parks and beaches

Ausable Point Campground campsites offer a shoreline comprised of natural sand and a gentle slope right to Lake Champlain. It borders a wildlife management area that offers a hiking trail, as well as water access for canoeists and sea kayakers to explore. With the city of Plattsburgh a short drive from this campground there is virtually no limit for entertainment opportunities.

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Park Features:

• Beach
• Wildlife management area with access for paddlers
• Swimming       
• Picnic area
• Windsurfing area   
• Grills
• Hiking trail
• Pavilion
• Fishing     
• Restrooms
• Birding
• Showers
• Car top boat launch     
• Campsites 

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This family-friendly beach boasts calm waters and is perfect for all ages.  Situated near the Saranac river it is typically open from June to September. Pack your suits, towels, and lunch to enjoy a day of fun in the sun.

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Park Amenities

• Swimming area
  
  
• Picnic area
  
  
• Boat launch
  
  

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Set in the valley between Lyon Mountain and Ellenburg, Chazy Lake has spectacular scenic views, great waters and plays host to a variety of watersports year round.

Physical characteristics:

• Elevation: 1541 feet
• Area: 1807 acres
• Maximum depth: 72 feet
• Mean depth: 33 feet
• Maximum Width: ~1.5 miles
• Length: ~ 3.5 miles
• Thermocline: ~ 30 feet 

Recreational Opportunities:

• Paddling
• Fishing
• Motor Boats
• Ice Fishing
• Snowshoeing
• Swimming

Access:

DEC boat launch with a hard surface ramp is located off Route 374, 5 miles west of the Village of Dannemora. It has parking for 20 cars and trailers.

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> For more information:  http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/71840.html

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On the western shore of Lake Champlain and minutes from downtown Plattsburgh is Cumberland Bay State Park, a popular day-use area with a large natural sand beach and picnic grounds. The park is open from mid-May – Columbus Day.  

Park Features 

• Beach
• Swimming  
• Playing fields
• Playground
• Concession stand
• Picnic area
• Grills 
• Pavilions
• Restrooms
• Campsites

Winter Activities

• Cross-country skiing

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Located just off Mason Hill Road in Peru, NY, minutes away from Rulfs Orchard, Heyworth/Mason Park is a beautiful site filled with history. Its the starting point of The Little Ausable River Trail, an all purpose trail to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in a varied natural environment. The park is open year-round.

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Macomb Reservation State Park allows you to enjoy a day in the wilderness playing on David Pond or the Salmon River. The park is open from mid-May to Labor Day. 

The Eugene L. Nicandri Nature Center is a state of the art nature center in Robert Moses State Park in Massena, NY. With ponds, aquariums, educational exhibits, interactive displays, learning classrooms and a friendly staff, the Nicandri Nature Center offers year round indoor and outdoor programming for all!

Just minutes from downtown Plattsburgh on the shores of Lake Champlain, the Plattsburgh City Beach is one of the largest freshwater beaches in America and boasts beautiful views of Lake Champlain and the majestic Green Mountains of Vermont.  The park features access to over a mile and a quarter of sandy beach, a dedicated swimming area, picnic tables and outdoor grills, a concession stand, kayak rentals, restrooms with showers and a nature trail.

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Park Features:

• Beach
• Swimming
• Concession stand
• Picnic area
• Restrooms
• Nature trail
• Showers

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With its prime location on the northwestern shore of beautiful Lake Champlain, its protected beach area, as well as its mix of open and forested walking/hiking trails, Point Au Roche State Park is a great family attraction!

Located on Route 373 just 3 miles east of Ausable Chasm, Port Kent Beach offers a beautiful sandy beach, great views of the Green Mountains of Vermont, children's activities, and easy access to the Port Kent Ferry which brings guests back and forth to Burlington, VT. The beach is open year-round. 

Park Features:

• Beach
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Swing set
• Restrooms

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Taylor Pond is large in size and often reminds visitors of a lake rather than a pond.  It offers a variety of water recreation opportunities and camping is available.

Physical characteristics

Elevation: 139 feet Area: 856 acres Maximum depth: 95 feet Maximum Width: .7 miles Length: 3.1 miles Thermocline: ~20-30 feet  

Recreational Opportunities

Camping Fishing Paddling Boating Beach access Swimming

Access

Access is located within the DEC maintained Taylor Pond Campground, off Silver Lake Road, 9 miles northwest of the Town of Ausable Forks. The boat launch is a beach launch. There is a day use fee applied during open camping season, but the launch is open year round. Parking for 20 cars and trailers.

> For more information http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/71850.html

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