For many people, it's not summer until Memorial Day Weekend. Nowhere is this more true than in the Schroon Lake Region.
When spring starts to happen, it happens fast, as everyone gets ready for the boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, and events that make Schroon Lake such a magnet in the summer.
The water
Many activities center around Schroon Lake's namesake lake, which has plenty of room for everyone. It's a busy time at the Schroon Marina, where boats are unwrapped and readied for a full season of fun.
No watercraft? No problem! The marina rents all kinds, from fast for waterskiing, to slow for those Stand Up Paddleboard fans. Multi-day rentals with all the fixings can make those boating dreams come true for a real, old-fashioned, "vacation on the lake."
For smaller watercraft, there's a lovely bunch of ponds and smaller lakes, too. For a totally tranquil experience, choose one of our water bodies in an area designated "no motors" and experience having much of nature to yourselves.
One such choice is Balfour Lake, a long narrow lake with plenty of pretty shoreline and shelter from wind conditions.
Paddling enthusiasts, and their doggies, are already out on the water. Our canoe and kayak page should give you plenty of ideas.
This is also when our attractions, like Natural Stone Bridge and Caves, open for the season. If you love your water lively along rocks or carving underground caves, this is a must-see. Enjoy the scenery, explore their on-site hiking paths, and bring home a souvenir from their extraordinary rock shop.
The beach
The shore of lovely Schroon Lake offers a marvelous swimming beach.
The Schroon Lake beach and boat culture dates back to the turn of the last century. The setting is nestled in the mountains with a lake big enough to match the abundant outdoors, with plenty of room for the ones who want a lot of liveliness, and also the ones who just want to sink into the peace and quiet.
The beach is part of a shoreline park for fishing, picnics, ice cream, or a full pub lunch, all just steps away from the quaint downtown.
The waterfront park is also the site of music, art and craft shows, and performances by Seagle Music Colony. Seen above, the Boathouse Theater, the white building on the shore.
The Strand Theatre opens up Memorial Day Weekend to offer a rare experience, that of enjoying a century-old Art Deco movie palace of yesteryear. Look for feature films, musical concerts and a summer Shakespeare series.
Plan a performance outing with our arts and theater offerings.
The nature
Shhhhh. This is a wonderful time of year to go hiking. Get a jump on the season, have the woods to yourself, and enjoy this green-gold time of year when the tiny buds let lots of sunlight fall in the forest, waking up those spring wildflowers.
It is a time of surprising vistas, as the branches are not blocked by leaves or snow. You really get the feel of the mountains, even in the woods.
The charming Boreas River Trail is a four-season hike, being flat and with lovely scenery, but in spring the river is lively with snowmelt and really shows off.
Since the spring weather is just right to keep us cool even if we are working up an appetite, consider a full day exploring the 15 miles of trails in the Hoffman Notch Wilderness area. Hoffman Notch Trail is a north/south run of 7.4 miles from end to end.
Big Pond Trail extends 5.7 miles from the trailhead to the Hoffman Notch Trail approximately 1.2 miles north of the Hoffman Notch Trailhead South. There is no bridge over East Branch Trout Brook, and there will be unbridged stream crossings throughout.
Mount Severance has wonderful views for not much of a climb. Kids (and adults) will love the tunnels that allow you to cross beneath the Northway!
The trees are budding out, the sun is gaining strength, and the lakes and rivers are calming down into that sweet summer blue.
Come on in. It's always fine!
Start with a lovely place to stay. Indulge in our dining. Check out all of our fun happenings on the events calendar.