If you’ve been feeling a little landlocked, take a scenic drive north and explore the beautiful area tucked cozily between Lake George & Lake Champlain! With charming views of historic hamlets, a drive through Northern Washington County is sure to become one of your favorites.

While most of Washington County is blessed with incredible views of forested mountains and open farmland, the northernmost parts of Washington County offer something a little different.

Starting from Whitehall, follow Route 22/the Empire State Trail north. This will take you over South Bay, the southernmost part of Lake Champlain, and then turn and follow the lake north until you near the Essex County border. It’s just as beautiful headed the other way, though!

Much of the land in that area is part of Adirondack Park, home to the highest peaks in Washington County. The high ridges and sprawling valleys ensure the view of the landscape is both dramatic and unspoiled! Indeed, some of Washington County’s best hiking & outdoor recreation spots are found in Adirondack Park.

Let’s explore Northern Washington County, New York: Putnam, Putnam Station, Clemons, Dresden, and Huletts Landing.

Clemons, Dresden & Dresden Station, NY

If you love back-roads driving featuring incredible scenery, Northern Washington County is for you!

To start, make a quick stop about 7 miles up the road from Whitehall off the side of Route 22. There, you’ll find a highway overlook with breathtaking views of sprawling forests with Lake Champlain glittering in the background.

Continuing on, when you reach Clemons, you have two choices! Either continue north on Route 22 to Putnam or take a detour along Route 6 to Huletts Landing. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

For a classic example of a rustic Adirondack-style building, visit the L.C. Simonds Adirondack Cabin at 130 Catden Rd., Clemons, NY. Built in 1910, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010!

While in the area, why not swing by Simply Garlic for some of the freshest, most delicious hardneck garlic you’ve ever tasted? The second-generation farm produces organic porcelain, rocambole & purple stripe garlic and also sells garlic braids & seasoning blends. Get your garlic on at Simply Garlic!

For another picturesque glimpse into the history along Lake Champlain, visit Dresden Station at 17 Dresden Station Rd. The building began as a post office and later became part of the Delaware & Hudson Railway before it was a general store. It closed long ago, but is now being restored!

Huletts Landing, NY

With gorgeous views and many nearby activities, Huletts Landing is a classic example of New England lakeside charm.

To meet all your boating and shopping needs, stop by Huletts Landing Marina! They sell lots of locally made items such as Lake George merchandise, snacks, fresh veggies, meat and bread. Plus, their growler-fill station always carries local favorites on tap. If you’d like to explore Lake George on the water, the marina also offers canoe and kayak rentals!

The only golf course within walking distance of Lake George & the only one you can boat to, the Huletts Landing Golf Course is 9 holes of perfection! A great place to spend a summer day passing on well-earned golfing knowledge to the next generation, the course is friendly to all levels of skill.

For a fabulous beach day, bring a lunch & a beach towel to Huletts Park. Featuring basketball, volleyball & tennis courts as well as a dock for launching small boats, this park is a popular place to enjoy the sunshine.

Then, crack open a cold one while catching a world-famous Lake George sunset! As locals say, “Sit back and drink in the view.” Open late into the evenings, The Huletts Casino is a community favorite & a center of fun and recreation. Offering ice cream for the kids and craft beer for adults, it’s lakeside nightlife at its finest.

Stay the night at one of the unique Huletts on Lake George Family Cottages for an unforgettable summertime adventure in Northern Washington County!

Putnam & Putnam Station, NY

On your way into Putnam, you’ll see the Zachery Granger Memorial just past Lidgerwood Rd., a gorgeous sculpture and gazebo tribute to a son & veteran.

Further along is Maple Grove Farm with its farm stand selling vegetables & eggs, as well as the brilliant minds of New York Cedar Works, fine rustic log furniture.

Stay somewhere beautiful! Putnam Station is also home to The Inn on Lake Champlain, an organic farm that produces beef, chickens, horses & farm dogs. This historic Victorian farmhouse makes a great base to explore the beautiful nearby lakes.

For a unique look into Adirondack life, stop by the Log Chapel at 17163 NY-22, Putnam Station, NY. The Log Chapel Fellowship celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2009 and continues on as a Mennonite community church.

Close to the shores of Lake Champlain, you can find Billy Bob’s Orchard, a u-pick orchard offering a wide variety of apple species & delicious cider donuts!

Nearby is the Bob & Betty Cummins Memorial Park at 754 Lower Rd, Putnam Station, NY. The park features several shaded picnic tables with wheelchair access, restrooms, and incredible vistas overlooking Lake Champlain, Mount Defiance and Fort Independence.

Wrap up your drive along the Empire State Trail with a look at Lillie Valley Farm; order online & stop by to pick up! There, you can stock up on farm-raised beef, pork, chicken & eggs, and local specialties from Argyle Cheese Farmer and Pip Perfection baked goods.

To stretch your legs a bit, why not take a short hike culminating in an incredible view over Lake George? Visit Anthony’s Nose Preserve! For the top local spot to view Lake George, turn left once you get to the top of the trail and walk down the hill a bit. Enjoy!

For an alternative nature experience, hike one of three trails at the Last Great Shoreline Preserve or have a picnic at Gull Bay Beach & Boat Launch on Gull Bay Beach Rd, Putnam Station, NY.

Want More of Northern Washington County?

If you’ve fallen in love with the rustic beauty of Northern Washington County, why not let your kids spend the whole summer here? The Adirondack Camp has hosted generations of Lake George campers since 1904. Our area also has tons of other overnight & day camps for the whole family to enjoy.

Looking for places to grab a bite to eat? Explore local dining options here.