This is the largest natural lake in the Adirondacks, with plenty of inlets and outlets to explore, such as South Inlet, Browns Tract Inlet, the Marion River, Beaver Brook, and Sucker Brook. A short, easy, portage gives access to Forked Lake and beyond to Long Lake.
How to get there
There are four distinct launches for Raquette Lake near the village of Raquette Lake:
- The Golden Beach State Campground, which is located off Route 28 between Raquette Lake and Blue Mountain Lake. There will be a small day use fee for this launch area, but the attractive sand beach make it all worthwhile.
- Off Route 28, just east of Raquette Lake, along Route 28, you can park and carry your boat a few feet down to a put in near South Inlet.
- Within the Village of Raquette Lake near the center of town by the marina and small country store.
- Off North Point Road in Long Lake. From the intersection of Route 28N and 30 in the hamlet of Long Lake, follow Route 28N/30 toward Blue Mountain Lake. Turn right on to North Point Road and continue on this road for 9-miles to Raquette Lake on the left.
All launches are well graded and easy to approach. All carries are less than 100 feet in distance
Boating and paddling
There are 99 miles of shoreline on this 4,925 acre lake with a mean depth of 44 feet, meaning there is a lot of room to explore! Take care sharing the lake with motorboats of many sizes. This can be a rough surface in windy conditions. Very busy at the height of summer, so take advantage of the abundant, quieter, places along the shore.
Raquette Lake currently has the aquatic invasive species variable-leaf milfoil. To help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species entering or exiting Raquette Lake, please use boat wash facilities and follow the state law of "Clean, Drain, and Dry."
Fishing
Shore fishing can be enjoyed in several locations along the south shore, at the north end in Outlet Bay. Shoreline fishing also within the Golden Beach Campground is good. The best way to access the bass fishing is from boat. The bass hang out in the shallows but also in the deep holes. However, other fish species reside here, including lake trout, brook trout, panfish, perch, and bullhead.
Hiking
There are two hiking trails off the shore of Raquette Lake to mix up your excursions. West Mountain Trail, which will bring you to a former fire tower peak, and the Sargent Pond Trail, which leads back to a very attractive backcountry pond.
Camping
Backcountry camping is available at Golden Beach, Tioga Point, or a number of other primitive camping locations and lean-tos that are along the shore.
