West Canada Lakes loop
West Canada Lakes Wilderness, NY
20 mile trail, closer to 23 if you include the road from the parking area to the trailhead which seems to usually be closed to vehicles. Pretty easy with little elevation change.
The main attraction is the many lakes along the trail. I hiked it over two nights which left plenty of time for swimming and fishing. There is a small sandy beach just north of the South Lake shelter, and another sandy area good for swimming near West Lake Lean-to #2. There is a stashed canoe near where Cedar Lake and Beaver Pond join; bring your own paddles if you want to use it.
As of 2020, bear canisters are not required for this section of Adirondack State Park, but that is due to change in 2021.
Due to all the lakes and water in this area, mud and bugs are very common. Bring lots of bug spray and a head net. The really swampy areas have boards and bridges, but many of these are in disrepair. While the Northeville-Placid trail is well maintained, the French Louis and Cedar Lakes trails are not maintained. They are still easy to follow but expect downed trees and other obstacles.
