36 Hours In Blue Mountain Lake

36 Hours In Blue Mountain Lake

A weekend adventure 

If you’re looking for a relaxing, fun-filled weekend tucked away in the Adirondack mountains, look no further than Blue Mountain Lake! This picturesque lake town offers plenty of space to lounge by the waterfront, go out on a boat ride, or hike the local towering mountain tops. From educational fun at the Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, to cheersing at Strong Rope Taproom, we’ve planned the perfect itinerary for your next weekend getaway, take a peek! 

A group stands in front of the Adirondack Experience.

Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake 

The main event of Blue Mountain Lake, the Adirondack Experience is the hub in town for everything Adirondack history, with an interactive and outdoor twist. The Adirondacks' history is literally intertwined with its vast wilderness, so it only makes sense that most of the museum’s exhibits are outdoors! The Adirondack Experience is ready for the 2023 season and has already gotten started hosting a number of events. Scheduled out for the summer season is Glass Etching Date Night with ADK Artrise, ADKX Summer Concert Series, featuring Root Shock, and Nature Walks with Ed Kanze: Minnow Pond Trail. The season is stacked with events, so make sure to stay in-the-know! 

Swimmers rest on a dock in the middle of a lake.

The beach 

While Blue Mountain Lake may be large, don’t be intimidated! The lake’s shoreline is pristine and calm enough for any level of swimmer. Lounge by the beach with a good book, build sand castles, or do some laps in the swimming area. With the Adirondack mountains as your backdrop, you’ll want to stay on the water all day long. 

A brown cabin-style building with a concrete ramp and patio seating.
Strong Rope Taproom

After your time at the beach, head to Strong Rope Taproom for any of the delicious drinks on tap. Rest at the bar, chat with your fellow travelers, and sip on some tasty brews. Strong Rope brews and serves hand-crafted ales and lagers, all sourced from regional farms in all of their locations, (Blue Mountain Lake, Red Hook, and Gowanus, NY). Although there are no in-house foods, there are food trucks on the weekends if you’re feeling snackish while you sip. Stay on the lookout for seasonal events as well, you might stumble upon one during your travels!

a woman stands on top of Castle rock overlooking the Adirondack mountains.

Castle Rock hike

One of the most popular hikes in the region, Castle Rock offers the views you’re looking for, with a nice challenging incline hike. With a 3.3 mile round trip, Castle Rock is perfect for beginners and amateur hikers alike. At the top, relish in views of Blue Mountain Lake and the surrounding peaks. The rock-slab top serves as the perfect photo-op or a quick picnic before your descent back down the mountain. 

A front view of a 1950's diner.

Chef Darrell's Mountain Diner 

Take a reprieve from your adventures at Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner. With a charming vintage dining atmosphere, indulge in authentic diner food right in the middle of the Adirondack mountains. Try favorites like their poutine, the cowboy burger, falafel wrap with tzatziki, or Chef Darrell’s daily soup options. After a day of adventuring, Chef Darrell’s is the perfect place to unwind and indulge. 

A lakeview of Potters Resort.

Potters Resort 

To rest your head, Potters Resort right in the heart of Blue Mountain Lake is perfect for single, couple, and group trips. Potter’s Resort is a lakeside cabin rental property that offers a picturesque Adirondack stay resembling the historic vacations of old, restored to its modern glory! Strong Rope Taproom is also located on the property, perfect for porch sipping at your cabin. With its convenient location to the waterfront, kayaks and standing paddle boards, taproom, tennis courts, and regional attractions, Potter’s makes an exceptional base camp for your stay. 

A team of white water rafters wave hello.

Make a pit stop 

If you're in need of more ideas for your visit, head over to nearby Inlet or Indian Lake! Inlet, west of Blue Mountain Lake, offers a pristine downtown district full of shopping and dining opportunities. Seasonal events are also prominent in the warmer months, so keep a lookout. Indian Lake is renowned for its incredible white water rafting scene, and is home to the most intense sector of rapids on the Hudson river. Join group paddles through any of the paddling companies around to experience the rapids for yourself! When you’re done, head back into town for some good eats at any of the restaurants around. 

Mini island in a lake on a clear day.

See you there

Your days are planned, all that’s left to do is book your stay and get here! Blue Mountain Lake is small but mighty, serving as the perfect summer destination to get away from the traffic and into the wilderness. Dine, hike, beach, the days are yours! And don’t forget about your nearby friends in the rest of the Adirondack Experience! Stop in during your travels to get acquainted with all of the towns in the region.

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