The largest natural wilderness area in the eastern US, the Adirondacks region has 46 majestic high peaks, over 3,000 lakes and ponds, and 2,000 miles of hiking trails. It’s a haven for art, Adirondack-style crafts and antiques as well as outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting and swimming in cool mountain lakes. Scenic drives, gondola rides and steamboat cruises will take you to awesome views. Family-friendly attractions include world-class museums, historic forts and Olympic sports venues.
Whether you stay in a campground, a rustic lakeside cabin or a plush resort and spa, you’ll enjoy the famous Adirondack hospitality. No single trip can do this region justice, so we’ve created two–an Eastern Route and a Western Route--to get you started.
Eastern Adirondacks Route
A. Lake Luzerne
The fun starts with a splash! Take a wild ride down the Sacandaga River on a guided whitewater rafting trip or a relaxing float via tube on a more peaceful section of the river. Adirondack River Outfitters will supply everything you need, including a support boat.
B. Glens Falls
Head east to be inspired by world-class art at the Hyde Collection. Set in an 18th-century Florentine villa as well as modern galleries, works span nearly six thousand years of art history, from antiquities to Old Masters such as Rembrandt and Rubens, to Modern Artists like Picasso and Renoir.
C. Queensbury
Just to the north, you can choose from over 135 rides, attractions and shows at Six Flags Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom. Kids (and the young at heart) love to cool off in the giant outdoor waterpark.
Whatever the weather, you can make a splash at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark. The 200-room lodge features plush family suites to please the grownups and a hugely wonderful indoor water park with a lazy river and slides and chutes to make every age group smile.
Savvy shoppers flock to Sutton’s Marketplace, offering a wonderful selection of unique gifts, Adirondack-style furniture and unique clothing. Have a meal in the country café and stop in the award-winning bakery to pick up some treats to take with you.
D. Lake George
Just a few miles north, explore Fort William Henry to learn about Lake George’s key role in American history. The restored fortress on the edge of the village recreates Colonial days with living history demonstrations, cannon and musket drills, and guided tours. For an other-worldly adventure, sign up for the spooky ghost tour.
Take a scenic cruise on the jewel-toned lake with the Lake George Steamboat Company. Cruise on the Minne-Ha-Ha, an authentic paddlewheeler, The Mohican or the lake's largest ship, the Lac du Saint Sacrement. Trips range from one-hour sightseeing cruises to history and dinner cruises. Ask about specials that include fireworks and fine dining.
Pump up for some power shopping at the Factory Outlets of Lake George, with over 70 stores offering savings of 20% to 70% off retail prices. Choices abound, including the Adirondack Outlet Mall, French Mountain Commons Outlet Center, Lake George Plaza Outlet Center and Log Jam Outlet Center.
E. Bolton Landing
A short and scenic drive north along Lake George takes you to The Sagamore, a magnificent and historic lakeside resort. Poised on its own private island (you cross a small bridge to get there), this elegant and active resort offers a host of activities and amenities along with stunning views of the mountains, lake and islands that grace its waters.
If you’re looking for a lofty challenge try the Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course. Experience your tree-top adventure--securely suspended between trees that are 10 to 50 feet off the ground--on this elevated obstacle course set amid the beautiful Adirondack Mountains.
F. Ticonderoga
Head northeast to Fort Ticonderoga, an 18th-century fort that played a key role in the American Revolution. Explore the museum and talk with costumed interpreters who re-create history, as fife & drum corps march and play songs of the era. Allow time to stroll through the Colonial gardens, dine in the restaurant, or have an old-fashioned picnic on the grounds.
G. Ausable Chasm
Drive up north to see the natural wonder the town is named for. Open since 1870, Ausable Chasm is one of North America’s oldest and most exciting attractions. Follow nature trails along the gorge to see sparkling waterfalls and other breathtaking vistas. Along with hiking trails, there’s rafting, tubing, horseback riding, biking and a great family-friendly campground.
H. Wilmington
Head a bit south to High Falls Gorge, a 700-foot cascade of spectacular waterfalls along the base of Whiteface Mountain. Self-guided tours follow groomed paths and walkways and cross steel bridges with astonishing views. Don’t forget your camera!
I. North Pole
Surprisingly, you’ll drive west to get to this North Pole. Visit Santa’s Workshop to meet the reindeer, busy elves, and the jolly old gentleman himself. Children of all ages love the rides, shows, crafts and entertainment. There’s lots of family fun in North Pole Village, where the magic of Santa Claus reigns year-round.
J. Lake Placid Nearby, visit the
Winter Olympic Museum to explore the legacy of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Games at Lake Placid and learn about the world's greatest athletes. Take a summer chairlift or elevator ride to the sky-deck atop the 120-meter ski jump tower at the Olympic Sports Complex for a great view and a new perspective on ski jumping. From here to Albany, there’s nothing taller. You can also enjoy off-season mountain biking and wheeled bobsled rides and watch thrilling events.
Discover great rafting and tubing adventures on four rivers. Whether you’re looking for wild whitewater adventure or a relaxing float downstream, the Hudson River Rafting Company has a guided trip and a river to meet your choice of challenge.
K. Saranac Lake
Drive a bit to the northwest, to board the historic Adirondack Scenic Railroad. Ride through the splendid mountain scenery in a climate-controlled coach, or take in the fresh mountain breezes riding in an open-air car. This scenic trip runs through remote forests, past sparkling streams and tranquil ponds, and over bridges as you breathe in the magnificent beauty of the six-million-acre Adirondack Park.
L. Paul Smiths
Travel northwest passing several scenic lakes. At Paul Smiths, you can take a tour or rent your own cabin at historically beautiful White Pine Camp. This rustic yet elegant “Great Camp” served as President Coolidge’s Summer White House in 1926.
M. Tupper Lake
A short drive south concludes your trip with a visit to the wonderfully popular Wild Center, where family-friendly activities include guided wildlife walks and hands-on exhibits. Nature trails crisscross 31 scenic acres. Indoors, the main exhibit hall follows the course of an Adirondack river from a marsh to the summit of a High Peak.
Western Adirondacks Route
A. Croghan
For a sweet beginning, visit the American Maple Museum and Hall of Fame. Exhibits show the history of maple syrup and sugar making. Watch demonstrations of various techniques and equipment, ranging from traditional Native American methods to modern plastic tubing and stainless steel evaporators used today.
B. Constableville
To the south you’ll find Constable Hall, a National Historic Landmark. Tour the restored 1800s Georgian limestone mansion and learn about its original resident, William Constable.
C. Old Forge
Drive a short distance northeast to make a splash at the Enchanted Forest/Water Safari. With over 50 rides and attractions at this giant waterpark, there’s fun for the whole family! Don’t worry if it seems a bit chilly; 32 of the water rides are heated, just to keep you comfy!
The McCauley Mountain Scenic Chairlift Ride will give you spectacular views of the Fulton Chain of Lakes and the High Peaks rising beyond. On a clear day, you can see Whiteface Mountain and Mt. Marcy.
D. Raquette Lake
Plan a visit to Great Camp Sagamore, an architectural treasure in a wilderness setting. The National Historic Landmark was the summer estate of the Vanderbilt family from 1901 to1954 and includes 26 historic buildings along with the main lodge.
Cruise and dine on beautiful Raquette Lake with the Raquette Lake Navigation Company. Tours highlight local history and the sites of the magnificent Great Camps where JP Morgan and the Vanderbilt and Huntington families summered.
E. Blue Mountain Lake
Just to the east, explore the Adirondack Museum. The indoor/outdoor museum was called “the best of its kind in the world” by The New York Times. Exhibits and fine art document the natural and cultural heritage of the six-million-acre Adirondack Park. See Adirondack boats, baskets, furniture, and other regional crafts as well as wildlife and nature exhibits.
Nearby you can choose from a full schedule of concerts, theater, art shows, workshops and classes for adults and children at the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts.
F. Newcomb
Head northeast to explore the Adirondack Interpretive Center. Exhibits highlight Adirondack natural history and cultural and recreational resources. Stretch your legs on the 3.5-mile trail system.
G. Pottersville
Continue southeast to see the amazing Natural Stone Bridge and Caves Park. Take a self-guided tour, entering through the largest marble cave entrance in the East. Caves have lighted surfaces, and above-ground trails lead to scenic waterfalls.
H. North River
Nearby, learn about mining history and gemstone geology with Garnet Mine Tours. See the open-pit garnet mine and rock exhibits and pick up some sparkly souvenirs in the mineral shop.
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