Looking for a new spot for paddleboarding near Saratoga Springs? Look no further – Round Lake Boat Launch is just 15 minutes down Route 9, with easy access, calm waters, and Active Ingredient Brewing nearby.
I’ve been procrastinating on my first post. I wanted everything to be “perfect”… but you know what, it was rainy yesterday so it felt like the right moment to get started. Here’s a bit about me and how my first official Saratoga Sips and Scenes adventure went (technically a paddle and a pint in this case)…
Recently I took advantage of a lovely evening for a paddle and a brewery stop. Now, when I say paddle, I most often mean paddleboarding. Or, in my case, often paddle lounging… I love a good SUP session but sometimes you just want to float around and stare at the sky!
I ended up at the Round Lake Boat Launch. I’ve been wanting to check it out, especially since I stopped by recently and saw a juvenile eagle! No eagle sighting this time but I saw what might be cormorants perched in the tree.
Getting to the Round Lake Boat Launch:
Round Lake is a small, relatively shallow (mean depth 7 feet) lake a few miles south of Malta off Route 9. It sneaks up on you so pay attention as you get closer (there is a center turning lane)! You can get turn-by-turn driving directions via the Google Maps Directions to Round Lake Boat Launch.
Key Info Before You Go:
- Parking: 10 spots for cars near the launch site (including an accessible space) + 9 spots just for vehicles with a boat hitch + a few additional spots near the entrance. The parking lot seems pretty busy so have a backup plan in mind!
- Bathrooms: Accessible porta potty (about what you’d expect – was stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer).
- Fishing: Both times I’ve been here I’ve seen people fishing, including families with kids. You can find more details here in the NYSDEC Round Lake Map and Fishing Guide.
- Swimming: No swimming permitted.
- Boating: Motorized boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards permitted. Jet skis are prohibited. Two launches – one for motorboats (vehicles can back in) and another hard launch for kayaks etc.
- Fees: No parking/entrance fees.
On the Water:
The paddle itself was relaxing. While there were a good amount of people there (the parking lot was nearly full), it felt like there was enough room to spread out on the lake. The breeze picked up so I mostly sat or laid back and floated around. Since it’s a small lake, you can’t float away too far – the launch is always in sight! I did notice the constant sound of cars on Route 9 but I got used to it. I mostly stayed out in the middle since in the shallower parts there are plants that get hooked onto the paddleboard fins. I recommend wearing water shoes!
Check out the beautiful sky as it changed through the evening:
And another view of the birds perched under the crescent moon:
Nearby: Active Ingredient Brewing Company
There was just enough time after sunset and packing up my board for a beer at Active Ingredient Brewing. It’s located in Malta just 5 minutes north up Route 9. They’ve got a good variety of pilsners, lagers (peep the crisp Maize Method Mexican Lager, a perfect post paddle beer), IPAs, dark beers, ciders, wines and cocktails. They even had a Concord Grape Seltzer – there really is something for everyone. I also saw a Cali Burrito on the menu so I’ll have to come back and try it sometime as I loved California Burritos (french fries in a burrito, yes please) when I lived out west.
Em’s Takeaway
Overall, this was an easy lake to paddle on if you are a beginner and/or looking for something low-key for paddleboarding near Saratoga Springs.
If you made it this far, thank you for reading my first Saratoga Sips and Scenes post! Have you been out on Round Lake? I’d love to hear what others think – and any other recommendations for local chill paddling spots!