The tree-cluttered panorama of luminous reds, Van Gogh yellows, and every imaginable shade of orange left me speechless. But the view wasn't impressing our motorboat captain, Phil Armstrong. But to expat upstaters like my sister, Francine, and me, the Adirondack landscape was as breathtaking as ever. We stayed at The Lodge at Schroon Lake in late fall. The resort reopened in June after an extensive renovation of the property, but its oldest building dates back to Upon our arrival, I could immediately see why the space has attracted active travelers and escape-seeking urbanites for more than years.
With its private beach and plethora of nearby activities, The Lodge at Schroon Lake is primed for wooing skiers, hikers, snowmobilers, swimmers, kayakers, and every type of outdoor-person in between. Visitors just looking for a cozy place to relax are well served, too.
Even on the cusp of winter, life bloomed all around us — sprightly grass, bubblegum-pink hydrangeas, and adolescent pines adorned the manicured lawns in front of the cabins, which still smelled of fresh-cut cedar. It all created that special Adirondack aroma that my sister and I had taken for granted growing up. Francine and I called a two-bedroom, two-bathroom chalet home for the weekend. The cabin decor is simple but thoughtful. Maps of the region and vintage boat paddles hang on the crisp white walls, with wooden bed frames and Adirondack chairs rounding out the rustic aesthetic.
Out on the water, we flew by enormous estates, quaint dockside cottages, and an island with a decades-old kids' camp hidden behind its soaring pines. We had a lot to see after our boat tour. The Lodge at Schroon Lake has an indoor pool, hot tub, mini-golf course, pickleball courts, basketball courts, and a stocked marina with kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals, to name a few things.
The next morning, we feasted on the heaping pile of French toast that was delivered to our chalet before heading to a 2. The Lodge provides transportation to nearby hiking trails, as well as guides per guest request. Despite wet weather, the view of Schroon Lake had us lingering on the mountaintop. Alongside locals and fellow guests, we indulged in poutine covered in sharp New York cheddar and tender short rib brisket with beers from nearby Paradox Brewery. This homey resort combines the tranquility of a remote, private cabin rental with ultra-convenient access to outdoor activities.
