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New Saranac Lake paddling challenge opens on June 1

SARANAC LAKE — A new paddling challenge will arrive in Saranac Lake on June 1.

Liz Murray, an avid kayaker with a passion for exploration and the Enterprise’s circulation manager, was inspired by the Tupper Lake Triad Paddling Challenge and its sense of achievement.

Determined to bring a similar experience to Saranac Lake, she reached out to Jason Smith and Rich Harris of Adirondack Lakes and Trails. Together, they embarked on a journey to create something extraordinary — the Saranac Lake Paddling Challenge.

To shape this endeavor, Smith presented the idea at the Celebrate Paddling committee, which brought together prominent figures in the local paddling community.

Attendees included Brian McDonnell from MAC’s Canoe Livery, Maeghan Farhnam from St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, Chris Morris representing the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Anne Fleck from Raquette River Outfitters, Kenzie Marine from the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism and Rachel Karp from the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. Out of this collaboration, the Saranac Lake Paddling Challenge was born. The challenge will coincide with Celebrate Paddling month.

The Saranac Lake Paddling Challenge will have five paddles, while most paddling challenges in the Adirondacks feature three paddles to complete.

The team had the tough task of selecting the most captivating paddles from the abundance of locales around Saranac Lake.

To complete the challenge and earn a patch, paddlers will need to complete the following routes:

— Paddle 1: South Creek to Second Pond

— Paddle 2: Second Pond to Lake Flower

— Paddle 3:Saranac River/Pine Street to McCasland Bridge

— Paddle 4: St. Regis Chain of Lakes

— Paddle 5: Follensby Clear Pond Loop

To complete the “ultra challenge,” paddlers can complete the first three routes in a single day.

Registration and completion of the five paddling routes must begin on or after the kickoff of the challenge on June 1.

The Saranac Lake Paddling Challenge patch will showcase vibrant colors inspired by Saranac Lake’s branding and features a striking diamond shape.

To receive a well-deserved patch, sign up for the challenge online at saranaclakepaddlingchallenge.com. Upon completing all of the five paddling routes, the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce will provide paddlers with an official patch.

For more information, visit saranaclakepaddlingchallenge.com.

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