T he lake, in its present state, was formed by glacier activity thousands of years ago. It is fed, primarily, by underground springs and its outlet is in Ticonderoga. The outlet of Lake George, called the LaChute River, descends through a series of rapids and empties into Lake Champlain, a descent greater than that of Niagara Falls.

L ake George played a prominent roll in the settlement of the North America. Because of the lake’s location it was one of the most significant water routes in North America during the French and Indian War and again during the Revolution. Fort Ticonderoga is located just 20 minutes from Snug Harbor Marina and makes a great trip during your shore time.

W hile you are visiting us at Snug Harbor, if you look just off our docks, you will see some small islands and rocks. This is the location where an old trail crossed the lake. There was once a French advance post located here. On our side is where a trail called the "Carrying Place" began. Travelers would have to carry their goods and boats from here to a location below the falls on the LaChute River while on their way to Lake Champlain.

A fter you’ve rented your boat or filled up with fuel at Snug Harbor and start moving in a southerly direction you will soon come to the State owned Mossy Point Boat Launch. As you turn to follow the channel, the land on your right was a commonly used landing place in the 1700’s. It connected with a trail that lead to the Carrying Place. As you continue along, you will see an island about a half mile in front of you. This is Prisoners Island.

J ust to the west is where, in 1758, General Abercromby landed with 15,000 troops in his ill-fated attack on Fort Carillon (Ticonderoga). In this campaign, Lord Howe was killed and his body was brought back to this point with 148 French prisoners. The prisoners were moved to Prisoners Island, then called Mutton Island, and guarded by the English. This is where some of the stories differ. One story goes that the French, being much more familiar with this part of the lake than the English, knew the water around the island was very shallow and that night, under the cloak of darkness, most of the French escaped by simply wading ashore.

A s you pass by Prisoners Island, you will come to a spot where the lake widens. Looking ahead on the right, you will see a mountain with an almost vertical rock wall. This is Rogers Rock and the wall is called Rogers Slide, named after the leader of the Rangers in 1757, Robert Rogers. This is a great spot for rock climbers with a wall that goes up about 500 feet, but is accessible mainly from the lake.

T he story of Rogers Rock is quite interesting. In March of 1758, Rogers with a force of 180 men, was ordered on a scouting expedition to Fort Carillon. While passing on the far side of this mountain, Rogers Rangers met a superior force of 300 French and 250 Indians. The Rangers took a terrible beating and with his few survivors fought a retreat up the mountain. The Rangers split up, agreeing to meet later on the frozen surface of Lake George. Rogers was pursued to the edge of the 500 foot drop. When the Indians that pursued him arrived, they saw him below walking down the lake. They assumed the Great Spirit was on his side so they ended their pursuit. How he got down is anybody’s guess. Some paintings depict him sliding down sitting on snow shoes while others say when he got to the edge he back tracked and found an easier way down. As you take a close look at this rock wall what do you think?

T hese are only a few stories of Lake George. There are many more. So come visit Snug Harbor Marina and enjoy the lake and the lore of northern Lake George.