Adventure Awaits at Adirondack Lakes

It's no secret that one of the jewels of the Adirondack Region is its abundance of iconic lakes. Adirondack lakes are the best—in beauty, purity, and year-round accessibility. The region boasts over 3,000 lakes and ponds, so if you're after swimming and boating, camping and hiking, or just taking in magnificent lakeside views, there's a memorable experience awaiting all who venture there. Here are a few lakes you won't want to miss while you're here in the Adirondacks.

man kayaking on Lake Champlain in the Adirondacks

Lake George

32 miles long, 3 miles wide
Lake George was nicknamed "the Queen of American Lakes" by Thomas Jefferson.
The lake is home to nearly 186 islands. 154 of those islands are owned by the State of NY and many are available for camping.
Known for iconic boat tours like the Minne-Ha-Ha, parasailing excursions, lakefront hotels & resorts, and Million Dollar Beach.

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Saranac Chain of Lakes

17-miles of waterway connecting the Saranac River with Lake Flower, Kiwassa Lake, Oseetah Lake, and Lower, Middle and Upper Saranac Lakes.
Encompasses part of the northeast's largest wilderness canoe area—the St. Regis Canoe Area.
Featured on ESPN's Great Outdoor Games for bass fishing.
Enjoy secluded shoreline beaches, island camping, gorgeous sunsets, and long relaxing boat rides when you visit the Saranac Chain Lakes.

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Lake Placid

2,170 acres, 50 feet deep
Its waters served as the inspiration for a color of classic Fender guitars, called "Lake Placid Blue".
It's the drinking water source for the nearby village of Lake Placid.
Take in the beautiful views of Whiteface Mountain and the Adirondack Great Range from a boat, or enjoy island camping in a lean-to on Moose Island.

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Mirror Lake

122 acres, 60 feet deep
Lies in the center of the Olympic village of Lake Placid
Hosts the swimming leg of the IRONMAN Lake Placid
As a non-motorized boat lake, it is the perfect place to enjoy SUP boarding, kayaking, and swimming all summer long.
The town of Lake Placid plows a path around the entire frozen lake in the winter for ultimate winter fun like skating, hockey, and the awesome toboggan chute!

Lake Champlain

120 miles long, 12 miles wide, 400 feet at its deepest
587 miles of shoreline
Home to the oldest known fossil reef in the world (~480 million years old)
Rumored to be home to Champ, the famous Lake Monster
Rent a sailboat yacht for a week and sail along Lake Champlain for a truly unique Adirondack vacation experience.

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mother and daughter running on a beach of Lake Champlain

Cranberry Lake

6,995 acres, 38 feet deep
It's the third largest lake in the Adirondacks.
Named for cranberry bogs that used to grow in the lake.
Cranberry Lake is a popular destination for those seeking a more secluded Adirondack experience away from the more crowded areas of the region.

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Long Lake

14 miles long, 4,077 acres, half-mile width
Part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail
Was a favorite spot of William Henry Harrison "Adirondack" Murray, considered the father of the Outdoor Movement.
For a magical Adirondack experience, take a scenic seaplane ride from Long Lake!

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Indian Lake

4,255 acres, 39 feet deep
The inspiration for the hit 1960 single "Indian Lake" by the Cowsills
Site of the annual Great Adirondack Moose Festival
Launch your boat from Indian Lake Marina and cruise along for a great day out on the water.

Schroon Lake

9 miles long, 1 mile wide, 56 feet deep
The lake was formed by ancient glacial rubble that carved out the Schroon Valley.
The Adirondack Marathon route circles Schroon Lake.
Splash around at the Schroon Lake Town Beach, a lifeguarded, public beach perfect for fun in the sun, picnicking, sandcastle making, swimming, and enjoy the Adirondack Mountain views.

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girl tubing on Schroon Lake in the Adirondacks

Raquette Lake

4,925 acres, 95 feet deep
The lake is named for French snowshoes (raquettes) abandoned along the lakeshore by a group of British Loyalists escaping the Revolution.
80 percent of Raquette Lake's shoreline is designated "Forever Wild" by New York State.
Learn about the historic Adirondack Great Camps along Raquette Lake on the W.W. Durant boat tour while enjoying delicious food and beverages.

Tupper Lake

44 miles long, 148 feet deep
Discovered by Native Americans in the 16th century
Tupper Lake was once known as the "Highways of the Adirondacks" for its paddle-friendly connection to rivers, streams, and ponds in the region.
Cast a line and try your hand at catching 13 different species of fish, or head over to Little Wolf Beach for over 2,000 feet of sandy shoreline and camping.

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