10 Ways to Make the Most of Late Summer in the Adirondacks
Summer has a way of slipping by faster than we'd like. One minute you're planning weekend getaways, and the next, the calendar is filling up with back-to-school schedules and fall plans. Fortunately, there's still time for more adventure while it’s warm.
Late summer is one of the best times to explore New York's Adirondack Mountains. Long daylight hours leave plenty of time to fit more into a single day. These experiences will help you make the most of the season before autumn arrives!
1. Start Your Day on the Rails
Revolution Rail’s Hadley Run in Hadley, NY
There's something special about seeing the Adirondacks from a historic railroad. Revolution Rail's Rails to Sails adventure combines two iconic ways to experience Lake George in one memorable day.
Lake George Steamboat Company’s Minnehaha vessel
Begin by pedaling across a 500-foot railroad bridge overlooking the Hudson River before boarding one of the Lake George Steamboat Company's historic vessels for an afternoon cruise on the Queen of American Lakes. It's a combination of history, scenery, and outdoor adventure that's only available on select dates.
2. Catch Expansive Views from Buck Mountain
Buck Mountain rewards hikers with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the Lake George region. The 6.6-mile round-trip hike climbs through forests before opening to sweeping views of Lake George, the surrounding mountains, and, on especially clear mornings, the distant High Peaks. Watching the sun rise over the lake is well worth the effort for early birds and offers a peaceful start to your day.
3. Paddle Through the Narrows
The Narrows, Lake George by James Brade Sword, oil on canvas, 1873
One of the best ways to experience summer is from the water. We’ve been paddling through The Narrows for centuries! Rent a kayak or canoe in Bolton Landing and spend a few hours exploring The Narrows, a picturesque stretch of the lake dotted with small islands, quiet coves, and rocky shorelines. Many of the islands are part of the Lake George Island Campground system and feature picnic areas that make perfect stops for lunch or simply taking in the scenery.
4. Cool Off with an Ice Cream Stop
No summer day is complete without ice cream, and few places are as beloved as Martha's Dandee Crème.
Serving visitors since the 1940s, this roadside favorite has become a tradition for generations of families visiting Lake George. Try a towering soft-serve cone or one of their many specialty sundaes for the perfect way to cool off after a morning of adventure.
5. Spend an Afternoon or Evening at Shepard Park
Photo Credit: Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce
Head to Shepard Park in the heart of Lake George Village to experience the brand-new amphitheater! Throughout the summer, the waterfront stage hosts free concerts, family-friendly events, and special performances overlooking the lake. Bonus points if you bring a blanket to enjoy the live music as the sun begins to set over the Adirondacks.
6. Chase Waterfalls at Shelving Rock
Photo credit: LakeGeorge.com
Tucked along the eastern shore of Lake George, Shelving Rock Falls is one of the area's most popular natural attractions.
A relatively short hike leads to the cascading waterfall, where visitors can relax beside the cool water or continue exploring nearby trails that wind through the forest. It's an ideal stop for anyone looking to stretch their legs and enjoy another side of the Adirondacks beyond the lake.
7. Discover the Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail
Photo Credit: VisitAdirondacks.com
The Southern Adirondacks have become a destination for locally crafted beverages.
Spend an afternoon doing a self-guided tour that includes visiting breweries, cideries, wineries, and distilleries that showcase regional ingredients and creative flavors. The Adirondacks features award-winning craft beers, locally distilled spirits, and more. It's a relaxing way to experience another side of the region while supporting local businesses.
8. See Lake George from Above
If you're looking for a completely different perspective, consider taking to the skies. Parasailing over Lake George offers sweeping views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and shoreline from hundreds of feet above the water. It's an exhilarating experience that provides a bird's-eye view of one of the Adirondacks' most iconic landscapes.
9. Step into History at Fort William Henry
Photo credit: www.fwhmuseum.com
History comes to life at Fort William Henry, where visitors can explore one of the most significant military sites from the French and Indian War.
Tour the reconstructed fort, watch historical demonstrations, and learn about the events that shaped the region during the 1700s. If you're visiting in the evening, the fort also offers guided ghost tours that combine local history with stories and legends from its past.
10. Relax at Million Dollar Beach
Photo credit: Lakegeorge.com
If your ideal summer afternoon includes sun and sand, make time for Million Dollar Beach. This popular public beach offers crystal-clear water, plenty of space to spread out, and sweeping views of Lake George framed by the Adirondack Mountains. Go for a swim, enjoy a picnic, or simply watch the steamboats glide across the lake before calling it a day.
Make the Most of Late Summer in the Adirondacks
Late summer brings a special kind of beauty to the Adirondacks. The days are still long enough for adventure, the lakes remain inviting, and every outing feels like one more opportunity to enjoy the season before autumn arrives.
If you're planning one last getaway before the seasons change, the Southern Adirondacks offer countless ways to make the most of every sunny day. Start with a rail bike adventure, then spend the rest of the day exploring everything this remarkable region has to offer.
