If you love road trips, epic lake views, and a mix of history and outdoor adventure, then get ready—because this drive along Lake Champlain has it all.
You’ll cruise past towering cliffs, quiet beaches, and scenic mountain overlooks, stopping at hidden hiking trails and small towns packed with local legends.
Along the way, you can explore old forts, paddle to an uninhabited island, and even visit a place nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks.”
Whether you’re into swimming, hiking, or just kicking back with some lakeside ice cream, this road trip is loaded with unforgettable stops!
1. Hague
Hague is a small town on the northeastern shore of Lake George in New York, located within driving distance of the southern tip of Lake Champlain.
It’s known for its beaches, hiking trails, and lake views, making it a great stop if you love the outdoors.
You can hang out at Hague Town Beach, hike up to the top of Cook Mountain in nearby Ticonderoga, or stop by a local café for a treat.
For a more laid-back day, take a scenic drive along Route 9N, stopping at charming lakeside viewpoints along the way.
2. Fort Ticonderoga
Just a short drive from Hague, Fort Ticonderoga is one of the most famous historic sites in New York, sitting right between Lake Champlain and Lake George.
A key site in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, this massive 18th-century fort now offers live reenactments, musket demos, and a working cannon.
You can walk through the old stone walls, climb to the top for a killer view of the lake, or explore the museum filled with artifacts from the 1700s.
Take your adventure up a notch with a ride on the fort’s 1920s-style tour boat, the Carillon, for a completely different view of the area.
(Please note that Fort Ticonderoga is only open from May to October.)
3. Coot Hill Trail
Coot Hill Trail, also known as the Big Hollow Trail, is a quick and easy hike that offers one of the best panoramic views of Lake Champlain.
The trail is just over a mile roundtrip, making it perfect if you want a big payoff without a long climb.
From the summit, you get a wide-open view of the waters, the Adirondacks, and miles of rolling farmland.
Bring a snack, hang out on the rocky overlook, and keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring over the lake.
4. Crown Point State Historic Site
After trekking, the Crown Point State Historic Site is an ideal next stop, where history, old ruins, and an epic backdrop come together.
Set on the edge of Lake Champlain, this site houses the remains of two massive forts—one built by the French in the 1730s and another by the British later on.
You can wander through the crumbling stone walls, check out the museum’s artifacts, and cross the scenic Lake Champlain Bridge, which connects New York to Vermont.
It’s a great area to soak in some history and get one last view of the lake before hitting the road again.
5. Port Henry
Just a short drive north along the lake, Port Henry is a small town with a big personality—especially if you’re into legends.
This place is best known as the home of Champ, Lake Champlain’s famous sea monster, with statues, signs, and local stories keeping the mystery alive.
Stop by Champ Beach Park for a swim or check out the Iron Center Museum to learn about the town’s history as a major iron mining hub.
Whether you believe in Champ or not, it’s a fun place to explore, and the lakeside views here are spectacular.
6. Split Rock Mountain
Continuing north, Split Rock Mountain is one of the most rugged areas on the New York side of Lake Champlain, and it’s packed with hiking trails and hidden vistas.
The trails vary from easy to challenging, but for the best views, head to Ore Bed Overlook or the gorgeous lookout on the Lewis Clearing Bay Trail.
This area is also a top spot for birdwatching, so keep an eye out for peregrine falcons nesting on the cliffs.
If you’re up for a peaceful break from driving, this is an amazing place to stretch your legs and relax.
7. Ausable Chasm
Just when you think Lake Champlain couldn’t get any more impressive, Ausable Chasm shows up with towering cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and some dramatic scenery.
Often called the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” this massive sandstone gorge has been carved out over thousands of years by the Ausable River.
You can hike along the rim for incredible views, climb down into the chasm, or even raft through the rushing waters for an up-close adventure.
Whether you’re walking across the suspension bridges or floating between the rock walls, this place is hands-down one of the most unforgettable stops on the trip.
8. Valcour Island
Not far from Ausable Chasm, Valcour Island sits right off the coast of New York in the middle of Lake Champlain, and it’s packed with history, hiking trails, and quiet beaches.
This uninhabited island was the site of a major naval battle during the American Revolution, where Benedict Arnold led a scrappy fleet against the British in 1776.
Today, you can kayak or boat over to explore its rocky shoreline, wander through miles of wooded trails, and even check out the historic Bluff Point Lighthouse.
With no cars, no crowds, and nothing but nature, it’s the perfect place to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the lake.
9. Plattsburgh City Beach
Back on the mainland, Plattsburgh City Beach is a prime spot to kick back and enjoy one of the largest freshwater beaches in the U.S.
This sandy beach stretches for over a mile along Lake Champlain, offering calm, shallow waters for swimming and plenty of space for picnics or beach volleyball.
If you’re hungry, swing by the nearby snack bars for a burger or an ice cream cone before walking along the shoreline.
With breathtaking views of the Green Mountains and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a refreshing stop before hitting the road again.
10. Point Au Roche State Park
Just a little north of Plattsburgh, Point Au Roche State Park is a mix of sandy beaches, quiet hiking trails, and charming picnic sites along the lake.
The park has miles of easy walking paths that take you through forests, along the shoreline, and out to rocky points with stunning views of Lake Champlain.
If you’re into kayaking, this is a great place to launch, with calm waters and plenty of hidden coves to explore.
From swimming to hiking, this park offers a peaceful escape and a chance to experience Lake Champlain’s natural beauty.
11. Rouses Point
At Lake Champlain’s northern tip, Rouses Point is the final stop before Canada, offering one last dose of history and lake views.
The big highlight here is Fort Montgomery, a 19th-century fort built to defend against northern invasions, now sitting abandoned on the water’s edge.
You can’t go inside, but you can check it out from the shore or even paddle past it in a kayak for a closer look.
Afterwards, swing by Lakeside Coffee Roasters for a caffeine boost or grab a bite at Gino’s Pizza, then stroll along the Rouses Point Pier before heading home.
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