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Paddle

Lens Lake Paddle

Lens Lake offers a peaceful and scenic paddling experience on a largely undeveloped and pristine body of water. To fully appreciate the lake, this is a paddle best completed at a leisurely pace. Give yourself ample time to explore the acres and acres of floating bog mats and the channels that wind through them. With 77 acres and 3.9 miles of shoreline, there’s plenty to see as you navigate this tranquil environment.

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Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.

photo by jennifer kietzman

Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.

map

The boat launch at Lens Lake offers excellent access and is well-maintained for easy entry. The site is managed by the local community, and while we are still awaiting confirmation on specific maintenance details from the Stony Creek Chamber of Commerce, the launch is known for being user-friendly with plenty of parking available. This ensures a smooth start to your paddling adventure on this serene lake.

3.9 mi
2 – 3 hours
43.398° N, 74.009° W
Easy Paddle
Download Map
Parking

From Stony Creek, head west on Roaring Branch Road, turn left on Lens Lake Road, then take a right onto an unnamed dirt road just before the pavement ends. There is excellent parking at the public boat launch.

Plan Your Route

Lens Lake Paddle - Ray Bouchard, Blue Damselflies and Sundew
Photo by Ray Bouchard.
Photo by Jacqueline Donnelly.
Photo by Jacqueline Donnelly.
Photo by Jacqueline Donnelly.
Photo by Jacqueline Donnelly.
Lens Lake Paddle - Jacqueline Donnelly, Cotton Grass and Mountain
Photo by Jacqueline Donnelly.
Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
Lens Lake Paddle - Jennifer Kietzman, Blooming Pitcher Plants
Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
Spatulate Sundew (Drosera intermedia)
Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
Rose Pogonia (Snake Mouth); Pogonia ophioglossoides
Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
Lens Lake Paddle - Jennifer Kietzman, Fragrant White Water Lily
Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
Explore Tranquil Waters and Unique Bog Habitats

Waterway Notes
& History

Lens Lake is a paddler’s dream, offering tranquil waters surrounded by acres of floating bog mats rich with diverse plant life, including Pitcher Plants, Cranberries, and Cottongrass. The narrow channels that wind through the bogs create a unique and immersive experience, allowing you to get up close to one of the richest plant habitats in the Adirondacks. A 2021 survey confirmed no invasive plants, the lake remains pristine and perfect for a leisurely exploration.

Places for Food and Beverage

Stony Creek Inn – A cozy spot for a meal or drink after your outdoor adventures.
Stony Creek Marketplace – Perfect for grabbing snacks, drinks, or local goods to refuel.

Tour and Stopovers

The most remarkable feature of this quiet lake is the presence of many extensive bog mats thick with brilliantly colored sphagnum moss and studded with Pitcher Plants, Cottongrass, Cranberries, and other plants typical of an acidic bog habitat.

— Jacqueline Donnelly, Saratoga Woods and Waterway

Lens Lake is remarkable for the acres and acres of bog mats that cover its surface, with narrow channels among the mats that allow a small canoe to explore among them.

— Jacqueline Donnelly, Saratoga Woods and Waterway

At first glance, the lake looks like a small pond. That’s due to the large floating bogs on either end. One of the delights of this trip is passing through the channels that wind through these mossy-looking islands, which support one of the richest collections of plant species in the Adirondacks. Up close, we could see dainty flowers sprouting among cranberry bushes and the other low-lying brush. The sphagnum mats are said to be four to five feet thick.

— Robin Ambrosino, Floating Islands Charm Visitors

    Nearby Activities to Explore

    Nearby Adventures

    After paddling Lens Lake, explore the bike ride to Harrisburg Lake or hike the Dean Farm Heritage Trails, both part of the Gateway 8 Challenge. You can also visit the Dean Homestead Museum and District #4 School for a bit of local history or enjoy a peaceful paddle at Harrisburg Lake.

    • Complete the bike ride from Stony Creek to Harrisburg Lake, part of the Gateway 8 Challenge.
    • Hike the Dean Farm Heritage Trails or paddle Harrisburg Lake, both part of the Gateway 8.
    • Visit the Dean Homestead Museum and District #4 School for a dose of local history.
    Lake Map
    Nearby Adventures
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    Take the Challenge

    Are you ready to conquer the outdoors? Register for the Gateway 8 Challenge and explore Saratoga and Warren County’s most scenic hiking, biking, and paddling routes. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or new to the trails, this challenge offers the perfect mix of stunning views and physical achievement.

    Lace up your boots, grab your gear, and start your adventure today!

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