Property at a Glance: Stony Creek Ranch Resort

With this deal’s adventure package, you won’t have to stray far for outdoor fun. You’ll choose from select activities at Stony Creek Ranch Resort, located along the Hudson River in the scenic Adirondack Mountains. Try your hand at kayaking on the river, riding horseback amid the pine-fringed hills, or embracing your inner cowpoke during a cattle drive.

• Grab some grub: All meals at the onsite restaurant are included.
• Guest rooms and cabins have free WiFi and rustic decor, as well as views of the river or the mountains.
• Included with all stays: a daily $15 drink credit at Red Dog Saloon and $5 in arcade tokens per day
• Things to do: Swim in one of two pools or hit the hiking trails before snacking on s’mores at a bonfire.

Lake George, New York: Outdoor Adventure near the Adirondacks’ Mile-Long Lake

Lake George is not without its admirers—Frommer’s calls it “the beating heart of the southeastern Adirondacks,” and local lore has it that Thomas Jefferson proclaimed it “the most beautiful water I ever saw.” More than 200 years after Jefferson’s declaration, the 32-mile-long lake is still a popular spot for sailing, swimming, and hiking in upstate New York’s Adirondack Mountains. For the best swimming conditions, head to Million Dollar Beach on the lake’s eastern shore, where there are lifeguards on duty, changing rooms, and a sand volleyball court. For hiking, consider following the trail that leads to Shelving Rock Falls, a 50-foot cascade rushing down a series of boulders.

There are two great ways to see the beauty that Jefferson raved about. The first is to take a shuttle or hike 2 miles to the top of Prospect Mountain, which towers over Lake George at 2,030 feet. On a clear day, you can see 100 miles in any direction. The second option is to buy a ticket aboard a Lake George steamship, which cruises past the islands of the Narrows as well as several historic mansions.