Southern Adirondacks Road Trip: Sights to See & Spots to Stop At
Embark on a Southern Adirondacks road trip and check out where to go below, from Lake George to Lake Luzerne.
Start Your Engines in Lake George
You can begin your journey in Lake George, arguably the prime southern Adirondacks destination. From there, you'll drive up to Bolton Landing, Brant Lake, and Chestertown.
Prospect Mountain: Epic 100-Mile Views
Prospect Mountain offers stunning views of Lake George and the Adirondacks. It's $10 per car to drive up the mountain, and the payoff is worth it. You'll reach a parking lot where you can take a shuttle or embark on a short walk to the summit.
Along the way up are some great scenic overlooks. Prospect Mountain is typically open from Memorial Day Weekend through Veteran's Day.
After your driving tour, stop for dinner in Lake George. There are plenty of restaurants ranging from lakefront fine dining to casual spots for a quick bite.
Rogers Memorial Park Beach: Lakefront Gazebo Photo Op
Park and walk down to the gazebo on the water, check out the pickleball courts, and the Bolton Historical Museum is right there by Rogers Memorial Park Beach.
Enjoy Lake Views on a Scenic Drive to Chestertown
Elephant Rock: A Surprise Safari Vibe
In Hague, you'll make a left onto Route 8 to head towards Chestertown. Just a few miles up Route 8 you'll pass by Elephant Rock. This natural rock formation looks suspiciously like an elephant and so a kind soul painted eyes and tusks to really drive it home.
North Pond: Tranquility With a Chance of Loons
There are two pull-offs overlooking North Pond. This serene pond is surrounded by evergreens. Be on the lookout for wildlife including birds and fish.
Scenic Overlook: Southern Adirondack Vista Stop
Not far down the road from North Pond is another scenic overlook on the left side of the road. From here you can view the rolling hills and mountains of the southern Adirondacks.
Brant Lake Public Boat Launch: Stretch & Snap a Pic
After driving along the lake's edge, pull in to the Brant Lake Public Boat Launch to stretch your legs. The view from the boat launch is lovely, especially on calm days when the water is still.
Chestertown Chicken: Quirky Landmark, Classic Charm
Just past the Route 8 & Route 9 intersection is an unofficial mascot of Chestertown. This big chicken proudly dons a chef hat. While the restaurant behind the chicken has changed hands a few times over the years, no one has dared to remove this charming treasure.
Warrensburg: Boutique Shopping & Roadside Flavor
Filled with charming shops, Warrensburg is a nice little pit stop for some shopping. You'll find plenty of Adirondack furniture, handmade goods, and even a local smokehouse rumored to be a favorite of Rachael Ray.
If you're hungry, stop in to Tommy Gun's, where it's easy to dine in or take delicious pizza to go. New Way Lunch with their famous "dirt dogs" is also super popular, and they have a location in Warrensburg.
Lakeside Cruising: Broadalbin to Hadley-Luzerne Adventures
Drive along the shoreline of the Great Sacandaga Lake from Broadalbin to Lake Luzerne for incredible views around every corner. There are two routes available that follow the north or south shore. Here are some of our favorite stops along the way:
North Shore Route: Hidden Gems & Historic Bridges
From Route 29, turn onto Route 30 toward Mayfield. After passing through Mayfield, turn right onto Bridge Street and cross over to the village of Northville. Turn right onto Seven Hills Road to follow the shoreline.
Seven Hills Road turns into White Birch Road. At the end of that road, take a left onto Sinclair Road. Sinclair Road turns into North Shore Road, just north of the Batchellerville Bridge.
Copeland Covered Bridge: Saratoga County's Last
This bridge in Edinburg is the last covered bridge in Saratoga County. Built in 1879, the bridge has received some updates over the years including a new roof and new flooring.
Follow the walking path down to see the bridge up close. Cross over the bridge to the platform behind it and you'll see Beecher Creek Falls.
Conklingville Dam/Hadley Overlook: Where Power Meets Scenery
The Conklingville Dam was completed in 1930, creating what was then known as the Sacandaga Reservoir. Today, the dam not only prevents flooding, but also produces hydroelectric power. An overlook on North Shore Road provides a great view of the dam itself and the Great Sacandaga Lake.
Stewart's Pond: Shimmering Waters Just Off the Road
Not far from the Conklingville Dam is the Stewart's Pond day use area. Drive in on the gravel road to find a parking spot before taking a short walk. The water is brilliantly blue and very clear in the shallower spots.
After a break at Stewart's Pond, continue on North Shore Road, keeping left at the fork to head towards Hadley.
South Shore Route: Big Views, Small-Town Shops
From Route 29, turn onto Route 30 and continue onto Route 155 (West Main Street). Follow along as Main Street turns into North Street and meets with the lake in North Broadalbin. South Shore Road offers plentiful views for drivers and passengers.
Broadalbin Public Boat Launch: Sunrise or Sunset Perfection
This boat launch is a nice stop to take in the size of the lake. Located in North Broadalbin, there is parking for 70 vehicles and trailers. Follow the road from the parking lot down to a small beach to stick your feet in the sand.
Edinburg Town Park & Batchellerville Bridge: Scenic & Serene
After South Shore Road curves around a small cove is Edinburg Town Park. Sitting at the foot of the Batchellerville Bridge, this park offers great views of the lake.
The bridge itself is impressive too. While the present structure is less than 10 years old, a bridge has stretched this span since the early 19th-century, predating the Great Sacandaga Lake.
Stewarts Dam: Hydropower & Hudson River History
After traversing throung winding curves along the lake shore, you'll come to a Y-intersection where Route 7 splits left. Take this left and you'll pass by a large turbine behind a gate. Continue on and you'll pass the hydroelectric Stewart Dam. It holds back the Stewart's Bridge Resevoir, which is used to control water levels of the Hudson River.
You'll come to another Y-intersection that connects South Shore to North Shore Road. Follow along the Sacandaga River until you reach Hadley.
Final Stop: Historic Bridges & Waterfalls in Hadley-Luzerne
North Shore Road becomes Rockwell Street when you enter Hadley. From here, there are a few more great sights and stops in town to check out.
Hadley Parabolic Bridge: A One-of-a-Kind Bowstring Beauty
Also known as the Hadley Bow Bridge, this is the only surviving bow-string bridge in the United States and one of only two left in the world.. The bridge was constructed in the late 1800s and restored in 2006 after being closed for a number of years. The bridge is located down Corinth Road off of Rockwell Street.
Rockwell Falls: Rushing Water, Relaxing Finish
Cross the Route 9N bridge after lunch to head to Rockwell Falls. Make a left back onto School Street. Make a right, then a left onto Bridge Street. Find a spot to park and walk over to the bridge to get a look at this horseshoe shaped waterfall.
From Hadley, there are a variety of routes to your next destination or to return home. It sits about 25 minutes from Queensbury, 20 minutes from Lake George, and 30 minutes from Saratoga.
Explore more in the southern Adirondacks »
« Back to Adirondack Road Trips
