The Best Kept Summer Secret in New York Is This Stunning Glacial Lake

Ah, summer in New York — is there any better time to go explore the beautiful, water-rich central region of the Empire State than when the days are long and the sun is high in the sky? It's an amazing time to get out on the water, and if you're not up to the long haul to popular tourist destinations like Coney Island or Lake Erie, there's an amazing spot that many people call the best fishing lake in New York — but it still features only a fraction of the tourists you'll see at its neighbors. Welcome to Middle Saranac Lake, one of the most pristine spots in the Finger Lakes region.

Middle Saranac Lake is the perfect size for a summer getaway, being sandwiched between two bigger, more popular lakes. The Finger Lakes region definitely fills out during the summer, but Middle Saranac Lake is often an oasis that's much more peaceful compared to the other options. It's surrounded by a charming hiking trail that offers a great, easy adventure for families, as well as some of the best views in the entire Empire State during these beautiful months of fun in the sun.

What Makes This Spot So Special

Living inland in New York, it's not that easy to find great beach spots. Middle Saranac Lake is around an hour and a half west of Lake Champlain, so the Adirondack lakes are like a breath of fresh air. Middle Saranac Lake isn't the most famous of the lakes, and that's what makes it so unique. Except during the very busiest times of the year, this popular fishing and swimming hole is likely to feel like a little slice of heaven. The best fishing here is usually smallmouth and largemouth bass, as well as northern pike.

What It's Like to Visit

Middle Saranac Lake is surrounded by forests and mountains, and there's a one-mile trail leading from Ampersand Mountain Path to the lakeshore. If you're just interested in the lake, it's an easy hike that should be well-marked and safe to navigate, even if you don't have any hiking experience. However, if you're interested in hiking more, the area is full of trails.

While the trail itself is simple to navigate, that doesn't mean it's boring by any stretch. The heavily wooded area provides a wonderful shaded canopy and has some beautiful sights along the way. The lake itself is a popular spot for swimming by the beach, and both motorized boats and paddleboats can access the lake via the nearby State Bridge Boat Launch.

What to Know Before You Go

Middle Saranac Lake is open year-round for fishing and boating, and is a public natural area with no admission fees. Boat rentals are nearby for reasonable fees, and most accommodations and restaurants can be found in the nearby town of Saranac Lake, NY. Campfire Restaurant at Hotel Saranac is a fantastic spot offering comfort food and brews, along with stunning views. If you're looking to see the entire region, this three-day road trip will take you across some of the best lakesides in New York.

Have you had a swimming or fishing adventure at Middle Saranac Lake? If not, this is the perfect time to tell a friend about this article and show them why this hidden spot is considered the best fishing lake in New York. You can find out more about this beautiful lake on the Saranac Lake, New York website, and check out the AllTrails trail listing for more photos of what you can expect when you visit.

If you'd like some other amazing spots to beat the crowds this summer, make sure to check out Only in Your State's list of the best hidden gems in New York to plan your next Empire State adventure!