Standing on Cumberland Head along the western shore of Lake Champlain in New York, this historic lighthouse was built in 1838 to guide vessels through the lake’s busy shipping lanes. The modest stone tower served mariners for decades before being deactivated. Now privately owned, the lighthouse is not open to the public and cannot be climbed, though it remains a picturesque landmark visible from the shoreline.

Golden hour provides the best photography, with the light catching the tower against Lake Champlain’s expanse. Nearby attractions include the Cumberland Head ferry crossing to Vermont, Plattsburgh’s historic downtown, and the Adirondack Coast beaches — making it a worthy stop on any Lake Champlain road trip.

Explore Nearby

• Cumberland Bay State Park — State Park in New York
• Crab Island State Park — State Park in New York
• Maple Street Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Vermont
• Browns River on Cambridge — Covered Bridge in Vermont
• Swede Mountain Trail — Public Land in Alaska