Paddlers line up at the start of the 2023 ‘Round the Mountain Canoe & Kayak Race in Saranac Lake. (Provided photo)

SARANAC LAKE — The annual ‘Round the Mountain Canoe and Kayak Race is set for Saturday, May 11, part of a full weekend of paddling activities in Saranac Lake.

Hosted by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) with support from over a dozen partners, ‘Round the Mountain Weekend features the traditional Saturday race as well as the Freshet Film Festival, a paddler mixer and a community paddle.

“Saranac Lake is one of the busiest NFCT trail towns, hosting several of our marquee events and serving as a hub for paddlesports in upstate New York,” said Karrie Thomas, executive director of the NFCT. “The ‘Round the Mountain race is a mainstay of spring in the Adirondacks and this year we’re excited to team with our local partners to add more activities to round out the weekend.”

The ‘Round the Mountain Canoe and Kayak Race, a 10.5-mile course, begins at Ampersand Bay Resort on Lower Saranac Lake, heads west on Lower Saranac to the mouth of the Saranac River across from Bluff Island, then continues downriver with a short carry around the Lower Locks, then to Oseetah Lake before finishing at Riverfront Park on Lake Flower. This year, the NFCT is requiring all racers to pre-register online to help event staff ensure that the race proceeds smoothly and on schedule. To learn more and/or register, visit bit.ly/roundthemountainweekend.

Also on May 11, the Freshet Film Festival will showcase paddlesports and outdoor recreation films from across the globe. The film screening is presented by the NFCT, NRS, Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters and Explore Adirondack Frontier and hosted at The Waterhole’s Upstairs Music Lounge. All proceeds go toward the NFCT’s stewardship of the 740-mile water trail that connects Old Forge to Fort Kent, Maine. This year’s lineup includes films produced by Maine the Way, NRS and the Maine Outdoor Film Festival. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8. Tickets cost $15 online and $18 at the door; students can purchase tickets for $12 with a valid ID. To buy tickets, visit bit.ly/freshetsaranaclake. The intermission will feature a raffle with items donated by local outfitters.

‘Round the Mountain Weekend also includes a paddler mixer on Friday, May 10, and a community paddle meet-up on Sunday, May 12. To learn more, visit bit.ly/roundthemountainweekend.