Beat the heat! Get out on the water this summer at these 10 unique locations in New York.
1. Mohawk River - Twin Bridges
Boat Launch Location: 219 Towpath Rd, Clifton Park, NY 12065
Parking Details: There is a small parking lot just to the right of the bridge where paddlers can unload. Boat launch is directly under the bridge.
Rentals Available: No, although you can rent kayaks nearby at Upstate Kayak Rentals in Waterford.
Pros: Unique view of the Twin Bridges, plenty of space to explore.
Cons: Not the best water for swimming, the traffic from the thruway can be quite loud.
Miscellaneous Information: Be mindful of the current when paddling on rivers. I prefer to start paddling upstream, and then float on the way back to avoid going too far downstream.
2. Lake George
Boat Launch Location: 4922 Lake Shore Dr, Bolton, NY 12814
Parking Details: There is a fairly large parking lot at Rogers Park as well as a road to the boat launch that goes directly to the water for larger watercraft.
Rentals Available: No, but you can rent at the Lake George Kayak Co. nearby in Bolton Landing.
Pros: Breathtaking view of Lake George, crystal clear water for swimming, the vastness of the lake offers many unique areas to explore, the facilities and beach area at Rogers Park are well kept and great for picnicking after your paddle.
Cons: Boat traffic can be heavy especially on weekends.
Miscellaneous Information: There is a $5 parking fee during the summer months.
3. Lake Placid
Boat Launch Location: 12 George & Bliss Ln, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Parking Details: Large parking lot just a short distance from the docks and launch area.
Rentals Available: Yes, patrons can rent on site at Placid Boat Rentals.
Pros: Great water quality, plenty of parking spaces.
Cons: Heavy boat traffic since residents frequently travel to and from the islands.
Miscellaneous Information: Very close to the restaurants and attractions in the town of Lake Placid.
4. Chapel Pond
Boat Launch Location: NY-73 Scenic, Keene Valley, NY 12943
Parking Details: There is a very small parking lot on the side of NY-73.
Rentals Available: No
Pros: No motorized boat traffic, stunning mountain and cliff views, clean and calm waters, perfect for swimming.
Cons: Rather small lake, limited parking spots, have to walk down a hill to the shore to launch.
Miscellaneous Information: This is a popular destination for hikers wanting to cool off post hike and rock climbers in the area, parking can fill up quickly on the weekends. Use caution if you decide to park on the side of the road.
5. Balfour Lake
Boat Launch Location: Route 28N, Newcomb, NY 12852
Parking Details: There is a small parking lot off of Route 28N. You must walk down a gravel path for about 200ft to get to the boat launch.
Rentals Available: No
Pros: quiet, calm, not very popular so you may have the lake all to yourself.
Cons: scenery is average, you have to walk a little bit to get to the boat launch.
Miscellaneous Information: There is a summer camp at the southern end of the lake.
6. Heart Lake
Boat Launch Location: 1002 Adirondack Loj Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Parking Details: Parking is available at the Adirondack Loj, and there is another smaller lot closer to Heart Lake as well.
Rentals Available: Yes
Pros: secluded in the middle of the Adirondack High Peak region, amazing views, refreshing clear water with a nice beach.
Cons: can be crowded with hikers and campers.
Miscellaneous Information: Reserve a parking spot or camp site at the Adirondack Loj weeks in advance. This is a very popular destination for hikers as there are many trails that start at the lodge. Check out the details here.
7. Follensby Clear Pond
Boat Launch Location: NY-30, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Parking Details: Day use and overnight parking is located in a mid sized parking lot off of NY-30.
Rentals Available: No
Pros: Free island camping sites are available, cool islands dotted throughout the lake to explore, great water quality, can portage to other lakes in the area, lots of loons.
Cons: Popular spot for canoers, kayakers, and campers.
Miscellaneous Information: Campsites fill up quickly on the weekend.
8. Saratoga Lake
Boat Launch Location: Browns Beach 511 NY-9P, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Parking Details: There is a huge parking lot at Browns beach with easy access to the launch.
Rentals Available: Yes, rentals are available at Browns Beach and at Fish Creek.
Pros: Multiple places to launch from, each part of the lake is unique, restaurants close to each of the launches, close to downtown Saratoga Springs.
Cons: Heavy boat traffic, poor water quality in recent years due to algae blooms.
Miscellaneous Information: There are multiple places to launch at Saratoga Lake which are as follows: Browns Beach, Saratoga Lake State Boat Launch, and Fish Creek Marina. (Photo taken at Browns Beach)
9. Moreau Lake
Boat Launch Location: Moreau Lake State Park
Parking Details: There is boater parking off the side of the road shortly after you enter the park or boaters can park at the beach.
Rentals Available: Yes
Pros: Calm water, can easily paddle the whole lake, great for fishing, have the state park amenities - grills, tables, playground, etc.
Cons: No cons, great place to spend the whole day with plenty to do at the park.
Miscellaneous Information: $8 day use fee.
10. Hudson River - DEC Corinth Boat Launch
Boat Launch Location: 296-304 Spier Falls Rd, Gansevoort, NY 12831
Parking Details: There is a parking lot off of Spier Falls Rd.
Rentals Available: No
Pros: Beautiful, unique scenery, picnic tables are available at the launch site.
Cons: Limited paddling space due to dam.
Miscellaneous Information: River current can be strong in the spring. I recommend going in late summer when the leaves are starting to turn.
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