Top 10 adventure activities at Brantingham Lake, NY.
We outline the most popular adventure activities at Brantingham Lake, NY: Here’s our Top 10 Picks
From growing up and spending most of my life on Brantingham Lake, NY, I decided to write a list of what I have found to be the 10 best activities so that you can also make the most of your time while visiting Brantingham Lake.
When I was a kid the lake was almost all summer camps where owners only frequented in the summer months. Now, Brantingham Lake has become a full-time home to many of the residents. The lake is entirely residential with no general public access, so you won’t find a more helpful list anywhere else.
Here’s my 10 things to make sure to do while you’re here.
1. Go Boating or Kayaking on Brantingham Lake.
Highlight: Brantingham Lake’s calm waters are perfect for boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Brantingham Lake has a semi-public boat launch where you can put your kayaks into the water and explore the lake. If you don’t have a kayak/boat or access, you can check out the local rentals on the lake where you can park and ride so you don’t have to worry about the logistics. Just show up, park and hit the lake. CLICK HERE FOR RENTAL OPTIONS
Pro Tip: We suggest a sunset paddle for breathtaking views of red hot, orange and yellow sunsets. Head to the South East Shore and get the best views right up until the sun drops below the shore’s treeline. Brantingham Lakes setting on a plateau creates a unique sunset with beauty rarely seen anywhere else.
2. Fishing Adventures on Brantingham Lake
Highlight: Brantingham Lake is a haven for fishing enthusiasts, with species like bass, perch, and rainbow trout. Brantingham Lake gets people from all around New England to fish at Brantingham Lake.
Pro Tip: Read this full Guide on Fishing at Brantingham Lake. It includes the fish species that are found in the lake as well as the best way to catch them. It’s a must-read to have the best success.
3. ATV Trail Riding in Tug Hill Region
Highlight: The area around Brantingham Lake is packed with scenic ATV trails. People from all over New England come to our Tug Hill area to experience the freedom of non-guided ATV riding, where they can freely explore thousands of miles of well-maintained trails and points of interest.
Pro Tip: Rent a local cabin and bring your own ATV. If you’re starting from scratch, no problem. Here are some local accommodations right on the ATV Trails specializing in ATV packages. For ATV rentals, CLICK HERE
4. Float and Chill at Sunken Island, Brantingham Lake
Highlight: In the middle of one of Brantingham Lakes bays is ‘Sunken Island’ Yes, its exactly what it sounds like. In a small area with about 200 ft circumference is a shallow area that locals and visitors love to anchor and link up their party barges to one another for a mid lake party. On summer weekend afternoons, you will often see several boats of people hanging out, with a drink in hand, floating around.
Whats there to do? Nothing! Thats the point. Head out, float around, and relax with friends as you receive the day’s sun free from impediments in all directions.
Looking for a pontoon boat or other boat to rent to enjoy this activity? Check it out here: Brantingham Lake Boat Rentals
Pro Tip: Make sure to bring a cooler full of ice and cold drinks, as well as a small Bluetooth speaker, to enjoy the afternoon with friends and your favorite music.
5. Go Horseback Riding thru the yonder
Highlight: We wrote a whole article giving the best local places to ride horses when visiting Brantingham. Check it out here: TOP 4 HORSEBACK RIDING ADVENTURES IN UPSTATE NY
Pro Tip: No hobby horses here. Just the real thing.
6. Kiss at Brantingham Lakes most Romantic Spot
Highlight: On the South Shore of Brantingham Lake, there is a small outlet canal that drains water from Brantingham Lake into ‘ the Lily Pond.’ At its entrance, there is a romantic little bridge that greets all who enter this canal. If you’re looking for a romantic place to bring your significant other, this is your spot! On the other side is a serene lily pond that is inviting and interesting to continue exploring. If you go to the far end of the pond, you’ll find the gate that controls the lake’s water level.
Pro Tip: Make sure to bring a bottle of wine and a charcuterie board to add to the romantic ambiance. Take note that the canal is shallow. You will need a small boat like rowboat, canoe or kayak to enter.
7. Go Skiing, Wakeboarding or Tubing on Brantingham Lake.
Highlight: Being a smaller lake Brantingham Lake is blessed with typically very calm waters, especially during dusk and down. This makes Brantingham Lake an amazing spot for these activities. When the waters calm, its perfect to go waterskiing. If you’re into carving on a slalom ski, you’ll have endless runs along the shore with plenty of glass to shred. Same for a good wakeboard sesh. During the day, when there’s more activity and boats on the lake, it’s a perfect spot to line up a tuber for certain destruction by whipping them into a good set of peaky waves. Line em up and watch em fly!
Pro Tip: Don’t have a boat or driver? You’re in luck. Here’s where you can hire a boat and driver to take you out on Brantingham lake for an amazing experience.
8. Go Jetsking on Brantingham Lake – Carve it up!
Highlight: One of Brantingham Lakes local favorite activities is going out for a fast, wet, and wild jetski ride. If you’re staying on Brantingham Lake, you should have no problem launching your jetski into the lake at the local boat launch. No jetski? Don’t have a place to stay on Brantingham Lake?
Here are some suggestions on some waterfront vacation rentals on Brantingham Lake. While there, you can rent some jetskiis
Pro Tip: Make sure to take your boaters course before you arrive. Local law requires all boaters to be certified with a boaters course for the safety of all. Here’s our suggestion for where you can take your boaters course online in a few hours. Get it done before you come so you’re ready!
9. Go Bar hopping at the Local Brantingham Saloon/Restaurant’s
Highlight: Despite being in an off the path location. The small town of Brantingham is almost more popular for its local bar and restaurant scene than for the lake itself. Almost! Between the Coach Light Inn and the Pine Tree Tavern, you won’t have a dull moment. People travel in from all walks of life, from near and far, to experience our small-town vibe. Sporting live bands till the lake night hours, over-poured drinks, and huge meals, you won’t leave wanting more.
Pro Tip: Hang out on the lake till the sun sets, then head out to the Brantingham Scene to keep the party going. Looking for the cheapest drinks? Try the Brantingham Inn. You won’t be sorry.
10. Season-specific activities in Brantingham, NY
Highlight: Brantingham Lake transforms with each seasons. Here are some of the highlights for each season:
Summer: Swimming, BBQ’s and water sports.
Fall: Leaf peeping and cozy bonfires. For 2-3 weeks in the fall, Brantingham Lake displays some of the most amazing colors along its coast. Slow boat rides around the shoreline will amaze you with the vibrant colors and cool fall air.
Winter: Ice fishing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. In Mid February there is Winterfest weekend. Its a weekend where all the snowbirds and local area residents return to Brantingham to enjoy the wintertime festivities and bar hopping between the local favorite bars and restaurants.
As someone who grew up on Brantingham Lake, these are my top 10 fun and exciting activities to do on Brantingham Lake. As many times as I do each of them, they never get old or boring. After 25 years of living in NYC, that’s why in 2023 I returned home full-time.
I hope you enjoy the area as much as I have!
Whether you’re going to visit Brantingham Lake with a large group or make it a romantic couples retreat, you will find your perfect waterfront cabin on Grant Island. With their rustic charm, unique cottages, modern amenities, and stunning views, they serve as the perfect base for your Brantingham Lake excursion in Upstate NY.
Click here to see more about Grant Island’s Cottages
