The region surrounding Lake George is filled with wonderful attractions and activities that are well worth the short drive. When you are looking for things to do, consider visiting these popular attractions south, north, east and west of the Lake George region. There's something for everyone, whether you are looking for things to do with your family, an afternoon out with good friends, or a day alone with your special someone.
West Into the Southern Adirondacks: Whitewater Rafting & Garnet Mining
Along Route 28 toward North Creek, North River, and Indian Lake, the Hudson River Gorge draws whitewater rafting outfitters running trips through some of the wildest rapids in the Northeast. Adirondack Adventures Whitewater Rafting in North River runs guided rafting, tubing, and kayak instruction through the Hudson River Gorge, with custom overnight trips available.
In North Creek, Beaver Brook Outfitters has been family-owned since 1991, offering a 15-mile Hudson River Gorge trip, canoe and kayak trips on Thirteenth Lake, guided tubing, and wall tent camping. Also based in North River, ARO Adventures - Adirondack River Outfitters has run whitewater trips on the Hudson, Black, and Moose Rivers since 1981, and its riverside Adventure Center adds an aerial zipline and ropes course, rock climbing, and paintball for those who want to stay busy between rafting seasons.
Further west in Indian Lake, Adirondac Rafting Company is a family-owned outfitter with 25-plus years guiding trips on the Upper Hudson River Gorge, situated right at the put-in point.
While in the area, Gore Mountain Gem & Mineral Shop in North Creek sits on one of the largest garnet deposits on the planet. Visitors get a short history lesson before hunting for their own garnets, with finds sold by weight at the shop. It's open daily from July 1 through Labor Day and is about 35 minutes from Lake George.
North to Pottersville and Beyond: Caves & Canyons
In Pottersville, just north of the lake, Natural Stone Bridge and Caves Park is home to the largest marble cave entrance in the eastern United States. A self-guided trail winds above and below ground past waterfalls, potholes, and lighted caves, with gemstone mining, disc golf, and a bouldering wall rounding out the visit. In winter, the park opens 14-plus miles of snowshoe trails on weekends from mid-December through March.
For a genuine day trip, Ausable Chasm sits much farther north near Lake Champlain, close to Keeseville. Dating back to 1870, it's one of the oldest natural attractions in the country, with a 150-foot-deep gorge to explore by riverwalk, raft float tour, rappelling, or rock climbing, plus lantern tours after dark and dedicated winter tours.
South Toward Saratoga: Trains & Farm Fun
South of the lake in Corinth, Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway runs scenic train rides through the southern Adirondacks from a station about 30 minutes south of Lake George. The roughly 90-minute round trip covers about 10 miles of marshland and forest, with scenic, dinner, and themed seasonal trains available.
Farther south in Ballston Spa, Ellms Family Farm opens each fall with more than 40 attractions, including its Amazing Maize corn maze, pumpkin picking, gemstone mining, a petting zoo, and the Pumpkin Express train ride around the property.
Closer to Home
Not every worthwhile stop requires a long drive. Towns like Bolton Landing, Chestertown, Warrensburg, Lake Luzerne, and Queensbury all sit close to Lake George village and make easy additions to a day out. The attractions above, in North Creek, North River, Indian Lake, Pottersville, Corinth, Ballston Spa, and Ausable Chasm, ask a bit more of the drive, but reward it with experiences you won't find closer to the lake.
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