Lake George, New York — eva halkenhauser

Growing up I’ve had the privilege of being able to visit Lake George a few times each year staying with my grandma in her cottage. The drive is about 3 hours (4 with traffic) from where I live, but it’s so worth it. The best part is the smell of campfires that fills up your car as you drive down the access road. Listed below are the must do’s and places to see when visiting!

1. Buck Mountain

Location: 1750 Pilot Knob Rd Kattskill Bay, NY 12844

Buck Mountain is my favorite hike! From base to summit, it’s only 3.3 miles (6.6 total) and a perfect mix of steep uphill and flat paths. My family and I took about 5 hours to complete the whole journey, from bottom, to top to bottom with a few water breaks. The view at the top is actually insane. On a clear day it feels like you’re on top of the world. I suggest going earlier in the morning or a little after noon to avoid the hottest part of the day. And definitely bring a lunch or small bite to enjoy at the top.

2. Martha’s Dandee Creme

Location: 1133 State Route 9, Queensbury, NY 12804

Martha’s Ice Cream is the ideal post-hike destination and only a 19 minute drive from Buck Mountain ;) I’ve only had the ice cream, so I can’t speak for the other food they serve but they have all the American staples: hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries and milkshakes. Martha’s only has soft serve and sorbet but offers loads of different flavors from peach, mocha, mint, cheesecake and more.

3. Calves Pen

Calves Pen is the most beautiful cliff jumping spot. I’ve only gone there by boat, but I’ve read that you can also hike there (*hiking directions below). Each ledge has a different height so you’re not forced into anything you’re not comfortable with. The water is unbelievably blue and more than deep enough. Highly suggest stopping by Calves Pen for a little adventure.

*(Follow Route 149 East towards Fort Anne from Lake George. 1.6 miles east of the intersection of Rte 149 and 9 take a left onto Buttermilk Falls Road. 3 miles down this road Buttermilk Falls becomes Sly Pond Road and becomes unpaved. At 8.7 the name changes to Shelving Rock Road. Look for a large parking lot shortly on the right. This is the Hogtown trailhead. From this trailhead follow Shelving Rock Road downhill for 2.5 miles to where it crosses over Shelving Rock Brook on a bridge. Park just before the bridge.)

4. Log Bay and the waterfall

Log Bay is another place that I’ve only accessed by boat. The bay is flooded with boats, all anchored and people hanging out. Sometimes there’s a volleyball net up for anyone to use, otherwise everyone tends to bring their own tubes, floats, games and food (kinda like a big water picnic). Once you get warm laying out or tired from playing in the water you can head towards the shore and to go explore the waterfalls. The hike is only 10 minutes and mostly a flat path (i’ve done it without shoes). Follow the clearly marked trail or people around and you’ll find yourself in front of a waterfall that looks like it’s from a fairytale. Another great spot for a picnic, quick dip and lots of pictures.

5. Camping

There are hundreds of campsites all throughout Lake George, both on the shore and in the middle of islands. The reserved spots are quite popular in the summer so you have to book them a few months in advance. I’ve camped on Battery Island and for eight people we reserved two sites. Waking up to the sun, the sound of the water and serenity of the island is like no other experience. Camping does take a lot of preparation and packing (plus a boat if on and island) so definitely stick to a hotel or airbnb if you want something more relaxing.

6. Bolton Landing Town

The downtown section of Bolton Landing is like the quieter touristy version of the Village. The strip of stores includes restaurants, boutiques, grocery stores and sports shops. Even though it’s a chain, I can’t seem to resist at least one stop at the Ben and Jerry’s (4950 NY-9N, Bolton Landing, NY 12814). Cate’s Italian Garden Restaurant and Bar (Center Of Town, 4952 Lake Shore Dr, Bolton Landing, NY 12814) is also a really great, family friendly stop for dinner with beautiful outdoor seating. For funny or unique souvenirs and gifts Happy Jack’s (4963 Lake Shore Dr, Bolton Landing, NY 12814) or Serendipity (4941 Lake Shore Dr, Bolton Landing, NY 12814).

7. Adirondack Extreme

Location: 35 Westwood Forest Lane, Bolton Landing, NY 12814

Adirondack Extreme is an adventure course about a 20 minute drive from Bolton Landing. I highly suggest making a reservation as it can get really busy throughout the summer. The ticket prices range between age and how many levels you want access to. There is a height requirement for the course, so if you’re not tall enough you can still use the children’s course. Each level consists of zip lines, bridges and obstacles suspended around 50 feet in the air. Making it through all the levels is tough but so much fun! It will take up at least 3 hours.

These are just a few of my favorite places and activities. I definitely suggest renting a boat if you don’t have one when visiting. Between all the hikes and adventuring, it’s always nice to take the boat out and explore or anchor and lay out. Fishing is another popular sport around the lake, however the patrols will stop by every once in a while and ask for a permit (same goes for boating licenses and registrations). And most importantly… Lake George is one of the cleanest lakes in the country. Enjoy every bit of it but keep it the way you found it!