Montauk Point at the Tip of Long Island
Travel to the eastern edge of Long Island, where you will find a lighthouse surrounded by wide, sandy beaches and several state parks. Summertime water-related activities include swimming, fishing, beach combing, sailing and sea kayaking, while those with an interest in the local history might want to visit the Montauk Lighthouse Museum or the nearby fishing village of Montauk. Of the three state parks in the immediate area, only Hither Hills allows overnight camping (reservations essential). This large park is situated on the Montauk Point State Highway (Route 27) just west of the town of Montauk. For the best beach experience, go to Montauk Point State Park, located at the lighthouse at the end of the highway. And furthest west at Napeague Bay, sunbathers and swimmers will enjoy the smaller Napeague State Park. For other accommodations, you will have to look in the town of Montauk or points west.
Montauk Point Lighthouse
2000 Montauk Highway
Montauk, NY 11954-5600
631-668-2544
montauklighthouse.com
Hither Hills State Park
50 South Fairview Ave.
Montauk, NY 11754
631-668-2554
nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/122/details.aspx
Saranac Lake
Right in the heart of the Adirondacks sits a popular resort town called Saranac Lake. The abundant lakes in the region offer many boating activities in the summer and fall. For a special camping experience, try boat-access camping at one of the numerous islands that are part of the Saranac Lake Islands Campground, which is run by the State Department of Environmental Conservation. After making your reservation (essential from May to September), you and your party will be assigned a numbered campsite on one of the many islands. Depending on location, you might even have the whole island to yourself.
Saranac Lake is also a four-season town, where winter can be just as much fun as the other three seasons. Nordic and downhill skiing are popular in the area, as is snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Whiteface Mountain offers nearby downhill skiing.
Anyone interested in staying in the town of Saranac Lake can try the Saranac Lake Hotel, where culinary students from nearby Paul Smith's College will cook and serve you dinner.
Saranac Lake Islands
Dept. of Environmental Conservation
39 Main St.
Saranac Lake, NY 12983-1733
518-891-3170
dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24496.html
Whiteface Mountain
5021 Route 86
Wilmington, NY 12997
518-946-2223
whiteface.com/index.php
Saranac Lake Hotel
100 Main St.
Saranac Lake, NY 12983-1732
800-937-0211
hotelsaranac.com
Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, NY
Today, Chautauqua is the name of a lake, a town and an art institution, all located in western New York near the Pennsylvania state line. Currently, visitors come to the lakeside town to swim in the lake, walk along the beach, hike or camp in the nearby state forests (Chautauqua Gorge and Mount Pleasant) or perhaps listen to classical music, while enjoying the local wine. Boaters can launch their craft from Long Point State Park for an opportunity to catch some bass, perch or pike and campers can stay at Camp Chautauqua, a campground located near the the town of Chautauqua. This site is popular with RVs, but backpackers can explore the 24-mile Westside Overland Trail that runs from Chautauqua Gorge to Mount Pleasant State Forest and is serviced with several lean-tos.
Camp Chautauqua
P.O. Box 100
Route 394
Stow, NY 14785
716-789-3435
campchautauqua.com/
Long Point State Park
4459, Route 430
Bemus Point, NY 14712
716-386-2722
nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/109/details.aspx
Chautauqua Institution
1 Ames Ave.
Chautauqua, NY 14722
716-357-6200
ciweb.org
