5 Best Summer Lakes in the Adirondacks

A warm glow shortly after sunset creates a peaceful scene at Schroon Lake in the Adirondacks of New York State. More:

Warrensburg sits perfectly positioned near the Adirondack lakes, making it a natural home base for a summer lake trip through this iconic stretch of water and wilderness.

With over 3,000 lakes and ponds scattered, narrowing down where to go can feel like its own adventure. We’ve put together a list of some of the best lakes to visit in the Adirondacks, each one well suited for an easy, memorable day trip.

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Beautiful view from Whiteface Mountain

1. Mirror Lake

Lake Placid is one of the most famous villages in the Adirondacks and is home to Mirror Lake. The lake lives up to its name, with a mirror-like stillness because gas motors are not allowed on the lake.

Lake George, New York State. Lake George is located in the southeastern Adirondack State Park and is nicknamed the Queen of American Lakes. It is a long, narrow lake situated at the base of the Adirondack Mountains. HDR (photorealistic) image.

2. Lake George

With the nickname “Queen of American Lakes,” you can be sure that Lake George is an excellent destination. It stretches 32 miles and is considered one of the cleanest large lakes in the country. Million Dollar Beach is a common hot spot on the lake, with lifeguards, a boat launch, and historic steamboats running sightseeing cruises up and down the lake.

Aerial evening view of the village of Schroon Lake, NY, at sunset with brilliant fall colors, village, lake and distant Adirondack Mountains.

3. Schroon Lake

Just a short drive from Warrensburg, Schroon Lake stretches nine miles and has been a top getaway location in the Adirondacks for generations. The in-town public beach has a roped swimming area, lifeguards, and a floating dock. It’s also located close enough to Main Street that you can grab lunch and bring it right to the sand.

Beautiful young couple kayaking on lake together and smiling

4. Upper St. Regis Lake

For something quieter, this 743-acre lake is known for the “Great Camps,” a set of rustic-luxury summer estates built by the wealthiest families in the area during the 19th century. Paddling out on this lake will take you past more grand old boathouses and loon-filled coves than jet skis, making it perfect for a slower, more scenic day.

Panoramic overlook of Blue Mountain lake near the Adirondacks in New York

5. Blue Mountain Lake

This area is home to the Adirondack Experience museum, a 121-acre open-air campus that features over 20 buildings, pairing history with time on the water. Visitors to the lake can row an authentic guideboat or make their way over to neighboring Eagle and Utowana Lakes.

Rolling Marijuana Joints

Top Cannabis Picks for a Lake Day

Shop Cannabis for Your Next Adirondack Lake Day

Before your search for the best Adirondack lakes, consider stopping by Hudson and Main Cannabis to pick up something to make the day just a little more special. Visit our online menu to see our current selection of products and plan ahead before your trip.

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