The 4100 acre Moreau Lake State Park is located in Saratoga County, just off US 9 and I-87, south of Glens Falls, NY.  The lake is located amid hardwood forests, pine stands and rocky ridges.  The Hudson River flows through the park, offering kayaking opportunities.  There are over twenty miles of hiking trails located in the park, offering many great hiking opportunities. 

Shady groves of trees shelter picnic grounds and a pavilion overlooking the lake. The campground is quiet and secluded, with many sites well spaced out offering privacy from other campers.  The sandy beach, many hiking and cross-country ski trails, opportunities for boating, fishing and ice fishing, and add the proximity to the Adirondacks, Saratoga Springs and Lake George areas make this state park popular to visitors.

The 5.7 mile Western Ridge Trail travels from a parking area off County Route 24 on the Hudson River and ascends Palmertown Mountain Range.  The trail passes numerous scenic overlooks on its way to its end at the Mud Pond Trail.  From rocky bluffs above the Hudson River, one gets spectacular views northward toward the Adirondacks, about 800 feet above the famous river.  You could create a pleasant loop hike around Moreau Lake utilizing park trails and campground roads.

Another view looks east toward the Green Mountains of Vermont where Pico and Killington peaks can be spotted on a clear day.  This is just one of the numerous trails located in this scenic park.  Check out the official Park Trail Map and check out the NY State Parks website for more information on this park.  We have some info on the hiking trails in the park below including a park trail map.  Be sure to also check out the spectacular view at Grant Cottage State Historic Site and the geysers at Saratoga Spa State Park while your in the area.

Directions:  I-87 to exit 17S.

How do I get to Moreau Lake State Park?

Typical campsite at Moreau Lake State Park

Paddling on Moreau Lake

Start of the Moreau Overlook Trail

Hiking Trails in Moreau Lake State Park

Cottage Park Trail (2.75 miles) - This orange blazed trail travels from a parking area on Spier Falls Road along the Hudson River and ascends Palmertown Mountain.  This trail coincides briefly with the Western Ridge Trail and Ridge Run Trail. 

Cottage Park/Eastern Ridge Connector Trail (0.2 miles) - This white blazed trail connects the Cottage Park Trail with the Eastern Ridge Trail, allowing hikers a loop opportunity.

Cottage Park/Western Ridge Connector Trail (0.5 miles) - This white blazed trail connects the Cottage Park Trail with the Western Ridge Trail prior to the main ascent up Palmertown Mountain on the Cottage Park Trail.  This allows hikers another loop option in the park.

Eastern Ridge Trail (3.0 miles) - This dark blue blazed trail travels along the eastern ridge of Palmertown Mountain from the Western Ridge Trail to the Ridge Runner Trail.  This trail creates a nice, although long loop hike when utilizing the Western Ridge Trail and Ridge Runner Trails.

Lake Trail (0.7 miles) - This trail travels along the western side of Moreau Lake parallel with the park road, passing a lakeside cottage and ending at the Nature Center.

Moreau Overlook Trail (0.9 miles) - This light blue blazed trail begins off the Nature Trail from the main parking area and takes hikers to an overlook of Moreau Lake on Palmertown Mountain.

Mud Pond Trail (1.1 miles) - This red/orange blazed trail loops around Mud Pond and when used with the Nature Trail/Wetland Walk Trail, creates a short loop hike from the camping area.

Nature Trail (1.3 miles) - From the Nature Center, this trail takes hikers across Moreau Lake and then loops the northern part of the lake.  The trail also gives beach access from the campground.

Red Oak Ridge Trail (1.4 miles) - This red blazed trail starts near the park entrance, passing a warming hut near the park road before ascending along a lower ridge, passing the Moreau Overlook Trail.  The trail then descends back toward Mud Pond and the northern part of Moreau Lake, ending at the Nature Trail.

Turkey Path (0.6 miles) - This white blazed trail connects the Western Ridge Trail with the Moreau Overlook Trail, near the Red Oak Trail junction.

White Birch Trail (0.7 miles) - This white blazed trail travels on Palmertown Mountain Range between the Eastern and Wester Ridge Trails.

Western Ridge Trail (5.7 miles) - This popular trail travels by numerous scenic overlooks that offer spectacular views of the Hudson River, Adirondack Mountains and even the Green Mountains of Vermont.  Any visit to Moreau Lake State Park should include exploring this yellow blazed trail.

Wetland Walk (0.2 miles) - This trail travels the wetlands between Mod Pond and Moreau Lake.