Uncovering the best lakes in New York has been a literal breath of fresh air and a much-needed escape.
While I’ve always been spellbound by nature’s healing powers, its magnetic pull has been even stronger these past few months.
Although at-home staycations and virtual experiences have helped scratch the travel itch, there’s nothing like experiencing the outdoors in person.
Plus, it’s highly tempting to hightail it to the nearest lakeside retreat given that road trips are all the rage.
Consequently, I’ve highlighted the best lakes in New York under a five-hour drive from Manhattan to help you plan.
Whether you’re wetting your feet with a day trip or plunging into a weekend escape, this list has you covered.
Let’s dive in!
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5 Best Lakes in New York for a Weekend Escape from the City
1. Mirror Lake (Lake Placid)
While most people associate Lake Placid with the lake of the same name, Mirror Lake takes all the popularity trophies.
In fact, if you’ve ever seen pictures of the Adirondack lakes, chances are, shimmering Mirror Lake was on top.
Aptly named for its mirror-like quality, a look into the water reveals a beautiful reflection of surrounding Lake Placid village.
Mirror Lake is one of the best lakes in New York because it’s ideal for everyone from water sports enthusiasts to photographers.
Plus, it’s the lake for all seasons, offering kayaking, paddling, and canoeing in summer and ice skating and pond hockey in winter.
What to Know Before You Go:
Mirror Lake can get pretty crowded, particularly in summer, as this tends to be the Lake Placid hotspot.
You can find more information on boat rentals here if you’re looking to enjoy a day out on the water.
Alternatively, hiking enthusiasts will enjoy a leisurely 2.7 mile walk along the lake’s perimeter.
In regards to accommodations, you can’t go wrong with the beautiful Mirror Lake Inn.
While we haven’t stayed here ourselves, I’ve heard very good things and I couldn’t resist snapping a photo!
You can find metered public parking spots located near the lake along Main Street. There are also several public lots directly off of it.
Distance from NYC:
Mirror Lake is located at Mirror Lake Drive in Lake Placid, NY. It’s just under five hours from New York City by car.
2. Lake George
Lake George is also located in the Adirondack region and is commonly referred to as the “Queen of the American Lakes.”
This popular lake boasts a shoreline of a whopping 109 miles as well as over 300 little islands!
It’s the ideal place for vacationing families looking for a nature fix who don’t want to sacrifice the amusement aspect.
What to Know Before You Go:
Lake George can definitely be a fun area, but that also depends on your idea of fun.
If you’re the type of person who enjoys touristy family vacation destinations, you’ll be right at home.
Expect kitschy souvenir shops, 1970’s-style motels, and mini golf courses around every corner.
Distance from NYC:
Lake George is located about 3.5 hours from New York City by car.
3. Seneca Lake (Finger Lakes Region)
The Finger Lakes region is often considered the most impressive collection of lakes in New York.
There are 11 lakes in total, and Seneca is the largest of the collection and the deepest in all of New York State.
I originally won a trip here (including wine tastings) back in 2018 and quickly fell in love with the area.
Speaking of wine, if you’re an oenophile, you’ll be in heaven here. That’s because the Finger Lakes region is considered the top wine region in the United States.
What to Know Before You Go:
You’ll definitely want to dedicate more time to this trip if you love lakes and wine tastings.
I recommend staying at Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, where we enjoyed two relaxing nights.
Distance from NYC:
The Finger Lakes are located just under five hours from New York City by car.
4. Lake Minnewaska
Lake Minnewaska truly exceeded my expectations. Plus, this gorgeous lake is only a short drive from New York City.
Stef and I have already visited twice to hike and take photos and we’ll definitely return again.
This deep-blue lake is part of the Minnewaska State Park Preserve located along the Shawangunk Ridge in Ulster County.
A beautiful nature preserve, it includes a total of 21 moderate trails offering panoramic lake views and gorgeous scenery.
After hiking, you can cool off with a refreshing lakeside swim in one of the two available swimming locations.
In addition, if you’re looking for more of a “shower” experience, you can hike to Awosting Falls, a 65-foot cascade!
What to Know Before You Go:
Visitor information for Lake Minnewaska is constantly being updated. Head here for the most up-to-date news and social distancing guidelines.
Distance from NYC:
Lake Minnewaska is conveniently located just under two hours from New York City by car.
5. Mohonk Lake
Mohonk Lake is also located in Ulster County and completes the idyllic setting of the famous Mohonk Mountain House.
The dramatic scenery surrounding the lake features stunning overlooks and enchanting forests that look straight out of a fairytale.
Mohonk Mountain House has full autonomy over all lakeside activities, including row boating, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming.
Although the lake is only a half-mile long, it’s well worth a day trip here, if not a weekend escape.
What to Know Before You Go:
I was not-so-pleasantly surprised that there was a 2-mile hike to the top when we first came here to shoot!
Unfortunately, you’ll need to park at the bottom of the property unless you’re a hotel guest or you have a dining reservation. From there, you’ll have to make the climb on foot.
While this isn’t ideal, I can honestly say it’s worth the climb.
Plus, I can now say this hike was rather mild after hiking the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain.
I just wish I knew the deal before I foolishly arrived in a cute outfit with a full face of make-up. Ladies, you’ve been warned! You will get sweaty on this hike if you’re coming in summer.
In addition, prior to hiking, you’ll need to purchase a hiking trails pass online. Head here for pricing information as well as current hiking guidelines.
Distance from NYC:
Mohonk Lake is conveniently located about two hours from New York City by car.
There’s nothing quite like being by a lake to lift your spirits and awaken your soul. I hope this list has inspired you to enjoy a fun lakeside getaway just a few hours from Manhattan.
Alternatively, I encourage you to check out my Central Park Instagram guide if you’re looking to spend some time in the city itself.
What were some of the best lakes in New York that you’ve discovered on your travels? Let me know in the comments; I’d love to expand this list over time!
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these look gorgeous and your photos are stunning! wish i could go to NY but my trip got cancelled in may 🙁
Thank you so much! So sorry to hear about your trip. I hope you will be able to plan another NY trip in the future; you won’t regret it!
All of these lakes look so relazing and peaceful – love your photos! I plan to move to NYC once COVID blows over so definitely saving this for later 🙂
I love love love the lakes in northern New York, especially Lake Placid! Your photos are beautiful! I’m adding the lakes I haven’t seen to my bucket list as we speak. And thank you for the photo tips!!
Yay, your comment made me so happy! Thank you so much. I hope you will get a chance to see the lakes you haven’t yet visited soon!
This is an amazing guide Elena! I totally need to visit all of these lakes. I’m probably going to plan a mini getaway to Upstate New York to see the ones in the Adirondacks this fall. Your photos are stunning as always and I love all of your dresses. 🙂
Thank you, Taylor! I’m so glad you liked it and I can’t wait to follow your Adirondack adventures when you go!
Beautiful photos, I love the colors in the Lake George picture. Also great tips, I’m still learning a lot about taking some really good photos so this is super helpful
Your pics at these lakes are so STUNNING! Would love to visit!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your kindness and hope you’ll be able to visit!
I loved the photos you shared Elena: they seem to depict peaceful places with beautiful nature! I would love to discover them by myself!
Gorgeous photos. Loved the post. Lake Minnewaska looks stunning. Definitely saving this for future reference. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much! I’m really glad you loved it and I’ll hope you’ll see it for yourself!
Mirror Lake has been my favorite lake for my whole life. So many amazing spots. Lake Placid Lake is also stunning.
I hope you already know how much I love your photos – just flawless!
These lakes seem amazing and this post makes me think more about exploring my own country 🙂
Aww, thanks so much, Or! I really, really appreciate you saying that. Hope you’ll get to explore more of your own country 🙂
I love the photos! This is an amazing guide, thank you for sharing this!
Of course, I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
WOW! Thanks so much for introducing these incredible lakes … I have been livng in USA for 14 years now, and I have in NYC many times for business, but never took the time to traverl and explore around. This is magic! Now I need to go explore more around.
Absolutely stunning. Loved all your photos, truly breathtaking!!
Thank you so much for your kind comment!
Loved this post. We are in CT, so not far. I saved them in my Google Maps for later. Thanks!
Oh awesome, and I’m in Connecticut too! Hope you’ll enjoy them!
I know New York it’s not only NYC. It’s good to learn about these lakes for nature love like me. My favorite is Lake Minnewaska. It looks serene and the view from the Lake Minnewaska’s View Point is just stunning.
That’s so true. NY really has so much to offer! And yes, Lake Minnewaska is very beautiful.
Wow I live in NYC so will have to visit these lakes! Great idea since traveling out of state is not likely at the moment!
That’s awesome, I hope you’ll enjoy them!
All these lakes are so pretty (and so are your outfits)! Thanks for sharing all these options!
Wow. Here’s me thinking that most New Yorks go to the Hamptons for their holidays! I think the lakes looks fantastic for a holiday. I can see myself cooling off in Lake George. Hopefully soon!
I’ve never heard of any of these lakes before but they all look so beautiful! Senaca Lake looks so cute with the boat house! Thank you for sharing so much info about each location
I’m so glad to introduce you to them, then. Hopefully you can see some for yourself someday!
I love how detailed this is!! These all look stunning and who would’ve thought they’re in New York?! Can’t wait to visit 🙂
I’m so glad you liked it. New York really has some amazing spots!
Wow, such amazing places! and your photos are really cute. Amazing work!
I’m so glad you think so and I really appreciate your kind comment!
I love visiting lakes and these all look like great places to go to get out of the city!
I absolutely love your photos and blog! I’ll keep in mind these place when I’ll visit NYC
Thanks so much! I do hope you’ll get to experience them for yourself!
I have been craving a lake side escape recently! Something about a swim after a sweaty hike just screams summer… these lakes all look like a great place to do that!
Haha, that’s so true! Nothing like lakeside living!
Saving this list!!
The hubs and I want to travel here next year!
Oh, amazing! I wish you a wonderful trip!
We were planning on the Finger Lakes this past spring, as a birthday adventure. Alas! 🙁 Gorgeous photos. They remain on the to-do list!
Thank you. This is very helpful. Planning to hike Lake Minnewaska tomorrow.
Great photo shots!
I’m so glad you found it helpful and I’m wishing you a wonderful trip!