McRorie Lake is a very large lake with outstanding features. With stellar views of the cliffs of the surrounding mountains you will not be lacking in photographic opportunities. Small islands and bay make up the fantastic features, all worth a bit of exploring.

Getting there

From the intersection of Route 28N and Route 30 in Long Lake follow Route 30 toward Tupper Lake. Continue through town and locate Kickerville Road on the right, about 0.6 miles past the bridge over Long Lake. Follow Kickerville Road to the Stone Building at the end. From here a dirt road passes to its right, this leads to the Cedarlands Boy Scout Camp. The road is marked as private but it is open to the public when the scouts are not in session. Drive down this dirt road for around 1-mile to the designated public parking on the left.

Paddling

You can use the easement, lakes, and trails between August 23 and June 23 each year; from June 24 - August 22 the easement is closed to public access.

From the parking area return to the road on foot and take a left onto the access road. Walk this for about 0.3 miles to a split in the road and three gates. This is an easy walk, slightly downhill to a slight uphill. Take a left at this main intersection and follow another dirt road to the canoe carry for Mud Pond, which will be on the left. The canoe carry from here is only about 150 feet long and slightly downhill. The launch is nice and flat and shallow.

From Mud Pond is the best way to access McRorie Lake without adding a long walk along the road. It is a 0.7 mile carry, but a cart can be used on the path. From Mud Pond head north to a narrow passage that connects to the lake. Paddle down this attractive narrow to the take out on the right. This carry is not all that difficult or long. It will lead back to the road you were on early. Take a left and cross the bridge. The carry enters the woods again on the right and goes a few hundred feet to the launch for McRorie Lake.

Mud Pond can get pretty choppy, as can McRorie Lake. No motorboats allowed, which makes the paddle a peaceful one without the threat of unwanted wakes.