Upper Lough MacNean is a large freshwater lake straddling the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, split between counties Fermanagh, Cavan, and Leitrim. It covers approximately 2,448 acres (983 hectares total, of which 458 hectares lie in Northern Ireland), with a shoreline of roughly 23.5 miles. The lake shares a structural character with Lough Erne, featuring numerous islands and secluded bays that make for varied paddling. The Cuilcagh Mountains are visible to the east, providing a prominent backdrop. The lake is described as a wild venue, and paddlers should be aware of a number of unmarked shallows throughout the water body, which require careful navigation particularly when using boats.

Upper Lough MacNean connects to the broader Erne system via the Belcoo River, which links it to Lower Lough MacNean to the east, and ultimately drains through the River Arney into Upper Lough Erne. This connectivity makes it a viable component of longer touring expeditions along the Erne Canoe Trail. The advised direction of travel for paddlers wishing to integrate the loughs into a longer Erne system journey is from Lower Lough MacNean northward via the River Arney. The River Arney itself is faster-flowing than the Erne, rated at grade 1.

Access to the eastern shore is straightforward: from Enniskillen, take the A4 toward Belcoo, then the B52 toward Garrison; the road runs along most of the eastern shore with multiple easy access points. The Lough MacNean Amenity Area on the N16 Enniskillen–Sligo road in County Cavan provides a car park, pier, toilets, changing facilities, and picnic area. The Corralea Activity Centre on Lough MacNean Upper offers canoe hire, guided tours, instruction, and accommodation, reachable at +44 (0)28 6638 6123.

The lake holds brown trout, pike, perch, bream, roach, rudd, and hybrids, so paddlers are likely to encounter anglers on the water, particularly during the fishing season which runs from 1 March to 31 October. Wildlife in and around the lake adds to the natural character of the setting. The lake's island-dotted layout and cross-border geography give it a distinctive character suited to exploratory touring rather than fast-paced paddling.