NORTH & SOUTH LAKES paddling & camping in the southwestern Adirondacks
July 10 & 11, 2016 - NORTH & SOUTH LAKES in the southwestern Adirondacks. Black River Wild Forest. Camped at one of the primitive car camping sites on North Lake, elevation 1,823'; paddled most of the perimeter of the lake; interesting inlets incl. Ice Cave Creek, N Branch Black River, E Br Black River, Jocks Brook; high water due to recent rain. Lean-to on E shore is not a regular DEC type. Islands. 5 motorboats. Loons, mergansers. Lightly developed. 8.6 miles, 4 hours. Short drive to South Lake, elevation 2,020'. Paddled most of the perimeter. South Branch Black River, an outlet, flows below a 350' earthen dam. Went 0.4 miles up Raymond Brook, an inlet, going over 2 beaver dams & turning around at a 3rd. 2 motorboats; 3 kayakers; 1 SUPper. Loons, mergansers. Over 90% of shoreline is state land. Lots of rock below & above the water's surface. 9.2 miles, 5.3 hours...