Great Scenic Driving Tours of Adirondack Park: Lake George to Plattsburgh

The Adirondack Mountains in New York State are amazingly beautiful. Adirondack Park covers a large area in upper New York state, and contains an estimated 3,000 lakes and ponds, as well as thousands of hiking trails and recreational areas. Adirondack Park is known for excellent resorts and campgrounds, hiking, boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Visitors to the Adirondack region of New York have plenty of choices for a scenic driving tour. One of the best choices for a scenic driving tour of the region furthest east in Adirondack Park is the 1-87 driving tour, which begins in the popular summer resort town of Lake George and extends north to Plattsburgh, near the Canadian border.

The Adirondack Northway scenic driving tour (Interstate 87) provides plenty of options for those who want to extend this tour over the course of a few days, with scenic stops along the way. Many local attractions can be found at exits off the Adirondack Northway, or just a short drive away from one of the Adirondack Northway exits.

Lake George

Lake George has been a popular vacation destination for decades, with many visitors to Lake George returning year after year. As the start of the Adirondack Northway scenic driving tour, this resort town offers a full day of activities. Lake George offers a wide range of lodging for visitors, from the nearby campgrounds and motels, to the private islands available for rent.

Fort William Henry is located on the peaceful Lake George, and visitors may consider taking a tour of this historic landmark and fort. The Lake George Steamboat Company offers several different boat tours on Lake George, from a tour of the lake on the Minne-Ha-Ha, to fireworks and dinner cruises. Just down the road from Lake George, in Queensbury, New York is Six Flags Great Escape, a great place for thrill seekers and families traveling with children.

Lake George can be a nice place to stroll along the main strip, with a view of the lake on one side and many restaurants, bars, and souvenier shops along the way. Parking can be found at designated lots, as well as on side streets.

Alternative Route 9 through Bolton Landing

A nice alternative in the Lake George area of Adirondack Park for a scenic driving tour is leaving Lake George by taking Route 9N. This route winds up the road north through the towns of Diamond Head and Bolton Landing. There are several unique motels and campgrounds along the drive. Route 9 offers a scenic drive which allows easy access to stops along the way, before re-entering the entrance to the Adirondack Northway (I-87) at Bolton Landing. Look for the signs to Interstate 87 in Bolton Landing and connect at Exit 24 towards Chestertown and Pottersville.

Schroon Lake

The next stop on the Adirondack Northway scenic driving tour in Adirondack Park is the quaint town of Schroon Lake, New York. Schroon Lake is a small town that offers excellent vacation and recreation for visitors. One of the favorite spots for vacationers in Schroon Lake is the public beach. Lifeguards are on duty during the day and the clear Adirondack lake water is ideal for a swim break on the driving tour. A gazebo overlooks a small park in town and community events are often scheduled in Schroon Lake during the summer months.

Severance

Just up the road from Schroon Lake is the small town of Severance, New York. Mount Severance is located here, offering hikers of all levels a chance to take a hike to the peak of Mount Severance, just a two-mile trip from start to finish. The views from Mount Severance are remarkable, offering hikers a view of both Schroon and Paradox Lakes, as well as miles of the Adirondack Mountains. A stop at Mount Severance is a great choice along the Adirondack Northway scenic driving tour for the adventurous people in the group.

Fort Ticonderoga

Fort Ticonderoga has both history and fantastic views of Lake Champlain and Vermont to encourage travelers to make a stop along the Adirondack Northway scenic driving tour. Fort Ticonderoga can be easily reached by taking a side route east from Severance, near exit 28. The ride along route 74, heading east to Ticonderoga, New York, is winding, and travelers may want to stop along the way at some of the unique antique shops or small restaurants.

Plattsburgh

Plattsburg, New York sits at the northern end of Adirondack Park, near the border of Canada. The beautiful Lake Champlain borders Plattsburgh along the border of New York State and Vermont, offering visitors excellent fishing, swimming, boating, and outdoor opportunities. The ride up the Adirondack Northway towards Plattsburgh offers travelers excellent views of the Adirondack mountains. There are also many different attractions along the way, including the Ausable Chasm attraction.

Optional Tour to Montreal

Travelers who want to continue their journey through Adirondack Park and into Canada, may want to consider a side trip to Montreal. The city of Montreal is an interesting place to visit, offering both cultural attractions and excellent dining and sightseeing opportunities. Montreal is located just an hours drive from the last destination on the Adirondack Northway scenic driving tour, Plattsburgh, New York. All travel parties should have passports on hand if traveling over the Canadian border to Montreal.