New York Itinerary: Horse Riding Farms, Ranches, and Amusement Parks
Did you know that the Lake George area is the home of the Adirondack cowboys? Starting and ending at Lake George Village, the Dude Ranch Trail is a 40-mile loop route that passes through stables, horse riding farms, and ranch resorts, offering activities that will bring out the inner cowboy or cowgirl in any visitor! Here, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the region's scenery, land, and lakes. Duration: 3 days. Best season: Spring/Summer. Suitable for: Everyone.
Arrive in the Lake George area and check into one of the all-inclusive resorts offering a ranch-style experience. Each resort can tailor the experience based on your ability, interests, and length of stay. Ridin-Hy Ranch Resort, run by generations of the same family, offers year-round Adirondack activities and relaxation in a spectacular mountain setting. Under the free guidance of experienced equestrian instructors, explore Ridin-Hy's 700 acres of scenic trails on horseback. Enjoy hayrides, wagon rides, and carriage rides, as well as evening entertainment, crafts, spa services, swimming, and boating.
Located west of Lake George, Stony Creek Ranch Resort has been providing a unique ranch experience for group travelers for 42 years. This ranch-style resort sits on over 80 acres along the beautiful Hudson River, offering you an adventure-filled experience. There are daily horseback riding activities and weekly professional riding experiences. You can also participate in cattle drives or get up close with friendly farm animals at the petting zoo. This all-inclusive ranch has 80 rustic cabins and rooms with Adirondack-style decor, three hearty meals a day, and fun activities such as movies, cowboy campfires, and saloon entertainment.
Enjoy breakfast at the ranch-style resort. No visit is complete without experiencing a "Lake George Cruise" aboard the "Queen of American Lakes." Choose one of five cruise boats to sail the pristine waters of the 32-mile-long Lake George for a scenic boat ride. The Lake George Steamboat Company's Minne Ha Ha offers hourly cruises, while lunch and dinner cruises are available on the lake's largest sailboat, Lac Du Saint Sacrement, or on the upscale yachts Adirondac or Horicon along the Lake George shoreline. Prospect Mountain Memorial Highway is one of Lake George's iconic landmarks, offering panoramic views of the lake, the Adirondack Mountains, and beyond. Drive the 5.5-mile scenic road, stop at three breathtaking overlooks, and reach the 2,030-foot summit. Explore the historic remains of what was once the world's largest cable railway and take a photo as a souvenir of this unforgettable trip. Don't miss the excitement of an authentic rodeo at the Painted Pony Championship Rodeo in the evening. Kick off the night with a genuine Texas-style barbecue buffet, then head to the arena where you'll be captivated by rugged cowboys, beautiful cowgirls, funny rodeo clowns, and amusing animals.
Enjoy breakfast at the ranch-style resort, then check out.
Today, you'll have a splashing good time. Choose from one of the many outdoor equipment shops and experience whitewater rafting, kayaking, or a lazy river float on the Hudson or Sacandaga River for an adrenaline-filled day. Whether it's a full day of wet and wild adventure or a few hours of group activity on the river, this outdoor experience is sure to create lifelong memories.
