{"id":12119,"date":"2024-08-20T10:00:35","date_gmt":"2024-08-20T15:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lakehomes.com\/info\/?p=12119"},"modified":"2024-09-17T15:19:50","modified_gmt":"2024-09-17T20:19:50","slug":"top-five-things-to-do-in-lake-champlain-ny","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lakehomes.com\/info\/lifestyles\/top-five-things-to-do-in-lake-champlain-ny","title":{"rendered":"Top Five Things To Do in Lake Champlain, NY"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>Estimated reading time: <\/span>1<\/span> minute<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Lake<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the U.S., Vermont and New York are both home to the magnificent Lake Champlain, a natural freshwater lake with <\/span>435 square miles of surface water <\/span><\/a>that boasts an exciting array of historical attractions, outdoor activities, and delicious food. While the Vermont side of this lake is gorgeous, the New York portion of Lake Champlain offers a unique beauty. Almost entirely situated in the <\/span>Adirondack Mountains<\/span><\/a>, this intersection of mountainous greenery and expansive waters is nothing short of incredible. The New York section of this major lake certainly deserves its spotlight, so check out five top attractions to discover on <\/span>Lake Champlain, New York<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore Quaint Towns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
Photo courtesy of Town of Ticonderoga<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

After World War II, when railroad travel replaced boats as the most reliable form of transportation, Lake Champlain grew in popularity as a vacation destination. However, the lake\u2019s status as an <\/span>integral body of water in U.S. military history<\/span><\/a> still remains alive and well in New York\u2019s charming, historic <\/span>towns adjacent to the lake<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

All in New York, you can explore the towns of <\/span>Essex<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Ticonderoga<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Crown Point<\/span><\/a>. While you\u2019re there, check out old, well-preserved buildings dating back to the 1700s, as well as the enchanting restaurants and shops that these towns have to offer. At Crown Point, you can even walk through the <\/span>ruins of two forts<\/span><\/a> from wars between the British and French prior to the American Revolution\u2014an intriguing attraction for any history buff. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

Go Fishing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Fishing
Photo courtesy of Lake Champlain Fishing Quarters<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

On New York\u2019s Adirondack side of the lake, some unique features will make you want to grab your fishing gear. Due to the lake\u2019s large size, each area of Lake Champlain has its own regions recommended for catching different types of fish. For example, near <\/span>Port Henry<\/span><\/a> or the Lake <\/a><\/span>Champlain Bridge<\/span><\/a>, you can expect to reel in a trout or salmon. While you\u2019re there, you can check out the amazing views from Port Henry, known as the \u201cSan Francisco of the Adirondacks\u201d due to the incredible overlook of the lake. <\/span><\/p>\n

Further, Lake Champlain is actually considered <\/span>one of the best bass fishing lakes in the U.S.<\/span><\/a> Specifically, the area close to Ticonderoga, New York, known as \u201cTi,\u201d is one of the most popular spots in the country for <\/span>catching largemouth bass<\/span><\/a>. In fact, the <\/span>Ticonderoga boat launch<\/span><\/a> hosts dozens of bass tournaments<\/a> every year. When you\u2019re on the New York side of Lake Champlain, there\u2019s no shortage of spots to cast a line.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

Hit the Hiking Trails<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Champlain
Photo courtesy of Adirondack.net<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

If hiking is your preferred hobby, the New York side of Lake Champlain has over <\/span>200 miles of hiking paths<\/span><\/a> known as the Champlain Area Trails (CAT) with a 30-mile loop between Westport and Essex, New York. On these trails, you can essentially hike the lake and experience the rugged Adirondack Mountains and peaceful Lake Champlain. <\/span><\/p>\n

Depending on which parts of nature you\u2019re most interested in seeing, there\u2019s a CAT hiking trail suited for you. If you\u2019re interested in getting as many lakeside views as possible, you can hike around <\/span>Valcour Island<\/span><\/a>, a historical island with a lighthouse owned by New York State. If you\u2019re aiming for panoramic views from a mountaintop, there are plenty of hiking trails for you too. For an easy route, check out <\/span>Silver Lake Mountain<\/span><\/a> to see vast landscapes of mountains and water. For more of a challenge, you can climb <\/span>Lyon Mountain<\/span><\/a> to catch a glimpse of Montreal\u2019s skyline. You can even explore the abandoned fire tower while you\u2019re at the summit. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

Discover the Ausable Chasm<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Ausable
Photo courtesy of Ausable Chasm<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

Another unique feature of Lake Champlain\u2019s New York section is the <\/span>Ausable Chasm<\/span><\/a>. This chasm is the oldest natural attraction in the U.S., comprised of 500 million-year-old sandstone from the Cambrian Period. Most visitors embark on a <\/span>two-part tour<\/span><\/a> that includes a hike through the upper chasm and a raft ride through the lower chasm on the Ausable River, a small river that eventually empties into Lake Champlain. There are plenty of options to explore this \u201cGrand Canyon of the Adirondacks,\u201d however you choose. Whether you opt for a raft, boat, or nighttime lantern tour, you won\u2019t want to miss out on this natural wonder.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

Grab a Bite<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Deer's
Photo courtesy of I Love NY<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

Throughout the New York side of Lake Champlain, you\u2019re bound to discover great restaurants. Complete with peaceful views of the lake and mountains, you can find anything from pub food to seafood to breakfast cafes. In Elizabethtown, NY, the most popular destination is the <\/span>Deer\u2019s Head Inn<\/span><\/a>, which serves hand-prepared farm-fresh food. Open since Thomas Jefferson\u2019s presidency in the early 1800s; this restaurant also served as an important place in the town\u2019s political history as the County Seat of Essex County. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re in the town of Westport, home to the <\/span>only professional theater in the Adirondacks<\/span><\/a>, you\u2019ll want to check out <\/span>The Galley Restaurant<\/span><\/a>. Here, you\u2019ll find seafood, a boutique, a full entertainment schedule, and relaxing views of the lake and nearby Westport Marina. Regardless of which town you\u2019re staying in during your visit to Lake Champlain, there\u2019s an abundance of great food with waterside views to discover.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If the combination of stunning mountains, a massive lake, delicious food, and exciting history intrigues you, learn more about the New York side of Lake Champlain <\/span>HERE<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

<\/div>