On Day 1, we’ll cover equipment needs and load the trailer before leaving the Loj. After lunch, we will drive to our put in location and cover paddling basics. We will then complete a short paddle and set up camp for the night. On Day 2, we’ll cover the basics of backcountry life, intermediate paddle techniques and canoe rescue tips & tricks as we move to our next camp site. On Day 3, we’ll cover any final questions and enjoy a sunrise paddle as we leave the field. We will conclude our trip at Heart Lake. Plans are subject to change due to weather, current conditions and numerous other factors. This trip will be physically demanding, especially if the weather is poor. Please be ready for long days and wet conditions.

All group equipment (canoes, paddles, PFD's, stoves, fuel bottles, cook sets, first aid kit, etc.) and all meals (Day 1 Dinner through Day 3 Breakfast) will be provided by ADK. Otherwise, participants are expected to provide their own personal equipment. Personal snacks are allowed, but due to limited bear canister space they should be small in size and high in calories. Hygienic products and other items with a scent (bug spray, sun screen, etc.) should also be small in size and limited in quantity as they must also fit inside the bear canisters. Travel-sized items are great! Please let us know well in advance if you require any equipment, we have tents and backpacks available to borrow.

No prior backpacking experience is necessary, but prior hiking experience is highly suggested. Be ready for an authentic Adirondack canoeing experience along steep, rocky, and muddy trails. Good physical condition, proper clothing, and proper equipment are a must.