This Natural Waterslide in New York Is a Summer Dream Come True

Visiting a summer waterpark in New York is always a lot of fun, but during those hot summer days, it doesn't always work to beat the heat! The crowds are out in full force and the sun is beating down on the concrete and plastic. That's why, when that summer heat gets to be too much, many adventurous types prefer to head off the beaten path and discover a natural adventure.

We found exactly that at Lake George Wild Forest, a sprawling destination with over 40 individual rustic trails and some of the region's most beautiful sights. But we were most surprised to find out that it was home to what might be the only natural waterslide in New York! This is Bear Slide Trail, a simple hike not far off the beaten path that allows you to get your feet wet and take a wet-and-wild adventure down a flowing path, far away from the area's busiest tourist destinations!

Discover Bear Slide Trail in Lake George Wild Forest

Lake George Wild Forest is a choose-your-own-adventure of a park, with almost fifty Lake George hiking trails leading to stunning mountaintops and peaceful waterfronts. Prospect Mountain Trail is a favorite of many, with some truly incredible views of Lake George at the summit.

But there's one hidden gem of a trail that most people don't know about. This scenic trail will lead you to one of the best natural swimming spots in New York.

Why This Natural Waterslide in New York Is So Unique

The Bear Slide Trail is a fairly short, easy-to-access trail that follows a racing brook. Some of the brook is rocky, but at a certain point, it smooths out while still flowing downhill. After heavy rain, it'll be a rushing river that you can simply sit down in... and let it sweep you away!

Hikers are easily able to slide down the rock's surface due to its smooth nature, so long as there is enough water to carry you safely down. Your final destination is a small waterfall with a shallow pool at the end—the perfect cool finish to this natural waterslide!

What To Know Before Visiting Bear Slide Trail

You can access this natural water slide by embarking on the Bear Slide Trail, which spans 2 miles out and back, with a 350-foot elevation gain. Do note that cell service is pretty spotty in this area, so downloading the trail map ahead of time is recommended.

There is no fee to enter Lake George Wild Forest. You can access this scenic spot by parking at the Bear Slide Road parking area near the Bear Slide Trailhead, located on Bear Slide Road. 

As you embark on your outdoor summer adventures in New York, be sure to practice proper trail etiquette, such as keeping your dog leashed and following Leave No Trace principles, including carrying out what you carry in. That way, everyone can enjoy one of the best hidden gems in New York!

Camping and Outdoor Adventures in Lake George Wild Forest

Bear Slide is just one of many outdoor attractions in Lake George. Paddling is permitted on all bodies of water in the Lake George Wild Forest. You'll find several hand launches in the Hudson River Special Management Area where you can slip out onto the water for a kayak or canoe adventure.

You can also camp on the grounds, with 63 primitive camping sites available around the forest. The benefit of camping in this natural water park in New York is that you can head down to this water feature whenever you please. It's the perfect rustic adventure for summer.

Looking for natural tubing adventures in the area? You'll find plenty more relaxing opportunities on the water along your Lake George vacation, including tubing on the Hudson River. There are also many Adirondack hiking trails to explore if you'd rather spend your days hiking in Lake George or the Lake Luzerne area.

Best Time To Experience This Natural Water Park in New York

Bear Slides may have more or less water running down it depending on the time of year. The best time to visit this unique natural waterslide in New York is in July, August, and into mid-September, when the temperatures are warm and the water flow is steady.

Have you taken the often-wild ride on the Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest yet? We highly recommend you include it in your Adirondack summer adventures! To learn more about this massive natural destination, check out the Lake George Wild Forest page.

There is so much hiking to do in this area, with many of the trails being challenging, so we highly recommend a subscription to AllTrails +. This is the kind of destination this app was made for, letting you stay connected with downloadable trail guides no matter how remote your hike is—a feature that's incredibly helpful when exploring New York's hidden hiking trails. It's also a handy resource to have when hiking New York forest trails or sightseeing along New York waterfall hikes.

But hiking isn't all you'll find here. If you're in the mood for a different kind of local adventure in Lake George, Six Flags Great Escape recently opened a new and thrilling wooden roller coaster!