Come for the fall foliage, stay for the unsolved mysteries and stories of UFO sightings.
Beneath the sparkling lakes and colorful fall foliage of New York’s Adirondack Mountains lies a surprisingly dark past. Unsolved murders, missing persons, and ghost sightings are more common than you’d think. To help seekers of the paranormal discover these places emitting strange energies, many have been documented and mapped out in a spine-tingling itinerary.
Curated by Adirondack Wayfinder, the Haunted Adirondack Trail passes by nine truly spooky stops over more than 230 miles. You can even plug your home address into the tool and add specific historical sites and hotels to make the route your own. After you’ve decided on your stops, share the trail to your phone to have an on-the-go guide for each site.
The Haunted Adirondack Trail Route
The order of attractions will change depending on where you set your starting point. However, generally, the first stop on the haunted trail is the shores of Big Moose Lake, home to the wandering spirit of Grace Brown. Grace fell in love with a man named Chester and became pregnant. Shortly after, Chester took her on a “romantic” trip to Big Moose Lake, rented a rowboat, and murdered her.
To continue the story, you will travel next to Inlet, the tiny town where Chester was arrested. Inlet, with a population of 300, is also the site of another haunting—the ghost of Jasper Day, a hermit who lived deep in the woods and is said to haunt the bridge that connects the town’s two lakes. The hiking trail leads to the eerie remains of Jasper’s shack.
After two spooky rural encounters, head north to Saranac Lake. In the early 1900s, the village was devoted to curing tuberculosis, and many of those who were lost are said to still wander the area. Much of the action revolves around Hotel Saranac, which was built in 1927. In addition to mysterious figures who disappear, the ghost of a cat is said to roam the halls, and many guests have reported feeling the cat brush up against them.
From Saranac Lake, continue to Lake Placid, home to three notorious hauntings. The first tale is “The Lady in the Lake.” Campers and boaters have spotted the ghostly figure of Mabel Smith Douglass, who disappeared in 1933 and was found at the bottom of the lake 30 years later. Nearby, the historic Palace Theater is home to a famously friendly ghost named George, often found in Theater 3. Finally, Lake Placid’s oldest lodging, the Stagecoach Inn, has its resident ghost, rumored to move items around the building.
From Lake Placid, follow the haunted trail east to the waters of Lake Champlain. This lake is home to over 300 known shipwrecks, many blamed on the “Champlain Witch,” a bloodthirsty sorceress with an apparent vendetta against sailors. However, it isn’t just the water you have to worry about. Recently, a couple claimed a UFO chased them down the road, only disappearing once they made it to town. That weekend, a young boy saw a similar object in the sky, with additional sightings reported since.
Finally, in the tiny town of Lake Pleasant, travelers will find the sprawling Rhinelander Estate. In the early 1800s, it was owned by Philip Rhinelander, who held his wife, Mary, prisoner in the estate’s main mansion. It’s said that he poisoned her over several years. The house burned down in 1875, and her ghost is rumored to haunt the remains.
Where to Eat
In case you have to run away from any ghosts, you’ll need to keep up your strength along this haunted trail. Fuel up and nab a spot on the patio at Lisa G’s in Lake Placid, where the view over the water is spectacular, especially in the fall. For finer dining in the Adirondacks, head to The View Restaurant at the Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa. Settle your nerves with a cocktail in the lounge before moving into the dining room.
As you near the end of the trail, if you’re following the original order, be sure to stop by Sticks & Stones Wood Fired Bistro & Bar in Schroon Lake. This is the place to go for hand-stretched, wood-fired pizza, which can be enjoyed outside on the patio or inside by the crackling stone fireplace.
Where to Stay
The Haunted Adirondack Trail will take over seven hours by car, which means you’ll want to spend a night or two along the way. If you’re loving the eerie feel of the Adirondacks in the fall, consider staying at the Hotel Saranac (on Main Street in Saranac Lake) or the classic Stagecoach Inn in Lake Placid.
If you’re not ready to encounter resident ghosts, opt for a stay at the Whiteface Lodge or Eastwind, both in Lake Placid, which offer a decidedly unghostly atmosphere.
When to Go
You can enjoy the route year-round. However, haunted sites are always more fun around Halloween, and the fall colors are truly spectacular in the Adirondacks. Therefore, we suggest checking the Adirondack Fall Foliage Report for real-time updates on the changing leaves. Consequently, push your trip as close to Halloween as possible for peak creep factor.
