Six Million Acres of Mountains, Lakes & Adventure
Across northern New York, six million acres of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers create one of the most extraordinary natural landscapes in the eastern United States. At its heart is Adirondack Park, a vast protected landscape where wilderness exists alongside more than 100 towns and communities, creating a place that feels both remarkably wild and genuinely lived in.
Winding roads lead through forests and mountain valleys to lakeside villages, historic communities and seemingly endless opportunities to experience the outdoors. Lake Placid brings another dimension as a two-time host of the Winter Olympic Games, while further south, Lake George combines dramatic mountain scenery with life on the water. Beyond these familiar names are thousands of lakes and ponds, extensive waterways and landscapes waiting to be discovered.
What makes the Adirondacks particularly appealing is that adventure can mean something different to everyone. Tackle the trails and summits of the High Peaks, paddle across a mountain lake, follow a scenic route through small communities or spend time discovering local shops, restaurants, museums and galleries. Just as importantly, find a peaceful lakeside retreat, take in the view and enjoy being surrounded by nature without having to conquer a mountain first.
Wild landscapes, welcoming communities and countless ways to experience both — this is a place where adventure can be entirely your own.
Why Visit the Adirondacks?
Few places provide such a dramatic contrast within a New York State journey. Leave the cities behind and the sense of space quickly becomes part of the experience, with mountains, wilderness and water creating an opportunity to exchange urban energy for somewhere altogether different.
Yet the appeal goes far beyond escaping into nature. Lake Placid’s Olympic legacy, characterful communities, historic sites, museums and local culture add depth to the landscape, while scenic roads make exploring as rewarding as the destinations themselves. One day can be spent among mountain peaks and the next beside the water, discovering a small town or simply enjoying the view.
Perhaps the greatest reason to visit is the freedom the region provides. Your time here can be active or relaxed, carefully planned or shaped by what you discover along the way. Spend several days exploring and the experience can move effortlessly between outdoor adventure, lakeside relaxation, local communities and some of the most memorable scenery in the Northeast.
Rather than somewhere to simply pass through, this is a region that rewards giving it time — and one that can become a defining part of a wider New York State adventure.
Highlights of the Adirondacks
Lake Placid & Olympic Heritage
Few mountain towns have a sporting story quite like Lake Placid. Host of the Winter Olympic Games in 1932 and 1980, its Olympic legacy remains very much alive, with venues including the ski jumps, speed skating oval and Mt Van Hoevenberg continuing to welcome athletes and visitors. Beyond its sporting heritage, Lake Placid combines mountain scenery, outdoor adventure, restaurants and shops with the relaxed atmosphere of a lakeside community.
Lake George & Life on the Water
Known as the “Queen of American Lakes”, 32-mile-long Lake George brings together mountain scenery and classic lakeside experiences. Take a sightseeing cruise, spend time on the water, relax beside the lake or use the surrounding communities as a base for exploring the southern Adirondacks. Nearby trails, cultural attractions and scenic roads make it easy to combine the lake with a wider mountain adventure.
The High Peaks & Whiteface Mountain
For some of the region’s most dramatic scenery, look towards the High Peaks, where 46 celebrated summits include Mount Marcy, the highest point in New York State. Hiking ranges from demanding mountain adventures to more accessible trails, while Whiteface Mountain offers another way to experience the landscape: its Veterans’ Memorial Highway allows visitors to travel almost to the summit by car for far-reaching mountain views
Lakes, Waterways & Outdoor Adventure
With more than 3,000 lakes and ponds, water is every bit as important to the landscape as the mountains. Paddle through interconnected waterways, swim, fish, take a boat trip or simply find a peaceful spot beside the shore. From Lake Champlain and the Saranac Chain of Lakes to smaller waterways hidden among the forests, there are opportunities to experience the region from the water throughout the warmer months.
Scenic Roads & Adirondack Communities
You don’t have to lace up your hiking boots to experience the scale and beauty of the region. Scenic byways wind between mountains, forests, lakes and communities, turning the journey itself into part of the experience. Places such as Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake and other towns and villages add galleries, museums, independent shops, restaurants and local character along the way, creating plenty of reasons to stop rather than simply admire the scenery through the windscreen.
Who Will Enjoy the Adirondacks?
With such a vast landscape and so many different ways to experience it, the region appeals to travellers looking for everything from challenging outdoor adventure to peaceful time beside the water.
Outdoor & Adventure Lovers
With more than 2,000 miles of trails alongside opportunities for paddling, cycling, climbing, skiing and other outdoor pursuits, there is no shortage of adventure. Just as importantly, experiences range from gentle nature walks and accessible trails to demanding High Peaks climbs, allowing you to choose the level of adventure that suits you.
Road Trippers & Scenic Explorers
Miles of scenic byways make the journey part of the experience. Follow winding roads between mountains, forests, lakes and small communities, stopping at viewpoints, historic sites and local attractions along the way. It’s an especially rewarding region for travellers who enjoy discovering what lies between the headline destinations.
Couples & Relaxed Escapes
A mountain adventure doesn’t have to be action-packed. Lakeside stays, scenic boat trips, characterful inns, restaurants and peaceful communities provide plenty of opportunities to simply enjoy the surroundings. Combine days exploring with time beside the water and the region lends itself equally well to a more relaxed escape.
Families & Multi-Generational Travellers
The outdoors provides a natural playground for families, with easy hiking trails, beaches, paddling and wildlife experiences complemented by museums and family attractions. The variety makes it possible to build days around different ages and abilities rather than expecting everyone to tackle the same adventure.
Four-Season Explorers
For travellers who enjoy seeing a destination change with the seasons, there are compelling reasons to visit throughout the year. Summer brings lakes and outdoor adventure, autumn transforms the forests with colour, winter introduces skiing and snow-covered landscapes, while spring brings waterfalls, wildlife and the return of warmer-weather activities.