An Outdoorable Guide to the Adirondack Mountains
With more than 6 million acres of forest, 3,000+ lakes, and 46 high peaks, the Adirondack Park is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States—and one of the most soulful spots to reset, breathe deep, and get into the woods. Whether you’re climbing a fire tower, paddling a mirror-still lake at sunrise, or grabbing a cold beer after a long day on the trail, this region delivers peak serenity (and actual peaks).
You’ll want a car. You’ll want bug spray. And you’ll definitely want to stay longer than a weekend.
Easy Hikes
- Mount Jo (2.1-mile loop)
- A short, steep hike that offers one of the best bang-for-your-buck views in the Adirondacks.
- Insider tip: Hike the loop counterclockwise—it’s slightly less steep that way and better on the knees coming down.
- Cobble Lookout (2.4 miles out-and-back)
- A gently rolling trail with a big payoff—massive views over Wilmington Notch and Whiteface Mountain.
- Insider tip: Time your hike for golden hour and bring a blanket—the rocky ledge makes for an epic picnic perch.
- Baker Mountain (1.8 miles out-and-back)
- Quick and accessible from downtown Saranac Lake.
- Insider tip: Grab a pastry from Origin Coffee beforehand and turn it into a morning ritual the locals swear by.
Moderate Hikes
- Cascade Mountain (4.8 miles out-and-back)
- One of the most popular High Peaks—and one of the shortest climbs with sweeping 360° views.
- Insider tip: Start before 8 a.m. or go midweek—trailhead parking fills early and rangers will ticket cars on the shoulder.
- Ampersand Mountain (5.4 miles out-and-back)
- Steady climb, beautiful bald summit, and far fewer people than Cascade.
- Insider tip: Bring a windbreaker—Ampersand is exposed at the top and often breezier than it looks.
- Hurricane Mountain (6.8 miles out-and-back)
- Fire tower views and wildflowers galore.
- Insider tip: If you’re into photography, this is the best summit to catch both fall color and a long ridgeline view.
Where to Eat
- Big Slide Brewery & Public House – Lake Placid
- Creative pub fare and craft beer in a laid-back space.
- Insider tip: Sit at the bar for trail beta—most of the staff are hikers or skiers and happy to chat.
- The Cottage – Lake Placid
- Cozy lakeside café perfect for lunch or après.
- Insider tip: In winter, grab a hot mulled cider and walk out onto Mirror Lake—it freezes solid and becomes a community skating rink.
- Café Rustica – Lake Placid
- Hidden gem with wood-fired pizza and a homey feel.
- Insider tip: They don’t take reservations—show up early or prepare to hang with a glass of wine on the patio.
- ADK Market – Keene
- Trail snacks, fresh sandwiches, and everything you forgot to pack.
- Insider tip: The breakfast burritos sell out fast—get one before 9 a.m. if you’re heading for a summit.
- Bitters & Bones – Saranac Lake
- Great food, live music, and a local crowd.
- Insider tip: Check their event schedule—Taco Night and Trivia Tuesdays are surprisingly rowdy.
Where to Stay
- Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort – Lake Placid
- Sustainable lakeside lodging with free access to paddleboards and snowshoes.
- Insider tip: Ask for a room with a balcony on the lake side—you can watch the sunset without leaving your bed.
- The Lodge at Schroon Lake
- Restored lodge with modern cabins and lake access.
- Insider tip: Schroon Lake is quieter than Placid and better for travelers looking to read, reset, or paddle in peace.
- Keene Valley Lodge
- Classic hiker B&B near trailheads.
- Insider tip: The hosts are ADK trail experts—ask about route suggestions or beta for your next hike.
- Adirondak Loj
- Run by the Adirondack Mountain Club; closest basecamp to Heart Lake and the High Peaks trail network.
- Insider tip: Book well in advance—especially if you want a bunk on a summer weekend or foliage season.
Where to Drink
- Raquette River Brewing – Tupper Lake
- Rotating taps, fire pits, and food trucks on site.
- Insider tip: Try the sampler flight and grab smoked fish dip from the vendor next door—it’s a local favorite.
- Lake Placid Pub & Brewery – Lake Placid
- Casual atmosphere, hearty plates, and local legacy beers.
- Insider tip: The upstairs balcony is a great place to watch town life while sipping a Ubu Ale.
- Hex & Hop – Bloomingdale
- Tiny, rustic, and full of charm.
- Insider tip: They also make their own mead—get a tasting flight to try the honey-infused options.
Cultural Spots & Off-Trail Gems
- The Wild Center – Tupper Lake
- Interactive museum with nature trails, treetop walkways, and resident otters.
- Insider tip: Check the event calendar—they host night sky programs, solstice walks, and outdoor film nights.
- Adirondack Experience – Blue Mountain Lake
- A beautifully curated museum of the Adirondack region’s natural and human history.
- Insider tip: Don’t miss the log hotel exhibit—it’s like walking into the 1800s.
- John Brown Farm Historic Site – Lake Placid
- Final resting place of the abolitionist leader.
- Insider tip: Pack a picnic and explore the fields out back—many don’t realize you can hike quiet trails behind the farm.
- Saranac Laboratory Museum – Saranac Lake
- A fascinating glimpse into the town’s days as a TB treatment haven.
- Insider tip: If you’re into architecture, ask for the walking tour map—Saranac Lake is full of beautifully preserved cure cottages.
