Hudson River.
The Hudson River in the Indian Lake region is still in its upper headwaters phase — a narrow, rocky run through mixed forest that's a far cry from the broad valley river most associate with the name. This stretch flows north from its source near Lake Tear of the Clouds (southwest, in the High Peaks) and threads through remote backcountry before widening into more recognizable form downstream. Access here is sparse and mostly from unmarked pull-offs or old logging roads; it's fishing water for anglers willing to bushwhack rather than a mapped recreation zone. The river here is cold, tannic, and defined more by its gradient than its fame.
Hudson River has public access. Summits nearby include Polaris Mountain.
The water, surveyed.
Seasonal pattern for this lake · live closures appear above
11 parking areas· 1 accessible
Closest parking lots within range, ranked by walking distance. Accessibility flags come from Google verified-data and NYSDEC records; surface and capacity from NYSDEC and OpenStreetMap. Confirm hours and seasonal closures before you go.
- 01Parking AreaTrailhead1.8 miunpavedDirections →
- 02Essex Chain Equestrian Staging Area2.1 miunpavedDirections →
- 03Polaris Bridge Parking Area2.2 miunpavedDirections →
- 04Camp Santanoni Parking Lot3.3 miunpavedDirections →
- 05Camp Six Rd Seasonal (Fall) Parking Area3.9 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Fifth Lake Accessible Parking5.0 mi
- 07Fifth Lake Permit Parking5.0 miunpavedDirections →
- 08Deer Pond Road Parking Lot6.2 miunpavedDirections →
+3 more on the map above
Getting in, staying over.
Camping.
What the lake is doing today.
What rings this water.
The peaks.
The waters.
The trails.
Read before you launch.
Make a weekend of it.
Closest editorial picks for a meal, a scoop, a pint, a bed, and a sight worth your time.
Eat.
4- McSweeney's Irish Pub11.4 mi
An Irish-style pub on Route 30 in Indian Lake serving comfort-food classics (shepherd's pie, fish and chips) seven days a week, year-round. The dependable dinner spot in town.
- Long Lake Diner & Owl’s Head Pub13.7 mi
Long Lake Diner & Owl's Head Pub has been proudly serving food, beverages, and memories since 2004.
- Northern Borne13.8 mi
Family-owned grocery and outdoor-supply store on Long Lake's Main Street, with organic, gluten-free, and vegan options plus a made-to-order deli counter. Camping and outdoor gear stocked alongside the grocery.
- Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner14.4 mi
Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner: the best Diner in Indian Lake, NY. Order directly online today for takeout or delivery. Save money, support local business!
Sip.
4- Waypoint Cafe14.0 mi
Long Lake cafe at 1265 Main St. La Colombe coffee, homemade quiche, avocado toast, artisan sandwiches, salads, poke bowls, soups, and charcuterie. Closed Mondays; weeknight happy hour 4–6 p.m.
- Schoolhouse Grounds Coffee Shop14.6 mi
Seasonal coffee shop inside the 1895 schoolhouse that houses Blue Mountain Designs. Espresso, locally roasted coffee, loose-leaf tea, baked goods, avocado toast, sandwiches, and soups. May through October.
- Cupola Crepes20.4 mi
Family-run creperie at 1095 Main Street in Schroon Lake. Sweet and savory crepes (gluten-free batter available), scones, coffee, and soft serve. Wednesday through Sunday.
- 9 Mile Coffee Co20.4 mi
9 Mile Coffee Co. is a coffee shop in downtown Schroon Lake, NY, serving a variety of coffees, teas, smoothies, sandwiches, and soups. They also sell their custom coffee blends and gift cards online.
Sweet.
4- Custard’s Last Stand13.6 mi
Custard's Last Stand is a historic ice cream shop in Long Lake, established in 1958, serving a variety of soft frozen custard & hard ice cream, sundaes, specialty shakes, floats, and ice cream sodas. They also offer merchandise and gift cards.
- The Park13.6 mi
Trying to find a fast food restaurant in Long Lake? Pay a visit to The Park. We offer a range of burgers, sides, ice cream, drinks and coffee options.
- The Hungry Crow Market & Café17.9 mi
A downtown North Creek market and cafe serving soft serve alongside scratch-made desserts, next to Hudson River Trading Co. — the cone stop in the Gore and Upper Hudson area.
- Stone Bridge Ice Cream21.3 mi
Stone Bridge Ice Cream is a seasonal stand located 2.5 miles from the Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, offering over 40 flavors of soft serve, custom ice cream cakes, and signature sundaes. It features outdoor seating and a kids' swing set.
Drink.
4- Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store11.4 mi
Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store offers a full bar with an extensive bottle selection and local drafts, alongside a menu featuring appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees. The restaurant is currently closed for mud season and wi…
- Brookside Hops & Hoagies13.6 mi
Brookside Hops & Hoagies is a casual, family-friendly shop in Long Lake, founded in 2023, offering craft beers and hoagies made with fresh ingredients and Boars Head deli meats. It operates Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM.
- Hex and Hop Tasting Room - Blue Mountain Lake14.7 mi
Hex and Hop is a craft brewery and meadery located in Bloomingdale, New York. They offer full-flavored, high-quality craft beer and mead, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing community and craft.
- The Brown Swan and Tavern20.2 mi
The Brown Swan and Tavern in Schroon Lake, NY, offers Adirondacks-inspired cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in a family-friendly setting.
Stay.
4- The Pilot's House3.0 mi
The Pilot's House sits above the Outfitter's storefront, with a wonderful view of Vanderwhacker Mt. and the Hudson River, and Santanoni Mt as a backdrop.
- Twin Coves on Indian Lake11.4 mi
Twin Coves offers nine fully equipped cottages on the shore of Indian Lake, surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains. Guests can enjoy swimming, fishing, water skiing, and various games, with nearby amenities like marinas, golf, and restaura…
- Adirondack Trail Motel11.8 mi
The Adirondack Trail Motel is a welcoming year-round lodging option in Indian Lake, offering comfortable rooms with modern amenities and easy access to outdoor activities.
- Thornbush Acres RV Park12.3 mi
A private RV park on Big Brook Road in Indian Lake with 46 large pull-through sites, full hookups, 30/50 amp service, free Wi-Fi, bathhouse, dump station, and a campstore. Mid-May through mid-October.
See.
4- Newcomb Ski Slope2.7 mi
2 slope municipal ski slope free to the public.
- Camp Santanoni6.0 mi
Built by the wealthy Pruyn family, Camp Santanoni is a publicly-owned National Historic Landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the early Adirondack Great Camp era and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
- Blue Mountain Fire Observation Station12.9 mi
Blue Mountain offers a rewarding fire tower hike in the Central Adirondacks, featuring sweeping views and historical significance, with a world-class museum located at its base.
- Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts14.7 mi
Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts is a vibrant hub for creativity in the Adirondacks, offering inspiring performances, gallery exhibits, workshops, and community events for all ages.
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- Where is Hudson River located?Hudson River is a river in the Indian Lake region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- Is Hudson River open to the public?Yes, Hudson River has public access. See the listing page for current trailhead, parking, and boat-launch details, and check active DEC advisories before visiting.
- Can you camp at Hudson River?Within roughly seven miles of Hudson River: 58 designated campsites, 3 lean-tos or shelters. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.