This Hidden Gem Resort in New York's Adirondacks Feels Like an All-seasons Camp for Adults

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. Chief Engineer at The Lodge at Schroon Lake, Armstrong has lived in the under-the-radar town of Schroon Lake, New York, for 16 years. At that moment, he was bemoaning the passing of the year’s “peak” foliage. “Everything looked like it was on fire, it was spectacular,” he told us of the dazzling display we’d just missed. 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 2023 after an extensive renovation of the property, but its oldest building dates back to 1917. Upon our arrival, I could immediately see why the space has attracted active travelers and escape-seeking urbanites for more than 100 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. It has two terraces and a patio for enjoying the resort’s best views, and the lake can be admired from the living room couch when the weather is less welcoming. 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. Our affable captain shared his encyclopedic knowledge of the lake’s history and the thriving community that enlivens its shores. “It’s a really unique town in that the people who live up here and around it are just incredibly friendly,” Armstrong explained.

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. Popular snowmobile trails begin from the property, and it’s a 30-minute drive away from Gore Mountain, New York state’s biggest ski area. 

The next morning, we feasted on the heaping pile of French toast that was delivered to our chalet before heading to a 2.4-mile hike at Severance Peak. 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.

After our rain-soaked trek, it was time for dinner at The Brown Swan, The Lodge at Schroon Lake’s full-service restaurant. 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. It felt like a summer camp for adults and families, with a host of activities at our disposal amid a playful, welcoming atmosphere.

Here’s my review of the newly renovated Lodge at Schroon Lake.

The Rooms

Guests have 116 accommodations to choose from. There are two-bedroom chalets overlooking the lake; private one-room cabins; standard double rooms, some with king-size beds, some with bunk beds; suites in the main lodge; a longhouse with suites; and glamping tents available in the summer.

The style is classic Adirondacks, with gabled roofs and as many porches and terraces as each space allows. You’ll find canoes hanging on walls, stone fireplaces, and raw materials used whenever possible. All accommodations are dog-friendly.

Staying in the main building gives you direct indoor access to the indoor swimming pool, sizable gym, and The Bevy, a guest-only bar. Kitchenettes in the chalets are equipped with a fridge, microwave, and two-burner stove.

Food and Drink

Erected in 1917, the Brown Swan Club building was the first structure on the grounds of The Lodge at Schroon Lake, and it’s where you’ll find the resort’s main restaurant. Generous entrees include maple bourbon chicken and braised beef short rib. The restaurant connects to a cozy taproom and a patio, all with views of the lake and mountains. 

The main resort building houses The Bevy, a bar where guests can sip local brews fireside or play air hockey and foosball in the adjacent game room.

The culinary highlight of our weekend at The Lodge was our visit to Paradox Brewery. A 10-minute drive from the resort, the Brewery has nailed the art of bar food and, of course, serves excellent craft beer. The spacious, independently owned restaurant offers mountain views and an upbeat atmosphere.

Experiences and Amenities

A massive list of activities is one of The Lodge at Schroon Lake’s top selling points. Guests are free to use the basketball courts, mini-golf course, giant chessboard, indoor pool, hot tub, and pickleball courts. You can explore nearby hiking trails on your own or with a resort guide. There are shuttles to hiking spots and Gore Mountain for skiing and snowboarding in the winter. The resort regularly hosts beginner yoga classes and meditation sessions, and lawn games like upstate-favorite cornhole are available for use.

Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and pontoon boats can be rented directly from the resort’s dock. A vintage Chris Craft motorboat is also available for tours with Captain Armstrong.

The indoor pool area includes a kids' pool and a hot tub. Windows on the outer wall and a high ceiling allow guests to bask in the sun even in the dead of winter. If you don’t get your fill of exercise from the various on-site courts and off-site adventures, there’s a gym next to the pool complex.

Family-friendly Offerings

In addition to kid-catering amenities like mini golf, basketball courts, and a game room, the resort hosts a slew of events for the little ones, including scavenger hunts, movie nights, and daily arts-and-crafts sessions. 

Parents looking for a full night off can leave kids for 6:30-9:00 p.m. activities at the resort’s “Cub’s Den” for a per-child fee, while complimentary nighttime activities like s’mores roasting and fireside storytime help the youngsters wind down.

Accessibility and Sustainability

The resort has five ADA-compliant rooms. Entrances to The Brown Swan, The Bevy, the fitness center, Cub’s Den, and the indoor pool are accessible. Any activities hosted in the aforementioned locations are also accessible, including meditation, arts and crafts, movie nights, and s’mores roasting.

Location

Renting a car or driving your own is the most convenient way to get to The Lodge at Schroon Lake. The closest airports to Schroon Lake are Adirondack Regional Airport in Saranac Lake, about 65 miles away, or Albany International Airport, about 85 miles away.

There’s also a once-daily Amtrak from New York City’s Penn Station to Ticonderoga, which is 20 miles away, and The Lodge provides a shuttle from the train station.

A visit to nearby Paradox Brewery is a must during your stay. In the summer, proximity to a number of rafting tour outposts will please adrenaline seekers. The Natural Stone Bridge and Cave, where guests can take scenic tours in the summer and enjoy dreamy snowshoeing in the winter, is a 10-minute drive from the resort. Gore Mountain, which has the most skiable terrain in the state, is 30 minutes away. Shuttles are available to and from the mountain for an extra fee (or as part of a Ski and Stay package resort guests can purchase).

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

The best room rates are during the off-seasons in November, March, April, and May. There are also seasonal packages that can help you save; The Paradox Package treats guests to shuttle service to and from Paradox Brewery, a $50 gift card to use at the brewery, and goodies from the brand waiting in their room upon arrival. For a winter visit, save on transportation to Gore Mountain, snowshoeing trails, and the Natural Caves and Stone Bridge with the Ski and Stay Package (lift tickets not included). The Hearthside Holiday Package makes for an extra festive stay with toasty treats and gifts. For year-round savings on on-site food, consider the Wine + Dine and Romantic Getaway packages.