When people hear or read the phrase “Lake George Area,” they often think about the “Queen of American Lakes” herself and her clear blue waters creating picturesque views. And while that is certainly true, the Lake George Area is much more than the water—it’s also mountainous landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see.
Nestled at the southern start of the six-million-acre Adirondack Park, the area plays host to not only miles of lush forest, but also the presence of the Adirondack High Peaks in the distance, creating equally beautiful outlooks as the lake.
If you desire a more quiet or remote experience, or simply crave some spectacular mountainside views, then you’ll certainly want to check out these lodging accommodations—perfect for a relaxing outdoor escape, not to mention opportunities for outdoor recreation and dining.
Mountain View Lodging
For those looking for mountainside views, the northern portion of the Lake George Area, particularly North Creek and North River, has just that. With the nearby presence of Gore Mountain—the largest ski resort in New York—as well as the visibility of the Adirondack High Peaks further north, these small-knit communities provide the perfect outdoorsy respite.
Garnet Hill Lodge
Location: North River
Located in the small hamlet of North River, in the Town of Johnsburg, Garnet Hill Lodge’s rustic accommodations offer majestic overlooks of nearby Gore Mountain and the Adirondack High Peaks.
Accommodations
The classic Adirondack woodworking of the lodge’s iconic Log House, combined with renovated amenities and modern comforts, welcomes guests year-round. Wake up to a refreshing mountain breeze each morning in one of the scenic Balcony Rooms, or enjoy a more economical stay with equally impressive wooded views in the Log House’s Standard Rooms. If you prefer a more secluded stay, there are also available rooms in the Birches and Tea House cottages, which are only a short distance away from the Log House.
On-Site Amenities
In addition to the spacious and relaxing atmosphere of the property, perhaps the biggest perk of staying at the lodge is access to the attached Garnet Hill Outdoor Center—a four-season adventure hub perfect for outdoor recreation enthusiasts of all kinds.
From elite cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails in the winter, to warm-weather fun during the remaining seasons, such as hiking, mountain biking, and even paddling on Thirteenth Lake with available canoe and kayak rentals. With so many different outlets to explore, enjoying the great outdoors has never been easier.
And, after a day of Adirondack exploration, make sure to grab a meal at the Garnet Hill Lodge’s Log House Restaurant. Often open for dinner, as well as continental breakfast for resort guests, the restaurant’s fireplace is perfect for warming up during the snowy months, while the outdoor porch at sunset complements any meal on those sun-filled days.
Pictured: Garnet Hill Lodge; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
Goose Pond Inn
Location: North Creek
For a cozy respite right in North Creek, “in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains,” the Goose Pond Inn allows you to make the most out of this small-town setting.
Accommodations
Inside this charming 1894 building are four guest rooms, each with their own unique feel. For a cozy couple’s retreat, consider staying in the North Star or the Sleeping Bear. For a family-friendly experience, both the Sunway and Powder Pass come with available bunk beds.
*Pro Tip: For mountainside views specifically, both the North Star and the Sunway suites offer views of the nearby North Creek Ski Bowl area.
On-Site Amenities
No matter which option you choose, each comes with AC/heat, a bathroom, a sitting area, and even common living and dining areas. Breakfast is also served each morning for guests in the dining room, with welcoming choices like pancakes, French toast, and breakfast sandwiches.
Gore Mountain Lodge
Location: North Creek
Situated at the base of Gore Mountain—in fact, a mere two minutes away from the lifts—lies Gore Mountain Lodge, a peaceful home base for anyone wishing to venture to the nearby ski resort or ski bowl.
Accommodations
Each one of the lodge’s ten guest rooms is thoughtfully decorated to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, with either two queen-sized beds or a king-sized bed with available bunks. Enjoy a good night’s rest as you wake up to the nearby mountain ranges at sunrise, as well as the lodge’s personal garden.
On-Site Amenities
With the convenience of Gore right next door, a day on the slopes is readily accessible. Whether embarking on the snow-covered terrain, or cruising the dirt road mountain biking trails, you can find yourself exploring from dawn through dusk.
Attached to the lodge property is becks Tavern, a German-inspired restaurant with both German and American fare that will be sure to fill you up after a long day in the outdoors. Often times, becks hosts live music during the weekends, featuring local bands happy to play for a warm, captivated audience. However, if you prefer more privacy during your meal, consider checking out one of their cozy heated yurts, fantastic for a more intimate or relaxing setting.
The Summit at Gore Mountain
Location: North Creek
For luxurious vacation rentals with those desired mountain views, look no further than The Summit at Gore Mountain.
Accommodations
Not to be confused with Gore’s actual summit, these vacation rentals, only three miles away from the base of the mountain, offer anywhere from one-bedroom units all the way up to three- and four-bedroom stays. As a four-season resort, you’ll find yourself waking up to a unique look at the Adirondack Mountains depending on the time of year.
On-Site Amenities
Soak in the views from a private deck or porch, unwind in your own personal jacuzzi, or warm up next to the fireplace on those chilly winter nights. There’s also a shared pool and sauna, as well as a game room.
Inn on Gore Mountain
Location: North Creek
If you’re searching for suitable lodging for the entire family, or perhaps a large, private group, you can book the ultimate year-round mountain retreat at The Inn on Gore Mountain, situated at the base of the ski resort.
Accommodations
The Inn’s expansive and exclusive property can lodge up to 32 total guests, consisting of four Adirondack lodging houses, each with a total of four beds and baths, a full kitchen, and a common dining area. Each bedroom, meanwhile, also comes equipped with a fireplace to warm up during those frigid winter nights.
On-Site Amenities
Only a short walk from each of the cabins sits the Main Lodge, the heart of the inn, and a perfect gathering spot. Inside the lodge is a large commercial kitchen and a 30-foot bar for meals and celebrations. There is also a lounge area and a spacious game room with classics like foosball and shuffleboard.
Meanwhile, guests can enjoy the great outdoors on the property grounds with two available walking trails, a hilltop gazebo and firepit for summer evenings, and plenty of space for all types of gatherings.
North River Hobby Farm
Location: North River
Modern comforts and amenities combined with the feel of classic Adirondack camping. North River Hobby Farm has everything you need for a unique glamping experience across 40 acres of nature—not to mention the spectacular mountain views.
Accommodations
North River Hobby Farm’s property features seven cozy vacation cabins, decorated with handcrafted furniture, fresh new beds and bathrooms, and fully stocked kitchenettes. There are also four glamping tents, each fully furnished with beds, lights, and decks.
Both accommodation types offer the peace and privacy often associated with camping, with sites surrounded by woods and wildflower meadows as well as firepits to create those authentic campfires with.
On-Site Amenities
Though the lodgings are rustically charming, the included amenities ensure you feel both comfort and convenience. Guests are invited to join in on breakfast at the on-site shop in the mornings, as well as wood-fired pizza making in the evenings at the pizza pavilion.
You can also book an exclusive sauna or hot tub session to refresh and rejuvenate after a long day, and rent one of the provided golf carts to tour the expansive property grounds.
Pictured: The wood-fired pizza pavilion at North River Hobby Farm; Photo Credit: Jaynie Ellis
Recreation and Activities
With the surrounding mountainous landscapes, there’s no better opportunity to get out and immerse yourself in nature. The Adirondack Park serves as a major source of inspiration for all types of outdoor enthusiasts, with its abundance of treks and trails.
The communities of North Creek, North River, and even nearby Chester, are always open for exploration, with different avenues for recreation all year long, plus some additional memorable experiences to enhance your getaway.
Mountain Adventures
If you’re looking for year-round adventure, look no further than on the slopes and trails of Gore Mountain in North Creek.
Winter visits to this resort are welcomed with over 100 trails of downhill skiing and snowboarding trails across four peaks, with widely diverse terrain for any and all skill levels. Of course, Gore also makes for an excellent spot during the warmer months of the year, with available hiking and downhill mountain biking trails, and even a nine-hole disc golf course among the resort’s wooded trails and forest peaks.
Right next door to Gore is the North Creek Ski Bowl, with a 4 km trail network that provides groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the day, and twilight skiing during the evening hours of the winter season. Meanwhile, during the summer and fall, the Ski Bowl has its own group of hiking and mountain biking trails.
And, after your time on the slopes, make sure to visit the Ski Bowl’s lodge, The Station, complete with plenty of seating space, a retail shop, and even a year-round restaurant, Timber & Thyme.
Pictured: An aerial shot from the slopes at Gore Mountain.
Hiking
Hosting miles of treks with breathtaking views—especially of the Adirondack Mountains—the Lake George Area is a haven for hikers of all abilities.
If you’ve already explored the trails found around the resorts at Gore Mountain, the North Creek Ski Bowl, and Garnet Hill Outdoor Center, you can encounter multiple series of hikes as part of the Brant Lake Challenge and Chester Challenge. Both challenges contain several trails of varying lengths and difficulties, with dedicated recreation enthusiasts aiming to complete them all.
The hikes of the Brant Lake Challenge are all near the hamlet of Brant Lake, a 25-minute drive from the North Creek Area, while the Chester Challenge trails are near the Town of Chester, which is a 20-30-minute drive. All these climbs reward you with breathtaking views of the Adirondacks, and if you’re willing, multiple hikes can be accomplished during your trip.
*To learn more, check out our Brant Lake Challenge and Chester Challenge listings.
If you want to spend more time in the mountains, a handful of moderate-to-challenging hikes can also be found in nearby North Creek and Johnsburg, including:
- Crane Mountain Hiking Trail – A challenging, but rewarding three-mile loop with gorgeous panoramic views.
- Meade Mountain and Beckman Mountain Hiking Trail – A moderate two-mile round trip with some of the best views of Gore and Crane Mountains, as well as Loon Lake.
- Peaked Mountain Hiking Trail – An all-day hike in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness for the true Adirondack adventurers.
Pictured: A scenic view from the Kipp Mountain Hiking Trail in Chestertown; Photo Credit: Jaynie Ellis
Additional Activities
If you’re searching for unique experiences to occupy your travels, look no further than these memorable activities in the surrounding area.
- Barkeater Chocolates - Located less than a mile away from The Summit at Gore Mountain grounds, this locally owned, handcrafted chocolate factory offers tours of the facility, some where you can even make your own chocolates.
- Adirondack Glassblowing Studio - Open seasonally in North Creek, you can sign up for one- or two-hour classes with a professional glassblower where you can create your own masterpiece from a variety of templates.
- Natural Stone Bridge and Caves – A 25-minute drive to nearby Pottersville is home to the largest marble cave entrance in the eastern U.S. Explore several caves, potholes, and more on a self-guided tour around this picturesque trail.
- Circle B Ranch – This family-owned ranch in Chestertown allows riders to observe Adirondack wildlife and mountain views with guided horseback riding tours.
- Revolution Rail – Embark on a railbiking journey at Revolution Rail’s North Creek Station, where you can pedal over the Hudson River and through the Adirondack woodlands.
Pictured: A family railbiking through one of the tours at Revolution Rail's North Creek Station.
Dining Spots
If your choice of lodging doesn’t include meals, or you just want to check out the local dining scene, there are several small local establishments with some fantastic flavors.
Take a brisk walk or drive along North Creek’s Main Street and stop in Café Sarah, a local award-winning bakery with dozens of delectable pastries and baked goods, as well as other appetizing options such as sandwiches, paninis, and soups—all made with organic, locally sourced ingredients. Other available options along Main Street include fresh meats at Izzy’s Market & Deli, and a small-town full-service bar at The Barking Spider.
Meanwhile, around the Chester area, you can enjoy a phenomenal sit-down dining experience with wine and seafood at Café Adirondack in Pottersville, or Italian cuisine at Chestertown’s The Place. If you’re looking for more unique dining, consider grabbing a fountain soda at the Main Street Ice Cream Parlor in Chestertown, or a flatbread pizza or panini at The Hub in Brant Lake.
Aside from the meals served at local restaurants, you can enjoy fresh, locally grown produce, meats, and all other types of foods at one of the nearby farmers’ markets that set up shop during the summer months in the area. These markets are well-known suppliers for healthy nutrition, quality ingredients, and even host artisan craft vendors selling unique handcrafted items—perfect for gifts and souvenirs.
The North Creek Farmers Market occurs at Riverfront Park on Thursdays from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Meanwhile, the Chestertown Farmers Market takes place in front of Chestertown’s Town Hall on Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
*For even more dining experiences, make sure to check out our Dining page.
Pictured: The Chestertown Farmers Market; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien