Lake Luzerne

Lake Luzerne. Where Friends and Waters Meet. , Come to Lake Luzerne, just eleven miles south of Lake George Village. Here, the Hudson River squeezes into a narrow gorge, tumbling over the dramatic Rockwell Falls. Water from the Great Sacandaga Reservoir joins the river in a flurry of white water. Further downstream, the river widens into "The Bay,” a stretch of water broad enough for water skiing. For those who seek quiet water, a chain of four beautiful lakes offer fishing, camping and boating with three public swimming beaches on Lake Luzerne itself., Lake Luzerne has catered to visitors since President Grant came here for rest and recreation after the Civil War. The grand old hotels of that day have given way to modern inns and restaurants while new tennis and basketball courts, miniature golf and three local history museums, along with summer concerts and craft shows, offer a variety of family fun. Two riverside parks flank the downtown area. Nearby, Lake Luzerne Music Camp attracts world-class musicians. In winter, snowmobilers can ride over 200 miles of forest trails., Signs for the "Dude Ranch Trail” hearken back to the days before World War II, when the old logging camps found new life as Dude Ranches. The Rodeo is still going strong after more than 60 years and several stables along Route 9N still offer horseback riding. Oldest riding stable (1945) along Route 9N still offers horseback riding and evening cookouts. Water sports dominate the summer activities. Hikers enjoy the Hadley Fire Tower and look forward to the new Potash Mountain Preserve., HERITAGE and HISTORY , The Town of Lake Luzerne was incorporated April 10, 1792 and lies 11 miles south of Lake George along Route 9N. The town's west side lies entirely along the Upper Hudson River. The area received its first permanent settlers around 1770. The town of Lake Luzerne was set off from the town of Queensbury in 1792 as the "Town of Fairfield." In 1808, the town changed its name to "Luzerne” and in 1963 to "Lake Luzerne". Just north of the Hope Bridge across the Hudson to Hadley is the most narrow point of the entire Hudson River, Rockwell Falls. South of the bridge the Sacandaga and the Hudson River meet (confluence) allowing flat water to Corinth. Seasonal railway service from the Hadley-Luzerne Station along the First Wilderness Heritage Corridor began in July 2011., The Hudson River Watershed , All Warren County townships have a portion of their land that drains into the Upper Hudson River., 99% of Lake Luzerne is in the Hudson River Watershed. An easy example of hydroconnectivity begins at Lake Vanare along Route 9N. The outlet from Vanare feeds into Forest Lake, which continues downstream to form Fourth, Third and Second Lakes respectively. The last of the lakes in this series is Lake Luzerne, which outlets into Mill Creek and finds its way to the Hudson by the old tannery near River Road. Numerous other streams and ponds add water along the way to form this system. , - Warren County Soil and Water, First Wilderness Corridor , townoflakeluzerne.com , This klosk panel was prepared with funding provided by the New York State Department of State under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund.. , Photos (top to bottom): , - A New Day. Painting of Ivy Island courtesy of Lynn Benevento , - Cycle Touring Photo by Pam Morin, Town Historian , - Take it to the Hudson. Photo by Sacandaga Outfitters , - Peaceful August Morning. Painting of Rockwell Falls (formerly Little Jessup Falls) courtesy of Lynn Benevanto., Side Two , First Wilderness Corridor , The Adirondacks was the first place Americans embraced the wilderness as a feature of civilization. The First Wilderness Corridor follows the Upper Hudson River from Saratoga Springs to North Creek. This wild and scenic river rolls through rapids, past dramatic cliffs of magnificent marble before it slows to flow easily through ice meadows, kept perpetually cleared of trees by the annual scouring of spring ice floes., The land along the river first served as a hunting ground for Indian people, who established trails connecting the Mohawk Valley with the Champlain Valley. American and European soldiers followed these trails during the French and Indian War. Once fighting had subsided, the vast tracts of timber spurred the logging and tanning industries. Construction of a railroad just after the Civil War gave vacationers easy access to hotels and resorts, and Americans discovered the lure of nature to restore their lives., Today, communities along the First Wilderness Corridor celebrate their shared history along this route into the heart of the Adirondack wilderness. Drive along the scenic byway, or paddle the river course to America's "First Wilderness.", www.FIRSTWILDERNESS.COM, This kiosk panel was prepared with funding provided by the New York State Department of State , under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund. , Train photo courtesy Greg Klingler. . , Side Three , New York State Adirondack Communities Along the Upper Hudson River, Rediscover The First Wilderness , The Story , . Johnsburg/North Creek , The hamlet of North Creek remains the Town of Johnsburg's central force and business district. Historically, garnet and titanium mining, mineral shipping and logging brought work, visitors and industrial entrepreneurs. The railway system provided transportation for adventure travel to the wildernessby the famous, the wealthy and the wise. Resting alongsidethe Upper Hudson River, this historic community continues their success of year-round tourism adventures both on the mountains and on the river. This revitalized scenic/freight train operation is taking the lead and providing more Adirondack economic growth. www.johnsburgny.com, Riparius/Riverside and Chestertown , Riparius/Riverside is a small and picturesque waterfront hamlet in the Town of Johnsburg. It parallels the Upper Hudson River and its original railway station is on the National Registry of Historic Places. This crossroad is located on Route 8 west of Chester, Horicon, Pottersville, Schroon Lake and Hague and east of Wevertown, Johnsburg, North Creek, Indian Lake and Blue Mountain. The community shares a wonderful past where Thomas Cole and Asher Durant first began to paint landscapes, thus beginning the Hudson River School of Painting. . www.johnsburgny.com . www.townofchesterny.org, Thurman/The Glen/ Glen Hudson Campground Thurman/The Glen/ Glen Hudson Campground , The Glen is a flagstop at a highway crossroad that sits in the Town of Johnsburg. In the 1930's however, this was a major rail stop for travelers moving into the area as summer guests. Here, you will find a lovely seasonal Adirondack B&B, grocery store and white water rafting company. Major attractions including horseback riding and fine dining are less than 20 minutes away. Regionally, the area is filled with folklore and bares a sensitive ecological community that extends south to Stony Creek . www.thurmanny.com, Thurman/Warrensburg , Days gone by saw a thriving intersection here as these 2 towns and 2 major rivers, the Hudson and Schroon, came together to transport manufactured goods to Metro NY cities. The railway spurred off at Thurman Station, crossed the Hudson and traveled 2 miles into the historic garnet district. These communities continue to work, educate and support each other. They are home to small logging, maple and cottage industry businesses, health services, historic B and B lodging properties, roadside diners, and Oscar's Smokehouse. . townofwarrensburg.org . www.thurmanny.com , Stony Creek Ranch Platform Stony Creek borders the Hudson River, where small lumber mills, logging companies, and a large tannery were the center of business until after world war two. The changing logging industry brought a wave of country style living characterized by refurbished logging camps, ranch resorts, the creation of northeast rodeos and old fashion-fiddle stomping square dancing. Word spread fast and the "Four Corners” became the place to be. The station platform stop at the 1000 Acres Ranch still provides guests with western style atmosphere and uninterrupted tranquil views of the Adirondacks. . www.stonycreekny.com , Hadley/Lake Luzerne , The Hadley-Lake Luzerne area serves two communities that span the Hudson River in two counties on two rivers. The Bridge of Hope showcases Rockwell Falls to the north and the Sacandaga confluence to the south. After the Civil War, the influx of tourists by train increased business and room nights at the local inns and dude ranches. This area is one NYS's most frequented whitewater rafting, tubing and kayaking sites. Hadley's fire tower and the parabolic bow bridge are listed on the National Registry. Hadley connects to Stony Creek and Saratoga Springs, while Lake Luzerne reaches to the Lake George Area, twelve miles away . www.townofhadley.org . www.townoflakeluzerne.com, Corinth/Queensbury , The quaint community of Corinth in Saratoga County lies adjacent to the Hudson River. The bend in the river exposes a cascading palisade wall creating a dramatic boundary to Pagenstretcher Park that connects to Curtis Park and onto the Corinth Village Park. The Hudson River's mighty power was a major influence here facilitating the creation of the International Paper Company's logging industry headquarters for nearly 100 years. Corinth's location is 15 minutes to neighboring Saratoga Springs, Queensbury, City of Glens Falls, The Adirondack Northway (Exit 18) and the Hadley/Lake Luzerne Areas. . www.townofcorinthny.com . queensbury.net, Saratoga Springs , Saratoga Springs is a celebrated Victorian town, full of rich architecture and enriched by traditions. "Health, History and Horses” characterizes this American town including being historically known for its healing waters by the Native Americans. Drinking fountains and public bath houses still exist. Nearby is the historic Saratoga Battlefield, once a turning point of the American Revolution. Saratoga thrives with the same friendly atmosphere as it did when established in 1851. The horse racing industry has been a major attraction making it the place to be. . www.saratoga-springs.org , What To Do, . Johnsburg/North Creek , The outdoor recreation industry is a primary generator of economics in this North Creek/Gore Mountain Area. Major snow and water sports can be found in these high peaks as well as gondola rides, garnet mine tours, a scenic train, unique shopping, fine dining and quaint lodging properties. The scenic train operator has reopened North Creek as a destination for travelers from around the world while also partnering with local attractions to provide a complimentary shuttle to local venues. The Tannery Pond concerts and Main Street projects are continuously evolving for audience delight. . www.gorechamber.com, Riparius/Riverside and Chestertown , A quiet community less than 5 miles from North Creek and the North Warren Area of Chestertown, Riparius provides easy access to quaint lodging, restaurants, major activities and events. Canoe, kayak and rafting are just out the back door, while downhill and water skiing, mountain climbing, hunting. trapping, fishing, biking and hiking are available a short distance away. In either direction are many wonderful gift shops, artisan galleries, natural caves, music venues, a miniature train museum and an abundant array of outdoor sports and amusements. . www.gorechamber.com . www.northwarren.com, Thurman/The Glen/ Glen Hudson Campground Thurman/The Glen/ Glen Hudson Campground , Thurman's visitors are renewed with the many outdoor offerings that are close by. Besides the many river activities, the nearby neighboring communities offer horseback riding, hiking, biking, fishing, skiing and camping. To compliment educational learning and exploration, opportunities are available through local history museums, art galleries and outdoor adventure guides in the neighboring towns of Chester, Thurman and Warrensburg. As a vacation destination, there are plenty of natural resources, arts and crafts, historical sites, and local history museums. Spring Maple and Fall Farm Tours are favorite activities for all ages. . www.thurmanstation.org, Thurman/Warrensburg , Thurman and the Town of Warrensburg are just a river crossing apart. Snowmobiling remains an important winter activity for residents and wilderness snow lovers. River floating and winter skiing are actually walkable from the train station. Thurman provides visitors with a flash from the past with Maple Sugar and Fall Farm Tours. Residents are proud of their culture, their music, homespun tales, history tours and hard work. Trapping, logging and farming continue to be an important way of life while local museums, amusement parks and cultural institutions are nearby. . www.thurmanstation.org . www.warrensburgchamber.com, Stony Creek Ranch Platform , 1000 Acres Ranch rests on the shores of the Hudson River and remains a seasonal resort providing horseback rides and golf everyday. The Town of Stony Creek accents the four seasons of recreation with camping, hunting, fishing. biking, hiking. rafting, kayaking, canoeing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and trapping, to name a few. The new Dean Farm Recreational Park Area is the latest FWHC project to be developed for residents and guests to enjoy the opportunity for good healthy exercising and relaxation within the pristine mountains of the Adirondacks. . www.stonycreekchamber.com, Hadley/Lake Luzerne , These communities offer 3 miles of flat water, and a variety of round sports including hiking, sledding, horseback riding, snowmobiling, river rafting, kayaking, and canoeing The spring season kicks off with a Maple in April Festival that leads to lots of hiking, bicycling, fishing, summer concerts, a triathlon, and town-wide book and garage sales. Smead Memorial Park, the Hadley Historic Rivers Trail, Dean Mountain Park and Benjamin C. Butler Park are recreational locations. The Adirondack Folk School and the Luzeme Music Camp are a must see. . Hadley Business Association (Facebook) . www.lakeluzernechamber.org , Corinth/Queensbury , The Jessups Landing Trail connects the Corinth parks and is the focal point for many special occasions. Year-round themed events and summertime camping and water sport activities are plentiful while snowmobiling and snowshoeing adom Corinth's wintry countryside. Queensbury's West Mountain Ski Resort is less than 15 minutes away. Local organizations are sponsors to many events as this community has a strong pride in working together to spotlight small businesses like antiques and collectible shops, a specialty guitar shop, a winery, produce, honey and maple farms that can all provide for an interesting educational experience. . www.CorinthMerchantsAssociation.com, Saratoga Springs , Since the 1700's, Saratoga Springs has been attracting visitors year round with its diverse array of venues such as horse racing. horse shows, race and dance museums, racino, battlefields, a national cemetery, Victorian B and B's, spas and hotels, gourmet restaurants, convention centers, colleges, music and performance entertainment centers, NYC Ballet, Jazz festivals, celebrity shows, arts, golf, lakes and boating, world class shopping, grand wedding locations, and wineries. It also provides robust medical services, an Amtrak station, and a northbound scenic train. Saratoga is a vacationer's delight and a photographer's paradise. www.saratoga.org, Warren County Planning Department , Municipal Center, Human Resources Building. Third Floor , 1340 Street Route 9518.761.6409 , Lake George, New York 12845, For more information visit www.FirstWilderness.com,