Lake George is often referred to as the Queen of American Lakes. The lake is 32-miles long and is known for its crystal clear waters. The lake has a rich history dating back to the Revolutionary War, with famous forts situated at both the north and south ends. It is a popular boating destination in the Adirondack Park due to its size, clear waters, and many waterfront attractions.
There is lots to do and explore in the Lake George region. Here are a few highlights worth considering:
Visit one, or both, of the historic forts located on either end of the lake. Fort Ticonderoga is located at the north end of the lake and Fort William Henry at the south end.
Go for a cruise on one of the historic steamboats operated on the south end of the lake, the Minne Ha Ha, Saint Sacrament, and Mohican all sail from the Lake George Village.
Hike the Tongue Mountain Range in the middle of the lake to take in gorgeous views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Lake George is known for its impeccable water quality and crystal clear waters. It is the responsibility of residents and visitors to protect this precious resource. It is important for residents, businesses, and municipalities to reduce stormwater and other runoff from entering the lake. Direct runoff can deliver excess nutrients, road salt, and other pollutants directly to the lake. Lakeshore owners can take additional steps by ensuring they maintain their septic systems and plant vegetated buffers along the lake shore.
The lake has several aquatic invasive species present which can impact the recreational use of the lake, fish populations, and reduce biodiversity. Boaters launching into Lake George are required to undergo inspection and if necessary, decontamination, for aquatic invasive species. When retrieving a boat from Lake George should follow the Clean, Drain, Dry principles to prevent the spread of invasive species to neighboring lakes.
Lake George has had several names. It was originally referred to as Andia-ta-roc-te by the Mohawk tribe. Later on Isaac Jaques a missionary visiting the area named it Lac Du Saint Sacrament. The current name was given to the lake by William Johnson, a British Commander in the French and Indian War. The rich history of Lake George is preserved in its cold depth, with several notable shipwrecks. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation has a Submerged Heritage Preserve Program on the lake that includes four marked wrecks for divers to explore. Lake George is the largest lake in the Lake Champlain Basin. The lake drains to Lake Champlain through the La Chute River in Ticonderoga, NY.
Open Water
46.18mi²
Perennial Ice/Snow
0.00mi²
Developed, Open Space
7.55mi²
Developed, Low
2.78mi²
Developed, Medium
1.27mi²
Developed, High
0.32mi²
Barren Land
Deciduous Forest
70.19mi²
Evergreen Forest
67.75mi²
Mixed Forest
24.00mi²
Shrub/Scrub
0.19mi²
Grassland/Herbaceous
0.99mi²
Pasture/Hay
2.15mi²
Cultivated Crops
0.12mi²
Woody Wetlands
7.36mi²
Emergent Wetlands
0.84mi²
19.86%
0.00%
3.25%
1.20%
0.55%
0.14%
30.19%
29.14%
10.33%
0.34%
0.42%
0.92%
0.05%
3.17%
2.18%
Stream network and watershed slope in the Lake George watershed. Red areas indicate locations with steep slopes. Map created with Model My Watershed.
1st Order Streams
485.36mi
2nd Order Streams
190.60mi
3rd Order Steams
91.11mi
4th Order Steams
44.93mi
5th Order Streams
55.05mi
8.11%
4.23%
1.78%
0.48%
0.09%
Hydrologic soil groups in the Lake George watershed. Map created with Model My Watershed.
A – High Infiltration
11.05mi²
A/D – High/Very Slow Infiltration
0.00mi²
B – Moderate Infiltration
96.39mi²
B/D – Medium/Very Slow Infiltration
7.60mi²
C – Slow Infiltration
60.92mi²
C/D – Medium/Very Slow Infiltration
3.25mi²
D – Very Slow Infiltration
53.28mi²
4.75%
0.00%
41.46%
3.27%
26.20%
1.40%
22.92%
Lake Protection Groups
Water Quality Data & Lake Management
Physical Properties
This status does not necessarily represent the current status of HABs in the lake. It indicates whether HABs have ever been reported in the lake.
233.59mi² Lake George is known for its impeccable water quality and crystal clear waters. It is the responsibility of residents and visitors to protect this
Harmful algal blooms, commonly referred to as HABs, occur due to the rapid growth of specific species of algae. HABs are most often the results
Invasive species are non-native organisms that outcompete native species when introduced to a new environment. They can be animals, plants, or disease-causing organisms. These species
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Saranac Lake, NY 12983
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