In the Adirondacks, nobody will have to remind you to go outside and play. You'll always be in the middle of nature. The Adirondack Park is the largest publicly protected area in the continental United States. Comprising 6 million acres, it is larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier and Grand Canyon National Parks combined. You'll find over 3,000 lakes and ponds, 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 2,000 miles of hiking trails. In the summer, make a splash swimming, canoeing and kayaking, or head to the mountains on a hiking expedition for amazing scenery and camping under the stars.
Get to know nature better. Go birding to see and hear the many species that inhabit the area. Learn more about the ecosystem and Adirondack heritage at the Adirondack Museum or the Wild Center. Or simply take scenic drives through the wilderness landscape. You can drive on winding roads up an Adirondack High Peak on the Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway. Other beautiful drives can be found on the region's designated Scenic Byways.
Anglers won't want to leave their gear behind. Fishing is terrific here. The Adirondacks are known for native trout, pike, and perch, and nearby Lake Champlain has world-famous bass fishing. Ask locals for tips on how to catch them.
Come wintertime, skiing and other winter sports in the area will give you plenty to do. Lake Placid played host to the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter Games. Ski down those Olympic courses at Whiteface Mountain. Enjoy runs for all levels of ability at Titus Mountain, Big Tupper, and Gore Mountain.
Those who are looking for a less-rugged vacation won't be bored. Golfing and boat tours are some of the many options for those who want to enjoy the view without going on a wilderness trek. Check out the unique Adirondack rustic furniture and artisans in the region. Word is they really know how to make their chairs!