Backcountry paddlers have new campsites to enjoy in the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest.
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation recently announced it has opened five new primitive tent sites at Follensby Clear Pond in the forest.
The new sites replace five existing sites that have been closed.
Follensby Clear Pond is the site of the Follensby Clear Pond Loop, a beginner-friendly paddle and portage trip that features four miles of flatwater paddling.
There are several options to lengthen the trip and explore other ponds in the area.
To access the loop, put in at the Follensby Clear Pond boat launch along Route 30, where Spider Creek and Follensby Clear Pond meet. From there, paddle the length of the lake to a short carry over to Polliwog Pond.
Continue across Polliwog Pond to a short carry over to Little Polliwog Pond, then take the short paddle across to the carry to Horseshoe Pond. Paddle across Horseshoe to the short carry back to Follensby Clear and back to your car.
