Adirondack Park, also known as The Adirondacks, is one of the most beautiful natural spots in the country. Covering a large swath of land in upstate New York, the park is home to beautiful Lake George, former Olympic town Lake Placid and a number of historic sites like Fort Ticonderoga and John Brown’s Fort.
Needless to say, if you are in this area, it has to be on your list of places to visit. Because the park is so large, (it’s bigger than Vermont!) you can make a number of trips and see something different every time. It’s no wonder that so many visitors fall in love with the area and head back to spend time year after year.
What to See in The Adirondacks
Lake George
With over 6 million protected acres there are plenty of places to really get out and enjoy some natural beauty. However, one of the most popular spots in The Adirondacks, and for good reason, has to be Lake George.
Frequently visited since the early 1900s, Lake George offers visitors a number of ways to spend a day. Relax on the shore, go for a dip in the cool waters, grab a kayak or stand up paddleboard. Or, for even better views, check out the hot air balloon rides in nearby Glens Falls.
Lake Placid
Want a little bit more action than lying by the lake? Then head out to Lake Placid, best known as the site of the 1980 Winter Olympics, the town holds a lot of appeal for visitors. Not only is the area and surrounding lake really quite spectacular, but if you love the Olympics this is place to be.
Head to the Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum to learn a bit more about the history of the games. Or take part in the bobsled and luge tracks. For a real thrill take the ride up to the very top of the ski jumps, you will experience a view like no other!
Photo via National Geographic
Hike the Peaks
If you love hiking then The Adirondacks are a great place to visit, with an amazing 46 peaks in the area all about 4,000 feet or higher. For a real challenge, head to the top of Mount Marcy, which is the highest peak in New York State.
Or for a more mild and manageable hike try Hadley Mountain. At just over 3 miles round trip, this hike not only has stunning views of the surrounding areas (especially in the fall), but also has a cool old restored fire tower at the summit.
Skiing and Snowshoeing
The Adirondacks can really come to life in the winter. For the skier, snowboarder and snowshower there are ample mountains all over the region that offer some of the best powder and biggest drops in the East.
To feel like an Olympian, head to Whiteface Mountain, where the Olympics were held. For a more relaxed time that includes night skiing and snow tubing, try Titus Mountain with the family or a group of friends.
When to Visit
What makes a place like Adirondack Park so special is that it can truly be enjoyed all year round. The spring and summer are the perfect times for spending hours out on the lakes, while in the winter the snow sports will rule supreme. Couple that with the beautiful fall foliage and the entire region is covered in bright bursts of reds, oranges and yellows.
Where to Stay
Since Adirondack Park is so large it is hard to pick just one spot. But many visitors love to base in the Lake Placid area as it does offer a ton to do all year round and is easily accessible by the major highways in the region.
