Lake Desolation is located just outside of the Adirondack Park in Saratoga County. It is a wonderful retreat for those looking for the peacefulness of the outdoors while being minutes from premier shopping and dining.
The area offers a number of recreational opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast including hiking, biking, swimming, fishing and paddling. It also has plenty of opportunities to see wildlife as the lake is surrounded by state forest land.
Due to its elevation, the lake is one of the first to freeze in the area, making Lake Desolation a popular choice for snowmobiling and ice skating. Hiking, paddling, fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.
Lake Desolation is located just minutes from Saratoga Springs, where you can enjoy shopping, dining, entertainment, and events.
The 433-acre Lake Desolation State Forest is tucked in a scenic area surrounded by glacial lakes and wetlands. The area around Lake Desolation State Forest has a rich local history in war, artisan work, and technology. This is highlighted in the designated state historic site of the "Granger Glass Factory." This site is accessible through an undesignated trail. The beautiful scenery and wildlife makes this a perfect destination for non-motorized recreation. Wood ducks, mallards, black ducks, beaver, otter and muskrat are noted specifically at Lake Desolation State Forest.
Whitetail deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, and eastern coyote have been reported in the area. A wide variety of song birds, hawks, owls, moles, mice, plus skunks, raccoon, woodchuck, squirrels (red and grey), chipmunks, fisher, and porcupine can be found within the state forest.
The state forest features undesignated trails which are ideal for hiking or walking. These trails lead to both the Granger Glass Factory as well as various wetlands throughout the property. There is an abundance of wildlife to observe while enjoying non-motorized recreation. |