Skip to main content

A Thousand Lakes

July 2026
1min read

Murray estimated that “a thousand lakes, many yet unvisited, lie embedded in this vast forest of pine and hemlock.” There are perhaps two thousand lakes, pools, and ponds in the Adirondack Park as it is delineated today. From the start, the fact that many of these were either directly interconnected, or could be reached with a short overland carry from one to the next, meant that boats would become a prime means of Adirondack transportation and play some part in everyone’s vacation.

Help us tell the story of America.

For over 75 years, American Heritage has chronicled our nation's history like no other publication. Please support our trusted, non-partisan historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it by donating today. We rely on contributions from readers like you to survive.
Donate