When people think of New York they think of New York City, but there's so much more to the state. The City is like the front door of your house. It makes a statement, but it doesn't tell the whole story. People may pass by the front of your house and never know you have a beautiful back yard full of trees, flowers, a deck or a patio. I prefer backyards. 

My husband Bob and I both share a love for the outdoors and the serenity of natural surroundings. The best way for us to enjoy the "backyard" of New York State is by paddling through the lakes and rivers of the Adirondacks. I would like to share with you two paddle routes that we love to take, one is quiet and remote in its beauty and the other is diverse and interactive in its location.

Route #1: Fish Creek - Floodwood Pond Loop, A Paddle Through Serenity

Our favorite Adirondacks paddling route is the Fish Creek/Floodwood Pond loop, a spot near Saranac Lake. Here we go on a circular route through four lakes, two streams and two short carry's, which brings you right back to your starting point. This paddle takes you through 7 miles of a quiet wilderness that feels completely remote. 

We can go for hours here without seeing another soul, except for loons, ducks and deer, all of whom never seem to mind when we glide quietly up to them. Looking around, I find myself wondering why millions of people cram together into busy, noisy cities, leaving these wide open spaces empty. 

But my busy mind quiets with the gentle rhythm of paddling, the sun and breeze on my face, the crisp smell of pine in the air and the sounds of birds chattering, geese honking and loons with their distinctive calls. The surface of the lakes reflect the mountains that surround me and I lose myself in the peaceful beauty. 

Getting There From Albany: 
It's 155 miles of beautiful scenery. The drive will take about 2½-3 hours. Take I-87N to Exit 30, take NY-73 west to NY-86 then west to NY-3.Turn right on Route 30. Several miles down will be Fish Creek Campground on the left. Enter the campground and follow signs to Rollins Pond.

Route #2: Raquette River, Paddling Parallel with Society 

I love this Adirondack river route because of its diversity. If you leave your vehicle downriver, and put in at remote Axton Landing, you can enjoy an 8 mile paddle. There's a good chance of having this section of the river all to yourself. While paddling with the current, you are surrounded by fields and woods with mountains just a few miles away. 

The river snakes around you so the scene is constantly changing. A few miles down river you meet up, and run parallel, with NY-3. Vehicles whiz by with no idea that you're there, and you notice things that you would never see from your own car. 

Even further downriver you come across a part of the road where there are houses. As you quietly pass along their backyards you begin to see how the people here really live, and you understand what is important to them. 

Perhaps their beautifully landscaped yard is filled with flowers, or it could be terraced and decked - arranged in perfect settings for company and conversation. They could have a boat. Or maybe there is a swing set or toys, telling you that this is a backyard for kids. But regardless of what their yard says about them, everyone here is always friendly as you paddle by. 

Getting There From Albany: 
Follow the above directions to west NY-3. Continue on NY-3 about 12 miles until you come across Corey's Rd on your left. Follow this bumpy, seasonal road for about 3 miles. Look for a small sign on a tree that points to Axton Landing, which will be down an even bumpier road off to the right. There is parking for several cars and a place to sign in with time and route. 

The City is like the Front Door of Your House, I Prefer the Backyard

Kayaking along the quiet waters of the Adirondacks is a very fulfilling experience. It is a gentle workout for your body, while it quiets your mind, pulling you completely into the moment. All your senses are engaged by your surroundings and all your stress melts away. When your kayak rounds that final bend and you see your car at the boat launch, you know that for the rest of the day you will carry the feeling of well-being and peace that came from paddling New York's backyard.

And now we'd like to ask you: Is there a specific place or activity that you turn to whenever you feel the need to erase the stress and worry of everyday life?

Upstate New York

In my mind, New York State can be divided into three primary sections. The first I consider as Upstate New York. Here you find the Hudson River Valley, Catskills Mountains, Niagara Falls, the capital city of the USA and the Adirondacks. The farther north you go, the more dramatic the seasons become. I am in love with the Hudson River Valley and its neighboring Catskills mountain range. Easily accessible and aesthetically charming, these are great places for a weekend getaway from the often times hectic city pace.

The Big Apple

New York, New York... a mass of ethnic diversity and cultural stimulation. The city is made up of 5 main boroughs all centered around Manhattan Island. In my opinion, this is where the cities of the world are represented most in the USA. Always a sea of heaving people headed upcity, downtown, inner city or out of state, this is the crossroads of the state.The beat is lively, always flowing, and beneath the icy, straightforward stares is a layer of men and women who go where they're headed and know where they've been. It's hard to fit in if you don't pick up the pace, but once your pace is set, this place is inspiring.

Long Island

This can best be described as an area of economic contradiction, where the very rich rub elbows with the debased poor. Middle class is a series of numbers, and the farther east you get, the more pretentious the lifestyle seems. And yet, underneath it all, if you scratch behind the facade, you will find a history of the people who were there before the onslaught of summer homes and Manhattan elite-come-settlers. It's a history of farmers and fishermen, immigrants and locals alike.

And now we ask you: Have your previous perceptions of a place ever been challenged by the reality of the experience? Comment below and let us know!