Lake George, New York, is located in the Adirondack Mountains of the northeast Appalachian range. According to the New York State Department of Conservation, Lake George Wild Forest is located in Warren County and the horse trails extend into regions 5 and 6. Consisting of approximately 71,133 acres of State Forest Preserve lands and containing the city of Lake George, the area features miles of marked trails to keep both you and your horse in top shape.
Lake George Horse Trails
In 1894, George Knapp purchased over 7,000 acres containing 80 miles of carriage roads. Today, this land is forest preserve with the carriage roads open for horseback riding. The terrain varies from endurance building mountainous forest with outlooks to a refreshing cool down on the beach of Lake George, which has a roughly 980-foot drop from Dacy Clearing. The marked trails are easily accessible and mounting platforms are located at Dacy Clearing and Upper Hogtown Road.
Horse Camping
The Luzerne Campground has a special camping area for equestrians that includes a barn and corral with a watering trough as well as tent and trailer sites equipped with fireplaces and tables located in a nearby grove of pines. Approximately five miles of marked trails are found on state land and trails continue into surrounding private lands. According to writer Ester Fiddes, "the camp is a lovely area with lots of fun things to do in addition to riding. The horse campground is set apart from regular camping area with 22 horse sites." For the more adventurous equestrian, back country horse camping is allowed on most of the conservation land but restrictions are in place, including a leave-no-trace requirement.
Rental and Stable Accommodations
Guided trail rides, sunset dinner rides and rental horses are offered by local stables such as Loon Lake Trail Rides and Bennet's Riding Stable. Circle B Ranch offers sleigh and wagon rides, lessons and boarding along with scenic trail riding. Saddle Up Stables accommodates school groups, those celebrating special occasions and scout troops. The historic 1000 Acres Ranch Resort will delight you with dude ranch and southern hospitality style amenities, including golf, fishing and boating while the Wild West Ranch has all the amenities of a real western saloon town.
Handicap Accommodations
New York campgrounds and Lake George Horse Trails offer recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Paved parking areas and walkways, remodeled restrooms and mounting platforms are available for equestrians with special needs. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, horse trails with wheelchair access mounting platforms have special markers at these sites for easier identification.
Alerts and Important Information
New York horse owners are required to carry a current negative Coggins certificate for each horse. In addition to an up-to-date negative Coggins certificate, out-of-state horse owners are required to produce a 30-day health certificate. Patrons should carry health papers for each horse with them at all times. Horse campers should be aware of the new regulations on firewood before transporting firewood into campsites. Untreated firewood is not to be moved more than 50 miles from its source.
References
- "The Adirondack Park: A Wildlands Quilt"; Barbara McMartin; 1999
- "Ride New York: 35 Horse and Multiple-Use Trails in the Empire State"; Anne M. O'Dell; Crazy Horse Ranch, 1997
- Lake George Wild Forest: Lake George Horse Trails
- Luzerne Camping Spot
- Ester Fiddes: Lake Luzerne Campgrounds
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