Summary
The Adirondacks. Even among New Yorkers, the word can bear confusion. Does it refer to the famous upstate New York wilderness, the mountains of the same name, or the region at large? Answer: all of the above. There’s Adirondack Park, the largest wilderness preserve in the lower 48, whose boundaries are essentially the same as those of the glacier-carved mountains called the Adirondacks. Both the park and the mountain group are considered New York’s Adirondacks region.
A unique combination of public and private land, the park is a “forever wild” forest preserve created by the state in 1892. At six million acres, Adirondack Park is larger than the Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, and Yosemite national parks combined — and then some. Within its borders are rural small towns; thousands of miles of hiking trails, ranging from simple woodland paths to challenging High Peaks circuits; and numerous freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers inviting visitors for a dip, a kayak or canoe outing, or a leisurely fishing day. Best of all, it’s free to explore — no national park-style fees or passes are required.
There are countless peaceful hamlets, vibrant villages, and stunning vacation areas to make your Adirondacks home base — here, we break down some of the most popular destinations. Consider this guide a springboard for an amazing, nature-immersed Adirondacks getaway.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid is renowned as one of the most famous lake destinations in the country, having hosted the Winter Olympics twice (1932 and 1980). While its historic winter sports legacy put it on the map, this charming town continues to be a shining example of luxury resorts, a vibrant village atmosphere, and an array of outdoor activities. Summer activities include boating, swimming, and strolling around pristine Mirror Lake, while the winter season showcases skiing, snowshoeing, fat-tire biking, dog sledding, and ice skating — the open-air Olympic Oval rink looks much like it did in 1932, maintaining its magical allure.
First-timers should be aware: the village of Lake Placid is located on Mirror Lake, while the actual Lake Placid is a few miles to the north.
Where to Eat and Drink in Lake Placid
Salt of the Earth is frequently listed among must-visit eateries. This small, women-led bistro serves dinner five nights a week, with menu highlights including venison Brunswick stew and grilled Faroe Islands salmon. Another local favorite is Smoke Signals, a barbecue venue with stunning views of Mirror Lake. Big Slide Brewery & Public House attracts visitors with its award-winning ales, customizable flight options, and a classic pub menu featuring ingredients sourced from numerous local farms.
Where to Stay in Lake Placid
Lake Placid boasts various accommodation options, ranging from grand lodges and design-oriented boutique hotels to elegant inns. Each room at the family-owned Mirror Lake Inn features views of the lake and surrounding mountains. After a day on the slopes, guests can relax by the grand stone fireplace or in the spa’s hot tub and sauna. The well-known High Peaks Resort and the midcentury Lake House also provide fantastic lake views.
For a more modern vibe, the Eastwind Lake Placid has reinvented a 1950s motor inn on the banks of the Chubb River, transforming it into a chic mountain escape with Scandinavian design elements in its 26 rooms and eco-luxurious cabins. Amenities include saunas, a pool, a spa, bike/skate rentals, and unique events like yoga and live music.
Whiteface and High Peaks Region
Geographically, the Whiteface region is located just a short drive from Lake Placid, approximately 20 to 30 minutes by car. It is home to Whiteface Mountain, a popular destination for Olympians due to its impressive vertical drop — the largest east of the Mississippi. During summer, visitors can explore the mountain via hiking trails or the Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway. The summit, reaching a height of 4,867 feet, offers panoramic views extending into Canada. Whiteface is part of the Adirondacks’ High Peaks range, which includes mountains ranging from 3,820 to 5,344 feet.
Where to Eat and Drink in the Whiteface and High Peaks Regions
At Adirondack Mountain Coffee, breakfast and lunch are well-executed, known for their hearty breakfast platters. The Rivermede Farm Market is a must-visit for baked goods and farm-fresh produce. For a quick meal, grab a burger and ice cream at the charming Whitebrook Dairy Bar, or opt for the Hungry Trout, a woodsy tavern at Whiteface’s base, or Forty Six, which offers an upscale menu focused on local ingredients.
Where to Stay in the Whiteface and High Peaks Regions
Local farm stays provide an idyllic backdrop for an Adirondack retreat. Asgaard Farm & Dairy’s 1930s Emerson House offers comfortable lodging for four, with outdoor grilling space and a screened-in porch. Sugar House Creamery features unique farm stays, including a cozy private suite and a lofted carriage barn, complete with fantastic mountain views. Hungry Trout Resort offers direct access to trout fishing and hiking along the Ausable River.
Saranac Lake
Just nine miles from Lake Placid, Saranac Lake offers a welcome alternative with more affordable prices and fewer crowds. This area is rich in literary and artistic history, having been home to notable figures such as composer Béla Bartók, author Sylvia Plath, and scientist Albert Einstein. The town’s cool alpine air and low humidity made it famous in the late 19th century as a tuberculosis health resort, and visitors can explore the Saranac Laboratory Museum, dedicated to the history of the disease.
The outdoor allure of Saranac Lake is strong, with activities such as cross-country skiing on the Jackrabbit Trail, mountain biking or downhill skiing at Mount Pisgah, and paddling through the Saint Regis Canoe Area, a vast network of wilderness lakes and canoe routes. Seasoned hikers can take on the 6er hiking challenge, which involves summiting six peaks surrounding the lake.
Where to Eat and Drink in Saranac Lake
For breakfast, stop by Origin Coffee Co. for a satisfying burrito or freshly baked goods. After a day spent outdoors, dine at Left Bank Cafe for exquisite French dishes or The Fiddlehead Bistro, known for its art-filled atmosphere and rotating menu that often includes local favorites such as homemade gnocchi and pepper-crusted sirloin.
Where to Stay in Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake features an excellent variety of accommodations, including camping, charming inns, and cabin rentals, with options for even more rustic stays on the lake’s islands. Consider the LEED-certified Saranac Waterfront Lodge for a modern experience, or Hotel Saranac, a 1920s landmark with grand interiors, including a splendid Great Hall bar adorned with ornate ceilings. For a truly unique experience, The Point provides an opulent setting with historical roots dating back to the 1930s.
Lake George
During the summer, it’s difficult to resist the allure of Lake George, which has attracted notable figures like businessman John D. Rockefeller and artist Georgia O’Keeffe. The region’s fresh air and natural beauty are complemented by a plethora of activities, including hiking, kayaking, scenic steamboat cruises, and tours of local farms and distilleries. A 30-minute drive northwest leads to Gore Mountain, New York’s largest ski area, offering hiking, mountain biking, and breathtaking summer and fall sky rides. When winter arrives, visitors can hit the slopes for an exhilarating experience.
Where to Eat and Drink in Lake George
One can enjoy a taste of France at Bistro LeRoux, featuring seasonal menus that highlight delicious dishes, including braised short ribs and truffle fries, perfect for those coming in after a long day of exploring. Alternatively, visit The Hitching Post, a restaurant connected to Nettle Meadow Farm, renowned for its assortment of artisanal cheeses. Moreover, a stroll down Lake George village’s main street will lead you to High Peaks Distilling, Lake George Distilling Company, and Adirondack Winery, all within a short distance.
Where to Stay in Lake George
Lake George provides an abundance of accommodation choices, including lakeside resorts, motels, inns, yurts, and diverse camping and glamping options. Notably, the historic Sagamore Resort dates back to the early 1880s and features a luxurious spa and lake-view dining. Stone Gate Resort stands out for its proximity to the southern entrance of Adirondack Park and offers various accommodations, including hotel rooms, family-friendly suites, and private cabins.
Tupper Lake
Don’t let Tupper Lake’s size and rustic charm deceive you; it serves as a base camp for mountain trails, waterfalls, and local breweries. Moreover, visitors can explore The Wild Center, a 115-acre outdoor natural history museum featuring the region’s only treetops walk, alongside the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory, which offers public stargazing events — an opportunity to potentially glimpse the Milky Way.
Where to Eat and Drink in Tupper Lake
Raquette River Brewing offers live music, a dog-friendly atmosphere, and an enticing food truck lineup featuring delicious tacos and wood-fired pizzas. Their small-batch ales, including a signature mango wheat ale, have become local favorites. Additionally, you could indulge in a crispy homemade doughnut and a cup of coffee at the quirky Washboard Donut Shop and Laundromat.
Where to Stay in Tupper Lake
Motor lodges are experiencing a revival. Shaheen’s Adirondack Inn, now operated by the Weekender hotel group, has been completely renovated to combine nostalgia with modern comforts while retaining close proximity to outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, and snowmobiling — there’s even direct access to snowmobile trails.
Lake Champlain Region and Adirondack Coast
Located between its long, narrow lake, which acts as a natural border between New York and Vermont, and the eastern Adirondacks, the Lake Champlain region is defined by picturesque small towns, flourishing lakeshores, and beautiful farmland. This area is perfect for those seeking breweries, creamery products, local farm stands, and outdoor activities, such as hiking, cross-country skiing, and paddling in the lake and backcountry ponds or rafting the Ausable Chasm.
This region is historically rich, with Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point State Historic Site being pivotal sites in the American Revolution. The lake itself served as a primary route for merchants, traders, and travelers moving between Montreal and New York City. For a great North Country base, consider the charming towns of Essex, Peru, and Keeseville.
Where to Eat and Drink in the Lake Champlain Region and Adirondack Coast
After a day discovering the grandeur of Ausable Chasm — the so-called Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks — relax in the beer garden with a crisp pilsner at Ausable Brewing Co., a family-owned establishment. When hunger calls, enjoy farm-to-fork dishes prepared by rotating food trucks. For locally sourced products, visit North Country Creamery for fresh eggs and dairy delights, or check out Mace Chasm Farm’s butcher shop for charcuterie and meats. The seasonal Juniper Hill Farm store in Wadhams and The Hub on the Hill in Essex are excellent spots for further provisions.
Where to Stay in the Lake Champlain Region and Adirondack Coast
Experience the historic charm of Lake Champlain by staying at the Essex Inn, operational since 1810 (when Essex was the busiest port on the lake). Today, it offers 11 refined and uniquely decorated rooms featuring delightful elements like mantle headboards and gas log fireplaces. A visit to the inn is not complete without indulging in their seafood stew and lobster ravioli at the cozy tavern.
Mace Chasm Farm also features a solar-powered cabin equipped with a private sauna, outdoor shower, and breathtaking views of surrounding pastures and mountains. For more space and spectacular views, the ranch home at Beebe Farm, a family-run sawmill and farm, is hard to beat with its views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks, and Vermont’s Green Mountains.
