Moreau Lake State Park – All about to know
Moreau Lake State Park is a 6,250-acre state park in Saratoga County, New York. The park is located in the southwest part of the town of Moreau on US 9 off Interstate 87. It offers over 20 miles of hiking trails, a 120-acre lake formed by glaciers, and a sandy beach.
Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Moreau Lake and explore miles of scenic trails. The park also has group camping amenities, as well as tent and trailer sites.
Where is the location of Moreau Lake State Park?
The park is located at 605 Old Saratoga Rd, Gansevoort, NY 12831, United States
Direction to Moreau Lake State Park
Why Moreau Lake State Park is so Popular?
There are many reasons why Moreau Lake State Park is so popular, attracting visitors from near and far:
Natural Beauty and Diverse Activities:
- Scenic setting: The park boasts a picturesque lake, rolling hills, and lush forests, providing stunning views and a peaceful escape from the city.
- Outdoor recreation: With over 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing, it caters to nature lovers of all levels. The lake offers opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and ice skating, ensuring year-round enjoyment.
- Family-friendly atmosphere: The park’s amenities like the sandy beach, picnic areas, and nature center make it ideal for families to spend quality time together.
Accessibility and Value:
- Convenient location: Situated near Saratoga Springs and Lake George, it’s easily accessible to major routes and popular tourist destinations.
- Affordable options: Camping at the park offers a budget-friendly way to experience the outdoors. Day trips are also accessible with reasonable entrance fees.
- Variety of accommodations: From tent and RV campsites to rustic cabins, the park offers various lodging options to suit different preferences and budgets.
Additional Appeal:
- Rich history and cultural significance: The park sits on land used by indigenous people for centuries and bears historical marks like the Indian Ladder Trail.
- Educational opportunities: The Nature Center provides interactive exhibits and programs for all ages, fostering environmental awareness and appreciation for nature.
- Events and programs: The park regularly hosts events like guided hikes, workshops, and festivals, adding to the vibrant atmosphere and offering unique experiences.
Overall, Moreau Lake State Park strikes a balance between natural beauty, diverse activities, and accessibility, making it a popular destination for individuals, families, and groups seeking a memorable outdoor experience. Read Discover the Top 6 Best Landscape Places in the World
What is the history of Moreau Lake State Park?
The history of Moreau Lake State Park can be traced back to its origins as a private estate in the late 19th century and its gradual transformation into a public park in the mid-20th century. Here’s a timeline of its key milestones:
1881 – 1935:
- Wealthy attorney George W. McAdam starts acquiring land around the scenic Moreau Lake, developing it as a summer home and estate.
- The area attracts other seasonal residents, with cabins and residences constructed along the lake shores.
1935 – 1949:
- The surrounding lands begin to transition into a seasonal campground, with the natural lake, forests, and topography offering potential for recreational activities.
- Dirt access roads are developed around the southwestern and southeastern sections of the lake.
1961 – 1967:
- Recognizing the area’s recreational value, the New York State Conservation Department (now DEC) starts acquiring land under a Bond Act to create a public campsite.
- By 1967, around 600 acres are acquired, marking the official establishment of Moreau Lake State Park.
1967 – present:
- The park undergoes further development, expanding its size and amenities. This includes:
- Construction of additional campsites, cabins, and picnic areas.
- Establishment of a sandy beach on the lake.
- Creation of over 20 miles of hiking trails through the diverse forest landscape.
- Addition of boat launches and other facilities for enjoying the lake.
2022:
- The park’s size significantly increases through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the DEC, adding over 1,320 acres.
Today, Moreau Lake State Park stands as a vibrant public recreation area, offering a vast array of activities for visitors to enjoy throughout the year. Read Hogan Park at Highlands Creek – All about to know
Fishing at Moreau Lake State Park
Moreau Lake State Park offers a variety of fishing opportunities. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, trout, and panfish. The park has over 20 miles of hiking trails, a 120-acre lake formed by glaciers, and a sandy beach.
All Trails has a list of 23 great trails for hiking, birding, and fishing. Here are some of the most popular fishing trails:
- Lake Bonita Loop: A 1.9-mile trail that circles around the lake and offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding forests.
- Moreau Lake and Mud Pond Loop: A 4.1-mile hike that begins by following along the eastern edge of Moreau Lake and up to Mud Pond. After passing Mud Pond, the route heads up hill above the ponds before descending and arriving back at the parking area.
- Ridge Run, Eastern Ridge, White Birch, and Western Ridge Loop: A 9.9-mile loop that passes by Moreau Lake and then climbs up towards Grant Mountain. The trail loops around Grant Mountain and along the top of the ridge before heading back down.
Please note that the park is currently experiencing a suspected outbreak of avian flu in its Canada Goose population. If you encounter a sick or dead bird, please avoid touching it. Maintain a safe distance, note the location, and promptly inform Park Operations.
Moreau Lake State Park Beach
Moreau Lake State Park boasts a lovely sandy beach that’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the lake. Here’s what you can expect:
General Information:
- The beach is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM from Memorial Day to Labor Day (typically late May to early September).
- During the summer season, lifeguards are on duty to ensure everyone’s safety.
- The beach has restrooms and changing facilities for your convenience.
- While swimming is the main attraction, you can also relax on the soft sand, build sandcastles, or wade in the shallow waters. Read Joia Beach – All About to know
Hiking Trails at Moreau Lake State Park
Moreau Lake State Park offers over 20 miles of hiking trails. All Trails has a list of 23 great trails for hiking, birding, and fishing. Here are some of the most popular trails:
- Lake Bonita Loop: A 1.9-mile trail that circles around the lake and offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding forests.
- Western Ridge Trail to Overlook: A 1.8-mile trail rewards you with panoramic vistas of Moreau Lake and the surrounding countryside. Hike through hemlock forests, ascend rocky ridges, and reach the breathtaking overlook for a picture-perfect moment.
- Moreau Lake Overlook via Red Oak Ridge Trail: A 4.4-mile hike up to some great overlooks over both Moreau Lake to the east and the Hudson River to the west.
- Baker Trail to Moreau Lake Overlook: Baker Trail to Moreau Lake Overlook is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail located in Moreau Lake State Park, New York. The trail is generally considered a moderately challenging route and takes an average of 1 hour and 14 minutes to complete. The trail starts in the back of the picnic area and ends at the overlook.
- Lake Bonita to Western Ridge Overlook: This moderate 4.5-mile trail combines the tranquility of Lake Bonita with the panoramic vistas of the Western Ridge. Hike along the lakeshore, traverse woodlands, and reach the overlook for breathtaking views of the lake and the distant peaks.
Moreau Lake State Park’s hiking trails offer something for everyone, from serene lakeside strolls to challenging climbs with breathtaking vistas. So lace up your boots, grab your backpack, and hit the trails for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of New York’s stunning natural beauty.
Camping at Moreau Lake State Park
Moreau Lake State Park offers facilities for group campers, as well as tent and trailer sites.
The park has a total of 158 sites available for camping, including
- 7 cabins
- 145 campsites
- 2 cottages
- 1 group camp, 2 pavilions
- 1 tent shelter
The campsites are wooded, quiet, and secluded, and offer a range of amenities . The park also offers a variety of recreational activities, including over 20 miles of hiking trails, a 120-acre lake formed by glaciers, and a sandy beach. Read Storey Lake Resort – All about to know
Picnic Paradises at Moreau Lake State Park
The park offers a variety of recreational activities for families. The park has several picnic areas that are perfect for a family outing. Here are some of the most popular picnic areas:
- Lake Bonita Picnic Area: Located near the beach, this picnic area offers picnic tables, grills, and a playground.
- Sandy Beach Picnic Area: This picnic area is located near the beach and offers picnic tables, grills, and a playground.
- Pavilion Picnic Area: This picnic area is located near the pavilion and offers picnic tables, grills, and a playground.
Upcoming Events & Programs at Moreau Lake State Park
Here are some upcoming events and programs at Moreau Lake State Park happening over the next few days and into January 2024:
31st December, Sunday:
- New Year’s Eve Bonfire with S’mores: Celebrate the arrival of 2024 with a bonfire at the Nature Center from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Enjoy s’mores, live music, and a countdown to midnight.
1st January, Monday:
- First-Day Hikes: Start the new year on the right foot with two guided hikes. Choose from the Nature Trail hike at 10:00 AM or the Mud Pond Trail hike at 1:00 PM. Both hikes are about 1 mile long and perfect for all ages.
6th January, Saturday:
- Knee-High Naturalists: A program for toddlers and preschoolers to explore the wonders of nature through stories, crafts, and outdoor activities. This program happens every Saturday at 10:00 AM at the Nature Center.
7th January, Sunday:
- Bird Seed Buffet: Help the park staff prepare food for the winter birds and learn about how you can attract birds to your own backyard. This program happens every Sunday at 11:00 AM at the Nature Center.
14th January , Sunday:
- Animal Tracks: Learn about the different tracks and signs that animals leave behind in the snow. This program happens every Sunday at 2:00 PM at the Nature Center.
Ongoing Programs:
- Wiggly Wanderers: A casual hike/wander series for toddlers and their caregivers. Meets every Friday at 9:30 AM at the Nature Center.
- Nature Collages: Create beautiful collages using natural materials. Drop in anytime between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM at the Nature Center. Read Pearl Street Farmers Market – Colorado
Moreau Lake Park Reviews
Moreau Lake State Park has a 4.6-star rating on Google Maps. Here are some reviews of Moreau Lake State Park:
- “Beautiful park. The lake is gorgeous. Fantastic for swimming and kayaking. Trails are beautiful and well maintained.”
- “This is a fantastic piece of land. The walk around the lake is great. The other trails are a bit steep for me but can be accessed from the north side to eliminate some elevation. My wife and I kayak there frequently and enjoy the scenery and birds (eagles, hawks, osprey, pileated woodpeckers and loons).”
- “a secluded park offering boating & fishing on its lake & multi-use trails to the Hudson River.
Family Activities at Moreau Lake State Park
Moreau Lake State Park in New York is a fantastic place for families to enjoy the outdoors together. Here are some ideas for fun activities you can do there, no matter what time of year you visit:
Summer:
- Swimming and sunbathing: The park has a lovely sandy beach with lifeguards on duty, perfect for swimming and relaxing in the sun. You can also rent paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes for a fun day on the lake.
- Hiking and biking: There are over 20 miles of trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging. Take a hike through the forest, or enjoy a scenic bike ride around the lake.
- Nature Center: The park’s Nature Center is a great place to learn about the local plants and animals. There are exhibits, interactive displays, and programs for all ages.
- Camping: The park has several campgrounds with RV and tent sites. Enjoy a campfire under the stars and roast marshmallows.
Fall:
- Leaf peeping: The park is a beautiful place to enjoy the fall foliage. Take a hike or drive along the scenic roads and soak up the autumn colors.
- Apple picking: There are several apple orchards near the park where you can pick your own apples. Enjoy a homemade apple pie or cider after your outing.
Winter:
- Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing: The park has miles of trails groomed for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Enjoy a winter wonderland adventure through the forest.
- Ice skating: Go ice skating on the lake if it’s frozen over. There are also ice skating rinks in the nearby towns of Saratoga Springs and Lake George.
- Cabin rentals: Cozy up in a rustic cabin for a winter getaway. The park has several cabins available for rent, some with fireplaces.
Year-round:
- Picnicing: Enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner at one of the park’s many picnic areas. There are grills available for use, and some areas have playgrounds.
- Fishing: The lake is stocked with fish, so cast a line and see what you can catch. You can also ice fish in the winter.
- Birdwatching: The park is home to a variety of birds, making it a great place for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, osprey, and herons.
No matter what you enjoy doing, you’re sure to find something to love at Moreau Lake State Park. So pack up your family and head to the park for a day of fun and adventure.
Hotels near to Moreau Lake Park
Here are some hotels near Moreau Lake State Park:
- Days Inn by Wyndham Queensbury/Lake George – Casual rooms in a modest budget hotel with a gym, plus freebies such as breakfast, Wi-Fi & parking. Price: US$63 per night.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queensbury – Lake George Area, an IHG Hotel – Casual hotel offering a free hot breakfast buffet, a heated indoor pool & a 24-hour gym. Price: US$92 per night.
- Super 8 by Wyndham Queensbury Glens Falls/Lake George Area – Simple budget hotel offering a business center, plus free continental breakfast, parking & WiFi. Price: US$64 per night.
- Landmark Motor inn – Low-key motel offers homey rooms with Internet plus indoor/outdoor pools & conference facilities. Price: US$91 per night.
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham – Lake George – None Price: US$109 per night.
Restaurants near Moreau Lake State Park
Here are some restaurants near Moreau Lake State Park, with a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences:
Fine Dining:
- Chez Pierre: This French restaurant offers a romantic atmosphere with elegant decor and a menu featuring classic French dishes like coq au vin and escargot. It’s a great option for a special occasion.
- Morgan & Co.: This upscale American restaurant serves contemporary dishes with a focus on local ingredients. They also have an extensive wine list and a beautiful patio for outdoor dining.
Casual Dining:
- Scotty’s Restaurant: This truck stop diner is a local favorite for hearty American fare like burgers, steaks, and comfort food. They also have a large breakfast menu and friendly service.
- Nové Italian Restaurant: This family-friendly restaurant offers classic Italian dishes like pasta, pizzas, and seafood. They have a large menu and generous portions, making it a good choice for groups.
Quick Bites:
- Pizza Shack: This local pizza joint serves delicious pizzas, wings, and other Italian favorites. They offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery, making it a convenient option for a casual meal.
- Dunkin’: This coffee chain is always a reliable option for a quick breakfast or coffee break. They have a variety of hot and cold beverages, as well as pastries and sandwiches.
Other Options:
- Dancing Grain Farm Brewery: This brewery offers a selection of craft beers, as well as pub fare like burgers and pizzas. They have a relaxed atmosphere and a nice outdoor patio.
- Cooper’s Cave Ale Company: This brewery is housed in a historic cave and offers a unique atmosphere. They have a variety of beers on tap, as well as a small menu of food. Read 2024 Guide to Cais da Ribeira – Porto, Portugal
