Lake George New York
- Major Airports:
- Albany (ALB)
- States:
- New York
Outdoor recreation and a relaxing recharge on a lakeside getaway in New York State
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 of 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 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 the Adirondack 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.
Fun Fact

Most of the Lake George Area is within Adirondack Park, the largest protected area in the contiguous USA. At over two million hectares, it's two-and-a-half times bigger than Yellowstone National Park.

Lake George has been nicknamed the "Queen of American Lakes" for its pristinely clear waters. It's also referred to as the "birthplace of the American vacation" due to the large numbers of New York City residents who "vacated" their homes each summer to visit the area beginning in the 1800s.

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.

Experience Lake George
Official Lake George Area Travel Sites
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