On the second Sunday of September, hundreds of paddlers made their way across Upper Saranac Lake during the final day of the 2026 Adirondack Canoe Classic, better known as the 90-Miler. Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) staff and shore-owners were out on the water to help keep paddlers safe—and cheer them on as they completed the final leg of their journey.
First held in 1983, the 90-Miler has been an Adirondack tradition for more than four decades. The three-day race follows a historic route from Old Forge to Saranac Lake, taking paddlers across lakes, rivers, and carries along the first 90 miles of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.
The third and final day covers 22 miles, beginning at Fish Creek Ponds and finishing on Lake Flower in Saranac Lake. Paddlers travel from Fish Creek onto Upper Saranac Lake, through The Narrows and past Doctors Island before entering Huckleberry Bay and reaching Bartlett Carry. From there, they carry to Middle Saranac Lake and continue through the Saranac Lakes and Saranac River system to the finish.
Supporting Paddlers on Upper Saranac
USF joined the volunteer effort by serving as a safety boat and encouraging shore-owners to volunteer their boats and time along the Upper Saranac portion of the course. USF staff and shore-owners positioned themselves at key locations to help direct paddlers, provide assistance if needed, and place buoys to identify potential hazards.
Fortunately, the weather cooperated, with very little rain and pleasant conditions for the final day. Volunteers enjoyed cheering on friends, family members, and racers as they made their way across the lake.
Supporting the 90-Miler is another way USF can put its commitment to protecting the Upper Saranac watershed and its recreational value into action. The race celebrates many of the qualities that make this watershed special, while the volunteer effort demonstrates the important role our lake community plays in caring for the waters we all enjoy.
Thank you to the USF board members, shore-owners, and community volunteers who gave their time and boats to support this year’s race. And congratulations to all the 2026 90-Miler finishers; we were proud to cheer you on across Upper Saranac and congratulate you as you crossed the finish line!
