*Featured Photo by Bill Mahar

 

The Aurora Borealis phenomenon. These spectacular natural light shows dazzle the skies in a variety of shimmering hues. Beside delivering breathtaking beauty when witnessed in person, these sightings also provide photo opportunities to forever cherish.

 

Studies have shown that a highly energetic solar cycle is expected to peak between the period of late 2024 and early 2026*, meaning the opportunity for phenomenon sightings during this time frame greatly increases; and with the Adirondacks being relatively close to the north magnetic pole (on the islands of Northeastern Canada**), the Lake George Area offers superb chances to experience the Northern Lights for yourselves.

 

But where in the area are the best spots to enjoy the lights at their biggest and brightest? Well, not to worry, check out some recommended open-area locations to capture the perfect view (and photoshoots), as well as potentially cross off some boxes on your travel bucket lists.

 

First things first, though, let’s go over some helpful tips to better be prepared and help improve your experience.


Aurora Advice

The Northern Lights are quite rare of a spectacle. As such, it’s a good idea to be well-equipped – both physically and mentally – to ensure a greater viewing experience. Here are some useful suggestions to consider before stepping out into the night.

 

Avoid Light Pollution

To best see the vibrant hues of the lights, you’re going to want to avoid overcrowded areas and city lights. (Because of this, the spots recommended below are more isolated spots, such as beaches and parks.)

Another helpful tidbit is to dim your phone or device’s brightness when taking pictures, especially in areas with groups of people. This allows everyone to see the sky more vividly, as well as capture their own excellent shots.

 

Prepare for Cold Weather

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)** reports that auroras typically occur around spring and fall equinoxes as a result of geomagnetic patterns. Because of this, expect to encounter colder nights when going outside. Make sure to bring coats and jackets, and perhaps additional layers, to best keep warm and comfortable.

 

Keep Safe, Be Prepared

If you’re going out to get a good vantage point of the Aurora Borealis, it’s important to be prepared and stay safe. Traversing the outdoors in the middle of the night can be scary, but there are ways to combat this:

 

  • Bring flashlights to view your surroundings if there’s not a lot of light sources.
  • Communicate to someone where you’ll be headed in the event you become lost.
  • Ensure your phone or mobile devices are charged ahead of time.
  • Packing food and water is a great idea if you’re out for multiple hours.
  • Maps and guides are always a great resource to have on hand.

 

Prevent Traffic Backup

As much as everyone wants to gather around and witness the majestic lights, please make sure to be aware of your surroundings. Try and find a parking lot or area nearby, and avoid parking on the side of the road unless absolutely necessary. It’s crucial to ensure traffic runs smoothly, especially at night, when visibility on roads is limited.

 

Stay Updated

Much like with any outdoor activity, it’s beneficial to be aware of the predicted upcoming weather. Odds are a cloudy or rainy evening won’t yield much in regards to auroras. Remaining alert to the weather forecast can certainly grant you a clearer picture (pun intended) on when to better expect light visibility.

 

Not only this, but there’s also Aurora Viewline Forecasts to indicate the likelihood of the lights. The NOAA has a dashboard page *** that can show incoming Northern and Southern Lights, as well as illustrate recent history.


Local Lookouts

As previously mentioned, aurora enthusiasts will want to locate a spot with less light pollution (i.e., away from the city streets and packed neighborhoods). Rest assured though, the Lake George Area has a collection of open-ranged locations that should allow for easy access to any and all upcoming Northern Lights sightings.

 

Wayside Beach

Location:  Lake Luzerne

For More Info - Check out our Wayside Beach Listing

 

This beach in small-town Lake Luzerne provides plenty of open skies for the Northern Lights. Wayside has a wide clearing of trees surrounding it, as well as smaller islands around it. Lake Luzerne is also a much quieter locale, being a dozen or so miles away from more populated areas like Glens Falls, Queensbury, and Lake George.


Rogers Memorial Park

Location:  Bolton Landing

For More Info - Check out our Rogers Memorial Park Listing

 

Located 10 miles north of Lake George Village, Rogers Memorial Park offers a bit of respite from the main bouts of traffic and instead provides a serene viewing spot with the Adirondack Mountains as a perfect backdrop. Consider taking a photo on the pier or the public docks.


Veterans Memorial Park

Location:  Bolton Landing

For More Info - Check out our Veterans Memorial Park Listing

 

Veterans Memorial Park is only 1/2 mile north of the aforementioned Rogers Memorial Park in Bolton Landing. Much like Rogers, the public is able to take advantage of the docks for a spectacular viewpoint. If the space next to the park is full, there’s plenty of free available parking within Bolton itself.


Hague Town Beach Park

Location:  Hague

For More Info - Check out our Hague Town Beach Park Listing

 

Journey up north to the small town of Hague to get a closer look at the Aurora Borealis. Hague Town Park, located at the intersection of Routes 9N and 8, offers stretches of both grass and sand, as well as a plethora of public parking spaces.


Loon Lake Public Beach

Location:  Chestertown

For More Info - Check out our Loon Lake Public Beach Listing

 

With views of gorgeous mountains beyond Loon Lake, this public beach provides a wide-open area for Northern Lights viewing. This space was recently renovated and is kept well-maintained, so rest assured that the benches and picnic area are in pristine condition.


Brant Lake Public Boat Launch

Location:  Brant Lake

For More Info - Check out our Brant Lake Public Boat Launch Listing

 

Located off of Route 8, approximately 1-mile northeast of the hamlet of Brant Lake. While normally used for launching boats onto Brant Lake, this spot offers a hard-surface, accessible ramp that is perfect for scenic views and photo opportunities. A gravel parking lot for nearly a dozen vehicles, as well as restrooms, are found on-site.


Special mention goes to these helpful articles/links used as outside research for this publishing (links found below).

 

*“Northern Lights Forecast: Geomagnetic Storm May Cause Aurora Borealis To Be Visible In These States Tonight” (Forbes)  - Click Here for Article

 

**“Tips on Viewing the Aurora” (USA.gov – NOAA) - Click Here for Article

 

***“Aurora Dashboard and Forecast” (USA.gov – NOAA) – Click Here for Article