Vacation rentals in Caroga Lake

Situated between two lakes — Caroga Lake and East Caroga Lake — the small town of Caroga Lake is a popular summer destination tucked away in the foothills of the northeastern part of upstate New York's Adirondack Mountains. People have flocked to this area for generations, mainly from nearby Utica, Albany, and New York at large. And it’s easy to understand why, given its scenic hiking trails, including one to Kane Mountain and its Fire Tower, fresh-water swimming, mountain biking, and boating opportunities, all surrounded by deciduous forests and natural beauty.

This unincorporated community is also home to an 18-hole municipal golf course, a history museum, and several restaurants, many of which regularly host live music for enjoyment after a day of exploring the surrounding countryside. For even more lake-bound activities, several bodies of water are easily accessible just outside of town, like Irving Pond, Canada Lake, West Lake, and Pine Lake.

Caroga Lake's northern East Coast climate comes with drastic swings in temperature and precipitation between the seasons. From mid-April through the end of September, conditions are warm and pleasant for various outdoor activities, making this an excellent time to look for NY cabin rentals. The summer is also when the local music festival takes place. This annual five-week event hosts several local, regional, and nationally-known musical acts, interactive experiences, and professional artists on the shores of the lake for the town's residents and visitors to enjoy. Precipitation in the area is above the national average during the shoulder seasons, and snowfall is more than double the national average during the winter. Despite Caroga Lake's reputation as a summer getaway, however, with the snowfall and below-freezing temperatures comes several opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing on the surrounding hills.

Kane Mountain Fire Tower

This fire lookout tower constructed in 1925, was eventually decommissioned for government use, and in 2001 was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the tower and the cabin that sits atop mark the endpoint of a moderately difficult one-mile hike that treats visitors with the option of climbing the stairs and exploring the cabin. Once inside, you can check out the stunning vistas afforded by this 60-foot-tall structure.

Caroga Historical Association Museum

The Caroga Historical Museum was opened in 1977 to collect and preserve the area's history and culture. Exhibits recreate life from an older time with historically accurate pole barns, a farmhouse, a cobbler shop, and an icehouse. Beyond the exhibits and displays, an annual crafts fair takes place in July, and in August, you can attend a concert and ice cream social.

Shaker Mountain Wild Forest

This 40,000-acre area is the southernmost unit of the Adirondack Forest Preserve, and it’s full of outdoor recreational opportunities to explore. Dozens of miles of trails are available for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding during the summer. While the winter provides snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling routes. If you’re interested in spending time on the water, you can paddle the lakes and river systems, and you’ll also find fishing opportunities.