Boat Tours -- Explore Lake George on one of the sightseeing cruises that ply the lake, generally from May to October. With the Lake George Steamboat Company, Steel Pier Beach Road, Lake George (tel. 800/553-BOAT or 518/668-5777), you can choose from 1- to 4-hour narrated cruises with or without a meal on the steamship paddle-wheeler or one of the other old-time ships. Or cruise the lake on The Sagamore hotel's 72-foot replica of a 19th-century wooden vessel from June to October (tel. 518/644-9400). To cruise the Fulton Chain of Lakes, take a sightseeing cruise with Old Forge Lake Cruises (tel. 315/369-6473), or ply Raquette Lake's waters with the Raquette Lake Navigation Co. (tel. 315/354-5532).

Canoeing -- With lakes at every turn, canoeing is the logical method of transportation -- a quiet way to explore the waters that are such an essential part of this park. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, red fox, beaver, and numerous bird species. More reclusive are the black bear, coyote, and moose. The Fulton Chain of Lakes (which begins east of Old Forge) is a popular and heavily trafficked route, with eight lakes spanning 16 miles. From First through Fifth lakes, you'll find a continuous waterway lined with summer cottages. But you'll have to carry your boat to reach the remaining lakes, which are less developed. Lake George is also a gorgeous place to paddle, with crystal-clear spring-fed waters and a wealth of islands and small bays. It's 32 miles long, so you'll be better off in a sea kayak if you want to do some serious exploring. Get your canoe or kayak from Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company, Route 28 in both Inlet and Old Forge (tel. 877/226-6369, 315/357-6672, or 315/369-6672). In the Lake George area, try Lake George Kayak, Main Street, Bolton Landing (tel. 518/644-9366).

Downhill Skiing -- Whiteface (Lake Placid) it ain't, but Gore Mountain (tel. 518/251-2411) isn't exactly the ugly stepsister, either. It boasts some serious expert trails and a gondola of its own, making for a fun day on a 3,600-foot summit and 75 alpine trails. Bonus: Since the folks up in Whiteface run this place, too, multiday tickets of at least 3 days are good at both mountains if you must get your Olympic fix.

Golf -- The Sagamore (tel. 866/385-6221) has the area's most renowned course: It dates to 1929 and was designed by the famous course designer Donald Ross. The first tee starts off with a spectacular view of Lake George, but the lake disappears after that, as did most of my golf balls. Greens fees for the visiting public are $125-$135 for 18 holes, or $70-$80 after 2pm. Over on the western side, Thendara Golf Course (tel. 315/369-3136) is also well known and also a Donald Ross creation from 1921 (the back 9 were added in 1959). Greens fees are $35, or $20 if you tee off after 3pm; just beware -- the course can get mosquito-ridden at dusk.

Hiking -- Bald Mountain, east of Old Forge, is a steep but short (2-mile round-trip) climb that nabs you several open vistas and a fantastic open rocky summit. Cascade Lake, just north of Eagle Bay, is a 5.5-mile easy loop that takes you to a scenic lake with a beautiful narrow waterfall at its eastern end. Around Lake George, the climb up Black Mountain is 8.5 miles round-trip with a 1,100-foot vertical rise. The payoff? A rocky summit and amazing views. For more hikes, check out Barbara McMartin's 50 Hikes in the Adirondacks: Short Walks, Day Trips, and Backpacks Throughout the Park, 4th edition (Countryman Press). For more hiking info (and other general outdoors info), contact the Adirondack Mountain Club, 814 Goggins Rd., Lake George (tel. 800/395-8080 or 518/668-4447). The club also does group outings several times a year. For maps and supplies, try Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company, Route 28 in both Inlet and Old Forge (tel. 877/226-6369, 315/357-6672, or 315/369-6672).

Rafting -- The Lower Moose River, near Old Forge, is serious white water -- April and early May bring Class IV and V rapids (on a scale of 1-5). The Middle Moose River is more mellow, perfect for families and inexperienced rafters, from May to October. You can do either with Whitewater Challengers in Old Forge (tel. 800/443-RAFT).

Snowmobiling -- With some 15 feet of snow each year, the Old Forge area often makes national news. When that happens, adventurers race up here to plow through it in the backwoods of the Inlet/Old Forge area. The most popular snowmobile route connects Old Forge and Inlet to the Sargent Ponds area, the Moose River Recreation area, and the Jessup River Wild Forest. For a trail map, check out the Hamilton County website. For trail conditions and a downloadable permit application, go to the Inlet NY site or call the Town of Inlet Information Office (tel. 866/GOINLET).