Skip to main content

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Chips
01d
Chips
459
Chips
58b
Chips
45c
Page Copy
ad0

Get outside in the Adirondacks

Dive into summer

Each season offers unique opportunities to discover the beauty and ruggedness that is purely Adirondack. Summer is particularly fun here, with water-based sports coming into full effect. Think paddling, swimming, and boating! During the summer, go for short hikes, or extend the outing into a backpacking trip. The possibilities are truly endless for Adirondack outdoor recreation in the summer.

Page Copy
495
two mountain bikers on a trail
Your guide to summer adventures

Summer in Lake Placid

Summer in the Adirondacks is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the season’s warmth and beauty. Explore miles of marked hiking trails that wind through lush forests and offer stunning mountain views. Take to Mirror Lake with a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, enjoying the sun as you glide across the calm waters. For a true summer escape, spend a night under the stars at a backcountry campsite, or relax at one of the region's well-equipped campgrounds. Road cyclists can enjoy a scenic mountain loop, while rock climbers can test their skills on the area's famous crags. The new multi-use Adirondack Rail Trail offers the perfect path for biking or walking, giving you a chance to explore the region at a leisurely pace. And no matter when you visit, be sure to check out our ongoing summer events that keep the fun going all season long.

Page Copy
54c

Get outside in the Adirondacks

Snow days done right

It's no secret that the Adirondacks transforms into a winter wonderland. With snow blanketing every surface, it's time to strap on your snowshoes, skis, snowboards, or ice skates and take full advantage of what winter has to offer here in Lake Placid.

Page Copy
93d
A hiker on a winter trail in the mountains
Your guide to winter adventures

Winter in Lake Placid

Winter in Lake Placid is nothing short of magical, offering endless ways to get outside and make the most of the snow-covered season. Carve turns at Whiteface Mountain or explore untouched powder in the Adirondack backcountry on skis or a snowboard. Prefer a slower pace? Cross-country ski or snowshoe along miles of scenic trails that wind through forests and past frozen streams. Glide across the historic Olympic Oval or join a pickup hockey game on Mirror Lake’s natural ice. Adventurers can even try ice climbing with crampons and axes—or simply marvel as climbers scale frozen cliffs. And don’t forget Lake Placid’s ice fishing scene, where a day on the ice can be as relaxing or exciting as you make it.

Page Copy
af2

Get outside in the Adirondacks

Spring into adventure

Spring is here, bringing longer days and the first signs of new life in the mountains. While conditions can be unpredictable this time of year, there’s still plenty of fun to be had outdoors. Stick to lower-elevation trails for a pleasant hike, check out historic sites like John Brown Farm, or hit the road for a leisurely scenic drive—complete with photo-worthy pull-offs and peaceful views.

Page Copy
f58
Two women walking in the woods.
Your guide to spring adventures

Spring in Lake Placid

Spring is all about embracing the in-between season. Lace up your boots for a low-elevation hike—these trails are less likely to be affected by lingering snow and ice, making them perfect for early-season adventures. As the snow melts, waterfalls throughout the region come alive. Head out on a waterfall hike to catch glimpses of multi-tiered falls roaring from snowmelt and the quiet beauty of trickling spring-fed streams. For a more relaxed outing, take a scenic drive along the area's winding roads, where mountain views and fresh air are always in season. Want to explore the heart of the Adirondacks by foot or bike on an accessible path? Get onto the Adirondack Rail Trail, and take a bike ride to Saranac Lake! Want to try something new or explore with a local expert? Book a guided trip and let someone else lead the way.

Page Copy
e4a

Get outside in the Adirondacks

Autumn adventures await

Autumn in the Adirondacks is special. With the foliage changing colors, there's no better time to take advantage of the outdoor recreation opportunities here. Hike up a peak or to a lake, go paddling if the weather allows, or ride your bike through winding back roads. There's no shortage of things to do in the outdoors during the fall.

Page Copy
612
A canoe on a fall shoreline
Your guide to fall adventures

Fall in Lake Placid

Fall in the Adirondacks is the perfect time to get outside and soak in the vibrant colors of the season. Hit the trails and experience the region’s most beloved activity—hiking—on miles of marked paths that wind through fiery forests and up to scenic overlooks. If the weather holds, take to the water with a peaceful paddle on Mirror Lake by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, surrounded by autumn’s brilliant reflections. For those craving an overnight adventure, pitch a tent at a backcountry site or book a cozy campground spot under the stars. Road cyclists can take in sweeping mountain views on a crisp, colorful loop, while rock climbers can scale rugged cliffs for unforgettable vistas. And don’t miss the Adirondack Rail Trail—a new multi-use path perfect for a leisurely fall bike ride or walk through the changing landscape.

Lists
c4a
Two people high five on a snowy peak, Ampersand Mountain.

Outdoor Ethics

Leave No Trace 7 Principles

Know before you go

Be prepared! Remember food, water, and clothes to protect you from cold, heat, and rain.     
Use maps to plan where you’re going. Check them along the way so you’ll stay on course and avoid getting lost. Learn about the areas you plan to visit.

Stick to trails and camp overnight right

Walk and ride on designated trails to protect trailside plants. Camp only on existing or designated campsites to avoid damaging vegetation.

Trash your trash and pick up poop

Pack it in, pack it out. Put litter—even crumbs, peels and cores—in garbage bags and carry it home. Use bathrooms or outhouses when available. If they're not available, bury human waste in a small hole 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet or 70 big steps from water and the trail.

Leave it as you find it

Leave plants, rocks, and historical items as you find them so others can enjoy them. Treat living plants with respect. Carving, hacking, or peeling plants may kill them.

Be careful with fire

Use a camp stove for cooking. Stoves are easier to cook on and create less impact than a fire. If you want to have a campfire, be sure it’s permitted and safe to build a fire in the area you’re visiting. Use only existing fire rings to protect the ground from heat. Keep your fire small.

Keep wildlife wild

Observe wildlife from a distance and never approach, feed or follow them. Human food is unhealthy for all wildlife and feeding them starts bad habits. Protect wildlife and your food by securely storing your meals and trash.

Share our trails and manage your pet

Be considerate when passing others on the trail. Keep your pet under control to protect it, other visitors, and wildlife. Be sure the fun you have outdoors does not bother anyone else. Remember, other visitors are there to enjoy the outdoors too.

Lists
fdd
A hiker looks at a large waterfall

Outdoor Ethics

Leave No Trace 7 Principles

Know before you go

Be prepared! Remember food, water, and clothes to protect you from cold, heat, and rain.     
Use maps to plan where you’re going. Check them along the way so you’ll stay on course and avoid getting lost. Learn about the areas you plan to visit.

Stick to trails and camp overnight right

Walk and ride on designated trails to protect trailside plants. Camp only on existing or designated campsites to avoid damaging vegetation.

Trash your trash and pick up poop

Pack it in, pack it out. Put litter—even crumbs, peels and cores—in garbage bags and carry it home. Use bathrooms or outhouses when available. If they're not available, bury human waste in a small hole 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet or 70 big steps from water and the trail.

Leave it as you find it

Leave plants, rocks, and historical items as you find them so others can enjoy them. Treat living plants with respect. Carving, hacking, or peeling plants may kill them.

Be careful with fire

Use a camp stove for cooking. Stoves are easier to cook on and create less impact than a fire. If you want to have a campfire, be sure it’s permitted and safe to build a fire in the area you’re visiting. Use only existing fire rings to protect the ground from heat. Keep your fire small.

Keep wildlife wild

Observe wildlife from a distance and never approach, feed or follow them. Human food is unhealthy for all wildlife and feeding them starts bad habits. Protect wildlife and your food by securely storing your meals and trash.

Share our trails and manage your pet

Be considerate when passing others on the trail. Keep your pet under control to protect it, other visitors, and wildlife. Be sure the fun you have outdoors does not bother anyone else. Remember, other visitors are there to enjoy the outdoors too.

Lists
1b1
A map in the sun

Outdoor Ethics

Leave No Trace 7 Principles

Know before you go

Be prepared! Remember food, water, and clothes to protect you from cold, heat, and rain.     
Use maps to plan where you’re going. Check them along the way so you’ll stay on course and avoid getting lost. Learn about the areas you plan to visit.

Stick to trails and camp overnight right

Walk and ride on designated trails to protect trailside plants. Camp only on existing or designated campsites to avoid damaging vegetation.

Trash your trash and pick up poop

Pack it in, pack it out. Put litter—even crumbs, peels and cores—in garbage bags and carry it home. Use bathrooms or outhouses when available. If they're not available, bury human waste in a small hole 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet or 70 big steps from water and the trail.

Leave it as you find it

Leave plants, rocks, and historical items as you find them so others can enjoy them. Treat living plants with respect. Carving, hacking, or peeling plants may kill them.

Be careful with fire

Use a camp stove for cooking. Stoves are easier to cook on and create less impact than a fire. If you want to have a campfire, be sure it’s permitted and safe to build a fire in the area you’re visiting. Use only existing fire rings to protect the ground from heat. Keep your fire small.

Keep wildlife wild

Observe wildlife from a distance and never approach, feed or follow them. Human food is unhealthy for all wildlife and feeding them starts bad habits. Protect wildlife and your food by securely storing your meals and trash.

Share our trails and manage your pet

Be considerate when passing others on the trail. Keep your pet under control to protect it, other visitors, and wildlife. Be sure the fun you have outdoors does not bother anyone else. Remember, other visitors are there to enjoy the outdoors too.