Peck’s Lake nestles quietly at the southern border of the renowned Adirondack Park in New York. This expansive 1,370-acre body of water has been a recreation hub for over a century. Excavations in the vicinity reveal traces of ancient human dwellings long predating the arrival of European pioneers. Apart from its serene forested surroundings, one of the key attractions of Peck’s Lake is the allowance for water skiing on its tranquil waters. This thrilling water sport is not permitted on many nearby lakes, making Peck’s Lake a unique destination. Boats permitted on the lake range from 14 to 20 feet long, with motor horsepower capped at 40. Skiers are confined to designated areas during specified hours, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all lake enthusiasts. The remainder of the Lake is open to pontooning, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, provided they adhere to the 15 mph speed limit. Although there are no public beaches or publicly-owned boat ramps at Peck’s Lake, the resort’s marina provides a ramp for launching boats that meet the necessary criteria. In addition to boat launching services, the marina offers boat rentals, including small boats, canoes, and paddleboats. Visitors can also purchase gas, bait, and supplies from the marina and enjoy refreshments from the lakeside stand. Over time, the resort has become Peck Lake’s central hub for boating activities. Fishing is a prime draw for visitors to Peck’s Lake, renowned for its diverse fish species. Anglers can expect to catch northern pike, walleye, rainbow, and brown trout, pickerel, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass, crappies, yellow perch, and bluegills in these waters. The diligent efforts of the Peck’s Lake Protective Association ensure that the Lake is scientifically stocked with fish annually and that its water quality is continuously monitored. Largemouth bass remain a prominent catch at Peck Lake, while the numbers of walleye caught steadily increase. Outdoor enthusiasts also relish the opportunities for hiking and biking along the peaceful country roads surrounding the Lake, especially during the vibrant autumn foliage season. Situated on the southern edge of the Adirondacks, it provides easy access to various winter trail systems for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Peck’s Lake is a convenient weekend getaway location that is accessible in about one hour by car from Albany. The Lake is encircled by options for day trips, such as the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and harness racing in Saratoga, both within an hour’s drive. Closer still are numerous attractions in the Glens Falls area, including the Charles R. Wood Theater, which hosts performances by the Adirondack Theatre Festival each summer. Furthermore, Glen Falls boasts the Chapman Historical Museum, showcasing preserved homes, historical pictures, and guided tours of significant area landmarks. The Hyde Collection, also located in Glens Falls, presents a collection of fine art housed in a meticulously preserved historical residence. A little over an hour away from Peck’s Lake lies the Adirondack Museum at Blue Lake, offering a comprehensive look into the history of this breathtaking natural expanse. Encompassing nearly six million acres, the Adirondack Park comprises a mix of public and private lands, underscoring a shared commitment to preserving this vast natural sanctuary. Successive cooperation efforts uphold hundreds of miles of trails, ponds, and rivers for various outdoor pursuits, ensuring a haven for hiking, trout fishing, canoeing, rock climbing, skiing, snowmobiling, and pure enjoyment of unspoiled wilderness. In the early days of European settlement, Peck’s Lake comprised three interconnected ponds. One of these ponds was later christened in honor of an early Peck family ancestor who recognized the potential to rent cabins to urbanites seeking solace in the countryside. Before the Adirondacks gained acclaim for their pristine landscapes, Peck’s Pond supported industrial operations, including sawmills and tanneries along its creeks. The original owner, John Peck, bequeathed the property to his son Albert, who further developed a resort complex featuring cozy cabins. Around 1910, during an era of heightened demand for electricity, the Mohawk Hydroelectric Company proposed a lucrative deal to Mr. Peck. In need of a storage reservoir for a new hydroelectric plant downstream, the company sought to transform the interconnected ponds into a single, larger lake through damming. Peck received a remarkable 999-year lease allowing him to operate his resort on the enlarged Lake in exchange for the land to be flooded. Grasping this unprecedented opportunity, Peck expanded his land holdings around the evolving Lake, eventually creating Peck’s Lake. The resort’s popularity surged, attracting countless visitors seeking fishing excursions, leisurely boating, and swimming opportunities. The Peck family owned the entire lakeshore for about half a century until rising property taxes prompted them to sell lakefront parcels for private residences. To this day, the resort thrives, with a mix of permanent homes, cottages, and seasonally-rented campsites dotting the lakeshore. Despite the presence of homes along the shoreline, a substantial portion of the lakefront remains densely wooded, offering an idyllic setting for birdwatching, observing waterfowl and their offspring in spring, and immersing oneself in the natural symphony, including the haunting call of the loons at daybreak., Peck’s Lake acts as an ideal launching point for an Adirondack holiday. In addition to the resort’s cabin rentals, several private residences and cottages are available for weekly rental. Nestled within the vicinity are a few bed-and-breakfast establishments, with nearby towns providing accommodation in hotels, motels, and housekeeping cabins. A single visit will likely entice you to explore real estate opportunities at Peck’s Lake, as existing homes and new developments are frequently on the market. Do not delay your discovery of Peck’s Lake any longer. It won’t be long before you understand why countless generations have chosen this serene spot as their summer haven.