We want you to have lots of fun! During 2025 guests will have full use of our recreational facilities. Boats (canoes, kayaks, paddle boards), docks, sandy beach, clay tennis court, two game rooms, library, bicycles, basketball, lawn games, lodge porches, and sitting rooms with fireplaces are provided. See the breakfast placemat map that has a directory of nearby hikes. You can ask for our Hiking and Fishing Guidebooks in the Front Office (or access pdfs below). We are also able to advise you if you want to explore other opportunities away from The Hedges.
“Favorite Things to Do” list was created by past guests to share with future ones!
Special programs offered just for our guests are announced via Hedges Activities handouts available at the Front Office and Dining Room. We use our open-air Pavilion to offer many of our traditional group activities including Bingo, yoga, painting, live music, arts and crafts for kids, make your own ice cream sundaes, and the weekly astronomy lecture with slides. Campfires are nightly outside the Dining Lodge. If possible, fly tying demonstrations, forest ranger visits, birds of prey visits, and history talks will be re-introduced in the future. View a sample Hedges Activities schedule here! When guests check in, they receive a copy of this safety rules document about safe swimming, biking and boating.
A calendar of activities at The Hedges and in the region is available here
Relaxing
If we took a vote, perhaps the most popular activity at The Hedges would be simply relaxing! Settle back with your favorite book or just watch the show that nature provides from a comfortable chair on one of our porches or decks.
Boating
After relaxing a bit you may wish to take one of our boats (kayaks, canoes, SUPs) and explore Blue Mountain Lake with its many islands and hidden inlets. The adventuresome can paddle over to Eagle Lake and Utowana Lake. These lakes when combined with Blue Mountain Lake offer over seven miles of peaceful waterways and breathtaking beauty.
If you choose to bring your own boat to The Hedges, here’s guidance that will help protect the lake waters. You are also encouraged to let the Front Office know since there are limited spots for dock parking and/or storage on shore.
In July 2025, The Wall Street Journal featured The Hedges and other area lodging reached by paddling! The reporter and photographer traveled with Adirondack Hamlets to Huts. Read here the media story and view their videos and photographs!
Fishing
Crystal clear Blue Mountain Lake offers a wide variety of aquatic species for a great fishing experience. You can simply drop a hook off the shore or rent a motorboat from the Blue Mountain Lake Boat Livery. We can provide contact information for local fishing guides. Licenses are needed in New York State and can be acquired online here. A Fishing Guidebook is available in the Office and can be downloaded here! To help prevent invasive species in the lake, please read recommendations about bait.
Swimming
The lake waters are spring-fed, clear and refreshingly cool. Enjoy a swim from our private sandy beach and swimming dock.
Tennis
Tennis anyone? Grab your partner for an exhilarating game of tennis on our authentic clay court.
Hiking
Nearby there are various trails to consider that are described in our Brief Guide to Hiking Trails near The Hedges, available at the Office and here. The trails vary according to distance from The Hedges, length of hike, ability level, and views. Some guests make a point of climbing Castle Rock or Blue Mountain every year, and others like to try new trails!
NOTE: Goodnow Mountain (including its trailhead and parking) are closed for this season for necessary repairs.
We also have an Accessible Recreation Guide that provides information on area trails, parks, and campsites for those with mobility challenges. There are numerous options in the area surrounding Blue Mountain Lake. The guide is available here, and also at the Office. Enjoy exploring!
Dining Room placemats with hiking trail information are also available for guests and can be viewed here!
Activities Pavilion
Our open-air pavilion is the site of programs for guests such as pastel painting classes, astronomy lectures and BINGO games.
Game Room
Our Game Room building features pool, ping pong, and foosball tables as well as board games and toys for younger children. Birch Room is also available for puzzles and board games. Have you tried Ring Toss?!
Nature Trail
Guests can hike and learn about Adirondack vegetation without leaving The Hedges. Our own Nature Trail starts across Hedges Road from the Front Office and extends ¼ mile through the woods to the trail along the lake behind Stone Lodge. The complete loop back to the Front Office on Hedges Road is under ½ mile.
Pick up the Identification Guide available in the Front Office, in the trailhead box, and here to learn the names of over two dozen trees and plants that have been marked. Take the trail several times during your stay to see how many species you can learn to identify.
The Adirondack Park
You could spend your whole vacation at The Hedges without running out of things to do. However, there is a lot more to see and do within a short distance from The Hedges. The Adirondack Experience museum is located right here in Blue Mountain Lake. Hiking, canoeing and biking, as well as white water rafting let you get close to nature. Scenic railroads, sea plane tours, historical locations, cultural events, and an abundance of other activities will make your stay in the Adirondacks an unforgettable experience.
The Hedges is located in the middle of 6 million acres known as the Adirondack Park. Plenty of room to get out and explore. Click here to get more information on the Adirondacks. The communities located near Blue Mountain Lake have much to offer visitors, too.
Looking for a day trip? Check out these websites for more local events.