If you're looking for cool, crisp water for swimming this summer, then you'll love Blue Mountain Lake. This high-elevation lake is right in the middle of the triangle made by Indian Lake, Raquette Lake, and Long Lake. While the other three lakes are often busier, don't overlook this very special and very beautiful lake. The water at Blue Mountain Lake will be cold even in the summertime, but that shouldn't stop you. Take a dip for ultimate refreshment!

Blue Mountain Lake is gorgeous. It's at an elevation of 1,824' in the middle of Adirondack Park.

This lake is quite large, and rather deep in places as well. It covers 1,334 acres and is 2.5 miles long and 1.25 miles wide at its longest and widest points. Its average depth is 46 feet, but it's as deep as 100 feet in some places.

Because of these facts, it should be no surprise to anyone that it's quite cold. Even in the summertime, the highest average local air temperature is just 74 degrees Fahrenheit in July.

Still, people do enjoy swimming in Blue Mountain Lake. This lake has 10 islands. It's fun to boat out to them and jump off of them into the lake.

If you prefer to swim from the shore, Blue Mountain Lake has a public swim beach on its southeastern shore in the village of Blue Mountain Lake. There are lifeguards in the summer.

There are also many private homes and resorts around this lake. If you're a guest, you can swim in the lake from them, too.

Because the water is cold, many people prefer to spend their time on this lake in a boat instead.

Fall comes quickly and early in the Adirondack Mountains. You may not want to swim in Blue Mountain Lake in the fall, but it's a great place to visit to view the fall foliage.

Winter is long and harsh in the Adirondacks. Even with snow on it, Blue Mountain Lake is beautiful. You can enjoy it at any time of year, but you'll probably want to save the swimming for summer.

Blue Mountain Lake is a wonderful and often overlooked lake. Don't miss it. You'll love swimming and boating here. If you decide that it's too cold for either of those activities, then it's also lovely to enjoy this lake from the shore. You'll fall in love with the Adirondack views and you can take many photos of the surrounding beauty.

However, if you do decide to take a swim, prepare to feel very refreshed, indeed.

Are you interested in exploring the Adirondacks further? The towns in this post - These 13 Towns In The Adirondack Mountains Are Nothing Short Of Charming - are all just a short drive away.