Written for Experience Our Adirondacks by guest blogger Danielle Jessie.

All the ways to cool off, including a waterfall challenge, swimming, paddling, and more! 

On a map of Hamilton County there are more rivers, ponds and lakes than roadways making it the premiere place to get on the water or in the water any way you like! While Long Lake holds a special place in my heart, the whole of Hamilton County is saturated with multitudes of rivers, lakes, and ponds that make for great places to cool off, dip a paddle, or cast a line. Below is a sampling of some spots throughout the region to get out there and get wet this summer! 

Long Lake

As I mentioned, Long Lake holds a very special place in my heart. Blue-lipped and teeth chattering, I was taught to swim by patient lifeguards in the morning hours before the Town Beach was fully opened to the public. Summers in Long Lake spent swimming and playing on the shore are where I learned to love being in, on, and around the water. The love of my home lake a current flowing through me so strong that at 20 years old I landed my dream job as a lifeguard at the Long Lake Town Beach for two consecutive summers of waterfront bliss. Let’s start there, shall we?

• Long Lake Town Beach – Lifeguards on duty 10am-6pm and a floating dock with fun for kids and adults alike. The dock features a slide, trampoline, and rope swings. This beach has public restrooms and a covered gazebo. The Adirondack Hotel and Waypoint Café are located within a short walk of the beach as well. They also feature a summer music series on the beach. 

• Little Tupper Lake - Located on Sabattis Circle Road, Little Tupper Lake is great for paddling and birdwatching. 

• Lake Eaton Campground and Day Use Area – Lake Eaton is a nice, small lake perfect for paddling. Grab a campsite and stay a few days or pack a picnic and get a day use pass. The swimming area features shallow water, so it tends to be a bit warmer than the Long Lake and is a great place to play with smaller children. 

• Buttermilk Falls – Located on the North Point Road, the walk in is only a short ways from the trailhead. This spot is both awe-inspiring and peaceful. Picnic tables are offered at different spots along the falls for a perfect picnic beside the roaring falls. 

• Forked Lake Campground – Located off North Point Road, this destination features several campsites and a beautiful waterfront just waiting for you to launch your canoe or kayak. 

Raquette Lake

Did you know that Raquette Lake is the largest natural lake in the Adirondacks? Over 100 miles of shoreline are ideal for exploration and some unique boating experiences.

• Burke’s Marina – Rent a boat and take to the high seas (lake) and explore Raquette Lake on your own terms. You can duck in some of the many bays and coves, throw out a fishing line, and marvel at the beautiful boat access-only properties that line its historic shores. 

• Raquette Lake Navigation – Experience Raquette Lake in style by embarking on an excursion or dining cruise upon the W.W. Durant. Take a scenic tour, or experience the culinary delight that is a dinner, lunch, buffet or brunch cruise on Raquette Lake. This family-owned business has been in operation since 1974. 

• Death Brook Falls – A short walk gets you to this waterfall also called “Secret Falls”. The trail can be found on the south side of Route 28 near the southern shore of Raquette Lake. This stunning falls drops 70 feet over a cliff and is best to visit when the water is high. 

Inlet

Located in the southwestern corner of the park, Inlet is a long-time favorite for boating, paddling, fishing, and more.

• Fulton Chain of Lakes – The easiest launch is on Fourth Lake and can accommodate both motorboats and paddlers. First through Eighth lakes offer great paddling and fishing. This chain of lakes is one of the best for fishing in the entirety of the Fulton Chain Wild Forest. 

• Cascade Lake Loop and Falls – At a distance of 5.8 miles round trip, this moderate hike is packed with maximum fun. A wide trail which used to be the old route to Lake Cascade Camp takes you along the shores of Cascade Lake. At around the 3-mile mark a side trail leads to the base of the falls. 

• Limekiln Falls – The trail for this falls starts in Limekiln Lake CampgroundThe falls become visible after about a 2-mile hike in and continue on down for about half a mile. To access this site there is a day use fee for Limekiln Lake Campground. 

Indian Lake

Meet Indian Lake! Known as “The Whitewater Capital of New York State” it also offers waterfalls and a stunning piece of waterfront on Lake Abanakee.

• Whitewater Rafting –  Plan your next adventure on the rapids. Join licensed guides for a thrilling ride down the Hudson River. You can even go for a swim!

• Town of Indian Lake Public Beach – The beach features a buoyed swimming area and swim dock, restrooms, pavilion, swings and a beach volleyball court. You’ll have everything you need for the perfect beach picnic day! 

• OK Slip Falls – At 6.4 miles round trip this falls has a drop of 200’ in the gorge below making it one of the highest waterfalls in the Adirondacks. This one is a must see! 

Speculator & Lake Pleasant

Located in the southern Adirondacks, Speculator, NY is a spectacular "all-season vacationland" with plenty of watery adventure.

• Whiskey Brook Falls – This waterfall is easily accessed from the side of Route 30 in Speculator. Park on the side of the road and a 50-foot walk upstream takes you to this little marvel. 

• Christine Falls – A highlight of this double falls is a local swimming hole! The waterfall can be accessed easily from Route 30 via the parking area. Wander down the slope to the falls and last one in is a rotten egg!

• Sacandaga Lake & Lake Pleasant – Dig out your rod and reel; these are great lakes for fishing! The campground offers rentals for canoes and kayaks. Brown and rain trout are stocked in both lakes and  small mouth bass, pickerel, and walleye can also be found here. *Please be sure to clean, drain and dry all boats as the invasive spiny waterflea is present in these lakes.  

Piseco

Embark on a mission for the elusive lake trout or land-locked salmon or paddle in Piseco!

• Piseco Lake – Launch at Piseco Lake Campground and Day Use Area for a day use fee or for free at Poplar Point. Tributaries offer some fun opportunities for paddling, but please be aware that this is a large lake and can get very windy. 

Whatever way you choose, get out there and explore all of the beautiful water around us! In Hamilton County, your next wet and wild adventure is only a puddle jump away.

*If you are interested in learning more about the waterfalls mentioned above you can download the Waterfall Challenge brochure. Each waterfall is rated with a point system based on difficulty. Rack up 12 points to receive your official Waterfall Challenge certificate and patch.