The Blue Mountain Lake Association: 

Working Together, Making a Difference, Preparing for the Future

 

For more than 50 years, volunteers have gathered as members of The Blue Mountain Lake Association (“The BMLA”) to support their scenic hamlet nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Park. Blue Mountain refers to a mountain, a lake and the town itself. The lake is connected via channels to Eagle and Utowana Lakes, called The Eckford Chain. The BMLA is charged with enhancing the economic, physical and cultural well-being of Blue Mountain Lake, while also protecting its lakes and natural surroundings.

 

Known for its rustic beauty, Blue Mountain Lake is a popular destination for swimming, boating, paddling and fishing. Those who hike Castle Rock or summit Blue Mountain are rewarded with stunning views of the Eckford Chain and surrounding forest preserve lands. Residents and visitors alike enjoy picnics at the public beach, paddling canoes and kayaks, diving off Rock Island’s ledge or spending a night under the stars on forested island campgrounds. The town’s tennis courts and playground provide additional recreation for the young and old. 

 

Blue Mountain Lake supports a robust business community that includes historic lodges, cottage rentals, and inns, attracting thousands of visitors each year. There is an active boat livery, a bustling diner, a craft-brew pub, a 

design store/cafe and a busy corner convenience station. There are several houses of worship, including the Church of the Transfiguration, Saint Paul’s Catholic Church, and the UMC of Blue Mountain Lake. The town is enriched by the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts, which enlivens our town with music, theater and the visual arts; The Adirondack Experience, which brings the history of the Adirondacks to life for visitors from around the globe; the Blue Mountain Center, which welcomes artists, activists, organizers, and cultural workers throughout the year; and, Syracuse University’s Minnowbrook Conference Center.

 

From the start, The BMLA has evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Serving a small hamlet of 147-year-round residents, with upwards of 1,000 seasonal residents, The BMLA has undertaken projects big and small. To accomplish these goals, The BMLA relies on a dedicated group of volunteers who make the betterment of Blue Mountain Lake a priority.

 

In recent years, The BMLA has actively responded to the needs of the community by:

 

• working with the Volunteer Fire & EMS Department to raise the needed funds to purchase a new ambulance; 

• raising $150,000 to combat Variable Leaf Milfoil in Utowana Lake, and securing a NY State DEC Grant of $60,000 to continue these efforts through 2026;

• building a new public beach pavilion, with the design and construction provided by local residents who volunteered their time to get it done;

• installing much-need lighting for the public-beach restrooms;

• securing and managing a grant to help offset the cost to families for septic system inspections and cleaning; 

• collaborating with The Adirondack Experience in designing and installing new gateway signs entering and leaving town; 

• providing a sun shelter on the community playground; 

• refurbishing the town’s vintage phone booth after it was decommissioned; and 

• providing new bench seating across from the post office.

 

The BMLA also provides philanthropic support to local non-profit organizations. Recent beneficiaries include: the Adirondack Foundation’s Special and Urgent Needs (SUN) Fund (which in 2023 supported local families and businesses affected by the Central Adirondack flooding disaster); the Indian Lake School District; the Lake Steward program; The Nature Conservancy; Community Action (the local food bank); The Adirondack Experience; and, the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts.

​