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Brimming with scenic hiking trails and riveting attractions, it’s evident that nature has been generous to the Adirondacks. It’s also home to beautiful lakes that present mind-blowing activities for tourists to explore, whether on or off the water. From paddling and skiing to hiking along the nearby trails, there are plenty of things to keep guests disconnected from the chaotic cities.

While the Adirondacks boast many lakes around the mountains, some stand out with their unparalleled beauty. Here are the five most beautiful lakes tourists will love to explore while visiting the Adirondacks.

UPDATE: 2023/05/02 13:59 EST BY AARON SPRAY

The Adirondacks Is One Of The Most Picturesque Locations In NY

The Adirondacks are famous for having some of the most stunning lakes in Upstate New York. The lakes are excellent destinations for outdoor recreation, camping, hiking, and more. This article was updated and expanded with more information about the stunning lakes in the Adirondacks and also why the Adirondacks is such a special destination in Upstate New York.

Lake Placid

Lake Placid is the pride of the Adirondacks. It’s gorgeous and serene, making it a suitable haven for vacationers who want to escape the commotion of big cities. Fortunately, there’s no inconvenient time to visit Lake Placid as it holds intriguing activities during summer and winter. For water-related activities, the area has several outfitters that cater to the need of water sports enthusiasts. Tourists can rent a speedboat for skiing, tubing, and waterboarding to experience that tremendous feeling as they glide through the water.

Related: Exploring The Adirondacks: These Hikes Are A Must For Their Scenic Views

Off the lake, guests can explore the High Falls George. It’s a family-friendly hike that enables adventurers to breathe the fresh air of the mountains and feel the mist land on their faces. The 30-minute walk lets travelers witness four majestic falls that cascade over the rocks into a slightly wide crevice. Particular routes are wheelchair accessible, giving everyone views that are hard to come by in many places.

The award-winning Lake Placid Lodge at Lake Placid, New York State, USA
Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock
The award-winning Lake Placid Lodge at Lake Placid, New York State, USA

The white face mountain, a prominent ski destination, also lures visitors effortlessly. The trails leading to the top offer a captivating reunion with nature. But stunning views await once hikers reach their peak. During winter, the mountain provides adventurers of all proficiency levels a perfect chance to ski and snowboard.

  • Accommodations: Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa, Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort, High Peaks Resort

Related: The Adirondacks Is Full Of Ghost Towns, And Who Knew A Beautiful Place Could Be So Eerie?

Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake has everything vacationers need to rejuvenate, connect with nature, and create fascinating memories. The lake itself is gorgeous, with crystal clear waters that reflect the mountains surrounding it. Not forgetting the tall pines that make for a lovely backdrop. The lake has various points of interest that hold something for every traveler. Whether they want to explore hiking trails, take canoe trips, or visit local museums, this place isn’t short of exciting activities.

There are several canoe and kayak outfitters where tourists can pick their preferred packages to get into the water in style. Kayaking and paddling give tourists a different perspective of the lake and the surrounding wonders. What’s more? Adventurers can paddle during the late evening to enjoy the scenic sunset. Once it’s dark, they can see the magical stars overhead while gliding across the water.

Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks, New York
Photo by Debra Millet on Dreamstime
 
A Serene View of Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks, New York

Another exciting adventure is taking the picturesque Riverwalk that runs alongside the Saranac River. Besides enjoying the soothing and breathtaking nature, it gives tourists fascinating views of the mountains. They’ll also find restaurants that offer some scrumptious treats and art galleries where they can admire classic artworks.

Tourists looking for a low-key activity can take a leisure stroll at the Adirondack Museum. Here, they’ll see the largest collection of Native American artifacts in New York State and learn more about the town’s remarkable history.

  • Accommodations: Best Western Saranac Lake, The Whiteface Lodge, Gauthier’s Saranac Lake Inn and Hotel

Lake George

With picturesque views, Lake George is one of the most beautiful lakes in the US. Indeed, it deserves the nickname ‘Queen of American Lakes.’ Every turn around the lake exposes tourists to natural beauties. From the dense forest, gorgeous mountains, and striking hiking trails, everything here leaves guests in awe. But what activities does this beauty offer tourists?

Well, the lake looks magnificent when gazing at it from the shoreline or restaurants. But the views delivered when cruising it in pontoons or speedboats are unbeatable. Travelers can also relax in the steamboats, which offer detailed tours of this beautiful lake. Here, tourists also take dinner, enjoy mouth-watering cocktails, and listen to captivating narrations of the ships.

Lake George, New York in the fall
Photo 1398121 © Phillip Gray | Dreamstime.com
Lake George, New York in the fall

For adrenaline-seekers who are into something adventurous, nothing beats the thrilling activities in the Adirondack extreme adventure course. It allows tourists to explore the scenic beauty while tackling various obstacles. For instance, there are rope bridges, ladders, zip lines, and nets that run through the trees. The six aerial courses accommodate travelers of different ages, where they come up with solutions to conquer challenges.

Hiking at the Shelving Rock Falls, which is nestled on the east side of Lake George Wild Forest, is another epic adventure. The trail leading to this picturesque natural wonder isn’t strenuous. As such, adventurers with kids won’t have to leave them behind. There are different trails on this route, so mountaineers should pay attention to their path.

  • Accommodations: Courtyard Lake George, The Inn at Erlowest, Marine Village Resort, Holiday Inn Resort Lake George, Admiral Motel.

Related: This Is The Hardest Mountain To Climb In The Adirondacks

The Great Sacandaga Lake

The Great Sacandaga Lake, dubbed as the Adirondack's undiscovered Mecca of water sports was formed by damming the Sacandaga River, as a means to control floods. This scenic lake is 24,707 acres, has a 115 miles shoreline, is 5 miles at its widest, and has a maximum depth of 74 feet.

Boating on the Sacandaga at sunset
Shutterstock
Boating on the Sacandaga at sunset

This lake is among the largest lakes in Adirondack and provides aquatic recreational activities like boating, fishing and swimming in summer. Birding, cycling, golfing, hiking and camping are other recreational activities. Visitors can also go skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, hiking and snowboarding during winter. Inside the Great Sacandaga Lake is the lush Sand island that has trees where boats on excursions or racing each other dock. There also are accommodation facilities around the Great Sacandaga Lake where visitors also dine such as:

  • The Inn at the Bridge
  • House in the Woods
  • Adirondack Lakefront Retreat
  • The Cabins in Hope
  • Ponderosa Pines Resort

Cranberry Lake

Formed in 1830, the scenic Cranberry Lake surrounded by a mountainous terrain is among the most beautiful and largest lakes in the Adirondacks. This lake's closeness to 50,000 acres of wilderness with 50 nature trails, has made it the ultimate travel destination for outdoor and water lovers. At Cranberry Lake visitor's boat, lay on the beach to enjoy nature's ambiance, and camp in the lush Adirondack wilderness, in hot summer days.

Cranberry Harvest, Cranberry Festival
Shutterstock
Cranberry Harvest, Cranberry Festival

The lake also has plenty of trout, bass and pan fish that visitors cast their baited lines and fish out. Around Cranberry Lake are amenities like flush toilets, hot showers, a bathhouse, an outdoor amphitheater, a fishing pier, a trailer dump station, pay telephone, and picnic areas with grills, tables, and fireplaces.

The Adirondacks Region Of New York State

The Adirondack Mountains cover around 5,000 sq miles and form a roughly circular dome around 160 miles in diameter. The mountains often rise almost a mile (or 1,500 meters). The Adirondacks have been sculptured by glaciation over the eons. They are famous for having 200 stunning lakes between the mountains. The dramatic landscapes are part of what makes the Adirondacks special.

The mountains are geologically separate from the Appalachians. The rocks of the Adirondacks were formed around 2 billion years ago as sediment at the bottom of an ancient sea.

Crane Mountain - Adirondacks
Image Source: Eva Darron, Unsplash.
Crane Mountain - Adirondacks
 

They were uplifted by a hot spot in the Canadian Shield only around 10 million years ago. They continue to be uplifted by a rate of around 2mm per year - a faster rate than they are being eroded. These days the Adirondacks are one of the best outdoor playgrounds in Upstate New York famous for their hiking opportunities, forests, dramatic landscapes, and picture-perfect lakes.

Start planning a trip to the Adirondacks from New York today, and see the best of Upstate New York.