Thirteenth Lake Canoe Trips | Hornbeck Boats Adirondacks
- Andrew Rasmus
- Feb 4
- 2 min read
Thirteenth Lake – Calm & Scenic Paddle
Thirteenth Lake is a hidden gem in the Adirondacks, offering calm waters and beautiful forested shoreline. Ideal for your first Hornbeck adventure, it’s a gentle, stress-free paddle perfect for beginners, families, or those testing an ultralight canoe for the first time.
Getting There
~28 minutes from Hornbeck Boats; check out the parking lot below or view the NYDEC map
Highlights: Thirteenth Lake offers a classic Adirondack paddling experience with calm waters framed by forested shorelines and surrounding mountain ridgelines. The lake’s long, narrow shape creates a peaceful rhythm as you paddle past quiet coves, sandy shoreline stretches, and scenic backdrops of the Siamese Ponds Wilderness. On still days, reflections of trees and sky ripple across the water, while loons and other wildlife add to the sense of solitude. With its undeveloped feel and easy access to designated campsites, Thirteenth Lake is ideal for paddlers seeking a relaxed, scenic escape that feels far removed from crowds.
The best map for this trip: Nat Geo: 743 Lake George, Great Sacandaga: Adirondack Park Map
Tips: Thirteenth Lake is generally calm and beginner-friendly, but winds can funnel down the length of the lake, creating chop in open sections—early morning paddles are often the smoothest. Stick close to shore if conditions pick up, and take advantage of sheltered coves for breaks. DEC campsites around the lake are free and first-come, first-served, making it a great destination for overnight trips, but plan ahead during busy summer weekends. Wear a PFD, keep an eye on the weather, and bring a map to help you locate campsites and explore the full length of the lake comfortably.
Suggested Boats
Schedule Your Demo Paddle Now
Visit the Hornbeck Boats store in the Adirondacks and experience ultralight canoe craftsmanship firsthand. Our knowledgeable team will walk you through the entire process, helping you choose the best Hornbeck canoe for your paddling style, body size, and adventure goals. Once you’ve found the right ultralight canoe, take it for a test paddle on our on-site pond to feel the balance, comfort, and performance before you buy, ensuring your Hornbeck boat is the perfect fit for years of Adirondack paddling.
We offer demos daily in NY (April-October)
@ 9:00am,11:00am, and 1:30pm
To visit, please call for an appointment at: 518-251-2764
or
Demo at our Minnesota location
Hornbeck Boats builds ultralight canoes designed to make wilderness waters simple to reach and effortless to enjoy. Born in the Adirondacks and refined through decades of backcountry use, Hornbeck canoes prioritize ease of carry, intuitive handling, and quiet efficiency over excess features or performance hype.
Our boats are made for paddlers who value access over adrenaline, solitude over spectacle, and time on the water over time wrestling gear. By removing unnecessary weight and complication, Hornbeck opens more days, more lakes, and more years of paddling—especially for solo trippers, older paddlers, and anyone who believes getting to the water should be as enjoyable as being on it.
Hornbeck isn’t about pushing limits. It’s about removing barriers.
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