Rolling hills with a heavily-forested landscape surround the tail-end of Lake Champlain in the small village of Whitehall, New York. The unincorporated area, located on the New York and Vermont border, just south of the Adirondacks, is defined by historic moments. The town was founded in 1759 with the name of "Skenesborough." The Village of Whitehall was given Heritage Area status by the state in 1980. Visitors come for the outdoor activities, visual impressions and town traditions.
Playing at the Lakes
- Three lakes near Whitehall provide plenty of recreational activities that include boating, fishing and camping. Lake Champlain ends in Whitehall and anglers gather here to reel in lake trout that are regularly stocked. Boaters access the lake on Route 22, about 2 miles northwest of the village, where there's parking for 50 cars and trailers. At the 32-mile-long Lake George, about 5 miles west of town, you can swim, fish, boat, jet ski or water ski. Daily cruise boats, run by private companies, take out visitors who want to relax on the lake. Paddlers bring their own equipment or can rent a kayak or canoe to explore the lake's coves and shoreline. Across the Vermont state line about 10 miles east of Whitehall, discover the 3,576-acre Bomoseen State Park, where you'll find a swimming beach and boat rentals, including pedal boats, canoes, kayaks and row boats to access the 9-mile lake.
Appreciate Historic and Cultural Sites
- If you look to the hills in Whitehall you'll glimpse an imposing castle partially hidden in the forest, overlooking the harbor. The Skene Manor, finished in 1874, is open for free tours and lunch in the tea room. The historic mansion has three, 3,000-square-foot stories, 10 bedrooms and three dining rooms. History buffs will want to tour the Skenesborough Museum in town that tells the story of the early days of the village, when it was named Skenesborough. Highlights include a diorama of the 1776 shipyard, an exhibit of the settlement of Skenesborough and the building of 13 ships in the harbor. Other artifacts are from the Revolutionary and French and Indian wars. The focus at the 73-acre Up Yonda Farm, about 35 miles west of Whilehall, is on the diverse landscape and wildlife in the area around Bolton Landing and the Adirondack region. Natural history exhibits in the museum, outdoor hikes and perennial gardens, including a butterfly garden, are part of the visit.
Head to the Hills
- A number of hiking trails in the area lead you through forests, by ponds and to overlooks by the lake. The Bomoseen hiking loop in the state park is a moderate hike under 2 miles, through woodlands. For a more strenuous walk, head about 5 miles from Bolton town center and take either the Cat or Thomas Mountain trail -- they're both former logging roads. The Thomas Mountain trail is about 3 miles round trip and winds through the woods. You'll see wetlands and beaver ponds on the Cat Mountain trail that ends with a gorgeous view of Lake George and the Adirondacks. Roundtrip, the trek is about 6.5 miles from the parking area.
Celebrate with Town Festivities
- Plan your visit around town events and enjoy heritage and tradition with locals. In summer, bring your picnic and chair to the free Music in the Park series in Whitehall that features local musicians. The Heritage, Harvest, and Horse Festival takes place every September at Fort Ticonderoga, about 20 miles north of Whitehall. Main events include equestrian sports and working horse demonstrations and the King's Garden, featuring fall harvest food. For the brave hearted, mark your calendar for the annual Lake George Polar Plunge For Special Olympics every November. Participants pay to plunge; spectators watch the shivering for free.
