Blue Mountain Lake Public Beach
Blue Mountain Lake
Canoe, Kayak, and Swim
Blue Mountain Lake Public Beach is the town swimming beach on the east shore of Blue Mountain Lake, a 1,334-acre lake in the central Adirondacks of Hamilton County. It sits in the small hamlet of Blue Mountain Lake, which belongs to the Town of Indian Lake, and the town lists the beach among its own departments alongside Chain Lakes Beach and Byron Park. At roughly 1,790 feet above sea level, the lake is one of the highest in the Adirondacks with a public beach, and the view west takes in a scatter of wooded islands with Blue Mountain rising behind the hamlet.
The beach is on NYS Route 28, about a quarter mile from the Route 28 and Route 30 intersection in the middle of the hamlet, heading toward Raquette Lake. Look for it across the road from the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts, beside the hamlet's fire station. Parking is limited to what fits along this short stretch of shoreline, so on a hot July weekend you may have to park a little way off and walk in. The same spot doubles as the lake's only public boat launch, a shallow shoreline put-in where canoes and kayaks are carried roughly 100 feet over grass and sand.
The swim area is small and roped off, with a swimming dock and a strip of sand and grass to spread out on. Red Cross certified lifeguards are on duty in summer from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, according to Hamilton County's tourism office. There are changing rooms and restrooms at the beach, plus more public restrooms across the street. Neither the town nor the county lists an admission or parking fee. Because the lake sits so high, the water tends to stay cool well into summer, and the open lake beyond the ropes is deep, averaging about 46 feet and reaching around 100 feet in places.
Swim only inside the ropes and during guarded hours if you have children with you, since nobody is watching the water before 11 a.m., after 5 p.m. or outside the summer season. Blue Mountain Lake is a big lake shared with motorboats, and wind can kick up a real chop quickly, which matters for anyone paddling out from the launch. Much of the shoreline and many of the islands are private property, so do not plan on landing just anywhere. Hours and staffing can change from year to year; the town lists a beach phone number, 518-352-7768, for current information.
The hamlet is compact enough to make a day of it on foot. The arts center across the road runs exhibits, workshops and summer performances, and a taproom and a couple of shops are a short walk up Route 30. The Adirondack Experience museum is just outside the hamlet, and Lake Durant, a state campground, is a few minutes east on Route 28. Paddlers can follow the lake south to Eagle Lake and Utowana Lake, or stop near Castle Rock for a short hike up to a rock outcrop that looks out over the lake.
More Information
Battle of the Beaches! | Experience Our Adirondacks
Battle of the Beaches! 01 Jun 2021|Aurora Pfaff Blue Mountain Lake Indian Lake Inlet Long Lake Speculator/Lake Pleasant Wells My vote: this summer, try them all! Share Battle of the Beaches! What's the cure for a hot summer day? That is, aside from ice cream. When it's sunny, hot, and the skies are bright blue, what better way to play, cool off, and relax than with a beach day? Hamilton County has some great beaches, all very family-friendly and ideal for adventure. For your next day of sun and fun, which will you choose?
https://www.experienceouradirondacks.com/story/2021/battle-of-the-beaches-where-will-you-goBlue Mountain Lake Public Beach | Experience Our Adirondacks
Info NYS State Route 28Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812 (518) 548-3076 info@experienceouradirondacks.com Get Directions Situated on the eastern shore of the pristine Blue Mountain Lake, the Blue Mountain Public Beach offers you the opportunity to swim in one of the highest elevation public beaches in the Adirondacks.
https://www.experienceouradirondacks.com/swimming/blue-mountain-lake-public-beachBlue Mountain Lake | Experience Our Adirondacks
Blue Mountain Lake Blue Mountain Lake Discover Lakeside Charm and Endless Adventure Blue Mountain Lake is a charming lakeside hamlet where culture and nature come together. Visitors can explore the world-renowned Adirondack Experience museum, take in performances at the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts, or cruise the waters aboard an antique wooden boat—all while soaking in the breathtaking mountain and lake views.
https://www.experienceouradirondacks.com/adirondack-towns/blue-mountain-lakeBlue Mountain Lake | Experience Our Adirondacks
Info Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812 dec.ny.gov Get Directions Blue Mountain Lake is a very large lake, with some outstanding features, many dotted islands, and an abundant loon population. You can take a short hike up Castle Rock along the way, which is a rock outcropping that gives outstanding views of the lake. An inlet to the southeast corner of the lake will bring you to Eagle Lake and further on to Utowana Lake, which is another outstanding paddle destination with greater wildlife potential.
https://www.experienceouradirondacks.com/paddling/blue-mountain-lakeSwimming & Beaches | Experience Our Adirondacks
Swimming & Beaches Swimming & Beaches Swimming in the Adirondacks With plenty of places to swim in the Adirondacks, come visit our hundreds of ponds and lakes and thousands of miles of rivers and streams, and see why the Adirondacks is nature's water park!
https://www.experienceouradirondacks.com/recreation/water-sports/public-beachesTown Departments - Indian Lake
Come to Indian Lake & leave ordinary behind.
https://indianlakeadk.com/about/departments/
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Blue Mountain Lake
- Head west on NY-28 S/
NY-30 N toward NY-28N E (39 ft) - Turn left onto NY-28 SDestination will be on the right(0.3 mi)
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