Lake Days & River Casts: A Summer Guide to Altmar, NY

Summer in Altmar is quieter than most travel spots—and that's exactly what makes it special. Tucked away in upstate New York, surrounded by pine forests, cool rivers, and a hidden lake that locals love to keep secret, it's the kind of place that slows your heart rate the moment you arrive.

If you're staying with us at our Lorton Lake Airbnb, here’s how to soak up every ounce of summer the Altmar way: laid-back, lakeside, and a little bit wild.

Fishing the Salmon River in Summer

Steelhead season doesn’t end with spring.

While the fall Chinook run gets all the attention, the Salmon River still has plenty to offer in summer. Warm months bring in summer-run steelhead, brown trout, and even smallmouth bass. If you’re into fly fishing, the upper stretches near Altmar offer great water clarity and peaceful casting conditions. Early mornings are best—when the fog is still lifting off the river and it’s just you, the birds, and the rhythm of your line.

Don’t have gear? No problem. Local outfitters in Pulaski rent equipment and offer half-day or full-day guided trips. If you’re curious but new to the sport, there’s no better place to start.

A Quiet Visit to the Salmon River Hatchery

Come face-to-fin with the future of NY’s salmon and trout.

Located just minutes from our Airbnb, the Salmon River Fish Hatchery is a gem in the off-season. Summer visits are quiet, educational, and surprisingly fun. You’ll learn how the state stocks millions of fish each year, walk through viewing platforms over tanks filled with young salmon, and get a closer look at the local ecology.

There’s no need to rush—take it slow, bring a coffee, and wander the grounds at your own pace. It’s a great stop for kids and curious adults alike.

Hiking Trails & Forest Escapes

If you feel like exploring beyond the water, Salmon River Falls is just a short drive away. A flat and easy trail leads to one of the region’s most dramatic natural sights: a 110-foot waterfall tumbling into the forest. Bring your camera—or don’t. It’s one of those places that’s better soaked in than captured.

For longer hikes, nearby preserves like Happy Valley Wildlife Management Area offer hundreds of acres of woodland trails. Wildlife sightings are common—deer, heron, even bald eagles—so keep your eyes open.

Where You'll Stay

Our Lorton Lake Airbnb is a place built for summer:

✔️ Lakefront with a private dock

✔️ Free use of kayaks

✔️ Spacious lawn and firepit

✔️ Tesla charger, fast Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly vibes

It’s not fancy—but it’s real. And that’s what makes it memorable.

Plan Your Trip

If you’re dreaming of lazy lake days, misty river mornings, and quiet nights under a blanket of stars, Altmar is ready. It’s not a party town. It’s not a tourist trap. It’s just you, the water, and the woods.

📍 Reserve your stay at Lorton Lake now

☀️ Summer doesn’t wait. Neither should you.