Lake GeorgeNew York

Outdoor recreation and a relaxing recharge on a lakeside getaway in New York State

Equal parts outdoor adventure and rural relaxation, the Lake George area inNew York State’s Adirondack Mountains is celebrated as one of the USA’s first vacation destinations. The locales nestled around the 51-kilometer-long lake are packed with a diverse array of activities for every season, so there's always something to see and do. The colder months offer ideal conditions for skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing and snowshoeing, while in warmer months, swimming, kayaking, amusement parks, lake cruises, historic tours and scenic hikes await. The hours in between can be spent shopping at outlets and local shops, sampling local food and brews, or simply marveling at the majestic landscapes that are constantly changing throughout the year.

Take in the Views

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 aboard the various tours offered by Lake George Waterfront Cruises and the Lake George Steamboat Company. To admire 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 area, including sights 161 kilometers away in the nearby states ofNew Hampshire andVermont. 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 Awaits

Turn up the excitement with one of many thrilling activities you'll find throughout the area. 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, Whitewater Challengers and more) offer excursions for the whole family. Or, pedal along an abandoned railroad track that cuts along the Hudson River and through theAdirondack forest on a scenic “railbiking” excursion with Revolution Rail Co. At Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, witness the massive marble cave entrance known as Stone Bridge and explore other caves, grottos and natural water features. 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.

Enriching History

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. If you're curious to learn more about this historic conflict, check out the Lake George Battlefield Park to see a collection of statues and memorials and even remains of British military outpost Old Fort George. More history awaits in Glens Falls at The Hyde Historic House & Art Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of 19th-century European, American, Modern and Contemporary art.