Things to do in the Adirondacks: Experience The Magic of Upstate New York

The list of things to do in the Adirondacks of New York is astounding. From rail biking in North Creek to the newly reimagined Olympic sites in Lake Placid, these are my top places to visit in the Adirondacks.

Visiting the Adirondacks region of New York State is a popular getaway for my family. Each year we make several road trips through the state down to visit family in New York City. Along the way, we’ve made it a habit to experience as many things as possible. A lot of that time has been spent exploring all of the amazing things to do in the Adirondacks of New York State.

It seems that each year these trips become more epic as we dive deeper and deeper on a quest to discover the most scenic places in the Adirondacks. And while some of the Adirondack destinations have become popular for tourists and travelers, there are still some hidden gems left to be found for those who love to explore.

Whether you are on an Adirondacks family vacation or just looking for the best places to see in the Adirondacks yourself, strap on your adventure hat and hang on for the ride, because these Adirondack vacation ideas are going to be wild!

This article is all about our favorite things to do in the Adirondacks during the summer. If you’re thinking about a winter trip, you may want to check out our Adirondacks in winter guide here. Or, you can check out more amazing things to do in New York State on our New York family travel guide.

Where Are The Adirondacks Of New York State?

Although we drive through Upstate New York regularly, the borders of the region have always baffled me. There are several mountain ranges in northeastern North America, including the Green Mountains in Vermont and the Laurentians in Quebec. So when I asked myself, “Where are the Adirondack Mountains?” I kept getting confused.

The Adirondacks, in New York, are a range of 5-million-year-old mountains located just a few hours north of New York City in Upstate New York. The mountain range stretches west from the shores of Lake Champlain and Lake George to encompass the largest protected area in the lower 48 states.

The Adirondacks region is home to more than 2,000 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, over 3,000 bodies of water, and 1,200 miles of rivers. The Adirondack region stretches across to Syracuse and up to the Canadian border.

The Best Places To Visit On An Adirondack Vacation

Exploring the Adirondack Mountains in New York makes for one of the most ideal summer vacations imaginable. But the region is huge. My list of the best things to do in the Adirondacks is based on many trips to the region spanning several years.

If you’re looking for the best Adirondacks vacation, you’ll want to choose your places to visit carefully. Unless you’re planning an RV or Adirondack road trip, you’ll probably want to pick a few of these destinations and plan your trip around a few of the towns. Otherwise, you might spend as much time driving as you do experiencing these amazing Adirondack activities.

Get Sporty In Lake Placid

The town of Lake Placid, New York is the center for adventure activities in the Adirondacks. This small mountain town was home to not just one, but two Winter Olympic Games, and it still acts as a major training facility for US national teams. For visitors with a love of sports, the Olympic venues are a spectacular way to test your own athleticism.

The region has poured a massive, multi-year renovation into its Olympic venues, now branded the Lake Placid Legacy Sites, and the summer experience has been transformed. The venues are spread across four sites (the Olympic Center, the Olympic Jumping Complex, Mt Van Hoevenberg, and Whiteface Mountain), and the best way to tackle them is with the Lake Placid Legacy Sites Passport, a single discounted ticket that covers all four and runs from May through October. If you’re planning to do three or more activities, it pays for itself fast. You can find a link to that here.

The Olympic Jumping Complex

At the ski jump towers, you no longer just admire them from below. Ride the glass elevator and the Skyride gondola to the top of the 120-meter jump for a genuinely vertiginous view out over the High Peaks, then feel your stomach drop on the Sky Flyer Zipline that launches from the outrun. On select summer “Soaring Saturdays,” you can even watch athletes train on the jumps.

The Olympic Center

Downtown, the Olympic Center houses the 1932 and USA rinks (where you can skate on Olympic ice) and the newly refreshed Lake Placid Olympic Museum, plus a new Multi-Sport Simulator that lets kids test their reflexes against Olympic events. It’s also the jumping-off point for a behind-the-scenes tour of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center.

Mount Van Hoevenberg and the Cliffside Coaster

A short drive from town, Mt Van Hoevenberg is home to the sliding sports and to the headline family thrill of the whole region: the Cliffside Coaster, billed as the longest mountain coaster in North America. You control your own speed as you wind nearly a mile down the mountain right alongside the historic 1932 and 1980 bobsled track. The gleaming new Mountain Pass Lodge anchors it all, with a café, mountain-bike and hiking trailheads (the newer MVH East Trail is a beauty), and Olympic legacy tours. Thrill-seekers can also try a summer bobsled or the “Discover Luge” experience on wheeled sleds.

Where To Stay in Lake Placid

There are some great hotels and resorts in Lake Placid. One of the most popular is the Golden Arrow Resort on scenic Mirror Lake. It gets bonus points for being home to Generations. With one of the best views in the region, Generations is one of the most popular restaurants in Lake Placid. You can check out some more great places to stay in Lake Placid here.

Take In The Scenic Views From Whiteface Mountain

Just outside of Lake Placid is the towering peak of Whiteface Mountain. During winter in Lake Placid, this is one of the top ski resorts in the Adirondacks. But during the summer, Whiteface Mountain makes for one of the most inspiring things to do.

The drive up Whiteface Mountain takes you up the Veterans’ Memorial Highway along winding switchbacks that climb thousands of feet to the base of a castle. Yes, a castle in Lake Placid! From there, an elevator bored through the heart of the mountain, or a narrow, steep hike, takes you to one of the most scenic viewpoints in all of New York State, gazing out over the rolling Adirondack High Peaks.

For an easier way to earn a view, Whiteface now runs the 8-passenger Cloudsplitter Gondola in summer, carrying you from the base lodge to the top of Little Whiteface for sweeping High Peaks vistas without the climb. The gondola is included on the Legacy Sites Passport.

If you’re traveling with little ones, the classic Santa’s Workshop theme park at the North Pole sits right at the foot of Whiteface and is a nostalgic, low-key hit with younger kids (check current seasonal hours before you go).

Where To Stay Near Whiteface Mountain

Although it’s easy to combine Whiteface Mountain with Lake Placid, you can also treat yourself to the views and hospitality of the Whiteface Lodge. It’s as close as you can get to all the amazing hiking and biking trails at Whiteface Resort.

Stroll Through High Falls Gorge

High Falls Gorge is one of the most popular things to do in the Adirondacks. This series of trails brings visitors on a gorgeous 30-minute walking experience surrounded by mind-blowing waterfalls and raw natural scenery.

Even with the walkways and bridges, the views remain relatively unobstructed thanks to glass floors that could make even the bravest explorer’s heart skip a beat. It sits right on the road between Lake Placid and Wilmington, which makes it an easy pairing with a Whiteface day.

Get Back To Nature At The Wild Center

The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, New York, is an absolute must for those exploring the Adirondacks with kids. The Tupper Lake Wild Center is part museum and science center and part adventure park. The Instagram-worthy Wild Walk is one of the most popular parts, but this beautiful attraction has much more to offer.

This multi-level treetop viewing and activity center is a visual spectacle. It houses a massive viewing platform built like a bird’s nest, along with a sizeable walk-through tree house filled with educational information about the wildlife of the Adirondacks region.

The Wild Center museum has incredible wildlife, science, and nature exhibits that are fun for adults and kids alike. On the property, you can also find nature walks through the sprawling Adirondack wilderness, behind-the-scenes tours with the science and nature teams, and guided canoe trips through the unique oxbow turn of the Raquette River.

You can read more about our experience at the Wild Center in Tupper Lake, NY, here.

Where To Stay Near The Wild Center

There are surprisingly few hotels in Tupper Lake, as many people opt for a day trip from nearby Lake Placid. If you want to stay close to the Wild Center, the nearby Trailhead by Weekender is a lovely, historic Adirondack option with gorgeous sunsets. You’ll also find a few cozy cabins and motels in Tupper Lake itself for a classic Adirondack cottage feel.

Enjoy The Suds At A Family-Friendly Brewery in Tupper Lake

The town of Tupper Lake sits on a picturesque spot on the shores of the lake that shares its name. There are some amazing things to do in Tupper Lake, New York, including the Wild Center and the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory, but what really stands out in Tupper Lake are the incredible and family-friendly craft breweries.

The Raquette River Brewing Company is THE place to be in Tupper Lake. Not only do they serve up some delicious suds (they’re especially known for their sours, but I won’t hold that against them), but Raquette River Brewing has a “kitchen party” atmosphere that makes it a fun place for the whole family.

This brewery doesn’t serve its own food. Instead, there’s a selection of food trucks offering unique tasters and classic eats just outside the door, and you’re free to bring them inside to munch.

You can find all of our favorite things to do in Tupper Lake, New York here.

Shake The Coppers At the Clear Lake Lodge Speakeasy

Lake Clear Lodge offers a fun take on dining in the Adirondacks. This historic lodge takes its bootlegging past and turns it into a fun family night out, where you can sneak into the speakeasy through secret passages and even outsmart the police when your dinner gets raided.

Finish your night with a lantern-lit carriage ride through the forested property, and you’re all set for a night worth remembering. You can book your Lake Clear Lodge reservations here.

Raft Through Ausable Chasm

It’s hard not to gaze in awe as you wander through the incredible gorge that makes up Ausable Chasm. This epic feature, carved by rushing waters, glaciers, and tectonic plates, is one of the most amazing natural attractions in Upstate New York. Young kids can explore the ridges and rope bridges, while older kids can take in the epic Adventure Trail along a series of suspension bridges that criss-cross the Ausable River.

You can also take a whitewater ride through the narrow Grand Flume, where you can get right up close to some of the coolest features of the chasm. It was here that Dylan got his first taste of white water rafting. After watching Cohen and I do it in Letchworth State Park, he’d been begging to try it himself!

For some great Adirondack camping, check out the nearby family-friendly Ausable Chasm campground. Staying here offers discounts on the Ausable Chasm experiences. You can read more about our experiences at Ausable Chasm here.

Where To Stay Near Ausable Chasm

If you don’t opt for camping near Ausable Chasm, both the Best Western Plus and the Hampton Inn Plattsburgh are located within 8.5 miles (14 km) in the scenic town of Plattsburgh. While in Plattsburgh, make sure you check out the beautiful beach and the very cool military plane displays.

Ride The Rails With Revolution Rail

Revolution Rail Co. in North Creek is one of the most unique things to do in the Adirondacks. Imagine sitting on a four-person cycle mounted on rail tires. The Revolution Rail routes take you along the Hudson River and through beautiful Adirondack scenery under your own pedal power.

Since our visit, they’ve expanded their offerings. Alongside the classic 6-mile round trip north of town, there’s now a South River Run, a 9-mile out-and-back that departs right from the historic North Creek Railroad Station and hugs the Hudson shoreline past a string of gorgeous river vistas.

We had beautiful weather for the first half of our journey. But on the return trip, the skies opened up, and it wasn’t long before we were thoroughly drenched. Even with the bad weather, we couldn’t help but smile at this genuinely unique Adirondack experience.

You can read all about Adirondack rail biking with Revolution Rail Co. here.

Where To Stay Near North Creek NY

I stayed at Gore Mountain Lodge during a trip to the region. It’s a great value within walking distance of some of the best trails and attractions in North Creek. If you’re looking for something closer to the water, Juliana Resort is a great waterfront option and offers complimentary access to kayaks, SUPs, a rowboat, and a canoe.

Boat Across Schroon Lake

The Schroon Lake Region is a picturesque area of the Adirondacks. It’s perfect for boating, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. For leaf-lovers, visit in the fall to catch the explosion of color. You can rent a boat for the day at Schroon Lake Marina if you don’t have your own.

Schroon Lake is bursting with great shopping and quaint restaurants serving delicious food for those who enjoy a slower pace. Pitkin’s Restaurant on Main Street is a beloved local landmark that has been serving the community for over a century. It recently changed hands and got a full refresh, with a renovated interior and a new pet-friendly patio, but it’s still the same great family spot known for its home-baked pies and comfort food. For something different, Sticks & Stones Wood Fired Bistro does excellent Neapolitan pizza.

Explore Natural Stone Bridge & Caves

Just south of Schroon Lake in Pottersville, the Natural Stone Bridge & Caves is one of the region’s great family finds and an adventurous new addition to any Adirondack itinerary. The centerpiece is the largest marble cave entrance in the country, a dramatic stone arch that’s captivated visitors for over 200 years. Beyond the self-guided cave, gorge, and waterfall trails, kids can pan for gemstones, tackle the climbing walls and disc golf, or dig for fossils at the dino dig. Plan on two to three hours, and know that there are plenty of stairs.

Where To Stay near Schroon Lake NY

For a more rustic Adirondacks experience, check out Rowes Cabins in Schroon Lake. It’s close to the beach and the Underground Railroad trails. The Blue Ridge Motel is another highly-rated place to stay in Schroon Lake. It’s close to the water and features large, bright rooms.

Take A Paddleboat Cruise Through Lake George

A visit to Lake George is one of the top things to do in the Adirondacks. During the summer, Lake George explodes from a sleepy town into a tourist mecca. The town is at its craziest during big events such as the Americade motorcycle rally in early June.

The water of Lake George is 32 miles of paradise from one end to the other. It’s hands down one of the best lakes in the Adirondacks. The town itself mixes a bit of the tourist kitsch of Niagara Falls with cottage-country serenity, which makes Lake George especially popular with families.

Lake George offers some of the best hiking in the Adirondacks. One of my favorites is the easy trail to the Shelving Rock waterfall. You can also join a scenic paddleboat cruise with the Lake George Steamboat Company, similar to the steamship cruise in Ontario’s Muskoka region that we enjoyed. For a little playtime, Lake George is home to the Six Flags Great Escape theme park, or you could just relax at the beautiful Million Dollar Beach. Sweet tooths should follow the self-guided Lake George Ice Cream Trail around the region.

You can find some of the best things to do in Lake George, NY here.

Where To Stay in Lake George

My absolute favorite place to stay in Lake George is the historic Inn at Erlowest. The rooms are beautiful and period-set, and the on-site restaurant is fantastic. It also has one of the waterfront properties on the lake. Another great Adirondacks experience in Lake George is The Heritage of Lake George. It’s 10 minutes from the beach, with a beautiful heated pool and a fire pit for those perfect Adirondack summer nights.

Hop On The Saranac Lake Carousel

Saranac Lake is a relatively small town in Upstate New York, but despite its size, it has a big appeal for those looking to escape the grind of the big cities. The natural beauty and booming food scene are two of the big reasons why Saranac Lake continues to be a popular destination. Kids will love a spin on the hand-carved Adirondack Carousel, where every animal is a creature native to the region.

Saranac Lake has a budding foodie scene with a great mix of unique fusion. No visit is complete without some ice cream at the Cone Cabin on Route 30. History buffs should also seek out the Saranac Laboratory Museum, which tells the fascinating story of how the town became a world center for treating tuberculosis and reinvented itself as a health destination. You can check out my complete guide to Saranac Lake here.

Where To Stay Near Saranac Lake NY

Mix a little history with your Adirondacks experience by staying at the storied Hotel Saranac, Curio Collection. This hotel has been welcoming guests since 1927. Another fantastic waterfront hotel that’s perfect for families is the voco Saranac Lake resort. It has excellent waterfront amenities, a very nice restaurant, and an outdoor fireplace for nights under the stars.

Explore America’s Early History At Fort Ticonderoga

Fort Ticonderoga is an old French fort dating back to 1755. Its unique story makes it one of the best places in the Adirondacks for history buffs. The fort was the center point for 5 battles across 2 wars. Reconstruction efforts began way back in the early 1800s and continued into the 1900s, and today Fort Ticonderoga is one of the most famous historical attractions in the Adirondacks, with a museum, re-enactments, gardens, and regular programs that are fun for the whole family. It’s a seasonal site, so check the current calendar before you go.

Where To Stay Near Fort Ticonderoga

To get the most out of your Fort Ticonderoga experience, check out the Shoreham Inn in nearby Shoreham, Vermont. This highly-rated inn has a great vintage style. The Silver Bay YMCA and Conference Center is another nearby hotel that’s both highly rated and packed with amenities for families.

Step Back In Time At Great Camp Sagamore

Deep in the central Adirondacks near Raquette Lake, Great Camp Sagamore offers a window into the Gilded Age that helped to build this region. This sprawling wilderness estate was once the Vanderbilt family’s private retreat, and today it’s a National Historic Landmark where guided tours walk you through the rustic-luxury “Great Camp” style that defined Adirondack getaways for America’s wealthiest families. For kids and adults alike, it’s a fascinating, tangible piece of history tucked into a gorgeous lakeside forest.

Journey Through Adirondack History At The Adirondack Experience

Over on Blue Mountain Lake, roughly halfway between Lake Placid and Old Forge, sits one of the crown jewels of the Adirondacks, and one that a reader rightly nudged me to include years ago. The Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake (formerly the Adirondack Museum) sprawls across a 121-acre campus with more than 20 buildings of interactive exhibits, boats, rustic furniture, and stories of life in these mountains.

Kids can feed the trout, paddle, and roam the outdoor exhibits, while the indoor galleries keep grown-ups happily occupied. It’s open seasonally from late May through mid-October, and it easily fills a half to full day.

Can You Camp Anywhere In The Adirondacks?

If camping is your thing, you’ll be happy to know that there are many places to camp in the Adirondacks. After all, this is one of the largest protected forested reserves in the United States.

The Forest Preserve Lands have primitive (non-maintained, non-serviced, no electrical hookups) camping nearly everywhere. There are rules, though. If you’re considering primitive camping in the Adirondacks, you’ll need to keep your tent at least 150 feet from any body of water, road, or trail.

You’ll also need to keep an eye out for areas marked “Do Not Camp” or “Camping Prohibited,” and be on the lookout to ensure that you are not crossing into private property. You can find the current state land camping rules on the New York State DEC website.

There are also many established campgrounds in the Adirondacks. As mentioned, the Ausable Chasm campground is a popular spot for families. You’ll also find the Saranac Lake Islands Public Campground and, for something more upscale, the Adirondacks Camping Village in Lake George. Lake George also has some stunning island camping for those traveling with canoes or kayaks.

Are There Bears In The Adirondacks?

The Adirondacks is bear country. There are about 6,000 to 8,000 black bears in New York State, with about 50 to 60% of those bears living in the Adirondacks. But black bears are the only bears you’ll find here. There are no grizzly bears in the state, so the berry-loving black bear is the one to be aware of.

Being bear-smart is important, especially if you’ll be camping. Make sure to store your food out of reach or away from your campsite in bear-proof storage. Note that bear-resistant canisters are required for overnight users in much of the Eastern High Peaks. Black bears are mostly scavengers who prefer berries and fish, but they are opportunistic. Keeping your campsite clean and making noise while you walk is the best way to avoid an encounter with these majestic animals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting the Adirondacks of New York

Enjoy Your Adirondack Vacation!

As you can see, whether you’re looking for a family vacation in the Adirondacks or just a place to get out and explore nature, there are a LOT of options!

What are your favorite things to do in the Adirondacks? Let us know in the comments below. Or, head over to our Facebook page and share a photo of your trip. We would love to share in your journey.

Disclosure: This post was made possible by the support of ROOSTADK, Ausable Chasm, Olympic Regional Development Authority, and The Wild Center. As always, my opinions remain my own. Wandering Wagars is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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