Come for the hike, stay for the after-party

After a day spent hiking in the mighty High Peaks region, there’s no need to crawl back into the car and head straight home. There’s a whole world of après-hiking to explore in town! Après, the French word for “after,” is usually used for the ski season, but there’s no reason it can’t apply to the fall hiking scene, too! Après is the after-party, with activities focused around relaxing, dining, and recharging after a day of recreation. Once you’ve traded the trail for town, Lake Placid is bustling with energy. Cozy restaurants invite you to linger, breweries offer flights to sample, and shops have plenty of gear you wish you'd brought on your trek. In a mountain town like Lake Placid, the adventure doesn’t end when you leave the trail—it simply shifts from hiking boots to happy hour.

Dining

After a crisp fall hike, there’s nothing better than settling into Lake Placid’s vibrant dining scene. Trade your hiking gear for a cozy seat, and refuel with hearty Adirondack-inspired fare, craft beer, or a seasonal cocktail. For prime views and an elevated post-hike experience, Peak 47 offers a hefty reward after a hike. Tucked in the Whiteface Lodge, the restaurant offers casual dining and brews while surrounding you with true Adirondack comforts, complete with low wood beams and roaring fireplaces. Generations on Main Street puts you in the heart of town with both indoor and outdoor seating, and its proximity to local boutiques and hotels makes unwinding easy after a long haul. The Bar at Lake House is hip and relaxed, and it will make you feel right at home. With an interior that blends mid-century modern and classic Adirondack designs, relax as you tuck into their variety of craft beers and local spirits.

Drinks

While we all love a summit beer to cap off a major mile win, you might find just as much joy on the ground with our local beer and wine experts. In Lake Placid, you’ll find breweries with High Peaks views, rooftop bars that overlook Main Street and glistening Mirror Lake, and cozy award-winning pubs that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds, but drink responsibly!) Especially in fall, these hotspots fill up with like-minded adventurers just coming off the peaks, and it is the perfect time to swap trade secrets and trail stories.

Swap drinks by the fire for drinks with a view with the Cloudsplitter Rooftop Bar above the Grand Adirondack Hotel. Catch glimpses of your favorite peaks while you sip, and bask in the foliage surrounding Mirror Lake and downtown. For a tasting room that boasts unique flavors from local brewers, the Raquette River Brewing Taproom on Main Street brings small-batch Adirondack ales from Tupper Lake to Lake Placid. Take your seat in their tasting room and indulge in tangy sours, creamy stouts, and non-alcoholic creations. Looking for more locally crafted goodness with fall views? Big Slide Brewery and Public House resides just out of town, tucked in the shadow of the Olympic Ski Jumps. Their wide-open tasting room offers plenty of space to roam as you sip, or step outside to catch colorful views of your favorite peaks.

Lodging

If you’re planning a weekend filled with summits, make arrangements to stay in town! As a hub for outdoor adventures spanning generations, hosting lovers of the outdoors is in our DNA. From full-service Adirondack luxury resorts with impeccable High Peaks views to rustic cabins primed for a cozy stay, lodging here is the perfect retreat from backcountry adventure. The bonus? Fall is one of those magical times of year when crowds are smaller, so you’ll have your pick of premier lodging options across the region.

Spas 

It comes with the territory; your muscles get sore after a challenging climb! Especially on our peaks and trails, hiking can leave you with tired feet and sore shoulders from carrying a well-stocked pack. That's why the region is packed with award-winning spas, where professionals are ready with every treatment you can think of.

Indulge in some après-hike pampering at resort spas like The Spa at Whiteface Lodge, ranked among the Top 100 Spas in North America by Condé Nast Traveler. With its intimate 5,700-square-foot sanctuary, luxury treatments like Naturopathica Facials, Signature Lodge Body Treatments, and acclaimed guest experiences make the Lodge a favorite for avid trailblazers and anyone who loves to be pampered.

Looking to fit in an appointment right in town? Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa is just steps from Main Street! As a AAA Four-Diamond luxury resort, Mirror Lake Inn never ceases to amaze with its spa features, offering SkinCeuticals, Phytomer marine-based products, and an incredible array of treatments, including a Dry Float European Soft Pack and its famous Salt Room.

Shopping 

If mid-trail you discover there’s some essential gear missing from your collection, Lake Placid has just the fix. A stroll down Main Street opens up to a world of cozy Adirondack-inspired shops, local boutiques, outdoor gear stores, and unique gift shops—perfect for picking up essentials to add to your pack, or something special to remember your trip. With colorful foliage all around, shopping after a hike is the perfect way to enjoy Lake Placid’s charming village atmosphere.

Attractions

After a day spent hiking through Lake Placid’s colorful fall landscapes, keep the adventure going with a visit to some of the area’s iconic attractions. The Olympic Legacy Sites are a must-visit for every adventurer. Explore the legacy of the 1980 Winter Olympics at the Olympic Museum, take in panoramic mountain views from the Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway, or ride the gondola at the Olympic Jumping Complex for a bird’s-eye look at the Adirondacks. Looking for more? Our Olympic sites are still very active today, with packed event calendars featuring World Cups, fall festivals, and more.

Looking to get out on the trails again? Let us help! 

For more foliage views without the serious incline, the Adirondack Rail Trail is your go-to nature trail. Connecting the downtowns and landscapes of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake, you’ll find unique fall views of the region that you can’t find anywhere else along its 34 miles. The multi-use trail is perfect for low-impact exploring and never surpasses a 2% grade.

While you plan your next adventure, consult with the Adirondacks, USA Hike Finder to discover your next route, and remember to Love Your ADK by following Leave No Trace principles and helping protect these incredible places for generations to come.