The 10-mile ‘Round the Mountain race kicks off the Northern Forest Canoe Trail’s Adirondack Race Series, which also includes the Adirondack Canoe Classic — the 90-Miler — and the Long Lake Long Boat Regatta. Ampersand Bay Resort will host the starting line and the race finishes at Riverfront Park in the village of Saranac Lake.

“The ‘Round the Mountain race has grown every year since the NFCT acquired it in 2020,” said Karrie Thomas, the NFCT’s executive director. “That growth is due in part to the inclusiveness of the event. Our field traditionally consists of everyone from seasoned race veterans to folks looking to try something new. Saranac Lake is a perfect host, with plenty of lodging for visitors and a course that showcases both the surrounding wilderness and the small town charm. We can’t wait to kick off the season with our community.”

The ‘Round the Mountain Canoe & Kayak Race takes paddlers on a 10.5-mile course that begins at Ampersand Bay Resort on Lower Saranac Lake, heads west to the mouth of the Saranac River across from Bluff Island, then continues downriver with a short carry around the Lower Locks to Oseetah Lake before finishing at Riverfront Park on Lake Flower. NFCT requires all racers to pre-register online by May 9 at midnight to help event staff ensure that the race proceeds smoothly and on schedule. To learn more and/or register, visit bit.ly/roundthemountainweekend.

Paddlers are also invited to a mixer from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 9, at Ampersand Bay Resort’s Sunset Bistro, with complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.

Explore Adirondack Frontier has been a presenting sponsor of the Adirondack race series for many years. Additional support for ‘Round the Mountain Weekend is provided by NRS, Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters, Mac’s Canoe Livery and Outfitter, Raquette River Outfitters, St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, Hornbeck Boats, Placid Boatworks, Guide ADK, the Hotel Saranac, ROOST, the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Celebrate Paddling ADK.

To learn more about the NFCT, visit northernforestcanoetrail.org.

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is a nonprofit organization that maintains and promotes the 740-mile water trail that traverses historic travel routes from Old Forge, to Fort Kent, Maine and connects New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire and Maine. The trail showcases the mix of landscapes and communities currently lining the traditional routes used by Indigenous peoples, settlers and guides. It is the longest in-land water trail in the nation and consists of 23 rivers and streams, 59 lakes and ponds, 45 communities and 65 portages. To learn more, visit northernforestcanoetrail.org.