Hoel, Turtle, Slang, and Long Pond are part of a route known as the Nine Carries located in the St. Regis Canoe Area.

Beginning at the parking area for Hoel Pond, paddle approximately one mile across the pond until you reach the train crossing. A culvert passes under the tracks into Turtle Pond. Carry over the tracks or pass through the culvert if there is enough water flowing through. Turtle pond is a much smaller narrower body of water. At about eight tenths of a mile long, paddling this pond can be much less demanding. There is no carry between Turtle and Slang Ponds. The two are connected by a winding narrow waterway. Paddlers should be cautious of downed branches, beaver dams, and low water through this passageway.

Once into Slang Pond, paddle approximately ½ mile to the Long Pond Carry Trail. The portage to Long Pond is relatively easy with a short, flat, smooth trail. Once you reach Long Pond, explore the 2.5-mile long u-shaped waterway, weaving in and out of islands before either heading back the way you came, taking out at Floodwood Road, or finding a private primitive campsite.

Camping: All designated primitive tents sites, campsites and lean-tos are available on a first come – first served basis and cannot be reserved. Designated campsites are marked with a yellow “Camp Here” disc.

Fishing: Slang Pond, Turtle Pond and Long Pond are fished by anglers seeking largemouth and smallmouth bass. Bass and northern pike are also found in the Saint Regis Chain Lakes that border the canoe area.

Parking Areas:

Long Pond Parking Area requires a 0.3 mile carry to the hand launch site on Long Pond (44.3466° N, 74.4215° W)

Hoel Pond Hand Launch Parking Area is outside the canoe area, as is the pond itself. The parking is located at the end of a rough dirt road just past the Saranac Inn Golf Course. (44.3469° N, 74.3444° W)

Featured paddles are recommended by DEC. Map of St. Regis Canoe Area courtesy Adirondack Atlas.