Forward Underwater Classroom,

Lake George , New York

The depths of Lake George in east central New York hold boats from many eras of American history, including the French and Indian War. A vessel from a more recent period is the Forward, a 45-foot wooden pleasure boat built in 1906 and believed to be one the earliest gasoline-powered vessels to navigate the lake. For that reason the state in 1993 protected it as a state "submerged heritage preserve” and in 1997-98 transformed it into "Forward Underwater Classroom” for divers. Those who explore the site will find a triangular trail system with a map and underwater signage directing divers to several stations. They include vegetation and geology signage, a zebra mussel monitoring station, a fish observation zone, a simulated underwater archaeology site, a Secchi disk for divers to measure water transparency, a navigation course and thermometers, and slates and pencils to record water temperature patterns. Only one dive group is allowed to visit the site at one time, and only three two-hour slots are available each day. Divers must register at the Million Dollar Beach beach house. Call (518) 668-3352.

Depths to: The lake reaches 200 feet (61 m) but the orward Underwater Classroom ranges in depths from 25 feet (7.5 m) to 45 feet (14 m). Visibility: Up to 30 feet (9 m).

Water temperature: In the summer it can reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). A thermocline at about 30-40 feet (9-12 m) down can quickly drop temps to 50 F (10 C).

Aquatic life: Salmon, bass, perch, trout.

Fees: None

On-site amenities: A variety of services are available around Lake George . Visit www.visitlakegeorge.com for a full listing.

More info: Call the new Lake George Visitor Center, intersection of Canada Street and Beach Road in Lake George, New York, at (518) 668-2624, or the Warren County Tourism Department at (800) 95-VISIT, ext. 143.

Open: In the fall only.

Getting there: Lake George is off Interstate 87, about 50 miles (80 km) north of Albany and the I-88, I-90 junctions. The Forward site is about 1,500 feet (454 m) east of Diamond Island in the south basin of the lake.