Hit The Road & Experience the Lake George Region's Best Scenic Drives
Ready to hit the open road and admire the beauty of Lake George and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains? Taking a scenic drive is a wonderful way to discover cool new places, soak up all the views, and experience an area. Make your next visit to the Lake George Region memorable by checking out one of these top scenic drives.
Cruise Along the West Side of Lake George on Route 9N
Starting from Lake George Village and ending in Ticonderoga, you can drive the entire length of Lake George on Route 9N. This state highway is an excellent choice for a scenic drive because you'll be able to see views of the lake and Adirondack peaks, pass through wooded areas and local communities, and visit attractions or restaurants.
Without stopping, the drive from Lake George to Ticonderoga should take you approximately one hour. However, if you have some extra time on your hands, you could get a bite to eat, explore Fort Ticonderoga, or pick up a gift or souvenir at a shop.
Discover the Charming Community of Bolton Landing
Photo Credit: Hope Relly-Cobb
As a shorter alternative to driving the entire length of Lake George, consider a trip to just Bolton Landing instead. This hamlet is located north of Lake George Village, and you can take a leisurely drive through the community to see the different vacation homes, lodging properties, and views of the lake.
While you're there, we recommend a detour down Sagamore Road. You'll arrive at a bridge to The Sagamore that offers amazing views of Lake George on your left and right.
Get a Bird's-Eye View of Lake George From Prospect Mountain
Prospect Mountain is one of Lake George's most popular hikes, but did you know you can also drive up to the summit? The Veterans Memorial Highway at Prospect Mountain is a 5.5-mile long road that is typically open Memorial Day through early November, weather permitting.
This seasonal highway winds around the mountain, and along the way, you can pull off and park the car at three scenic overlooks, each offering a different view of the area. When you reach the end of the road, you'll arrive at a large parking lot. From here, you can leave the car and take a quick walk to the summit where you'll be treated to a breathtaking bird's-eye view of Lake George Village, the lake, and the nearby mountains.
Take a Trip Past Brant Lake and Down a Mountain Road
Brant Lake is another gem of a lake in the southern Adirondacks, and it's the main attraction of this scenic drive. While driving north on the Adirondack Northway, get off at Exit 25 and head east onto State Route 8. After a short drive, you'll reach the southern tip of Brant Lake. Stay on State Route 8 and enjoy the trip along the Brant Lake shoreline.
At the end, State Route 8 will merge with Graphite Mountain Road, and you'll begin a journey through the mountains to Route 9N in the Town of Hague.
See the Spectacular Sacandaga and Hudson Rivers
Travel southwest of Lake George to start this scenic drive in the Town of Lake Luzerne. Follow Route 9N past the town beach at the lake, and then turn right onto Mill Street. At the end of Mill Street, turn left onto Main Street. This road will bring you past the Hudson River to an intersection with Bridge Street. Turn right onto Bridge Street, cross the big bridge over the Hudson, and then drive up Rockwell Street.
From here, stay on Rockwell Street as it becomes North Shore Road, and take a look at the views of the Sacandaga River on your left. This route follows the river to the Stewarts Bridge Reservoir, and then it begins traveling along the edge of the Great Sacandaga Lake.
If you're a history buff, then you should drive all the way to the historic Copeland Covered Bridge in Northville (the only covered bridge still standing in Saratoga County).
Ride Up to the Top Of The World
Looking for an easy scenic drive in the Lake George Region? Plan a trip to the Top Of The World Golf Resort atop French Mountain. This golf resort features a challenging 18-hole course, an on-site restaurant, and some of the best views of southern Lake George and the Adirondacks.
To reach it, you'll want to drive east out of Lake George Village toward State Route 9L. Stay on this road as you drive along the lake's shoreline, and then turn right onto Lockhart Mountain Road. This road will reach an intersection with Top of the World Road. Go straight and follow Top of the World Road to the entrance road for the resort.
Want to experience a scenic drive on the water? Check out these boat and jet ski rental companies in the Lake George Region »