Friends Lake is located in the Southeast Adirondacks where there are myriad recreational opportunities.
Boating
Friends Lake is a private lake and there is no public marina or boat rental facilities. There are a number of other lakes in the area which offer such facilities:
Hiking
Hiking in the Adirondacks is a favorite activity of residents and visitors alike. There are countless trails and mountains to discover throughout the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park. Hikes vary from short and easy to steep and strenuous. We list some resources for the entire Adirondack region as well as places close to Friends Lake. The online guides will introduce you to a variety of trails and safety tips. In addition, there are a number of hiking clubs and groups you may wish to join.
- Adirondack Hiking Guide
- Visit Adirondacks: Hiking
- Adirondack Mountain Club – Has maps and guide books and are local chapters which host hikes.
- Chester Challenge – Hike all of the local Chestertown mountains
- Lake George Land Conservancy
- First Wilderness – Excellent resource for hikes in the Friends Lake area
- AllTrails – is an excellent resource; with mobile app for trail maps and guides
- Crooked Canes – Capital Region Hiking, Paddling & Biking Group
Rafting
The Hudson River winds over 300 miles through New York State from Mount Marcy’s Lake Tear of the Clouds down to Manhattan. Historic, famous and exhilarating – the river is deemed one of the top 10 whitewater rafting trips in the United States. Adirondack river kayaking and rafting trips also abound on the wild Sacandaga River, the beautiful Black River and the backcountry Moose River.
As spring’s snow and ice melt, rapids on the Hudson River reach their torrential peak – creating Class IV and V rapids great for whitewater rafting and kayaking. By mid-summer, the river has mellowed to Class II & III. For a good overview of white water rafting in the area check out the whitewater rafting guide from VisitAdirondacks.com
There are a number of outfitters in the area:
- Beaver Brook Outfitters
- Square Eddy Expeditions
- White Water Challengers
- North Creek Rafting Company
- Wild Waters
- Sacandaga Outdoor Center
- Hudson Rafting Co.
- Adirondac Rafting Company
- Adirondack Adventures
Mountain Biking
There are many opportunities to bike in the area: on country roads, on rugged mountain bike trails, and even rail biking!
- Gurney Lane Bike Park
- Brant Lake Bike Park
- North Creek Ski Bowl
- Garnet Hill Lodge Trails
- Kalabus Perry
- Daniels Road
- Moreau Lake State Park
- Tupelo Community Forest
- Cole’s Woods
Bike Trails
Rail-biking
Rail biking is a new addition to the area–it repurposes rail lines for use by recumbent bicycles. Revolution Rail Company has a number of trips in the area and are accessible for all ages.
Skiing (Downhill and Cross Country)
The Southern Adirondacks offers a variety of options for downhill and cross country skiing.
- Gore Mountain (Downhill skiing and cross country)
- West Mountain (Downhill skiing)
- Garnet Hill (Cross country skiing)
- Friends of Cole’s Woods (Cross country skiing)
- Dynamite Hill (Sledding and “Learn-to-Ski”)
Tennis and Pickleball
There are courts outside of the Municipal Center in Chestertown (6307 US-9, Chestertown, NY 12817). In addition, there are courts at the North Warren Central School (6110 NY-8, Chestertown, NY 12817) for use by the community when school is not in session. There are active pickleball groups in Chestertown: an advanced level play group and an intermediate level group. Go down to the courts at the Municipal Center to learn more.
Golf
Horseback riding
Trail rides and lessons, hayrides and sleigh rides are offered by:
- Circle B Ranch (J547+P3 Chestertown, NY)
- Ridin-Hy Ranch (95 N Sherman Lake Rd, Warrensburg, NY)
- 1000 Acres Ranch Resort (465 Warrensburg Rd, Stony Creek, NY)