Saranac Lake Wild Forest

The Saranac Lakes Wild Forest (SLWF) is 79,000 acres of state land in Franklin and Essex Counties. It is situated near the communities of Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, and Lake Placid.

The unit offers many recreational opportunities, including but not limited to hiking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing, mountain biking, canoeing, hunting, and fishing. Popular hiking attractions include Scarface and Panther Mountains, Fernow Nature Trail, and the Lake Placid Peninsula Nature Trails.

Many people enjoy boating and camping on Upper, Middle and Lower Saranac Lakes.

Out on Whey Pond

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A beautiful day, but very glarey. Still, with sunscreen, and an occasional dip in the pond, the Floodwood Ponds are a delightful paddle.

Taken on Saturday July 2, 2011 at Floodwood Pond Loop.

Under the Tarp

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While when I was up at Poliwog Pond I didn't really need the tarp, I set up a tarp. It was a beautiful day out for sure down here, right on the pond. The tarp was easy to set up, with the plentiful trees to make it easy to tie up.

Taken on Saturday August 14, 2010 at Floodwood Road.

Middle Pond

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On Floodwood Pond road. There also is a large drive-in campsite on Middle Pond.

Taken on Saturday August 14, 2010 at Floodwood Road.

Private Bay for Swimming

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Once I started to get ready, I put on my swimming trunks, paddled across the lake, around an peninsula, to a very private bay. I took a "bath" using the teapot, soap, and shampoo on the bank, washed the soap off, then went swimming in my own little private beach. Nobody else was around! It was wonderful.

Taken on Saturday August 14, 2010 at Follensby Clear and Polliwog Ponds.