Lake Francis.
Lake Francis is a 33-acre pond in the Indian Lake township — deep enough in the southern Adirondacks that it sits outside the usual tourist circuits and sees pressure mainly from locals and seasonal residents. No fish stocking records and no official access data in the DEC files, which typically means private shoreline or legacy camp ownership; if you're not connected to a camp on the water, this one stays off the list. The name shows up on USGS quads and older trail maps, but it's not a destination pond — it's the kind of water you pass on a backroad or hear about third-hand at a town meeting. Worth confirming access and regs with the Indian Lake town office before planning a trip.
Lake Francis has public access. Summits nearby include Bad Luck Mountain and McGinn Hill.
The water, surveyed.
Seasonal pattern for this lake · live closures appear above
12 parking areas
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.
- 01Chain Lakes Road South Parking LotTrailhead1.6 miunpavedDirections →
- 02Indian River Put-In Parking Lot1.7 miunpavedDirections →
- 03Outer Gooley Parking Area2.3 miunpavedDirections →
- 04Chain Lakes Rd South Seasonal (Fall) Parking Area3.3 miunpavedDirections →
- 05John Pond Parking Lot4.5 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Trail Parking5.2 miunpavedDirections →
- 07Camp Six Rd Seasonal (Fall) Parking Area5.8 miunpavedDirections →
- 08Sawyer Mountain Trail Parking6.3 mipavedDirections →
+4 more on the map above
Getting in, staying over.
On the water.
What the lake is doing today.
What rings this water.
The peaks.
The waters.
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 Pub3.6 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.
- Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner12.0 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!
- becks TAVERN12.7 mi
A tavern on Peaceful Valley Road in North Creek serving German-inspired dishes alongside burgers, wings, and bar standards. The Yurts out back are the conversation piece.
- Long Lake Diner & Owl’s Head Pub16.4 mi
Long Lake Diner & Owl's Head Pub has been proudly serving food, beverages, and memories since 2004.
Sip.
4- Schoolhouse Grounds Coffee Shop12.6 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.
- Waypoint Cafe16.8 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.
- 9 Mile Coffee Co21.9 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.
- Cupola Crepes21.9 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.
Sweet.
4- The Hungry Crow Market & Café12.5 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.
- Custard’s Last Stand16.3 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 Park16.4 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.
- Stone Bridge Ice Cream19.4 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 Store3.5 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…
- Hex and Hop Tasting Room - Blue Mountain Lake12.5 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.
- Brookside Hops & Hoagies16.4 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.
- Black Bear Restaurant & Bar19.1 mi
Black Bear Restaurant & Bar is an American eatery in Pottersville, NY, offering comfort food, sandwiches, and breakfast. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, quick service, and popular dishes like meatloaf and gravy fries.
Stay.
4- Twin Coves on Indian Lake3.5 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…
- Thornbush Acres RV Park3.8 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.
- Adirondack Trail Motel4.3 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.
- Point Breeze Motel and Cottages4.9 mi
Family-run lakefront property on 9 acres in Indian Lake, with a small motel (daily) and four cottages (weekly). Private docks, sandy beach, and a fire pit on the lake. Set well back from the road.
See.
4- Blue Mountain Fire Observation Station11.5 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.
- Newcomb Ski Slope11.6 mi
2 slope municipal ski slope free to the public.
- Revolution Rail Co. - Thurman Station12.1 mi
A pedal-powered rail biking operation at Thurman Station on the Adirondack Railroad bed near North Creek, with family-friendly seasonal tours rolling alongside the Hudson River corridor through forest and open river-bank country.
- North Creek Depot Museum12.1 mi
Saved from demolition, this 1872 landmark station is now a museum, heritage center, and cultural hub in historic North Creek, featuring a fabulous diorama and exhibits on the Adirondack Railroad, Theodore Roosevelt, and local history.
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Suggest an edit →Frequently asked.
- Where is Lake Francis located?Lake Francis is a pond in the Indian Lake region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- How big is Lake Francis?Lake Francis has a surface area of approximately 33 acres, a smaller backcountry water.
- Is Lake Francis open to the public?Yes, Lake Francis 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 Lake Francis?Within roughly seven miles of Lake Francis: 81 designated campsites, 5 lean-tos or shelters, 1 listed campground. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.