CapNY Road Trip to Lake George in Spring Time

Updated: July 2025

Lake George – the “Queen of American Lakes” – is one of the crown jewels of the Capital Region. A road trip to this destination is a great opportunity to take in the beauty of the lake and the first stirrings of spring. You’ll enjoy vast history, trails and beautiful architecture all along the way.

For our road trip to Lake George we’ve created an interactive map using Google Earth, with links, stops and information to help you with your drive. If you aren’t able to leave your home, you can use this map to go on a virtual drive. Access the interactive map HERE.

The Lake George Drive

A road trip to Lake George begins by exiting the Northway I-87 at Lake George Village (Exit 22). Making a left onto Route 9N, which will lead you through Lake George Village. Lake George makes small appearances throughout the village drive, and its beauty is spectacular. If open, take a detour down Beach Road to view Lake George and the Adirondacks from “Million Dollar Beach,” at the southern end of the lake.

Follow Route 9N through Lake George Village to the end of town, and keep right and continue on 9N along Lake Shore Drive. You’ll see some of the inns and resorts that make Lake George a thriving tourist destination in the warmer months.

Driving a little further, we came upon the charming Diamond Point Community Church, a historic church dedicated in August, 1879. You can take a virtual tour here. 

Continue north toward the village of Bolton Landing with lots of nearby hikes (the family-friendly trails at Up Yonda Farms are open, but the educational facilities are not). Visit the gorgeous Sabbath Day Scenic Lookout, which has two spots to pull over where you can eat some lunch, breathe in the fresh air and take in the incredible views of Lake George. During our drive, it was so quiet that we could hear dogs barking on the other side of the lake.

Break For Lunch

If you’re getting hungry, there are a few options nearby. You can order from Bolton Landing Brewing Company and/or get some delicious elixirs at Huddle Bay Wine and Spirits,. There are a couple of options on our Google Earth map, but you might want to plan ahead and pack a lunch or some snacks.

Further along the drive, you’ll get a closer view of Lake George as the road meets the shore. You’ll pass Silver Bay and the sprawling YMCA Family Retreat Center on the way to the town of Ticonderoga. As you approach Ticonderoga, you’ll find the quaint and historic Valley View Memorial Chapel, an iconic structure set atop a hill in the Lord Howe Valley. The chapel was dedicated August 25, 1901.

Now you choose how to head home. Turn around and head back south along the lake, or drive around the entire lake. By crossing through Ticonderoga and heading south on Route 22, your views will be sweeping farmland. Just make sure you have enough fuel to get home – there are no stations along this route. Detailed directions here.

Stretching Your Legs

You may feel like a stretch during your road trip to Lake George. Options include several hiking trails that offer extraordinary views of the lake, many with streams, ponds and falls along the way. You can find a list of trails on the Lake George website. We recommend that you check ahead of time to make sure they are open to the public.

If history’s your thing or just want a little extra info along the way, you can check out The Warren County History Mapper. You will find a comprehensive list of historical sites around Lake George.

Please note that there are several spots throughout the drive where there is little to no cell service. If you are looking for historical markers, hiking trails or to order takeout, make sure to plan ahead by downloading information or calling businesses ahead of time. 

  • Written by: Rachel Dunn

7 Great Places to Ride Horses in CapNY

There’s no better view than the one from a saddle. The rhythmic pattern of horse hooves on a sandy path melts away all my stress of daily life. Plus, a sure-footed horse can carry us to places off the beaten path through scenic fields, alongside streams, and into the foothills of the Adirondack and Catskill mountains.
  • Exploring CapNY By Horse

From north to south, the capital region has great places to ride horses. Horseback trail riding is my favorite way to explore CapNY. Stables that rent horses for guided tours means you don’t have to own one to enjoy riding. Spring, summer and fall are the most popular times of year. Some barns offer winter rides as the weather allows.

Each trail riding location operates a little differently. Walk-ups can be accommodated at some places, where others require reservations. It’s always best to call ahead to confirm rates, availability and age requirements.

  • Riding North In Saratoga and Warren Counties

In the small town of Hadley, residents crowded the streets in early 1951. They were eagerly awaiting the arrival of a special rail delivery: a train car carrying 30 wild horses was arriving from Montana. As the horses stepped out of the train, wranglers were waiting. They drove the band of horses five miles north along Route 9N, through small towns, and up to Painted Pony Ranch. This was the first and only delivery of horses to the Adirondack area by railcar. But Painted Pony was far from the first riding ranch in the region.

The first Adirondack Mountain dude ranch opened in the 1920s. At the industry’s peak, there were almost 40 dude ranches and 19 horses-for-hire stables in the area. These three trail riding stables have been an integral part of CapNY cowboy culture for decades, and are favorite places to ride for non-horse people and equestrians alike.

  • Horseback Riding Near Albany and Troy

Not far from the bustling downtowns of Albany and Troy are acres of woods and open fields, which are perfect for exploring by horseback. Unforgettable aromas waft from wildflowers in the summer. And if you’re lucky, there’s a possibility of seeing deer, turkey and other small wildlife. Best of all, it’s possible to trade in city sidewalks for quiet trails less than 25 miles from Albany or Troy at these three great places to ride horses:

  • Catskill by Horseback

Though not as large as the Adirondacks, the Catskill Forest Preserve has nearly 290,000 acres of protected land, beckoning horseback riders of all ages and levels of experience. Unique from other riding destinations, stables in the southern part of the Capital Region offer multiple attractions for all ages.

Exotic animals, camping and paintball are part of the experience at the Bailiwick Animal Park and Riding Stables in Catskills. Mix and match activities for a full-day of family fun or make it into an overnight getaway.

  • Written by: Katie Navarra

Katie Navarra is a professional writer based in the Capital Region. She has written for Popular Science, The Motley Fool Blueprint, Western Horseman, Horse & Rider and others. She is also a life and executive career coach who helps clients find clarity and success in and out of the office. Learn more at katienavarra.com.