SCHROON RIVER paddling, eastern Adirondacks.
July 13, 2014 - SCHROON RIVER & LAKE thru trip from Rt.9 bridge below Schroon Falls, a class III drop, to the town beach. Park just off Rt.9 on River Rd, 100 yard carry to bottom of rapids to start. Shallow sand/pebbly bottom, light to moderate current, 50'-100' wide. The river passes some cottages & a couple of campgrounds but maintains a fairly wild feel. Lots of nice sandy banks for breaks. No development from 2nd bridge to the lake. Half mile side-trip up Alder Creek, had to first go over 2 small beaver dams - much pickerelweed, yellow pond lily, rose mallow, Joe-Pye-weed, swamp candles. Last mile across the lake with 15-20 mph S wind made interesting with waves in the 1.5' range - the Prospector canoe handled things with aplomb. Merganser chicks, black ducks, kingfishers, pileated woodpecker, white-throated sparrow. Not too far from RT.9 & I-87 so there is some road noise. 10.8 miles, 4.2 hours...