4 Days
in the 'Daks

Paddle the Eckford Chain — BML, Eagle Lake, Utowana — then down the Marion River into Raquette Lake. Camp on Big Island (DEC free sites, first-come). The early start matters: Raquette gets choppy by afternoon.

Cross Raquette Lake early — it's exposed and 5 miles of open water. The carry into Forked Lake is flat and short. Paddle Forked to the east-end campground. This is the only night requiring a reservation.

The toughest day on paper but ends at a beautiful lean-to right where the river meets Long Lake. Carry to the Raquette River (wheelable road), short river paddle, then Buttermilk Falls carry (boulders — leave the cart), then 0.6mi rocky trail to the Deerland lean-tos.

Pure paddle. Long Lake runs north and the prevailing wind usually runs with you. Take your time — this is the reward. Pull out at the DEC launch near the hamlet.