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Caroga Lake, New York

Top Spots in and near Caroga Lake

  • Caroga Lake, New York

    Kane Mountain Fire Tower

    4.2
    2.1 mi / 518 ft gain
    The Kane Mountain fire tower is one of the more frequented Adirondack towers due to the ease of the trail and its proximity to so many Caroga Lake camping areas. The short hike is family friendly and available year round, part of the trail doubles as a cross country skiing trail in fact. Driving...
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  • Gloversville, New York

    Drive the Adirondack Trail Scenic Byway

    3.0
    This scenic byway starts in Fonda, NY and travels along Route 30 to Malone, NY.  The area described and pictured here is a 65 mile stretch from Mayfield to Indian Lake. Starting in Mayfield you will head north driving past the Great Sacandaga Lake. Continuing through the town of Hope  you will dr...
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  • Speculator, New York

    Paddle the Sacandaga and Kunjamuk Rivers to Elm Lake

    The Sacandaga River is accessed via a hand launch at the Speculator Ball Field Parking Area in the town of Speculator, NY. Follow the Sacandaga River 1.5 miles until you reach Kunjamuk Bay. The Kunjamuk River begins further up the bay to the left.  Approximately 4 miles up river is Elm Lake. Padd...
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  • Wells, New York

    Hike to Auger Falls

    4.0
    Augers Falls is a not so well kept secret in the Wells/Speculator area of the Adirondacks. It's usually not very crowded but the people that go to take it in come from far and wide. It's an easy family friendly hike (and that includes furry family, just keep them on leash) that offers some fantas...
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  • Lake Pleasant, New York

    Hike Pillsbury Mountain Fire Tower

    5.0
    Pillsbury Mountain is a fairly short but satisfying hike, ending with beautiful views of surrounding mountain ranges and lakes, and home to a defunct ranger station and fire tower. To get to the parking area within the Perkins Clearing wilderness area, head north on Route 30 out of Speculator and...
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  • Schenectady, New York

    Hike Plotter Kill Preserve

    4.3
    5.5 mi / 820 ft gain
    There are a few entries into the preserve' however, this hike has you entering off of Mariaville Road. There is a kiosk here and you will enter on the Red trail. Shortly after you can go out and back on the Blue trail to view the Upper and Lower Falls from lookouts above. Once back to the Red t...
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  • Lake Pleasant, New York

    Backpack to Cedar Lakes Lean-to #2 in the West Canada Lakes Wilderness

    5.3 mi / 705 ft gain
    Know before you go! It’s a bumpy road in and a bumpy road out so be sure your vehicle is ready to handle a long, winding dirt and rocky road back to the trail head. The road is approximately 7 miles to the trailhead starting on Jessup River Road off of State Route 30 in Speculator, NY. Follow Jes...
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  • Hadley, New York

    Hike the Adirondack's Hadley Mountain

    5.0
    3.6 mi / 1545 ft gain
    Hadley Mountain historically has faced its share of forest fires. The fires left thin soil, leading to more exposed rock on this fairly quick, scenic hike. Due to the rockiness, when you're thinking about heading out for this hike, be sure to grab a sturdy pair of hiking boots or at least your st...
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  • Altamont, New York

    Hike through the Wolf Creek Falls Preserve

    3.0
    3 mi / 200 ft gain
    Over 3 miles of trails provide access to all parts of the preserve, and end up winding through mixed terrain including a wetland, waterfalls, and old stone walls. The property crosses the Bozenkill Road at two points on either side of private parcels (with beautiful homes), so be vigilant there; ...
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  • Johnsburg, New York

    Hike Crane Mountain

    4.5
    4.6 mi / 1100 ft gain
    At the trail register stay to your right at the fork in the trail. The left trail will be where you return. At approximately 0.5 miles you will reach an open ledge area, as you look up a rock cairn will mark where you pick up the trail. At 0.8 miles you will reach the first of two ladders to a...
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  • Schenectady, New York

    Hike the Lisha Kill Preserve Loop

    5.0
    2.3 mi / 324 ft gain
    This 2.3 mile loop trail is lightly trafficked and great for all skill levels. Starting out the trail register, you will see signs from The Nature Conservancy which manages the preserve. Descending down a hill with lots of exposed tree roots, you will then cross over the meandering Lisha Kill and...
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  • Indian Lake, New York

    Hike Snowy Mountain Fire Tower

    4.7
    7.5 mi / 2142 ft gain
    Snowy Mountain is the largest mountain in this region of the Adirondacks, and with a 2100'+ elevation gain over the 3.5 mile ascent is actually more work than some of the famed High Peaks. Going north on Rt 30, the parking lot is marked as Snowy Mountain on the right hand side. If you make it to ...
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  • Voorheesville, New York

    Hike the Indian Ladder Trail

    4.5
    3.5 mi / 200 ft gain
    There are many parking areas within the park. Park at the overlook parking. From here you head west following the wood fence. This is the Cliff Top trail. Approximately after walking 0.5 miles you will reach the stairs that will lead you to the base of the cliffs. This marks the start of the...
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  • Albany, New York

    Blueberry Hill West Red and Yellow Trail

    1.37 mi / 52 ft gain
    Blueberry Hill West Red and Yellow Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Albany, New York.
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  • Albany, New York

    Blueberry Hill East

    1.73 mi / 59 ft gain
    Blueberry Hill East is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Albany, New York.
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  • Cohoes, New York

    Capture a Sunset at the Colonie Town Park

    5.0
    Not all adventures have to involve scaling crazy-steep mountains or paddling down intense white-water rapids. Some of the best adventures are the relaxing and mellow ones right in our backyards. When I cannot get into the woods every day, I go to the Colonie Town Park, just 10 minutes from my hou...
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Top Activities

Camping and Lodging in Caroga Lake

Herkimer Diamond KOA Resort
Herkimer, New York

Herkimer Diamond KOA Resort

Cooperstown  KOA Journey
Richfield Springs, New York

Cooperstown KOA Journey

Lake George / Saratoga KOA Journey
Lake Luzerne, New York

Lake George / Saratoga KOA Journey

Guides, Insights and Stories from Caroga Lake

25 Must-Do Adventures in New York

25 Must-Do Adventures in New York

The Outbound Collective

10 Beautiful Private Campsites in New York

10 Beautiful Private Campsites in New York

The Outbound Collective

25 New York Adventures with Stunning Fall Foliage

25 New York Adventures with Stunning Fall Foliage

The Outbound Collective

New York's Top 10 Camping Adventures

New York's Top 10 Camping Adventures

The Outbound Collective

15 Must-Do Hikes near New York City

15 Must-Do Hikes near New York City

The Outbound Collective

How to Summit the Two Tallest Mountains in New York in a Weekend

How to Summit the Two Tallest Mountains in New York in a Weekend

Brandon Dewey