The 'Queen Of American Lakes' Is A Fun Destination In New York's Adirondack Mountains

Don't be put off by rumors of the mysterious monster that lurks beneath the surface of the "Queen of American Lakes". The story is rooted in truth, but it's all part of the lore that makes Lake George a fun place to visit. Plus, it's gorgeous. Located in the Adirondack Mountains, about 200 miles north of New York City, Lake George has been attracting city dwellers to its shores since the mid-1800s. There's lingering debate about who first coined its regal nickname.

Some say Thomas Jefferson is responsible for the moniker, suggesting it took off in the late-1700s after Jefferson wrote following a visit, "Lake George is without comparison, the most beautiful water I ever saw." Others credit early-19th-century American novelist James Fenimore Cooper with inspiring the title when he modeled the fictitious Lake Horican after Lake George in his 1826 book "The Last of the Mohicans." Whatever its provenance, the "Queen of American Lakes" lives up to its reputation.

Oh, and about the rumored monster? That's just Georgie. Perhaps inspired by legends of Nessie, the elusive water dweller said to lurk beneath the surface of Scotland's Loch Ness, or Champ, the underwater creature that reportedly rears its head from the depths of Vermont's Lake Champlain on occasion, one early-20th-century visitor, who clearly had a wicked sense of humor, decided to play a prank on fellow vacationers. Harry Watrous, a painter from New York City, built a makeshift monster. Watrous attached a 100-foot piece of rope to a 10-foot cedar log and, with the help of a mechanical pulley, he made the mysterious "creature" pop up in various locations around the lake, earning it the nickname Georgie. The kicker? Watrous didn't come clean about his prank until three decades later.

Now that we're clear — there's no underwater monster waiting to grab your toes when you take a dip in Lake George — let's explore the lake and its environs. It's a summertime mecca for water-sports enthusiasts. In fact, it ranks among the cleanest lakes in the US, and there are plenty of public-access beaches on its shores. Among the most popular, Million Dollar Beach is located at the southern tip of Lake George. It opened to the public in 1951 at a cost of $1 million (more than $12 million today). On-site amenities along the 1,700-foot stretch of sandy beach include concession stands, a bathhouse with showers, picnic tables and grills, and a boat launch. The beach is a short walk from Lake George Village, where you'll find a variety of local shops and restaurants.

Other popular beaches around the lake include Shepard Park Beach in Lake George Village, a more-laid-back stretch of sand adjacent to a shaded park that hosts summer evening concerts; Rogers Memorial Park Beach in Bolton Landing, a community beach with a public pavilion in addition to picnic facilities, pickleball courts, tennis courts, and a playground; and Washington County Beach in Huletts Landing, where recreational options include tennis, volleyball, and basketball.

Visiting dog lovers may want to check out Lake George Dog Beach. There are no concessions or lifeguards on duty, but dogs are welcome to join their humans to play and swim. Keep in mind that recreational inflatables like blow-up tubes and rafts are not allowed at Lake George beaches — but there are plenty of places around the lake to launch canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.

Encompassing 45 square miles, Lake George is the largest lake in the Adirondacks. It's also the deepest, reaching a depth of almost 200 feet in places. It's no wonder it's considered an aquatic playground. There are plenty of places around the lake to launch a boat, but if you don't have one of your own, consider renting from a local marina. Chic's Marina in Bolton Landing maintains a rental inventory that includes everything from Boston Whaler bow riders to pontoon boats that can accommodate up to 10 passengers. Some are even available for overnight island camping trips. Chic's also rents waterskis, tubes, wakeboards, paddleboards, and watermats by the day or the hour. And there's a third-party vendor on-site to arrange waverunner and jet ski rentals. Other Lake George boat rental companies include Dockside Landing Marine and Lake George Boat Rentals.

If the idea of an on-board overnight caught your attention, your adventure doesn't have to be entirely water-based. Lake George boasts almost 200 islands, only a fraction of which are privately owned. The islands are divided into three groups. The Glen Island Group is in The Narrows east of Bolton Landing. Long Island Group is at the southern end of the lake, and Narrow Island Group is in the north. All told, state-run campgrounds operate on 44 Lake George islands for a total of 387 shoreline campsites with reservations offered through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation.

Whether casting from shore or from a boat, fishing is another fun way to spend time on Lake George. Hundreds of species of fish — lake trout, landlocked salmon, smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, chain pickerel, yellow perch, rock bass, smelt, and black crappie — populate the lake.

Lake George is about so much more than the lake itself. The surrounding area is chock full of historic places, including Fort Ticonderoga, the site of a turning-point battle in the American Revolution, and the Fort William Henry Museum, a recreation of an 18th-century garrison that played a pivotal role in the French and Indian War.

More active pursuits include hiking and cycling. Hiking trails in the vicinity range from easy walks to more challenging terrain. For a family-friendly walk in the woods, check out The Pinnacle. Located about five minutes from Bolton Landing, the 73-acre preserve offers three different hiking trails. For a moderate hike of less than a mile, follow the Blue Trail. Other than a rocky ascent at the summit, it's a gradual climb to Bradley's Lookout and panoramic views of Lake George. About twice as long, the Red Trail is a bit more challenging, but the pay-off is an even more expansive summit view. For further challenge, head to the Meade Mountain and Beckman Mountain Hiking Trail in Chester. The 2.2-mile round-trip hike takes about two hours. Adventurous hikers may want to test their mettle on Black Mountain Loop. The 7.1-mile trek tops out at almost 1,700 feet with summit views of the Lake George region. Located on the eastern shore of Lake George, Shelving Rock Falls trail is a relatively easy hike that passes by a 50-foot cascading waterfall.

In addition to the trails at The Pinnacle, other area mountain-biking destinations include Northwest Bay Trail in Bolton, Hudson Pointe Preserve in Queensbury, and Jabe Pond Trail in Hague. For a family-friendly recreational cycle, check out Warren County Bikeway. The 9.4-mile paved trail traverses an old railroad route between Lake George and Glens Falls.

Feel like pushing the limits? Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course in Bolton Landing offers 10 different challenges, including a kids' treetop adventure (ages six and up) comprising four treetop courses and nine ziplines. There's a low-rider zipline for adventure-seekers wanting to ease their way in, and six aerial adventure courses that can be combined to create a personalized experience. For something more tranquil, wander through the butterfly garden at Up Yonda Farm & Environmental Education Center in Bolton Landing. The 73-acre educational center also offers hiking trails and a full roster of kid-friendly learning programs. For a nostalgic throwback, pack the kids in the car and head to Glen Drive-In Movie Theater. It's one of just a few old-fashioned drive-in theaters still operating in the US.

What about winter? Located in the southern Adirondacks, Lake George is convenient to several ski and snowboarding destinations. With a vertical drop of 2537 feet, 14 lifts and 108 trails, Gore Mountain in North Creek offers a just-right challenge for everyone from beginners to black-diamond thrill seekers. West Mountain in Queensbury is a family-friendly ski area with 35 trails and five lifts. Uphill skiing is an option at Hickory Ski Center in Warrensburg. The ski area also offers all levels of traditional downhill trails and a network of cross-country ski trails.

Even if you'd rather sip hot chocolate by the fireplace than bundle up for a day on the slopes, there's still plenty to do in Lake George. The region begins to gear up for the holiday season right after Thanksgiving when thousands of twinkling lights illuminate Shepard Park just in time for the seasonal kick-off parade. At about the same time, local restaurants debut outdoor igloo dining, a popular offering at some of the world's best ice hotels.

Another major winter draw, the Lake George Winter Carnival runs every weekend in February. Established in 1961, the annual event features a full roster of fun activities, including cook-off competitions for winter belly-warmers like chowder and chili, polar plunges, fireworks, outhouse races (yes, it's a thing), beach bonfires, and a glacier golf tournament. If attending the carnival is a priority, consider Fort William Henry Hotel. Located in Lake George Village, it's a central location for easy access to carnival fun.

For a grande dame experience, The Sagamore Resort is a good choice. The luxury hotel built in 1883 features over-the-top 21st-century amenities delivered in old-world style. It's also home to The Sagamore Golf Course, an 18-hole course that ranks among Golf magazine's top 100, and one of the coolest pools around the world. For family-friendly accommodations, check out Adirondack Diamond Point Lodge. Located on the western shore of Lake George, the resort offers a range of suites — some with kitchenettes — suitable for groups of two to eight. There's an on-site laundry facility, a heated pool, and a playground. Another worthy contender, Bayside Resort Lake George, offers traditional hotel rooms and individual cabins with kitchenettes. There's also a private beach, in addition to on-site amenities including barbecue grills, a pickleball court, and an indoor heated pool.

Located about 50 miles south of Lake George, Albany International Airport (ALB) — the most stressful small airport in the United States — is the best air-travel gateway for the region. Car rentals are available. Other transportation options include taxis, rideshares, and bus service.