Labor Day is late this year and the weather is just perfect for one more week of swimming! Last summer I frequented Grafton and Moreau for my upstate lake swimming. This summer I took advantage of Thompson’s Lake and Brown’s Beach in Saratoga Lake. All four are wonderful for cooling down and getting some exercise.
Thompson’s Lake:
This small sandy area and roped off swimming space can get crowded on a hot day, but it’s worth the company to share such a beautiful setting. It is $7 to park, or free with the Empire Pass. Many times I’ve visited I have noticed a bald eagle searching for fish, what a majestic sight! This is a popular spot for kayakers, and boat rentals are available. This is a great way to explore more of the lake. Extend your stay in the area with overnight camping, or a hike at nearby John Boyd Thacher State Park.
68 Thompsons Lake Road East Berne, NY 12059
Brown’s Beach Saratoga Lake:
After years on hiatus this beach has reopened to the public as of July, 2015! Free to swim for the summer, naturally the beach was packed on a hot day. For the amount of people around the roped off water are wasn’t terribly crowded. There was room for children to jump around and people like me to swim laps comfortably. This fine looking beach is a great addition to the Saratoga scene, and a perfect way to spend an afternoon for no money at all.
Right next to Panza’s Restaurant – 510 NY-9P, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
