6 Scenic Rides to Add to Your 2026 Americade Week in Lake George

If you’re heading to Lake George for Americade (May 27 – 30, 2026), there’s a good chance you’re looking for more than just one great ride. The area is full of routes that make it easy to turn your week into an unforgettable touring experience.

Whether you want a quick mountain climb, a relaxed ride along the shoreline, or a full-day adventure deeper into the Adirondack Park, these 6 scenic rides offer the best views in the region.

1. Take In the Views on Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway

A go-to ride in the Lake George area, Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway may be short at 5.5 miles, but the views are worth it. The road winds up the mountain with several scenic pull-offs along the way, leading to a summit that overlooks the lake and surrounding peaks.

• Highlight: 100-mile views from the 2,030-foot summit.
• Rider Tip: If you’re looking to stop nearby, Prospect Mountain Diner is an easy option at the base of the highway before or after your ride for breakfast and lunch.
• Note: There is typically a small per-motorcycle fee to access the highway.

2. Cruise the West Side of Lake George on Route 9N

For riders who want steady lake views and a rhythmic, winding pace, Route 9N (Lake Shore Drive) is a top-tier choice.

Running north from Lake George Village toward Ticonderoga, this route hugs the western shore and passes through the charming town of Bolton Landing.

Here are some recommended scenic stops:

• Rogers Memorial Park (Bolton Landing): Located right on Main Street, this park has a large pier and a gazebo. It’s a perfect place to grab a coffee in town and walk down to the docks for a panoramic view of the Narrows.
• Sabbath Day Point Overlook: About 10 minutes north of Bolton, the road emerges from the trees to a dramatic opening. This is a dedicated roadside pull-off that offers arguably the most iconic, wide-angle view of the entire lake.
• Hague Town Beach Park: Further north in the town of Hague, this park features a wide-open lawn and public docks.
• Bicentennial Park (Ticonderoga): At the northern end of 9N, this park offers a change of scenery with the "Kissing Bridge" (a covered bridge) and the beautiful waterfalls of the La Chute River.

Check out some additional ride highlights:

• Terrain: Smooth pavement with sweeping curves and multiple lake-level overlooks.
• Vibe: A classic Adirondack "lake shore" feel with plenty of spots to pull over and take photos without leaving the main road.
• Total Distance: Approximately 35 miles from Lake George Village to Ticonderoga.

3. Go for the Full Loop Around Lake George

If you have more time, doing a full loop around Lake George gives you a little bit of everything. This circuit takes you through some of the most diverse terrain in the Adirondacks, from rocky cliffs to quiet river falls.

You’ll catch changing views of the lake, stretches of wooded road on the eastern side, and several spots that make it easy to stop and grab a bite.

• The Route: Follow 9N North to Ticonderoga, then take Route 22 South to Route 149 West to return to the Village.
• Vibe: It’s one of those rides that feels just as much about the journey as the destination.
• Pro Tip: The parking lot at Bicentennial Park in Ticonderoga is spacious and much easier for groups to navigate than the tight street parking in the middle of the Village.

4. Explore Nearby Lake Luzerne and the Hadley Overlook

If you’re looking to switch things up, heading out toward Lake Luzerne and Hadley is an easy ride that delivers some seriously underrated waterfront views.

This route swaps the crowds of Lake George for the winding banks of the Hudson and Sacandaga Rivers. It’s a fantastic mix of smooth cruising and "off-the-beaten-path" scenery, perfect for a morning run or a relaxed afternoon escape.

• The Route: Take 9N South from Lake George into Lake Luzerne. Cross into Hadley and pick up North Shore Road (County Rd 4). You’ll travel along the Sacandaga River and past the Stewart’s Bridge Reservoir before reaching the Conklingville Dam.
• Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for the Hadley Overlook just past the Conklingville Dam. It’s a small roadside pull-off, but it offers a massive payoff with a bird’s-eye view of the dam and the northern end of the Great Sacandaga Lake.
• Recommendation: On your way through Lake Luzerne, pull off at the public beach across from the school for a quick stretch and a great view of the lake. For a full meal, hit The Long Horn Restaurant & Pub—it’s an Adirondack staple with a classic tavern feel that has been welcoming bikers for years.

5. Head North to Lake Placid

Lake Placid is another ride that’s well worth the extra time. The drive north is scenic on its own, and once you get there, the village gives you a great place to walk around, eat, and explore.

If you are looking for even more mountain views, this is the premier day trip from the Lake George area.

• Distance: This is a full-day commitment, approximately 80 miles one-way from the Village.
• Whiteface Mountain: If Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway is open for the season, that can be a great add-on for riders.
• Scenic Highlight: The stretch through Wilmington Notch offers dramatic views of high rock walls and the Ausable River.

6. Take a Day Trip to Ausable Chasm

Are you up for a longer ride? Head north to Ausable Chasm for an unforgettable day trip!

Often called the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” this stop gives you a completely different kind of scenery: towering sandstone cliffs, rushing water, and dramatic views you won’t find around the village.

The ride itself is just as rewarding, taking you through scenic Adirondack stretches before arriving at one of the region’s oldest and most unique natural attractions.

• The Route: For the most scenic experience, take 9N North all the way through Crown Point and Westport to Keeseville. While you can take I-87 North for a faster 75-minute trip, the backroads offer much better sweepers and lake views.
• Vibe: A mix of scenic cruising and adventure—this one feels like a full "destination" experience rather than just a quick loop.
• Pro Tip: You don't actually have to pay for a tour to see the best view. Pull into the parking lot and walk out onto the U.S. Route 9 bridge—the sight of the chasm and the falls from the bridge is legendary and completely free.
• Recommendation: If you have the time (and the gear), the "Adventure Trail" via ferrata is a blast, but even just the self-guided walking trails offer incredible photo ops of the rock formations.

Check Out Americade's Own Guided Rides

If you’d rather leave the planning to the experts, Americade offers several official guided and unguided tours. These are excellent for riders who want to explore deeper into Washington County or Vermont without worrying about navigation.

• Amish Country & Farm Tour: A 120-mile ride through the rural backroads of Washington County, featuring open farmland and a farm-to-table lunch.
• Adirondack Experience: A long, 240-mile journey through the heart of the Adirondacks that leads to a remote lodge on the shores of Fourth Lake.
• NY & VT Covered Bridges Ride: A perennial favorite that takes you through at least seven historic covered bridges and into some of Vermont’s most scenic villages.
• Vermont High Gaps Ride: An epic 225-mile trek that crosses two distinct mountain passes in the Green Mountains, including both sweeping curves and steep, serpentine climbs.
• The Queens Loop: A 110-mile "insider" version of the Lake George loop that includes hidden backroads, a brief stint in Vermont, and a lakeside lunch in a secluded bay.

Get details about more Americade rides here: https://americade.com/rides/

Make the Most of Your Lake George Bike Week

From quick rides with a view to longer day trips through the Adirondacks, there are plenty of ways to add more road time to your Lake George stay. Even fitting in one or two of these scenic rides can make your Americade weekend feel even more memorable.

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