Lake George New York
Watching the sunset over the lake from a scenic overlook
Sightseeing tour boats cruising the lake
A summer’s day at Million Dollar Beach in Lake George Village
Whitewater rafting tours on the Hudson River
Snowboarders enjoying the winter at Gore Mountain Ski Resort
Epic lake views from the summit of Prospect Mountain
Tackling obstacles in the trees on the Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course
The rushing waters of Trout Brook at Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, a popular outdoor attraction
Family fun at the Six Flags Great Escape water park
- Major Airports:
- Albany (ALB)
- States:
- New York
Outdoor excitement and a relaxing recharge in New York State’s lakeside oasis
Take in the View
Thomas Jefferson once called the 51-kilometer-long Lake George “the most beautiful water” he ever saw. Experience this natural splendor via a peaceful kayak trip or through the variety of tours offered by Lake George Waterfront Cruises and the Lake George Steamboat Company. To take in the scenery from dry land, drive along the Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway. The mountain’s 619-meter summit offers 360-degree views of the region, including sights 161 kilometers away in New Hampshire and Vermont. From Smith Street in Lake George Village, you can take an even more scenic route and hike the 5-kilometer round-trip trail to the top of Prospect Mountain and back.
Outdoor Adventure
Turn on the excitement with one of many thrilling activities in this otherwise placid region. Sign up for a wild whitewater rafting ride along the nearby Hudson and Sacandaga rivers. Several companies, including Wild Waters Outdoor Center, Sacandaga Outdoor Center, Beaver Brook Outfitters and Whitewater Challengers, offer excursions. Or, pedal along an abandoned railroad track that cuts along the Hudson River and through the Adirondack forest on a scenic “railbiking” excursion with Revolution Rail Co. At Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, see and walk on the massive marble cave entrance known as Stone Bridge and explore other caves, grottos and natural water features. Finally, for an epic adventure of another variety, head 10 kilometers south to the roller coaster rides and water park slides at Six Flags Great Escape & Hurricane Harbor or the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark in Queensbury.
A Cultural Vacation
Sir William Johnson gave Lake George its name in 1755 in honor of King George II of England and it became a key battleground in the French and Indian War. The Fort William Henry Museum takes visitors back to that period for a glimpse of what life was like, with reenactors telling tales of defending the British Colonies on the front line. More history awaits about an hour south in Glens Falls at The Hyde Historic House & Art Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of 19th century European, American, Modern and Contemporary art.
Fun Fact
The Lake George area is home to more than 170 islands, 148 of them state owned. Visitors who obtain a permit can camp on some of the larger islands.
On May 31, 1791, Thomas Jefferson said that Lake George was “the most beautiful water I ever saw.”
Rather than have them captured by the French, the British sank hundreds of their own boats in the lake during the French & Indian War. Now, Lake George is a popular site for divers.
Photo: Andy Flynn