Trends in total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations over the period 1987-2003 were studied in 13 small forest lakes. Recovery from acidification (reduced SO(4) deposition) and long-term changes in runoff as potential drivers for the trends were examined. The results showed that TOC concentrations have increased throughout Finland. Ten of the 13 lakes showed a significant increasing TOC trend (p<0.05), and included both clear water and humic lakes. The largest annual increase in TOC occurred in lakes with the largest average concentrations. The magnitude of the TOC trends were not significantly related to the proportion of peat soils in the catchment but the catchment size was an important predictor. Decreasing SO(4) deposition and improved acid-base status in soil due to the recovery from acidification implied an increased mobilisation of organic acids and TOC. There was little evidence that the long-term increasing trend in TOC concentrations was related to long-term changes in runoff. However, large seasonal and inter-annual fluctuations in runoff did appear to affect TOC concentrations for a number of years.