Notes from the host
Reed Rental at 18 Leader Near Trout Lake
Experience the beauty of this Thousand Islands Region waterfront cottage on Trout Lake near Edwards, NY (NOT the other 'Trout Lake' near Lake George, NY which is 140 miles away!!) Get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life & enjoy this craftsman 4 bedroom 2 bath cottage retreat nestled along the shore of pristine Trout Lake (includes motorized pontoon boat!!). ALL PETS WELCOMED! Enter address: 18 Leader Ln, Hermon, NY 13652 in any map program or GPS. If a WEEKLY rental is selected, they typically rent SUNDAY EVE TO SUNDAY MORNING unless otherwise approved. 3 day rentals after Labor Day and before summer fun weeks! This is a new listing and compliments our "sister property" at https://www.vrbo.com/595609. The cottage has spacious bedrooms with:
*Queen bed in Master Down
*Queen bed and Toddler Bed in Yellow Master Up
*Two Full-sized beds in Blue Bedroom
*One Queen and two Twin beds in Lakeside view Master Up
*Pull out couch and cots for overflow sleeping, if needed
From the gorgeous waterside decks you have great views of the lake. The waterfront has a gentle slope down to a floating dock with 3 kayaks, 1 canoe, 10HP PONTOON BOAT (valid drivers license, ONLY authorized renters & safety gear), 2 paddle boards. The PONTOON BOAT is slow but functional (10HP insurance limit). The back deck has an outdoor/covered entertainment area with gas grill, portable hot tub (not guaranteed to work as they can break a few days each season), firebox and seating area. This 20 year old cottage was totally remodeled with beautiful tongue & groove knotty pine and butternut craftsman trimwork that the owner harvested off the lands. Open floorpan, suspended staircase, architraves and sloping second floor bedroom ceilings add a comfortable feel and warmth to the quaint cabin while maximizing the view of the Adirondacks. There are countless places to visit nearby which are perfect for boating, hiking, biking, rafting, antiquing, outdoor sporting, sightseeing, just a short drive to Lake Placid or the St. Lawrence River. Montreal Quebec is only 2.5 hrs away for those with a valid passport and a sense for international fun.
This cottage is nestled in a quiet and serene wooded setting, directly on the shore of Trout Lake. Its high elevation provides a wonderful view of the quiet lake. The lots on this lake have approximately 130 feet of water frontage w/dock for boat and/or jet ski parking and there are cottages on both sides of this lot (approx 200 feet away). Easy parking for 5-10 cars and 20' trailers. This waterfront community has respectful & helpful neighbors who will allow you to enjoy your rental... please be good neighbors as well!
The lake water is clean & clear with awesome visibility! You can swim off the dock, paddle out in floats, jump off the boat and beyond. You may also wade in from the shoreline where there is a small sandy beach up to knee deep (kids area)... then there is muck/sediment on the bottom thereafter (sorry)!
Our guests have easy access to all the Thousand Islands Region has to offer! Walk out of your door and the possibilities are endless. Whether it’s fishing the area lakes and ponds, diving the crystal clear waters, paddling kayaks through scenic preserves, hiking trails leading to multiple water falls, or picnicking in the Adirondack Park, our waterfront location makes it all possible. If you want to take a break from the outdoor adventures, try exploring the two nearby historic castles in Alexandria Bay, the renowned Antique Boat Museum, local wineries on the Thousand Islands Seaway Wine Trail, Visit nearby colleges such as SUNY Potsdam State, Clarkson University (both in Potsdam, NY), Canton ATC, St. Lawrence University (SUNY Canton) for orientation, graduation, spring break or sporting events, or simply relax while taking a scenic dinner cruise among the islands or enjoy a bike or motorcycle drive through the region. Seasonal hunters can also enjoy 6 Million Acres of the Adirondack State Forest that begins within walking distance of the property.
Whatever your interests may be, our top priority is making your stay memorable. After 2 cottages 5 seasons and 350+ guests with our sister property, I will try to present past complaints: 10HP pontoon is slow and you cannot ski behind (insurance allows only 10HP...SORRY). There is a gentle slope from cottage to water. The hot tub has been replaced with a portable(air) unit. Newer 2023 HotTub IS NOT GUARANTEED TO WORK (they break down often, upset short rental and parts have to be shipped). Hot tub drained and closed in winter and freezing temps (sorry). Neighboring homes can be seen from this cottage. The sandy beach area turns to muck after a couple feet of water. If your dog barks for hours, the neighbors may complain. RV's welcome but there are no hookups. Slight & intermittent Sulphur smell to well water at sink and shower. Internet is high speed streaming (400-600+mbps) and streaming data for your personal TV app log-ins work. Gas fireplace does not burn real logs. AC is rarely needed in NY and guest never read this advertisement, the "welcome email" or contract. You can check property in advance if you chose. Most LOVE IT, but there is always someone who seeks discounts/free rentals then threats to write a bad review. It is exactly as pictured and described and we promptly assist (even wedding flowers for one honeymoon)!
We did our best to describe most nuances and list past complaints. Most people love and understand this place! If you typically enjoy abusing hotel staff, managers, assigning negative reviews for fun and beyond... another rental may be better suited! We encourage your "5-STAR Rating" and we strive to deliver exactly as pictured/described/priced. It is not a $20M resort so please do not compare and rate as a comparison. It is just a wonderful rustic cottage that most families love. We will help anyway we can within time and reason to go the extra effort.
Click on the calendar link to see available dates. Mandatory week rentals from July - September require a 7 day minimum and check-in is Sunday 4PM and checkout is Sunday 10AM. I ALWAYS RECOMMEND GUEST PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE. Insurance can pay back the rental fees if the guests are unable to use the cottage. This helped/protected at least three couples with late breaking medical concerns. As a reminder, freezing winter temperatures exist typically Dec-March. Boats and water toys are stowed for winter and not present. Cottage has an LP gas fireplace and a monitor for heating. As such, winter heat needs open doors to circulate warmth. The following are some items to familiar yourself with the cottage:
FIRE-PIT & HOT TUB: some of the best time is spent with a hoodie and some bug spray next to the fire pit or in the portable Hot Tub. Hot Tub is shut down when freezing temperatures approach. It is also a mechanical item and prone to break! We will repair and maintain but note that parts have to be shipped and a standard repair can take a week.. so no guarantees that it will work! Family, friends, S’mores and fine merriment cannot be beat! Keep late night shouting and loud music to a minimum to keep neighbors happy.
WATER FUN: Keep the personally owned ski boats slow in the “no wake zone” near shore. This allows you and the neighbors to swim safely. Keep the boat speed for the open and deep water lake! There is a state park with a sandy beach that is 1 mile south on the lake and easy to reach via pontoon/canoe/kayak/paddle board. There are long hiking trails from the county road to the State Beach but is is best to access via boat. There is also “Rock Island” nearby the state beach. Enjoy jumping off the rocks into the deep water below.
FISHING: There are many area bodies of water for all sorts of fishing. This includes Trout Lake, Cedar Lake, Cranberry Lake, Black Lake, Oswegatchie River, Grasse River, St. Regis RIverPlumb Brook, St. Lawrence River & hundreds of mountain brooks and watersheds. The DEC stocks Trout Lake with a combined 5 to 10 thousand rainbow and lakers. Other stocking in recent years include landlocked salmon and walleye. Trout Lake also has a good number of smallmouth bass.
SCUBA: The lake is deep, clear and cold at 100+ feet depths. The St. Law. River has several wrecks from the War of 1812 and up.
AREA OUTDOOR
Hiking: I have attached a map of area hikes in the forest. There are local waterfalls (Lampson Falls, Copper Rock Falls, Rainbow Fall, Twin Falls, etc) are easy hikes and "MANDATORY TO VISIT" for my kids. Moon Lake is a 2.7 mile blue trail kid-friendly hike. Wolf Lake and the Firefalls are a longer walk and can take a day or several days if you chose. Experts attack the 46 great Adirondack High Peaks.
Water Falls: See the maps. There are several local water falls. Be sure to port my kayaks around! Lampson Falls, Copper Rock Falls, Rainbow Fall, Twin Falls, etc)
Alexandria Bay: was a popular resort in the late 1800’s and turn of the century. It is famous for it’s “millionaire’s row” where the elite built summer homes along the river. Take the Uncle Sam's Boat Tour to Singer Island and Bolt Castle!
Boldt Castle Tours: famous area castle in Alexandria Bay, NY.
Whitewater Rafting: Raft Black River (near Watertown, NY). This is a fast paced ride what will get your heart pounding. Know how to raft SAFE!
Kayak: If you are kayakers, you can try the Grasse River or the Oswegatchie River (esp upper water shed). Know SAFE kayaking!
Hunting: There are millions of acres that begin almost walking distance from the cottage. Firefalls or Tooley Pond Road (deGrasse, NY) are good starting points for the forest (no hunting on our small property)
SUNY Potsdam/Canton/Plattsburg, Clarskon University and SLU. Check the event schedules for activities.
WINTER: water/hot tub activities limited. Ice may not be suitable to walk for ice fish. Snow shoveling a must!
