Lake George (Summer)

Thirty-mile-long Lake George is dotted by tiny islands, covered in shade trees and rock outcroppings ideal for jumping from into the crystal clear water. The lake points to the High Peaks 60 miles north, the remainder of the majestic Adirondack Mountains. The Lake George area, once a site of conflict between the French, British, American Patriots and several Indian Nations, offers a number of historical sites and formed the inspiration for the James Fenimore Cooper classic The Last of the Mohicans (though the famous film was shot in North Carolina). This summertime outdoor lover's paradise offers a handful of tiny villages, some ...

Thirty-mile-long Lake George is dotted by tiny islands, covered in shade trees and rock outcroppings ideal for jumping from into the crystal clear water. The lake points to the High Peaks 60 miles north, the remainder of the majestic Adirondack Mountains. The Lake George area, once a site of conflict between the French, British, American Patriots and several Indian Nations, offers a number of historical sites and formed the inspiration for the James Fenimore Cooper classic The Last of the Mohicans (though the famous film was shot in North Carolina). This summertime outdoor lover's paradise offers a handful of tiny villages, some quaint, some tourist traps complete with cheesy theme parks, but all surrounded by gorgeous thick forests and rolling hills. Steamboats patrol the lake, passing sailboats and speedboats towing water-skiers and wakeboarders past stately homes, massive log cabins and fishing retreats. Popular for its dude ranches and rodeos, the horsing community offers all season riding. Except for a few year-round resorts such as the Sagamore and the family-friendly Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Waterpark, most accommodations fall into the classic Adirondack-style motel category, with a heftier price tag than would seem warranted. A better bet is to secure reservations through the park system and rent a boat for a truly unique camping experience on one of the islands outfitted with barbecue grill, fire pit and boat mooring or dock.

About the Expert

Sascha Zuger is the author of the New York State Moon Handbook, the travel novel Girl Overboard (under the pseudonym Aimee Ferris), and is a freelancer for publications such as National Geographic Traveler, the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post.