Lodging Guests Enjoy: Swimming, Kayaking, Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking & Biking in the Adirondacks

Spring-fed 70-acre Woods Lake is the ideal spot to rejuvenate, recreate and relax. This Adirondack jewel is among the last of its kind. Lapland Lake owns the northern third of the lake; the remaining shoreline is protected New York State forestland which, by state law, can never be developed. Other than two private homes (one belonging to the Zahray family), the lake shore is totally undeveloped and stunningly beautiful. Please note: in the spring, summer, and fall Lapland Lake is open exclusively to lodging guests.

As motorized watercraft is prohibited from use on Woods Lake, instead of the intrusive noise of jet skis and motorboats, you’ll hear only the sounds of Nature including the haunting sound of the loon, the croak of the toad, and the sound of summer breezes drifting over the water.

Our end of the lake has a lovely sandy beach, gently sloping swimming area with lines at 2, 4, 6, and 8 foot depths with a swim dock in the 8-foot area. Use of kayaks, canoes, rowboats and paddle boats is complimentary. A rope hammock is the perfect spot to wile away the afternoon, and children will be amused by the lake’s newts (like the little fellow to the left), building sand castles and the seemingly endless supply of beach toys conveniently located in the lakeshore boathouse.

A picnic table holds a water jug, Adirondack chairs scattered along the shore offer a place to relax and chaise lounges are provided.

Canoeing, kayaking or paddle-boating along the lake shore is such a pleasant pastime. Take along your fishing gear to the lake and hook abundant smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, perch, pickerel and bullhead with brook trout also in our streams. The water is incredibly clear and clean – the fish are fun to catch and release!

A couple of beaver dens line the shore at the far end of the lake. Occasionally, an otter will make an appearance as well! A variety of ducks and several graceful kingfisher call Woods Lake their home.

A lakeside swing set rounds out the activities for children who meet many new friends at the beach. This warm and gentle place encourages friendships and it is not uncommon for families to become acquainted at Lapland Lake and plan their subsequent vacations here with one another.

After the sun sets and the moon and stars appear, be sure to take a canoe or kayak out to enjoy the view. There isn’t a prettier sight to behold!

Lapland Lake’s 50km private trail system, designed by former Olympic skier, Olavi Hirvonen, winds throughout the property’s more than 200 acres. Beautifully wooded trails often follow alongside streambeds offering stunning vistas to hikers and mountain bikers alike.

Please note: In the Spring, Summer and Fall we are open exclusively to lodging guests.The new Woods Lake section of the famed 133+ mile marked and mapped Northville-Lake Placid Trail is just minutes from our door and offers an amazing wilderness experience for hikers and backcountry ski enthusiasts. There are many additional hiking opportunities on nearby forest preserve lands; including water falls, fire towers and cascading mountain streams. Maps and guidebooks are available in our retail shop along with additional information to help you plan your exciting outdoor adventures.   An  online map of Adirondack hiking trails and other attractions is available at adktrailmap.com.

Hikers will enjoy trails appealing and accessible to beginners, as well as more diverse and challenging terrain beloved by more experienced outdoor enthusiasts. The scenic snowshoe trails – warmed by the sun in spring and summer – offer hikers gorgeous scenery amongst mixed coniferous and hardwood forests.
Take a picnic lunch out to the Giant Pine which rests along the shore of the Grant Stream. Adults and children alike will enjoy exploring the water’s inhabitants and studying the flora and fauna of the wooded property.

Several well placed hanging swings make wonderful resting spots beside the trails.

Be sure to bring your camera to capture images of the beautiful flowers, mosses, mushrooms and wildlife that you may encounter along the way!In the winter months 38km of snowcat groomed snow-covered trails suit skiers of all ability levels from flat beginner terrain to rolling hills for intermediate skiers on up to steep uphills and downhills suitable for expert skiers. The 12km un-groomed, marked and mapped snowshoe trail system is a delight for those who wish to enjoy a quiet walk in the woods.

During the spring, summer and fall seasons, the ski and snowshoe trail system converts to a hiking paradise.

Fat Tire Biking

We have added a limited number of Fat Tire bikes to our rental fleet. The 4″ wide tires are great for the terrain on our private trail system. Fat tire biking is a fun way to get outdoors and get in shape for the ski season!

Fat tire biking at Lapland Lake is a preseason activity, and will end when we get snow. We DO NOT allow fat tire biking during the ski season.  Subject to trail conditions, Fat Tire Biking is open to summer and fall lodging guests every day. Please note: in the spring summer and fall, Lapland Lake is open exclusively to lodging guests.

Fat Tire bike rentals are $20 half day and $30 full day (return time 5pm). Advance reservations are recommended.

Mountain and Traditional Biking

Biking is a great activity for overnight guests to enjoy at Lapland Lake during summer and fall. We have a selection of comfort and mountain bikes for lodging guests to rent on a daily or weekly basis. Burley trailers for towing small children behind your bicycle (for use on private roads only) are available.  Lodging guests are also welcome to bring their own bicycles.

Many lodging guests use bicycles on our private roads as a fun and fast way to get between cottages and the beach.  Nearby country roads offer additional scenic rides.

When conditions permit, mountain bikes are allowed on a subset of our private trail system.  This is usually from mid-summer through fall, depending on how quickly our trails dry from the spring snow melt and rains. When we experience extended rain events, trails may be closed for biking until the ground has had an opportunity to dry.

(Please note: our hiking and biking trail network is only open to lodging guests.)

We regret that for health reasons we are no longer able to supply rental helmets with bicycle rentals. Please plan to bring your own helmets if you will be renting bicycles. Per New York State law, safely certified helmets will be required for riders age 14 and under; we strongly recommend all bicyclists wear helmets. We will have a limited selection of helmets for sale.