Boating in Lake Placid
Go beyond the shore
A favorite way, and quite possibly the best way to experience Lake Placid is by boat. Did you know there are no roads that go all the way around it? Some of the properties, camps, and great camps on Lake Placid are reached by boat access only and some of the land at the far side is forever wild, which means protected from ever being developed.
Crystal waters and mountain views
Fresh water springs and mountain streams feed Lake Placid, making it one of the cleanest fresh water lakes in the world. Enjoy breathtaking views of well known Whiteface Mountain at the far end of the lake from town along with Lake Placid’s signature shape marked by 3 islands prominently placed down the middle of the lake - Buck Island, Moose Island, and Hawk Island. All of this and it’s rich great camp history add to the beauty and allure of Lake Placid.
Public boat launches and marinas
Thinking of bringing your boat? Lake Placid, Lake Flower, most locations on Lake Champlain, and the Saranac Lakes Chain all have hard-surface public launch ramps. Make sure to follow to rules to keep our lakes pristine and protected from invasive species. We thank you.
Several of the lakes in the Adirondacks have both public and private campgrounds, marinas, boat tours and boat rentals. Book your stay in Lake Placid, and explore the many waterways of the Adirondacks this summer!
Pick a Lake, Any Lake
Geographical statistics:
Elevation is 1,858 feet
Roughly 4 miles in length, 1.5 miles in width
Max depth reaches 151 feet, with an average depth of 50 feet
It takes up an area of 2,173 acres
Access options:
Lake Placid has a no-cost public boat launch with first-come, first-serve parking for car and trailer
There are three marinas on Lake Placid, at least one has nightly/weekly mooring rates
Boat rental options available
Notable activities on Lake Placid:
Waterskiing, wake-boarding, and tubing
There is a waterski slalom course tucked in next to the main island
Cliff diving off the sheer cliffs of Pulpit Rock
Public island lean-to with dock and fire pit; first-come, first-serve use
The village of Lake Placid itself actually resides on the shores of Mirror Lake. Lake Placid, the lake, almost touches Mirror Lake’s north side. In fact there is a walking path between the two to carry kayaks, canoes, etc., from one lake to the other.
Mirror Lake details:
2.5 miles in diameter
Average depth of less than 15 feet
A favorite “must do” for visitors and locals alike is the 2.7 walk around Mirror Lake
Named for its glassy, mirror like surface, Mirror Lake is a great spot for flat water paddling, canoes, SUPs, paddle boats, and other motor-less forms of boats. Electric motors are allowed, but rarely seen on the lake. There are several options for renting (non-motor) boats directly on the shores of the Mirror Lake and downtown Lake Placid. There is also a public area with a loading zone to pull up and unload your boat into the lake.
To the East, nearby Lake Champlain, has at times been called the 6th great lake. With that said, boats of all sizes can experience the beauty of navigating the Adirondack Coast. To the West is Saranac Lake and its many chain lakes offer unique boating experiences. The Adirondack Park has something to offer just about any boat and boater.