MAPS 1, 2 and 3
Katina Daanen
Brown’s Tract Carry, New York. Photo Katina Daanen
Portaging (or carrying)
Throughout the Adirondacks and parts of New England, the term ‘carry’ is always used to describe a portage. Conversely, ‘portage’ is always used in Quebec. Both words describe the same action and could be used interchangeably. There are officially 62 portages totalling 55 miles and 23 of them occur within the first 100 miles in New York. Most are short and provide safe routes around hazards like dams and rapids. Longer portages connect watersheds and often follow roads.
Map 3
Saranac River to Lake Champlain.
While some paddlers choose to carry all their gear in the historical style of the voyageurs, many modern paddlers use wheels to aid in portaging. It is important to understand that many of the carries are considered unwheelable and gear will, at times, still need to be carried.
ThePaddler 55