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The Balsam Inn

2.0 star property
Travelers find natural beauty and outdoor adventure at this riverside inn, where hiking trails lead to mountain views and evenings end around a warm firepit

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Photo gallery for The Balsam Inn

A rustic interior with wooden walls, leather sofas, and a mounted deer head. - The Balsam Inn (Caroga Lake)
A dining table with a bowl of pinecones and a potted plant, set against a window with a snowy view. - The Balsam Inn (Caroga Lake)
A row of motorcycles parked outside a building with a sign that reads "Arietta Hotel Restaurant." - The Balsam Inn (Caroga Lake)
A neatly made bed with a striped blanket, a folded towel, and two pillows with a star pattern. - The Balsam Inn (Caroga Lake)
A wooden floor hallway with a door at the end. - The Balsam Inn (Caroga Lake)
The Balsam Inn, along the West Branch of the Sacandaga River, offers a peaceful escape with continental breakfast and an art gallery. Guests enjoy free WiFi and gather around the firepit after exploring Kane Mountain Fire Tower or spending time at Canada Lake.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

View all photos for Basic Double or Twin Room 1

A neatly made bed with a folded towel and a small gift box on a woven blanket.

Basic Double or Twin Room 1

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Basic Room 2

A bedroom with a bed, pillows, a blanket, and a nightstand with a lamp.

Basic Room 2

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Basic Room 3

A bed with a patterned bedspread, two pillows, and a pair of slippers on the side.

Basic Room 3

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Basic Room 4

A bedroom with a wooden headboard, plaid bedding, and pinecone pillows.

Basic Room 4

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Basic Room 5

A neatly made bed with a yellow throw blanket, pillows, and a small stack of books.

Basic Room 5

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Basic Room 6

A wooden cabin-style bedroom with a bed, dresser, and window.

Basic Room 6

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Basic Room 7

A bed with a wooden headboard, multiple pillows, and a bedside table with a lamp and pine cones.

Basic Room 7

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Basic Room 8

A dimly lit room with a bed against a wall, a window with curtains, and a view of trees outside.

Basic Room 8

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Basic Room 9

A bed with a striped blanket, pillows with geometric patterns, and a tray with books and a bottle.

Basic Room 9

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Located in Caroga Lake, The Balsam Inn is in the mountains and in a state park. Royal Mountain and Oak Mountain Ski Center are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore West Branch of the Sacandaga River and Canada Lake. Kane Mountain Fire Tower and Wheelerville Bike Trails Access are two other places to visit that come recommended. Discover the area's water adventures with water tubing and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and mountain climbing. Visit our Arietta travel guide
View more Lodges in Arietta
Map
140 NY-10, Caroga Lake, NY, 12032

What's nearby

  • West Branch of the Sacandaga River
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Canada Lake
    6 min drive - 7.3 miles
  • Piseco Lake
    14 min drive - 16.2 miles
  • Oak Mountain Ski Center
    32 min drive - 31.8 miles
  • Herkimer Diamond Mines
    34 min drive - 37.1 miles

Restaurants

  • The Forever Wild Tavern
  • Lake Front Pizza
    6 min drive
  • Pine Lake Lodge
    5 min drive
  • Balsams Inn & Cafe
    1 min walk

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/truck parking on site
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Things to do

  • Archery
  • Art gallery
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Boat and paddles
  • Boat tours
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Hunting
  • Kayaking
  • Rowing/canoeing
  • Snowmobiling
  • Snowshoeing
  • TV in common areas
  • Water sports equipment

Conveniences

  • Guidebooks
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Proposal/romance packages

Outdoors

  • Firepit
  • In a state park
  • In the mountains
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Handrails in stairways
  • No elevator
  • Visual alarms in hallways

More

  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1895
  • Communal living room
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
  • Renovated entire property - February 2022
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Down comforter
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Detached shared bathroom
  • Hydromassage showerhead
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

More

  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Mobile key entry

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and lockbox information; your host will greet you
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Guests can choose to either self-clean the property prior to check-out, or pay an additional cleaning fee of USD 15 at check-out
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Host will greet you, lockbox

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 1000 per pet (varies based on length of stay), plus a one-time cleaning fee of USD 100 and a deposit of USD 1000 per day
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
Up to 5 lbs per pet
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • A damage deposit of USD 50 will be collected before check-in.

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Pet deposit: USD 1000 per day
  • Pet fee: USD 1000 per pet (varies based on length of stay) plus USD 100 one-time cleaning fee
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Firewood fee: USD 15 per day

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property only accepts cash

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Frequently asked questions

Is The Balsam Inn pet-friendly?

Yes, The Balsam Inn allows dogs with a maximum weight of up to 5 lbs per pet. There's a deposit of USD 1000 per day and a fee of USD 1000 per pet, per day. A cleaning fee of USD 100 also applies. Service animals are exempt from fees. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Balsam Inn?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Balsam Inn?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Balsam Inn located?

Situated in a state park, this lodge is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from West Branch of the Sacandaga River and within 9 mi (15 km) of Kane Mountain Fire Tower and Canada Lake. Wheelerville Bike Trails Access and Piseco Lake are also within 16 mi (25 km).

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Reviews

The Balsam Inn Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.6

Amenities

10

Staff & service

9.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 54 out of 65 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 65 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 65 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 65 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 65 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
As always Jenny and her staff amazing !! The late night potato chips really hit the spot!!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The owner provided outstanding hospitality, liked the atmosphere of the inn, location was great, rooms were clean and very comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A smiley day!

We found our stay to be warm and friendly, it was like staying with your family.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rachael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Immaculately clean property with very comfortable bed. Owner was helpful and easy to communicate with!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Keith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Home away from home!

Great discovery.. extremely friendly and hospitable. Felt like home away from home! Hope to come back during snowmobile season!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We love this place and the owner Jenn! We are coming back, hopefully soon! We had fun in the tavern down stairs and slept like babies all weekend in our room. This place is one of a kind! We’ve stayed at dozens of places throughout the Adirondacks and this one is by far, our favorite!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly and accommodating proprietor
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Reed

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Authentic, warm, and friendly.

What a great stay. My travel was disrupted, and Jenny was kind, understanding, and communicative. The Inn is cute and authentic. The location is stunning. I only regret being able to stay just one night (cancelled flight), it was a warm and I felt welcomed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Joan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly owner.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Dennis

Liked: Cleanliness
Jenny is very friendly person
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gregory

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property owner was very hospitable. Clean property. Nice friendly staff. Good food.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hospitality of the staff especially Ginny the owner of this fine establishment was very helpful and were great to chat with regarding the region of the Adirondacks. Let me not forget to mention the rooms are cozy, impeccable and lovely decorated by Ginny who is true artist. I do plan on visiting this area of the Adirondacks again and the Balsams will be base camp when exploring this beautiful area.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing location to see the Fall foliage and do many outdoors activities! Cozy, clean and comfy room, with streaming TV for downtime. I even had the adjustable memory foam bed in my cabin like little room. Jennifer was a wonderful host and called me on my drive in to check in with me. Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

jjohn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Balssan inn is TOPS

All aspects of my stay was excellent. accomodations were excellent and the host Jenny was superb.She was alocal who has built her busirss reputationon hard work and her guests enjoying a good tay. She is a PRO!!!!!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Glen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Hidden Gem

Incredible place to stay. It is an older building, that is what makes it so unique. Each and every room is a little different. We were welcomed and made to feel truly at home. Great food and ambiance. I will definitely recommend to our friends and family if the are traveling
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Glen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Hidden Gem

Incredible place to stay. It is an older building, that is what makes it so unique. Each and every room is a little different. We were welcomed and made to feel truly at home. Great food and ambiance. I will definitely recommend to our friends and family if the are traveling
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cortney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Country charm of the Balsam Inn is invigorating. The grounds around the inn are delectable. Jenn is a top notch host and all around wonderful person. Prepare to relax, enjoy nature at its fullest, and be transported to absolute paradise. Squishy beds too.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Danielle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Will definitely start again. Everyone was very friendly, welcome and accommodating. Parking is easy, the rooms and bathrooms are clean and cozy, we had excellent drinks and pie downstairs in the bar/restaurant, and free breakfast (milk juice, coffee, muffins, breakfast bars, fruit and cereal) in the morning.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Amenities
Rustic meets adorable! So warm and comfortable. The beds (we had twins) were to die for. Great.having the bar below. Nice selection of beverages, great continental breakfast. Jenny and staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Shared bath not a problem. Wonderful place!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the property! So unique and beautiful. Be prepared for one bathroom- but it is clean and nicely done- lots of character and charm
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

nice bargain

I didn't know what to expect, and upon arrival it looked just like an old bar. But inside it had the warm feel of an old-country tavern and inn—which it was. The proprietor is personable, attentive, and concerned about your needs. For being a tavern, it is surprisingly quiet. The bed was very comfortable, and they serve hearty food. A very relaxed, informal feel with good wifi (which is important as your cell signal may not reach this remote spot). If you're looking for a bargain, this is with the (gorgeous) drive up NY Hwy 10.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Douglas

Liked: Staff & service
It was definitely different. You have to share a bathroom with other inn guests. We were the only ones who were at the Inn for our 1 night. So it wasn't an issue but guess I got to read the fine print better. And there was no A/C. You could open the window, but there was no screen to let the cool air in. So we just opened the window & gambled that we wouldn't let in the bugs along with the cooler air. It wasn't that hot of a day, but I can only imagine that place on a typical warm summer day/evening. On the positive, the host was nice, the wifi worked and, outside of the A/C, the room was nice. Given the stellar reviews and the price we paid (it was over $150 for a Monday night), I guess I was expecting something a bit nicer.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Karl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Balsam is located in a scenic spot in the southern Adirondacks where, due to the remoteness and the topography, there is no cell service but there is WiFi at the lodge. The night we stayed, we were the only guests which concerned me because, with Jenny being so engaging and friendly, I really want this venture to be a success for her. We arrived during a grey afternoon when the sporadic rain caused mist to shroud the evergreens of the forest where the inn sits and, during the evening, my partner and I lay on the soft mattress of our room and listened to the rain falling on the roof, the hypnotic sound of which lulled us into a deep slumber. By morning, the rain had moved east but we decided against biking the nearby trails because, being senior citizens, the risk of falling in the remote mountains was all too real and daunting but we appreciated that the opportunity was offered to us. Jenny had set out breakfast for us which included a selection of natural cereals, fruit, English muffins and really decent coffee. We circled the breakfast area, admiring Jenny’s photographs - she is an artist with the rare talent of capturing landscapes in an idolized fashion such that it brings the viewer into the narrative with a bit of awe and, perhaps, a longing for the tranquility engendered by the rounded hillocks and the placid waters. She has a gift.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a real treat to stay at the Balsam Inn! The Inn is off the beaten path like I wanted and very very quite. Jenny is a warm welcoming host. She even upgraded my room just because it was available. The room itself was beautiful! It felt like I was a guest in someones Adirondack mountain home. Antique furniture, pines cones, snowshoes, layered bedding...like in an LLBean catalog. The bed was super comfy. I had a large screen TV and mini fridge in the room. Although there is a shared bathroom, it was not a problem. The Inn also has 2 half baths downstairs in the cafe.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Balsam Inn is a gem perfectly situated in the Adirondack Park. Super clean and quiet, with a great bar and good food!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025