Is Low's Lake Crowded Near the End of September?

[ReluctantFarmer]

Question more or less in the title. I have a weekend (three nights, two paddling days), and thinking of sinking them into the Lake but tons of commentary online is how crowded the Bog River section and Low's Lake (in the ADK) are, especially on weekends.

Was also thinking about the East branch of the Oswegatchie to the High Falls but I'm unsure if I want to spend the whole weekend dragging beaver dams and if anything the commentary suggests the crowds are just as dense.

 

[Robin]

If the weather is decent, you can probably expect some company, but it’s all paddlers, no motor boats. An early start and head to the western end you might be surprised.
Then again, I read about all these modern canoes and how fast they are what with bent shafts and double blades, it might seem like there are motor boats on the lake.

 

[lowangle al]

I've been there in early October and there were only a few other groups. Fear of crowds wouldn't keep me away in September.

 

[Simuliumvenustum]

Question more or less in the title. I have a weekend (three nights, two paddling days), and thinking of sinking them into the Lake but tons of commentary online is how crowded the Bog River section and Low's Lake (in the ADK) are, especially on weekends.

Was also thinking about the East branch of the Oswegatchie to the High Falls but I'm unsure if I want to spend the whole weekend dragging beaver dams and if anything the commentary suggests the crowds are just as dense.

I have been to Lows several times in late September and early October, and finding a campsite was never a problem. The NYDEC has 39 numbered campsites. The further in you go, the less crowded it will be.

 

[eckilson]

Just back from a trip on the Oswegatchie. There were three groups ahead of us on the way in. Only one was left on the way out, but we did see two new groups coming in. I wouldn't call it crowded, but there were plenty of beaver dams.

 

[Jmharrick]

I spent the past weekend in Lows. We went in Friday morning 9/18. The parking lot was completely full when I arrived, and that worried me. There was a group putting in when we arrived. On the way into Hitchins Pond from the put in we passed probably a dozen day paddlers on their way out. That gave me some hope. Most of the campsites on Hitchins were taken. We made the portage around the upper dam and hiked up to the ridge before continuing our paddle. We had the hike to ourselves, but passed a couple more groups on our way towards the main lake. I would say about half of the sites were occupied, but the further west we travelled the fewer people we saw. When we paddled out Sunday afternoon there were some large groups on their way in with a few campsites sporting 6 canoes/tents. I was not expecting to see this many people in mid September, but we still had a great trip. The campsites are spread out enough that other groups are no bother.

 

[tketcham]

We stopped in Saranac Lake Thursday morning (17th) for breakfast on our way home and every restaurant in town seemed to be packed with people. Hopefully it was a special event or gathering and not the new normal for mid-September. Darned retirees are clogging up the place.

 

[yknpdlr]

it is leaf peeper season, after all. That is when those who live outside of pretty tree country will travel north to spend dolllars and time with those of us who actually live with the experience all the time. A bit early for the most color, but the peak is soon, and will severely fade by the end of the month in higher elevatons. But still, late comer peepers will arrive for the early October peak season around the fringes.