ADIRONDACK VACATION GUIDE
Table of Contents
4. Welcome to the Adirondacks
5. Welcome to the High Peaks
7. Enjoy the action at the Lake Placid Horse Shows
10. High Peaks Recreation Map
13. Adirondack Word Search: Mountains and Rivers
14. Adirondack Rail Trail & Adirondack Railroad
16. North Country Farmers Markets
17. What’s in season?
18. Welcome to the Adirondack Coast
20. Adirondack Coast Historic Driving Tour
22. 75 Adirondack family activities
24. Welcome to Saranac Lake
28. Tri-Lakes Historic Driving Tour
34. Hiking and paddling challenges
36. Welcome to Tupper Lake
40. Welcome to Malone
43. Welcome to the Central Adirondacks
46. Learn more with these tourism resources
47. Welcome to Plattsburgh
48. Adirondack Park map
Welcome to the Adirondacks
Welcome to New York’s 6-million-acre
Adirondack Park. At first glance, this place of immense beauty seems perfect. Yet, with climate change and other environmental threats, the natural resources in this mountain region — the highest peaks, the waterways and the deepest forests — are fragile and need our protection.
The Adirondack Park is under constant pressure from the outside world — from development to pollution to invasive species. As we enjoy the natural wonders here, there are a number of ways you can help keep this place protected.
You can start by taking the Love Your ADK pledge. The Lake Placid-based Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism — in partnership with the Adirondack Mountain Club, Adirondack Council and the state Department of Environmental Conservation — set up the “Love the Adirondacks” website (loveyouradk.org), where you can pledge to protect the Park as you enjoy it.
If you are boating here, you should know about the state’s “Clean. Drain. Dry.” law, which requires anyone using a motorboat inside the Adirondack Park, and within 10 miles of its boundary, to carry a certificate showing their watercraft has been cleaned, drained and dried for every trip. Certificates are not needed for canoes or kayaks, but paddlers are required to “clean, drain, dry” their vessels and equipment.
Enjoying the Park isn’t just about getting outdoors, even though that’s a huge part of the Adirondack experi-
ence. There are so many other things to do while you are here.
Have fun shopping or by visiting local food producers and drink establishments, whether it’s a trip to the farmers market, enjoying a beer at one of our craft breweries or ending your day at a favorite ice cream stand.
Explore the natural wonders — such as Ausable Chasm, Natural Stone Bridge & Caves and High Falls Gorge.
Learn about the heritage of this unique place at local museums or where history was made — such as Fort Ticonderoga, the French and English forts at Crown Point, Lake Placid’s Olympic venues, E.L. Trudeau’s Saranac Laboratory or the John Brown Farm in Lake Placid.
Enjoy the arts at galleries, concerts, special events and performing and visual art centers.
In between your activities, you can find a wide variety of dining experiences for breakfast, lunch and dinner, snacks and late-night drinks.
Go out and discover the Adirondack Park — a place the size of Vermont. With all of us working together, we can ensure that residents and visitors will be able to enjoy this magical place for generations.
Whatever this summer brings, we hope you stay healthy and happy and come back to the Adirondacks often — spring, summer, fall and winter. It is truly a year-round paradise for those who love the great outdoors.
Rock climbing at Pitchoff Mountain outside Lake Placid (File photo
Justin Levine)
Welcome to the High Peaks
(Staff photo — Aaron Marbone)
By ANDY FLYNN Guide Editor
City dwellers have been traveling to the High Peaks region for summer adventures since the early 1800s, and it seems like there’s more to do every year.
The village of Lake Placid and town of North Elba and surrounding High Peaks communities in the towns of Elizabethtown, Jay, Keene, Lewis and Wilmington offer the typical Adirondack outdoor recreational offerings: hiking, camping, road cycling, mountain biking, boating, paddling, water skiing, fishing, rock climbing, birding, wildlife watching, horseback riding, beach volleyball, pickleball, tennis and golf.
Find what you need at one of the local outfitters, or hire an outdoor guide for your adventure.
There are also ropes courses and ziplines for the more adventurous visitors.
This is the home of the High Peaks Wilderness Area, which includes the state’s highest peak, Mount Marcy, at 5,344 feet above sea level. These mountains have become even more popular in recent years due to the coronavirus pandemic — many climb the 46 tallest peaks to become Adirondack 46ers — making it crowded at times and putting pressure on the trail systems. Therefore, state leaders recommend hiking smaller, more remote peaks during the busy summer weekends when parking is full.
If you just want to get a quick taste of the forest with the family, easier trails for walking, nature watching and mountain biking are located in Lake Placid on Bear Cub Lane — Henry’s Woods and Heaven Hill Trails. Or try the Peninsula Nature Trails for walking and trail running on the Brewster Peninsula Road.
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Hikers enjoy the view on the summit of Mount Colden in the High Peaks Wilderness.
Continued from Page 5
And don’t forget to hang around Mirror Lake, whether it’s to paddle, fish or swim. The municipal beach is located on Parkside Drive near the tennis courts and playground at Peacock Park.
Sightseeing is a popular family activity in and around Lake Placid, and there are many opportunities to sit back, relax and enjoy the view. Take a drive around the region, or up the Whiteface Mountain Veterans’ Memorial Highway in Wilmington, or take a ride on the gondola at the Whiteface Mountain Ski Center.
Lake Placid hosted the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter Games, and the state Olympic Regional Development Authority (lakeplacidolympicsites.com) operates those venues, including the Olympic Sports Complex, Olympic Jumping Complex, Olympic Speedskating Oval, 1932 and 1980 Olympic Center rinks and the Whiteface Mountain Ski Center. Upgrades were made to these venues to prepare for the 2023 FISU Winter World University Games.
The 400-meter speedskating oval is where American Eric Heiden won five gold medals in 1980 and local speedskater Jack Shea won two gold medals in 1932. The Olympic Center’s 1980 Herb Brooks Arena was home to the fabled “Miracle on Ice” game in which the U.S. hockey team beat the Soviet Union in 1980 before winning the gold-medal game against Finland. Learn more at lakeplacidolympiccenter.com.
At the Lake Placid Olympic Museum (www.lpom.org), visitors can learn about the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics on the first floor of the Miracle Plaza building, which connects the 1932 and 1980 arenas.
The Olympic Sports Complex at Mount Van Hoevenberg (mtvanhoevenberg.com) features a biathlon stadium, cross-country skiing trails and combined sliding track for bobsled, luge and skeleton. There is also a start training facility for bobsled and skeleton and an indoor climbing wall at the Mountain Pass Lodge. Plus, the Cliffside Coaster goes around the mountain, following the 1980 bobsled run, and there are mountain biking trails and a trailhead for Mount Van Hoevenberg.
Summer visitors to the Olympic Jumping Complex can take a gondola ride, zipline and ride an elevator to the top of the highest ski jump for a breathtaking view of the High Peaks region. Athletes are also training and competing here throughout the year.
There is plenty more history in Lake Placid, including the John Brown Farm State Historic Site at 200 John Brown Road, operated by the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. This was the home and is the final resting place of abolitionist John Brown, who died in 1859. The trails are open year-round for walking, skiing and snowshoeing. The friends group — John Brown Lives! — offers programming throughout the year.
The Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society operates the History Museum at the old train station on Station Street.
Culture is alive and well in Lake Placid, with the historic
High Falls Gorge in Wilmington (File photo — Delainey
Palace Theatre on Main Street, Lake Placid Center for the Arts (lakeplacidarts.org) at 17 Algonquin Dr., Lake Placid Sinfonietta concerts (lakeplacidsinfonietta.org), Songs at Mirror Lake concerts (songsatmirrorlake.org) and programs from the Lake Placid Institute (lakeplacidinstitute.org) and Adirondack Film Society (adirondackfilmsociety.org). Plus there are world-class events in the town of Keene sponsored by the East Branch Friends of the Arts (eastbranchfriendsofthearts.com).
And if you haven’t heard, the High Peaks region has some of the best shopping, restaurants and craft breweries in the Adirondack Park.
Learn more about Lake Placid at www.lakeplacid.com.
Continued on Page 8
Hikers explore the summit of Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington.
(File photo — Delainey Muscato)
Muscato)
Enjoy the action at the Lake Placid Horse Shows
The 2025 Lake Placid Horse Shows feature two weeks of world-class competition at the newly renovated North Elba Show Grounds from June 24 to July 6. Competitors include many of the nation’s top horses and riders including Olympic veterans, as well as amateurs, juniors and young children on ponies, competing in both jumpers and hunters.
More than 100 classes of competition are featured each week, running in four rings simultaneously. The action starts at 8 a.m. daily with classes running until about 5 p.m. Each week includes a $100,000 grand prix.
General admission is free on Tuesdays, $7 on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and $10 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. There is no competition on Monday. For more information, visit online at www.lakeplacidhorseshows.org.
The Fourth of July parade in Lake Placid is always held during the Lake Placid Horse Shows.
(File photo — Arthur Maiorella)
Laura Chapot rides Chandon Blue over a jump during the 2024 Lake Placid Grand Prix.
(Staff photo — Parker O’Brien)
High Peaks hamlets
In the High Peaks region, there are a number of quaint communities in the AuSable River Valley that have a lot to offer: Jay, Upper Jay and AuSable Forks in the town of Jay; Wilmington; Keene and Keene Valley in the town of Keene; Elizabethtown; and Lewis.
Wilmington’s biggest attractions are High Falls Gorge, Santa’s Workshop, Adirondack Wildlife Refuge, Whiteface Mountain Ski Center and the Whiteface Mountain Veterans’ Memorial Highway. Plus, there’s the Wilmington E.M. Cooper Memorial Public Library and the town beach on Lake Everest.
Hiking and mountain biking trails in Wilmington are unparalleled, as is the trout fishing on the swift-flowing West Branch of the AuSable River. Learn more at www.whitefaceregion.com.
Upper Jay has the Upper Jay Art Center and Wells Memorial Library, and Jay has the historic Jay Covered Bridge, concerts on the Village Green sponsored by the Jay Entertainment Music Society and the Amos and Julia Ward Theatre (jemsgroup.org).
AuSable Forks has the AuSable Forks Free Library and the Tahawus Center.
Keene has the Keene Library and Keene Arts, and Keene Valley has the Keene Valley Library. Between both hamlets on state Route 73 is Marcy Field, home of many events, including the summer farmers market every Sunday. The town of Keene is a popular gateway to the High Peaks trails.
Elizabethtown — the county seat for Essex County — has the Adirondack History Museum.
Attractions
Below are some attractions in the region.
¯ Adirondack Architectural Heritage. AARCH sponsors a number of programs and tours throughout the region. 1745 Main St., Keeseville. 518-834-9328. aarch.org.
¯ Adirondack History Museum. Learn about Essex County History with programs and exhibits. Open Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend. 7590 Court St., Elizabethtown. 518873-6466. adkhistorycenter.org.
¯ Adirondack Mountain Club’s Adirondak Loj. Adirondack Loj Road, Lake Placid. ADK offers educational programs and owns two facilities in the High Peaks region: the Heart Lake property at the Adirondak Loj and Johns Brook Lodge (accessible by foot only from the Garden trailhead in Keene Valley, a 3.5-mile hike). Visit the High Peaks Information Center before heading into the High Peaks Wilderness Area from the Adirondak Loj. There are hiking trails on the Loj property, including up Mount Jo, and a nature museum open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from late June to mid-August. 518-523-3441. adk.org.
¯ Adirondack Mountain Club’s Cascade Welcome Center. Featuring an information center at 4833 Cascade Road, Lake Placid, and a 12-mile trail network, the center’s hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. 518-837-5047, adk.org/cascade-welcome-center.
¯ Ausable Chasm. Hike, float or climb at one of America’s oldest natural attractions. 2144 U.S. Route 9, Ausable Chasm. 518-834-7454. ausablechasm.com.
¯ High Falls Gorge. 4761 state Route 86, Wilmington. This is a 22-acre, privately owned nature park with safe trail access for all ages. Take a walk through the gorge to view the West Branch of the AuSable River. 518-946-2278. highfallsgorge.com.
¯ John Brown Farm State Historic Site. John Brown Road, Lake Placid. See the home and grave of abolitionist John Brown. Special events include the Adirondack Family Book Festival, which will take place on Aug. 16 in 2025. Enjoy the trails yearround. 518-523-3900. parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/johnbrownfarm.
¯ Lake Placid Center for the Arts. 17 Algonquin Drive, Lake Placid. This is a year-round performing and visual arts facility. 518-523-2512. www.lakeplacidarts.org.
¯ Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society Museum. Located at the train station, Station Street, Lake Placid. Open from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day. lakeplacidhistory.com.
¯ Lake Placid Olympic Museum. The museum is located at the
Visit the historic Jay Covered Bridge over the East Branch of the AuSable River. It’s a great place for a swim and a picnic.
Olympic Center on Main Street. 518-523-1655. lpom.org.
¯ North Star Underground Railroad Museum. 1131 Mace Chasm Road, Ausable Chasm. 518-834-5180. northcountryundergroundrailroad.com.
¯ Olympic Center. 1932 and 1980 arenas. Main Street, Lake Placid. 518-523-1655. lakeplacidolympiccenter.com.
¯ Olympic Jumping Complex. State Route 73, Lake Placid. Watch ski jumping. Take the Skyride gondola up to the base of the ski jumping towers. An elevator takes you to the sky deck of the 120-meter ski jumping tower for a bird’s-eye view of the High Peaks. olympicjumpingcomplex.com.
¯ Olympic Speedskating Oval. Main Street, Lake Placid. 518523-1655. lakeplacidolympiccenter.com.
¯ Olympic Sports Complex at Mount Van Hoevenberg. Nordic skiing, Cliffside Coaster, sliding center, trailhead for Mount Van Hoevenberg. 31 Van Hoevenberg Way, Lake Placid. 518523-2811. mtvanhoevenberg.com.
¯ Santa’s Workshop. 324 Whiteface Memorial Highway, Wilmington. Known as the forerunner of the present day theme park, the park opened in 1949. 518-946-2211. northpoleny.com.
¯ Tahawus Center. Featuring the Windows Gallery and Cloudsplitter Dance Studio. tahawuscenter.org.
¯ Upper Jay Art Center. 12198 state Route 9N, Upper Jay. A place to enjoy music, theater and visual art. upperjayartcenter.org.
¯ Whiteface Mountain Ski Center. 5021 state Route 86, Wilmington. Summer activities include gondola rides, disc golf and hiking. Special events include the annual Oktoberfest, which will take place Sept. 27-28 in 2025. 518-946-2223. Snow report: 877-SKI-FACE. whiteface.com.
¯ Whiteface Mountain Veterans’ Memorial Highway. The paved road rises over 2,300 feet in five miles from the Toll House to the castle, where people can either walk or take an elevator to the summit of this 4,867-foot mountain. Open from May 16 to Oct. 13 in 2025. whiteface.com.
Sports events
Lake Placid is well known for its major sports events in the warmer weather. Those on the calendar this year include:
¯ Lake Placid Marathon and Half, June 8
¯ Lake Placid Horse Shows. June 24 to July 6
¯ High Peaks Cyclery Mini Tri Series: Features a 400-yard swim in Mirror Lake, 12-mile bike and 3-mile run.
¯ Ironman Lake Placid triathlon, July 20
¯ Can-Am Rugby Tournament, July 25-27
¯ Lake Placid Summit Classic Lacrosse, July 28 to Aug. 3
¯ Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival, Aug. 29-31
¯ UCI Mountain Bike World Series, Oct. 3-5
¯ Lake Placid Classic Half Marathon and 10K, Oct. 11
(Staff photo — Andy Flynn)
Adirondack Word Search
ElizabethtownLewis
Come and discover our beautiful area!
Experience the beautiful Boquet River Valley nestled between the Adirondack High Peaks and Lake Champlain email etownlewiscoc@gmail.com www.elizabethtownchamber.com
Chamber of Commerce
Gateway to the Adirondacks
Lodging~ Inns, Motel, B&B’s, Airbnb’s and Campgrounds
Restaurants~ Fine Cuisine to Pizza
Services~ Hospital, Groceries, Drugstore, Gas, Auto Service, Pet Boarding and Grooming
Cobble Hill Golf Course~ Historic 9 Hole Golf Course, Hike, Bike
Farmers Market~ Elizabethtown on Friday
Historic Hand House~ Piano by Nature Concerts
Adirondack Museum~ Research History, Exhibits
Meadowmount School of Music~ Summer Concerts in Lewis
Social Center~ Tennis, Paddle Tennis, Basketball, Concerts
Lincoln Pond~ Public Beach, Boat Launch, Fishing, Campground
Trail Heads~ Hurricane, Giant, Blueberry Cobbles, Rocky Ridge
Blueberry Hills Trails~ Hike, Bike, Nature Walks, Horse Trails, Lean-to
Thrall Dam Trails~ Hike, Bike, Nature Walks
Close Proximity~ Lake Placid, Lake Champlain, High Peaks
Champlain Area Trails~ 80+ Miles of uncrowded family-friendly trails
Boquet River & the West Branch~ Trout Fishing, Cooling Off, Kayak, Canoe, Split Rock Falls
Only 2 miles of the Adirondack Rail Trail are paved, and they are located in Saranac Lake. The rest of the trail is a hardpacked crushed stone surface.
Muscato)
Adirondack Rail Trail & Adirondack Railroad
By ANDY FLYNN Guide Editor
The first phase of the Adirondack Rail Trail — 10 miles from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake — opened on Dec. 1, 2023, and the second phase — 15 miles from Saranac Lake to Floodwood Road — opened on Aug. 26, 2024. They are now available for outdoor recreationists.
The third phase — 9 miles from Floodwood Road to Tupper Lake — is expected to be complete by the fall of 2025. During construction, the public is not allowed to use the trail.
Meanwhile tourist trains and railbike excursions from Tupper Lake south are planned for this summer on the Adirondack Railroad.
Adirondack Rail Trail
Warm-weather activities on the rail trail include bicycling and walking, and winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Motorized vehicles are not allowed, except for snowmobiles and class one E-bikes.
When complete, the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail will stretch from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake. Parking lot amenities in Lake Placid on Station Street will eventually be built, and the train sta-
tions in Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake will see upgrades.
Tupper Lake is the western terminus of the Adirondack Rail Trail and the northern terminus of the Adirondack Railroad, which operates tourist trains from Utica to Thendara to Tupper Lake.
Adirondack Railroad
The Adirondack Railroad has created three types of excursion to and from Tupper Lake in the summer and fall: the Tupper Lake Explorer, a 90-minute trip departing from Tupper Lake south and back; the Adirondack Mountaineer, a 9.5-hour round-trip from Thendara to Tupper Lake; and the High Peaks Limited, an 11-hour round-trip from Utica to Tupper Lake and 4.5-hour round-trip from Thendara to Tupper Lake.
The Adirondack Railway Preservation Society currently operates the Adirondack Railroad and formerly operated an excursion train — the Adirondack Scenic Railroad — from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake in the summer and fall from 2000 to 2016.
Two-hour trailbike excursions — the Raquette Rambler — leave the Tupper Lake station and follow the railroad track for a 7-mile round-trip. The weight limit is 275 pounds per person, per seat, and there is no age limit. Trips are held from July to mid-October.
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(File photo — Delainey
Railroad history
The New York Central ended its regular passenger train service from Utica to Lake Placid in 1965, and freight service ended in 1972. Passenger trains were temporarily operated during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games and were abandoned in 1981.
The train station in Tupper Lake is located in a section of town called the Junction because it was the junction of the New York Central’s Adirondack Division from Remsen to Malone (continuing to Montreal) and the New York Central’s New York and Ottawa Railway from Tupper Lake to Ottawa.
The Adirondack Division was originally built as the Mohawk and Malone Railway and opened in 1892, and the New York Central soon acquired the line. The tracks from Lake Clear to Malone were abandoned in 1961. The section from Lake Clear Junction to Lake Placid was a spur of the New York Central in 1965, although the section from Saranac Lake to Lake Placid had been part of the Delaware and Hudson Railway, which opened the line from Plattsburgh to Saranac Lake in 1887. The Saranac and Lake Placid Railroad Company opened its passenger service between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid in 1893. In 1903, the rail line from Plattsburgh to Lake Placid was first placed under the operation of the Chateaugay and Lake Placid Railroad Company and later that year transferred to the Delaware & Hudson. In 1946, the New York Central took over the line.
The New York and Ottawa service from Tupper Lake began in 1890, and the line was abandoned to Helena in 1937.
More information
For more information about the Adirondack Rail Trail, visit the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s website at dec. ny.gov/places/adirondack-rail-trail or the Adirondack Rail Trail Association (friends group) at adirondackrailtrail.org.
For more information about the Adirondack Railroad, visit adirondackrr.com. Continued from Page 14
Mountain bikers head out on the Adirondack Rail Trail from Lake Placid in May 2024.
(Staff photo — Andy Flynn)
Shopping at the farmers market during the Adirondack Harvest Festival in Westport, which is Sept. 20 in 2025. (Staff
North Country Farmers Markets
Learn more about farmers markets and find local food and drink producers using the online map at Adirondack Harvest, https:// adirondackharvest.com.
Also, visit the farmers market and enjoy the activities at the 2025 Adirondack Harvest Festival on Saturday, Sept. 20 (12 p.m. to 5 p.m.) at the Essex County Fairgrounds in Westport. Akwesasne: 580 state Route 37, Hogansburg. Saturdays, June 7 to Oct. 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.akwesasnefarmersmarket.com
Bloomingdale: 1663 state Route 3. Sundays, July 13 to Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bolton Landing: 7 Goodman Ave. Fridays, June 27 to Sept. 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.boltonlandingfarmersmarket.com
Champlain: 1154 U.S. Route 9. Saturdays, July 12 to Sept. 13, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Canton: Village Park, corner of Main and Park streets. Tuesdays and Fridays, May 9 to Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Chestertown: Chestertown Town Hall, 6307 U.S. Route 9. Wednesdays, June 11 to Sept. 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. https://chestertownfarmersmarket.com
Elizabethtown: Hand Avenue in the pavilion behind the Adirondack History Museum. Fridays, June 20 to Sept. 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. http://adirondackfarmersmarket.com
Indian Lake: 106 Crow Hill Road/Indian Lake School. Saturdays, July 5 to Sept. 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Keene: Marcy Field, state Route 73. Sundays, May 25 to Oct.12, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. http://adirondackfarmersmarket.com
Lake George: Shepard Park on Canada Street. Wednesdays, June 19 to Aug. 21, 3-7 p.m.
Lake Placid: Olympic Speedskating Oval, 2634 Main St. Wednesdays, July 2 to Aug. 27, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.highpeaksfarmersmarkets.com
Long Lake: Corner of Route 28/30 and South Hill Road across from post office. Thursdays, June 26 to Aug. 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Malone: Malone Airport, 27 Airport Road. Wednesdays, May 21 to Oct. 8, 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. adirondackfarmersmarket.com
North Creek: 21 Railroad Place/Riverfront Park. Thursdays, June 19 to Sept. 18, 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Old Forge: 201 North St. Fridays, June 20 to Oct. 10, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Peru: 2948 Mason Hill Road. Monthly on Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 29, July 27, Aug. 24, Sept. 21 and Oct. 19. perutownmarket.com
Plattsburgh: 26 Green St. Saturdays, May 10 to Oct. 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Port Henry: 36 Harbour Lane. Fridays, June 13 to Aug. 29, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. www.porthenrymarket.org
Potsdam: 3 Riverview Dr. Saturdays, May 10 to Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Rouses Point: 144 Lake St. Fridays, June 13 to Sept. 12, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Saranac Lake: Riverside Park, River Street. Saturdays, May 17 to Oct. 11, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.highpeaksfarmersmarkets.com
Schroon Lake: 15 Leland Ave. Saturdays, June 14 to Sept. 6, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.schroonlakefarmersmarket.com
Speculator: Next to the firehouse at the pavilion on state Route 30. Thursdays, June 19 to Sept. 4, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Ticonderoga: Corner of McCormick Street and Champlain Avenue behind Arrow Bank. Saturdays, July 12 to Sept. 6, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Tupper Lake: 320 Park St. Fridays, June 20 to Oct. 18, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. www.adkfoodhub.com
Warrensburg: 180 River St. Fridays, May 30 to Oct. 10, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Willsboro: Pavilion just south of Champlain National Bank on Route 22. Thursdays, June 12 to Aug. 28, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. http:// adirondackfarmersmarket.com
photo — Andy Flynn)
What’s in season?
This is an exciting time to eat fresh and locally produced food in the Adirondack Park.
Not only can consumers find locally grown and produced food that’s in season, but they can find it nearby at farmers markets, grocery stores, restaurants and festivals.
For those not acutely tuned in to the locavore scene, Adirondack Harvest can help. This group, a project of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Lewis, offers a website — adirondackharvest.com — that helps you find farm stands, farmers markets and food producers throughout the Adirondack North Country Region with an interactive map (tinyurl.com/4d4c983h).
Adirondack Harvest also provides a list titled “What’s in Season
When in the Adirondack Region,” which can be found online at https://tinyurl.com/5bth9xt6. Below is a brief list.
Always in season
Butter
Cheese
Dried beans
Dried herbs and spices
Eggs
Fermented foods
Frozen veggies and fruits
Grains, flours, cornmeal
Honey and bee products
Ice cream
Maple products
Meat
Milk
Sauces and condiments
Yogurt
Continued on Page 19
Although maple syrup is mostly produced in the Adirondack North Country Region in March and April, it is available throughout the year along with a variety of maple products.
Gear Open Memorial Day Weekend through Columbus Day Weekend
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 1:00-4:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am-4:00 pm Sunday: 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Adults: $5.00 • Seniors (62 plus): $4.00 Students: $3.00 • Children 10 and under: Free 242 Station Street, Lake Placid, NY 12946
www.lakeplacidhistory.org • 518-523-1608
Huge Toy Selection
Natural Pet Foods & Treats
Quality Supplements for People & Pets • Gifts for the Pet Lover There is NOTHING like us around! 518-523-0157 • 2779 Main. Lake Placid manandbeastlp.com
(Staff photo — Andy Flynn)
Welcome to the Adirondack Coast
By ANDY FLYNN Guide Editor
Lake Champlain — briefly declared the sixth Great Lake in 1998 — offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the North Country. It’s called the Adirondack Coast.
Bordering New York on the west coast, Vermont on the east coast, and the Canadian province of Quebec to the north, the lake takes up a lot of geography on the map. Lake Champlain ferries (https://ferries.com) cross from Essex, N.Y. to Charlotte, Vt. and from Plattsburgh, N.Y. to Grand Isle, Vt. Motorists can also use two bridges from New York to reach Vermont, one at Crown Point and one at Rouses Point.
The history of the Champlain Valley dates back to the Native American tribes, Iroquois to the west and Abenaki to the east. When the French and English arrived, they fought over the land, and armies traveled the length of the lake to battle each other during the French and Indian War. Then the Americans fought the English during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Forts in Crown Point and Ticonderoga help tell that history.
Adirondack Coast attractions include the Crown Point State Historic Site, Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Defiance, Heritage Museum and Hancock House Library and Museum in Ticonderoga and the Depot Theatre in Westport.
The lake played a large role during the Industrial Revolution, especially with the iron mines around Port Henry. Villages on the lake became ports to transport goods and raw materials. Some of this history is found at the Iron Center Museum in Port Henry.
There’s a sign in Port Henry that documents some of the many sightings of the Lake Champlain monster called Champ.
Food and drinks are celebrated up and down the lake at farmers markets, farm stands, orchards, wineries, craft breweries, cheese makers and unique farm-to-table experiences.
Outdoor recreation is abundant with fishing, camping, swimming, boating, paddling and hiking. For a full list of Champlain Area Trails, visit www.champlainareatrails.com.
The natural wonders of Ausable Chasm near Keeseville and Natural Stone Bridge & Caves near Pottersville will give you and your family memories to last a lifetime.
The Essex County Fair will be held Aug. 13-17 in 2025 at the fairgrounds in Westport.
Learn more about the Lake Champlain region at www.goadirondack.com or www.lakechamplainregion.com.
The Lake Champlain Bridge connecting New York and Vermont is seen from the Crown Point State Historic Site. (Provided photo — LakeChamplainRegion.com/ROOST)
In season
JUNE
Arugula
Asparagus
Basil
Beets
Broccoli
Cherry
Chives
Currant
Dill
Fennel
Garlic
Garlic scapes
Gooseberry
Green onions
Greens mix
Groundcherry
Kale
Kohlrabi
Lemon balm
Lettuce, baby
greens
Lettuce, head
Mint
Mushrooms
Peas, snap
Radish
Rhubarb
Salad mix
Shallots
Sorrel
Spinach
Strawberry
Swiss chard
Turnip
JULY
Arugula
Basil
Beets
Blueberries
Broccoli
Cherry
Chives
Cilantro
Collards
Currant
Dill
Eggplant
Fennel
Garlic
Green Beans
Green Onions
Greens Mix
Groundcherry
Kale
Kohlrabi
Lavender
Lemon Balm
Mint
Mushrooms
Mustard Greens
Nasturtiam
Oregano
Parsley
Peach
Peas, Snap
Plum
Potatoes
Radish
Raspberry
Rhubarb
Rosemary
Sage
Salad Mix
Shallots
Sorrel
Spinach
Squash, Summer
Strawberry
Swiss Chard
Thyme
Tomatillo
Tomato, Cherry
Tomato
Turnip
AUGUST
Apple
Arugula
Basil
Beets
Blackberry
Blueberries
Bok Choy
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Chives
Cilantro
Collards
Cucumbers
Currant
Green Beans
Green Onions
Groundcherry
Kale
Lavender
Leeks
Lemon Balm
Melon
Mint
Mushrooms
Mustard Greens
Nasturtium
Okra
Oregano
Parsley
Peach
Pear
Pepper, Hot
Pepper, Sweet
Plum
Radish
Rosemary
Sage
Salad Mix
Sorrel
Spinach
Squash, Summer
Squash, Winter
Sweet Corn
Sweet Potatoes
Swiss Chard
Thyme
Tomatillo
Tomato, Cherry
Tomato
Turnip
SEPTEMBER
Apple
Arugula
Basil
Beets
Blackberries
Bok choy
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Celeriac
Celery
Chives
Cilantro
Collards
Cucumbers
Dill
Eggplant
Escarole
Fennel
Ginger
Grapes
Green beans
Green onions
Groundcherry
Kale
Kohlrabi
Lavender
Leeks
Melon
Mushrooms
Mustard greens
Nasturtium
Okra
Onion
Oregano
Parsley
Peach
Pear
Pepper, hot
Pepper, sweet
Plum
Potatoes
Pumpkin
Radicchio
Radish
Raspberry
Rosemary
Rutabaga
Sage
Salad mix
Sorrel
Spinach
Squash, summer
Squash, winter
Sweet corn
Sweet potatoes
Swiss chard
Thyme
Tomatillo
Tomato, cherry
Tomato
Turnip
OCTOBER
Apple
Beets
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celeriac
Celery
Collards
Cranberry
Eggplant
Escarole
Fennel
Grapes
Horseradish
Kale
Kohlrabi
Lavender
Leeks
Melon
Mushrooms
Mustard greens
Onion
Oregano
Parsley
Parsnips
Pear
Potatoes
Pumpkin
Radicchio
Radish
Raspberry
Rosemary
Rutabaga
Sage
Sorrel
Spinach
Squash, winter
Sweet corn
Swiss chard
Thyme
Turnip
Adirondack Coast Historic Driving Tour
By ANDY FLYNN Guide Editor
If you want to take a road trip that is relaxing, fun and educational, try this self-guided historic driving tour through the Lake Champlain Valley. Start at one end, and go to the other. Or just pick one or two villages and spend some time there.
The quaint communities along Lake Champlain offer stunning views of Vermont and establishments where you can grab a takeout meal for a picnic.
This is the bread basket of Clinton and Essex counties, with many small, family farms. It’s easy to find a farm-to-fork experience.
There’s a lot of history here, much more than we can squeeze into this guide. For more information and itinerary ideas, visit Lakes to Locks Passage: New York’s Great Northeast Journey, 518-597-9660, www.lakestolocks.org.
Ticonderoga
Fort Ticonderoga: 102 Fort Ti Road, 518-585-2821, www. fortticonderoga.org. Fort Ticonderoga was built by the French from 1755 to 1759 during the French and Indian War and called Fort Carillon. On July 8, 1758, it was successfully defended by French forces despite overwhelming British forces. The following year, the British defeated the French here.
On May 10, 1775 during the Revolutionary War, Ethan Allen, Benedict Arnold and the Green Mountain Boys surprised the sleeping garrison at dawn and overwhelmed them, making Fort Ticonderoga America’s first victory of the war.
Mount Defiance: This small mountain is owned by Fort Ticonderoga and has a toll road to its historic summit. Entry is included with admission to the fort or can be purchased separately at the base of the mountain. Get a view of the fort on Lake Champlain and enjoy a picnic at the summit.
Directions: In Ticonderoga, head south on Route 9N and turn left on Montcalm Street in 0.75 mile, then turn right on Champlain Avenue in 0.6 mile. Follow Champlain Avenue for a short distance, turn left on Defiance Street, and look for the toll road on the right.
Ticonderoga Heritage Museum & Visitor Center: 137 Montcalm St., 518-585-2696, https://tinyurl.com/4bafy84s. Learn about Ticonderoga’s industrial industry in this building that dates to 1888. It is the last remaining structure of the Ticonderoga Pulp and Paper Company.
Hancock House Library and Museum: 6 Moses Circle, 518-585-7868, www.tihistory.org. This Georgian Revival style mansion is an exact replica of Thomas Hancock’s (John Hancock’s
uncle) former Beacon Hill home in Boston. Originally built in 1925-1926 by philanthropist Horace A. Moses for the New York Historical Association, it now serves as the home of the Lower Adirondack Regional Center for History (formerly the Ticonderoga Historical Society) as a regional museum and reference library.
Self-guided walking tour of Ticonderoga: https://aarch.org/ wp-content/uploads/2014/08/ticonderoga.pdf.
Ironville
Ironville Historic District: This is a national historic district located southwest of Crown Point. It is known as the “Birthplace of the Electrical Age,” as Allen Penfield, Timothy Taft and Allen P. Harwood pioneered the first industrial use of electricity in their iron works below the pond south of the district.
Ironville gets its name from the iron-mining operations of the 19th century. During the Civil War, iron from ore mined here was used to build the U.S. iron-clad ship Monitor, which battled the Confederate iron-clad ship Merrimack at the Battle of Hampton Roads. The Monitor’s iron was mined in Hammondville, separated in Ironville, processed in Crown Point and shipped by railroad along Lake Champlain.
Penfield Homestead Museum: The district includes 12 buildings, including the museum, built in the 1820s, 703 Creek Road, Crown Point, 518-597-3804, www.penfieldmuseum.org.
Self-guided walking tour of Ironville: https://aarch.org/ wp-content/uploads/2014/08/ironville.pdf.
Crown Point
Crown Point State Historic Site: 21 Grandview Drive, Crown Point, 518-597-4666, https://parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/34/ details.aspx. The Crown Point State Historic Site preserves and interprets the ruins of two forts from the colonial wars between the British and French. Both are located next to the new Lake Champlain bridge from New York to Vermont, which replaced the 1929 bridge when it opened on Nov. 7, 2011.
The French built Fort St. Frederic between 1734 and 1737 and destroyed it in 1759 during the French and Indian War after British troops captured Fort Carillon to the south. The British then built a larger fort, “His Majesty’s Fort of Crown Point.”
During the Revolutionary War, Green Mountain Boys captured the fort from the British on May 12, 1775. Benedict Arnold used it as a staging area for the fledgling American navy and was abandoned in 1777. The British abandoned the fort in 1780. The state acquired the property in 1910.
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The historic Depot Theatre in Westport is the home of a professional theater company in the summer.
(Staff photo — Andy Flynn)
Elizabethtown
Port Henry
Port Henry was once a bustling village in the town of Moriah on Lake Champlain where iron ore from nearby mines was transported to markets far away.
The story of this community and surrounding hamlets is told at the Iron Center Museum, 34 Park Place, 518-546-3587. The Town of Moriah Historical Society presents history exhibits in a restored carriage house at the former Witherbee-Sherman and Company mining headquarters.
A sign on Route 9N/22 details the sightings of Champ, the fabled lake monster.
Another sign honors Brooklyn Dodger pitcher Johnny Podres, a native of Witherbee. Unveiled on June 9, 2012, the sign is located 0.25 miles south of the hamlet on Route 9N/22. The sign shows Podres as he looked on his 1955 baseball card. Podres helped the Dodgers win the 1955 World Series.
Self-guided walking tour of Port Henry: https://aarch.org/ wp-content/uploads/2014/08/porthenry.pdf.
Westport/Wadhams
Depot Theatre: 6705 Main St., 518-962-4449, https://depottheatre.org. Built in 1876, this building is a functioning train station with service by Amtrak. It is also home to The Depot Theatre, a nonprofit professional theater that provides entertainment in the summer months.
Essex County Fairgrounds: Route 9N/Sisco Street. The historic Essex County Fairgrounds features four venues that date to when the fair opened here in 1885: the grandstand, judge’s stand, Floral Hall and racetrack. The fair will be held Aug. 13 to 17, 2025. And the 2025 Adirondack Harvest Festival will be held here on Saturday, Sept. 20.
Self-guided walking tour of Wadhams and Westport: https:// aarch.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/wadhamswestport.pdf.
The hamlet of Elizabethtown is the county seat for Essex County. Historic county buildings are located here, including the 19th century courthouse where abolitionist John Brown’s body lay in state on Dec. 6, 1859 on its way to his North Elba farm, where he was buried, and the Hand Hale Historic District.
Adirondack History Museum: 7590 Court St., 518-8736466, www.adkhistorycenter.org. The museum is the home of the Essex County Historical Society and is located in a 1916 neoclassical-style former school.
Self-guided walking tour of Elizabethtown: https://aarch.org/ wp-content/uploads/2014/08/elizabethtown.pdf.
Essex
Founded in 1765, the entire hamlet of Essex is on the National Register of Historic Places. It includes well-preserved 19th century brick and stone homes, churches, inns and shops. Industries in town once included stone quarries, iron mines, tanneries and shipyards. It is currently home to a dock for Lake Champlain Ferries with service to Vermont.
Self-guided walking tour of Essex: https://aarch.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/essex.pdf.
Willsboro
The town of Willsboro was named for New York City merchant William Gilliland, an Irish immigrant who began to purchase land along Lake Champlain in the mid-1760s for a baronial estate. The town is now home to NYCO Minerals, which mines wollastonite.
One of the earliest buildings in town — the Adsit Cabin — is located on Point Road. It is believed that Samuel Adsit built the cabin in 1779.
Self-guided walking tour of Willsboro: https://aarch.org/ wp-content/uploads/2014/08/willsboro.pdf.
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Find inspiration and create family memories as we celebrate America’s 250th! World class exhibits, thrilling weapons demos, epic battle reenactments and hands-on activities connect you to America’s story. Enjoy stunning views from aboard the Carillon boat and our historic gardens — there’s something for everyone!
5/3-10/26/25,
75 Adirondack family activities
By LINDSAY MUNN Advertising Manager and ANDY FLYNN Guide Editor
For those looking for family-friendly activities in the Adirondack North Country Region, here are some ideas for parents, grandparents and children of all ages.
1. Visit the North Country Children’s Museum at 10 Raymond St. in Potsdam, offering interactive, STEAM-focused exhibits and programs designed for kids and families.
2. Visit Play ADK Main Street Clubhouse at 84 Main St. in Saranac Lake, a place for kids and their families to play, learn and grow while they build a children’s museum.
3. Visit Mirror Lake in the village of Lake Placid. Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or canoes for a peaceful paddle. There’s also a sandy beach and a 2.7-mile walking path around the lake.
4. Explore High Falls Gorge in Wilmington. The short, easy hikes feature waterfalls, bridges and scenic views, great for all ages.
5. Explore the natural history of Ausable Chasm near Keeseville. Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks.” This spot offers scenic hiking, tubing and rafting adventures.
6. Explore the Natural Stone Bridge & Caves near Pottersville. Walk the self-guided and above-ground nature trail and descend into lighted caves and grottos with raging water or tranquil dark pools.
7. Learn the history of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics with interactive exhibits at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum.
8. Ride a gondola or the zipline and take an elevator to the top of the 120m ski jump for incredible views of the High Peaks Region at the Olympic Jumping Complex in Lake Placid.
9. Take the Cliffside Coaster, climb the indoor climbing wall, hike the mountain, learn about Lake Placid’s 1932 and 1980 sliding sports history or ride the ski trails on a mountain bike at Mount Van Hoevenberg.
10. Visit the home of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” Olympic hockey game at the Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid.
11. Drive up the Whiteface Mountain Veterans’ Memorial Highway in Wilmington and enjoy the spectacular views of the Adirondack region.
12. Take a scenic gondola ride at the Whiteface Mountain ski center in Wilmington or Gore Mountain ski resort in North Creek.
The North Country Children’s Museum in Potsdam offeres interactive exhibits designed for kids and families.
(Provided photo— North Country Children’s Museum)
13. Visit the Wild Center and Wild Walk in Tupper Lake. Walk among the treetops on an elevated trail and explore interactive nature exhibits.
14. Celebrate Christmas at Santa’s Workshop, a theme park that dates to 1949 in Wilmington.
15. Go wildlife watching along the trail at the Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center in Paul Smiths or the Adirondack Educational Center in Newcomb.
16. Take the Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge by hiking to historic fire towers on the summits of a variety of mountains in the Adirondacks. Some are easier than others.
17. Take a swim or have a picnic at Bog River Falls near Tupper Lake.
18. Take a swim or have a picnic at Buttermilk Falls near Long Lake.
19. Take a scenic stroll along the Saranac River Walk trail in the village of Saranac Lake.
20. Take a scenic stroll along the 3-mile LaChute River Walk Trail in Ticonderoga, where families can enjoy the LaChute Falls and learn the history of a variety of industries that clustered around the falls.
21. Explore the region’s colonial war history at Fort Ticonderoga — a living history museum with cannon firings, reenactments and hands-on exhibits — or the Crown Point State Historic Site.
22. Visit the Adirondack Public Observatory in Tupper Lake, which offers stargazing programs and telescope viewings of the incredible Adirondack night sky.
23. Explore the Adirondacks with history and fun at the Adirondack Experience museum in Blue Mountain Lake. There are more than 20 buildings on a 120-acre campus that offers a variety of activities for the family, including a ride in an authentic guideboat, a climb up a classic Adirondack fire tower or an easy hike to Minnow Pond.
24. Set up camp at one of the many private or state-operated campgrounds in the region.
25. Take a scenic airplane ride from the Lake Placid Airport or a seaplane ride from the Long Lake beach.
26. Experience a unique bird’s-eye view of the Adirondacks by taking a hot air balloon ride in the Glens Falls region, a short drive from Lake George.
Port Kent
Port Kent was the eastern terminus for the Port Kent and Hopkinton Turnpike, a 19th century toll road that spanned west to St. Lawrence County. It is also the site of the Elkanah Watson House on Lake Street. A private home now, it was built in 1828 by businessman Elkanah Watson on a bluff overlooking Lake Champlain. It is near the train station and ferry dock.
Ausable Chasm
Ausable Chasm: 2144 Route 9, 518-834-7454, ausablechasm. com. Since 1870, Ausable Chasm has amazed the public. More than 10 million visitors have witnessed what mother nature has provided: a uniquely-carved, vertical-walled canyon made of 500-million-year-old rock. As one of the earliest and oldest attractions in the U.S., Ausable Chasm has developed a history filled with adventures, disasters, and many famous visitors. A horse nail factory was located here on the east bank below Rainbow Falls between 1877 and 1910.
North Star Underground Railroad Museum: 1131 Mace Chasm Road, 518-834-5180, northcountryundergroundrailroad. com. The North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association researches, preserves and interprets the history of the Underground Railroad, slavery and abolition along the Upper Hudson River-Champlain and Canal-Lake Champlain corridor of northeast New York.
Keeseville
The history of Keeseville can be seen along the Ausable River, which helped drive industry in the 19th century. It is home to Adirondack Architectural Heritage (aarch.org), a nonprofit historic preservation organization located at 1745 Main St. that gives regular tours of properties in the Adirondack region. AARCH is located in the former office building of the Ausable Horse Nail
Company. The circa 1849 stone building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of Keeseville’s large historic district. Adjacent to the AARCH building is an 1849 stone mill. This is a rare surviving group of mid-19th century, water-powered, industrial buildings, which were once the heart of the booming horse nail manufacturing industry.
Self-guided walking tour of Keeseville: https://aarch.org/ wp-content/uploads/2014/08/keeseville.pdf.
Plattsburgh
Clinton County Historical Association Museum: 98 Ohio Ave., Plattsburgh. 518-561-0340. www.clintoncountyhistorical.
org. Open year-round, the museum interprets the history of Clinton County with programs and exhibits. The association offers walking tours of the old Plattsburgh military base, which was decommissioned in 1995; and Valcour Island, home of the historic Bluff Point Lighthouse.
Kent-Delord House Museum: 17 Cumberland Ave., Plattsburgh. 518-561-1035. www.kentdelordhouse.org. Open May to October. In 1810, Henry Delord purchased a cottage and three acres of land on this location owned by Elizabeth and Judge James Kent. In 1811 and 1812, Delord expanded the home to the current full-size Federal-style house. Delord entertained Commodore Thomas Macdonough and Gen. Alexander Macomb here in 1814.
Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum: 31 Washington Road, Plattsburgh. 518-566-1814. www.plattsburghafbmuseum.org.
Open May to October. Learn about the home of Strategic Air Command (1954-1992) and Air Mobility Command (1992-1995).
War of 1812 Museum: 31 Washington Road, Plattsburgh. 518-566-1814. battleofplattsburgh.org. The Battle of Plattsburgh Association operates the museum from May through October and hosts the Battle of Plattsburgh Commemorative Weekend in September (1814inc.com). The museum is dedicated to examining the War of 1812, and more specifically, the Battles at Plattsburgh on September 11, 1814.
Welcome to Saranac Lake
By ANDY FLYNN Guide Editor
The historic and scenic village of Saranac Lake and its surrounding hamlets offer a unique down-to-earth Adirondack experience — full of outdoor adventure, top-notch culinary experiences, downtown shopping, a thriving arts scene and family-friendly activities.
The list of warm-weather outdoor recreational activities is long: hiking, camping, boating, paddling, golfing, cycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, birding, wildlife watching, skateboarding at the Saranac Lake Skateboard Park off Church Street or swimming at the Lake Colby and Lake Clear beaches.
Find what you need at one of the local outfitters, or hire an outdoor guide for your adventure.
The 18,400-acre St. Regis Canoe Area — the only designated canoe area in New York state — features 26 miles of hiking trails and 50 ponds of varying sizes to paddle. It’s well known for its Adirondack brook trout fishing.
The Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center on state Route 30 offers a vast trail system with plenty of wildlife-watching opportunities. The barked trails and abundance of benches make this destination easy on the knees and gives families ample time to sit and ponder life in a quiet setting. And don’t forget to check out the native species Butterfly House in the summer — the only one in the Adirondacks.
The village of Saranac Lake has embraced the arts like no other community in the region. It features live music, the Adirondack Plein Air Festival (Aug 18-23, 2025), studio tours, Third Thursday Art Walks (June through September), Northern Current music festival (Labor Day weekend), downtown galleries and performances at
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Beat the heat at Saranac Lake’s Lake Colby beach.
(File photo — Arthur Maiorella)
Mist rises from Lake Flower in the village of Saranac Lake.
(Staff photo — Andy Flynn)
Adirondack White Pine Cabins
Custom built for 20 years, Adirondack White Pine Cabins are locally constructed in Saranac Lake, NY. Our small team of carpenters will work with you from start to finish to design and build your custom home.
Once completed in our 5,000 square foot heated shop, your home arrives on your land completely finished and ready to be hooked up to utilities. Our customers can choose from a long list of options and upgrades which include appliances, lighting, faucets, flooring, built-in storage options and many more. Some of our homes have two bedroom options, screened in porches and or storage lofts to give the most possible space. Being 500 sq ft in total size, we make sure to use every possible inch of space to ensure both function and design is just right for you.
Use your custom home year round as your : primary home, a vacation home, a new short term rental or a backyard home for a family member of any age.
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Pendragon Theatre. The Adirondack Carousel on Depot Street is a work of art unto itself and is a unique attraction. Get connected to the arts through Saranac Lake ArtWorks (www.saranaclakeartworks.com).
History is celebrated through the Saranac Laboratory Museum on Church Street, operated by Historic Saranac Lake; the Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage on Stevenson Lane; and the Six Nations Iroquois Cultural Center in Onchiota (www.6nicc.com), operated since 1954 by the Fadden family.
Saranac Lake is home to a professional baseball team, the Surge, which plays in the Empire Baseball League during June and July. Their home stadium is Petrova Field. Their 2025 season begins at 7 p.m. June 21 in Tupper Lake against the Riverpigs at Raquette Pond Stadium. Their first home game is at 1 p.m. June 23 against the North Country Thunderbirds. Learn more at https://surgeprobaseball.com.
Other 2025 sports events in Saranac Lake include the Can-Am Rugby Tournament (July 25-27), Willard Hanmer Guideboat and Canoe Race (July 6) and Adirondack Canoe Classic “90Miler” race from Old Forge to Saranac Lake (Sept. 5-7).
The environment is highlighted by the work at the Paul Smith’s College VIC; the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation (www.adkloon.org) on Main Street; and the Adirondack Fish Hatchery at Saranac Inn, operated by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Also, enjoy nature along the River Walk, which follows the Saranac River from behind the old Paul Smith’s Electric Light and Power and Railroad Company building at the corner of Main and Lake streets to the RiverTrail Beerworks on Woodruff Street.
For more information about Saranac Lake and the nearby hamlets — such as Paul Smiths, Ray Brook, Vermontville, Bloomingdale and Lake Clear — visit www.saranaclake.com or call the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 39 Main St. (Harrietstown Town Hall), at 518-891-1990.
Family fun during the summer in Saranac Lake includes watching the Fourth of July fireworks over Lake Flower. (Staff photo — Aaron Marbone)
Enjoy a stroll along the River Walk in Saranac Lake, which follows the Saranac River through the village. (Staff photo — Andy Flynn)
John Hector Murphy grins and sings during the August 2024 Third Thursday ArtWalk in Saranac Lake.
(Staff photo — Aaron Marbone)
Tri-Lakes Historic Driving Tour
By ANDY FLYNN Guide Editor
If you want to take a road trip that is relaxing, fun and educational, try this self-guided historic driving tour through the Tri-Lakes region of the Adirondack Park — Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake and surrounding hamlets. Start at one end, and go to the other. Or just pick one or two villages and spend some time there.
The Tri-Lakes villages are larger than most of the communities in the rest of the Park, and they offer many opportunities to grab a take-out meal for a picnic while you are on the road exploring. There’s a lot of history here, much more than we can squeeze into this guide. For more information, visit lakeplacid.com, saranaclake.com and tupperlake.com.
Tupper Lake
Tupper Lake has a long history surrounding the wood products industry, as lumber companies set up mills along the shore of Raquette Pond.
Oval Wood Dish: In the middle of town along Demars Boulevard is a sprawling abandoned factory with a water tower and large smokestack that was once home to the Oval Wood Dish Corp. The Michigan-based Oval Wood Dish Corp. built this complex in 1916-17. It manufactured hardwood products such as clothespins, hardwood floors, maple bowling pins and tableware called Ritespoon. The name of the company came from an early product, an oval wood dish. Ownership changed several times after 1964, and the last company, Jarden Plastic Solutions, closed in 2008.
The Big Mill: A tablet on a rock in front of the Municipal Park ball field on Demars Boulevard explains the history of the Big Mill: “Here stood, from 1890 until 1930, the North Country’s largest sawmill built by John Hurd. It had the largest bandsaw in the world and twice broke the world’s record for lumber sawed in a day. The Santa Clara Lumber Co. was its main operator. Hundreds of jobs resulted from the industry it fostered. It was often called ‘the mill that made the town.’”
Beth Joseph Synagogue: The historic Beth Joseph Synagogue at 59 Lake St. was built in 1905 by Russian Jewish immigrants and served 36 families between 1910 and 1924. It is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Today, the synagogue is only open in the months of July and August, offering services, a museum and special events.
Sunmount DDSO: Located at 2445 state Route 3/30 on the way to Saranac Lake, the Sunmount Developmental Disabilities Services Office is operated by the state Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. The complex was dedicated on Aug. 15, 1924, as the Sunmount Veterans Administration Hospital to treat veterans with tuberculosis. The federal government closed the hospital on Aug. 11, 1965, and the state of New York took over operations in the fall of that year, receiving its first patients from overcrowded mental institutions in late September.
Lake Clear
Adirondack Fish Hatchery: Several miles south of Lake Clear on state Route 30, the state-operated Adirondack Fish Hatchery specializes in landlocked Atlantic salmon. The original fish hatchery on this site was built in 1885, and the new facility was completed in 1990.
Fish Creek State Campground: Located on state Route 30, the state Conservation Commission set up a lean-to and a few fireplaces at Fish Creek in 1920 to accommodate car campers. In 1926, 20 campsites and sanitary facilities were added. The number of campsites doubled in 1927 and doubled again in 1928. The Civilian Conservation Corps expanded the campground from 1933 to 1935. In order to deal with overflow, a new campground — Rollins Pond — was built in 1955 adjacent to Fish Creek campground and was expanded in 1958 and 1960. Rollins Pond now has 287 campsites, and Fish Creek has 355.
Charlie’s Inn: There are many reasons to visit Charlie’s Inn:
Enjoy a game of baseball at the historic Municipal Park in Tupper Lake, home of the Riverpigs.
(Staff photo — Aaron Marbone)
snowmobiling, camping and dining. Railfans, however, call this the Lake Clear Junction, now part of the Adirondack Rail Trail. The train depot, built in 1891, remains, under private ownership. This was once one of the busiest rail junctions in the Adirondack Park, under the operation of New York Central’s Adirondack Division, originally finished by Dr. William Seward Webb in 1892. It ran from Herkimer to Malone, earning the name “Mohawk & Malone” or “M&M” railroad, with a rail line also heading east from the junction to Saranac Lake and Lake Placid.
Paul Smiths
Paul Smith’s College: Located on state Route 30, the 14,200acre Paul Smith’s College on the shore of Lower St. Regis Lake was once home to the Paul Smith’s Hotel. Apollos A. (Paul) Smith (1825-1912) moved to the Adirondacks in the mid-1800s and bought 50 acres at the site of the current college campus in 1858, building a resort empire that eventually included transporting guests to/from Lake Clear Junction on the only electric railroad in the Park. Under the conditions of Phelps Smith’s will, the hotel’s holdings were to be used to establish a college in his father’s name. The college’s first class matriculated in 1946. paulsmiths.edu.
Paul Smith’s College VIC: Opened in 1989 by the state Adirondack Park Agency, the Visitor Interpretive Center on state Route 30 is a 2,800-acre preserve now operated by Paul Smith’s College. Transfer of operations from the state to the college took place in January 2011. This environmental education and traveler orientation center offers special events, public programs, the nation’s first Native Species Butterfly House, natural history exhibits and a network of four-season interpretive trails. Learn more at www.paulsmiths.edu/vic.
White Pine Camp: This Great Camp at the end of White Pine Road in Paul Smiths was the 1926 summer White House for U.S. President Calvin Coolidge. On June 7, 2020, four buildings at this complex were destroyed by fire. The camp was built as a private family retreat in 1907 by New York banker Archibald White and expanded in 1911. It has had several owners, including Paul Smith’s College. The 35-acre property is on a remote section of Osgood Pond and includes a Japanese tea house, a boathouse, guest cabins and a two-lane bowling alley. Learn more at www.whitepinecamp.com.
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Onchiota
Six Nations Iroquois Cultural Center: Located at 1462 county Route 60 in Onchiota, the center provides for the viewing of more than 3,000 artifacts with an emphasis on the culture of the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy (Haudenosaunee). The Six Nations are: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca and Tuscarora. The center features storytelling lectures and a gift shop and is operated by the Fadden family, which belongs to the Mohawk of Akwesasne. Learn more at www.6nicc.com.
Saranac Lake
The village of Saranac Lake, named an All-America City in 1998, was once one of most popular health resorts in the world during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and now serves as a mountain muse for the arts community.
Union Depot: Located on Depot Street, this train station was built by the D&H Railroad in 1904. It was reopened to the public after being renovated in 1997 and 1998 and has since closed again. In 1904, the services of the Chateaugay Railroad to the east and the New York Central Railroad from the west were consolidated into the Union Depot. The station closed in 1965 when passenger service was terminated. The Adirondack Railway Preservation Society operated Adirondack Scenic Railroad passenger train excursions between here and Lake Placid from 2000 to 2016. In 2024, efforts were underway to rehabilitate the station for use as a hub for the Adirondack Rail Trail.
Historic Saranac Lake Walking Tour: This tour features many of the fascinating and unique architectural features of this quaint village, as it was transformed from a backcountry hamlet to one of the most successful health resorts in the world. Learn more at www. historicsaranaclake.org.
Saranac Laboratory Museum: Operated by Historic Saranac Lake, this museum tells the history of the village’s health care
industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Edward Livingston Trudeau came to the Adirondacks with tuberculosis in 1873 and founded the Adirondack Cottage Sanitarium in 1884. He beat TB and created a place for patients to “take the cure” and scientists to study the disease. Trudeau built the Saranac Laboratory next to his home in 1894, and it was the first lab in the nation exclusively used to study tuberculosis. Trudeau’s home — on the corner of Church and Main streets —was acquired by Historic Saranac Lake and recently restored. Learn more at www.historicsaranaclake.org. Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage: Located on Stevenson Lane, Robert Louis Stevenson — the Scottish author of novels such as “Treasure Island” (1883) and “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (1886), spent the winter of 1887-1888 at this Saranac Lake farmhouse taking the cure for tuberculosis. While here, he wrote “The Master of Ballantrae: A Winter’s Tale,” which was published in 1889.
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Where Compassion Meets Quality.
27. Play in the water at the Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge, New York’s largest water park with slides, lazy rivers and a wave pool.
28. Take a sightseeing boat ride on Lake George with the Lake George Steamboat Company, on Raquette Lake with the Raquette Lake Navigation Company or on Lake Champlain riding the Carillon Tour Boat from Fort Ticonderoga.
29. Go whitewater rafting on the Hudson River, Moose River or Sacandaga River.
30. Learn history and take a stroll on the trails at the John Brown Farm State Historic Site in Lake Placid.
31. Spend a couple hours watching professional baseball from the Empire League in Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, Malone and Fort Covington.
32. Stroll through charming shops and enjoy family-friendly restaurants in villages across the region.
33. Beat the heat by stopping at one of the many ice cream stands and shops throughout the region.
34. Visit one of the many farmers markets through the region.
35. Go swimming at one of the many public beaches throughout the region.
36. Take a ferry ride on Lake Champlain, departing from Essex, Plattsburgh or Ticonderoga.
37. Enjoy a free outdoor concert during one of the many weekly concert series throughout the region.
38. Explore art outdoors during the Third Thursday Art Walk in Saranac Lake from June to September.
39. Visit the Adirondack Carousel in Saranac Lake, a handcarved, Adirondack-themed carousel kids will love.
40. Go fishing.
41. Visit the Saranac Laboratory Museum in Saranac Lake and learn about the history of tuberculosis research and the town’s unique past.
42. Play, play, play at one of the playgrounds throughout the Adirondack Park. Almost every hamlet or village has one.
43. Have a picnic along one of the many lakes and rivers in the region.
(Provided
44. Go swimming in the East Branch of the AuSable River at the historic Jay Covered Bridge.
45. Take a bicycle ride along the Adirondack Rail Trail in the Tri-Lakes Region.
46. Go book shopping and meet authors at the free Adirondack Family Book Festival at the John Brown Farm State Historic Site in Lake Placid, scheduled for Aug. 26, 2025.
47. Take a scenic train ride on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad from Thendara near Old Forge or Tupper Lake.
48. Experience the thrills at the Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom near Lake George.
49. Enjoy a night at the movies in theaters throughout the region — Tupper Lake, Lake Placid, Indian Lake, Old Forge, Plattsburgh, Canton and Potsdam — or at the 56 Auto Drive-In Theater south of Massena.
50. Go mountain biking on one of the many trails throughout the Adirondacks.
51. Explore the woods and waters by taking a hiking or paddling challenge.
52. Enjoy rivers and ponds by paddling — kayak or canoe — or renting a motorboat at one of the many marinas throughout the region.
53. Go miniature golfing at locations in Tupper Lake, Lake Placid, Potsdam and Lake George.
54. View native butterflies inside the Paul Smith’s College Butterfly House.
55. Pick blueberries, apples, pumpkins, tomatoes, raspberries and strawberries at Rulfs Orchard U-Pick fields in Peru this summer and fall.
56. Explore Native American history in the region at the Six Nations Iroquois Cultural Center in Onchiota.
57. Watch Great Lakes ships pass by along the St. Lawrence Seaway at the Eisenhower Lock near Massena and stop by the St. Lawrence Seaway Visitor Center at the lock.
58. Visit a castle on the St. Lawrence River — either Singer Castle at Chippewa Bay or Boldt Castle at Alexandria Bay.
59. Go back in living history with military reenactments from the colonial wars at Fort Ticonderoga and the Crown Point State Historic Site.
60. Walk through history at the Almanzo Wilder Farm in Burke, the boyhood home of Almanzo Wilder and site of the book “Farmer Boy,” by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
61. Visit the historic McIntyre Iron Furnace on the Upper Works Road near Newcomb.
62. Visit Great Camp Santanoni near Newcomb. Only the gate house is accessible by car. The farm complex (one mile) and main lodge (five miles) are only reached on foot or bicycle on a historic carriage road.
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Families can take a thrill ride on the Cliffside Coaster at Mount Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid.
photo— ROOST)
Families can explore the geological wonders at the Natural Stone Bridge & Caves in Pottersville.
(Staff photo— Lindsay Munn)
Families can enjoy bird of prey programs at the Wild Center in Tupper Lake.
(Provided photo — The Wild Center)
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63. Take a tour of Great Camp Sagamore near Raquette Lake.
64. Watch buffalo in a field at the Adirondack Buffalo Company on the Blue Ridge Road in North Hudson.
65. Go shopping at locally produced chocolate shops: Adirondack Chocolates in Wilmington and Lake Placid or Barkeater Chocolates in North Creek.
66. Celebrate moose at the Great Adirondack Moose Festival in Indian Lake, scheduled for Sept. 26-28, 2025.
67. Take an Adirondack Rail Bike Adventure through the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, departing from Thendara and Tupper Lake.
68. Enjoy the performing arts with live theater in Saranac Lake, Lake Placid and Westport.
69. Go golfing at one of the many golf courses throughout the region.
70. Take a bobsled ride at Mount Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid.
71. Play disc golf at one of the courses in the region.
72. Visit the Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island, Lake Champlain, accessible only by boat. It is managed and interpreted by the Clinton County Historical Association, based in Plattsburgh. Tours are available in July and August. Transportation to the lighthouse is up to the individual.
73. Visit the Adirondack Fish Hatchery at Saranac Inn, about 12 miles from the village of Saranac Lake. It specializes in landlocked Atlantic salmon for statewide stocking.
74. Go for a hike.
75. Go bowling at one of the many bowling alleys in the region, such as Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake and Lake Placid.
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Lake Placid
The village of Lake Placid is best known as the home of the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter Games. It is home to USA Luge and USA Bobsled and Skeleton and still hosts national and international winter sports competitions.
Olympic venues: The state Olympic Regional Development Authority operates several venues that hosted Winter Olympic competition. Learn more at lakeplacidolympicsites.com.
The Olympic Center on Main Street features the 1932 Arena where Norwegian figure skater Sonja Henie won a gold medal and the 1980 Fieldhouse where the U.S. hockey team beat the Soviet Union in the “Miracle on Ice” game. The Lake Placid Olympic Museum is located in the Miracle Plaza between the 1932 and 1980 arenas.
The Olympic Speedskating Oval next door is where U.S. speedskater Eric Heiden won five gold medals during the 1980 Olympics, and it is the site of the 1932 Olympic stadium where Lake Placid speedskater Jack Shea won two gold medals.
The Olympic Jumping Complex still has the two ski jumps used during the 1980 Olympics; the ski jump used in the 1932 Olympics is no longer there.
The Olympic Sports Complex at Mount Van Hoevenberg — located on state Route 73 east of the village, was the home of the 1932 and 1980 Olympic bobsled runs, the 1980 luge run (no longer standing), and the 1980 biathlon and cross-country ski trails. The current bobsled/luge/skeleton track was opened just prior to the Winter Goodwill Games in 2000.
The History Museum: Located on Station Street, the Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society operates this museum at the Lake Placid train station. It was constructed by the D&H Railroad in 1903-04. The museum opened in 1967. The Adirondack Railway Preservation Society operated Adirondack Scenic Railroad passenger train excursions between here and Saranac Lake from 2000 to 2016. This is the eastern terminus of the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail to Tupper Lake. Learn more at www.lakeplacidhistory.com.
Self-guided walking tour of Lake Placid: Download the Historic Walking Tour of Lake Placid on the Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society’s website, www.lakeplacidhistory.com.
1980 Olympic cauldron: Located on state Route 73 at the North Elba Show Grounds, a plaque on the monument reads: “Here on February 13, 1980, the XIII Olympic Winter Games were opened by Vice President of the United States Walter F. Mondale and here the sacred Olympic flame was brought from Olympia, Greece to shed its light for 12 days on the quadrennial renewal of the
ancient Olympic spirit of excellence, brotherhood and peace. This tower was erected to hold that flame and stands as an everlasting monument to the 1,282 Olympians from 37 nations who took part in these Olympic Games.” This is the site of the 1980 Olympic Winter Games opening ceremony.
John Brown Farm State Historic Site: Located at 2 John Brown Road, this is the burial site of abolitionist John Brown, who was hanged for treason on Dec. 2, 1859, after he and his supporters captured the U.S. arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia (now in West Virginia). Brown moved to this farm with his family in 1855, and he was buried here on Dec. 8, 1859. The property includes hiking/ cross-country ski trails, the farm house, a pond and a barn with exhibits, including “Dreaming of Timbuctoo.”
Adirondak Loj: The Adirondack Mountain Club, which celebrated its centennial in 2022, operates the historic Adirondak Loj at its Heart Lake property near Lake Placid. At the foot of some of the tallest High Peaks, it is the largest and most popular trailhead in the Adirondack Park. The Loj was built in 1927 when the Lake Placid Club owned the property. Learn more at www.adk.org.
Wilmington
Santa’s Workshop: Located on the Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway, this was one of America’s first theme parks, opening on July 1, 1949. Opened by businessman Julian Reiss, it was designed by Arto Monaco, a former Walt Disney and MGM artist, and constructed by Harold Fortune.
Whiteface Mountain Ski Center: Located on state Route 86, the state of New York opened this ski center on Jan. 25, 1958. It was home of the alpine events during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games. Learn more at www.whiteface.com.
Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway: Drive up the highway to reach the top of New York’s fifth-highest peak (4,867 feet).
Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the road in 1929 and opened it in 1936 when he was the U.S. president. The alpine-style gatehouse where motorists pay their toll was constructed in 1934. Lake Stevens at the toll house was named for 1932 Olympic bobsledder J. Hubert Stevens, and it is stocked annually to provide fishing opportunities. The Lake Stevens Tree Trail offers a self-guided, 10-minute walk. The highway is open from May to October. Learn more at www.whiteface.com.
High Falls Gorge: Located on state Route 86 in Wilmington, High Falls Gorge is one of a handful of historic natural wonders in the Adirondack Park. It is a 22-acre, privately owned nature park that has been open to the public since the 1890s. Learn more online at highfallsgorge.com.
Saranac Laboratory Museum, Saranac Lake
(Staff photo — Andy Flynn
Olympic Center in Lake Placid (Staff photo — Andy Flynn
Learn about the history, and extravagant Gilded Age life style of the Great Camps as you take a walking tour of the buildings and grounds of the Historic White Pine Camp.
All Tours start @ 11:30 am Rain or shine.
Wednesday Tours from June 18-Sept.24
Saturday Tours from June 21-Sept.27
No reservations necessary
Adults $12, Children under twelve $6.00. Payment by cash or check.
Questions? Call White Pine Camp at 518-327-3030
Hiking and paddling challenges
By ANDY FLYNN Guide Editor
The Adirondack Park is full of challenges for hiking and paddling. If hiking all the 46 High Peaks (adk46er.org) to become a 46er is too ambitious, try the hiking challenges that feature some of the lower peaks in Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake and Lake Placid.
Tupper Lake Hiking Triad
There are two patches for the Tupper Lake Triad hiking challenge: Summer (between March 21 and Dec. 19) and Winter (between Dec. 20 and March 20).
For more information, including registration for the challenge, visit www.tupperlaketriad.com.
¯ Mount Arab: 2 miles round-trip, 2,545 feet elevation. Trailhead: From the intersection of state routes 3 and 30 in the village of Tupper Lake, follow Route 3 toward Piercefield. In about 7.25 miles, turn left on Conifer Road and follow it for almost 2 miles to Mount Arab Road, on the left. Drive about 1 mile. The trailhead is on the left; parking is on the right. There is a fire tower on the peak of Mount Arab.
¯ Coney Mountain: 2.2 miles round-trip, 2,280 feet elevation. Trailhead: From the intersection of state routes 3 and 30 in the village of Tupper Lake, follow Route 30 toward Long Lake. Drive just under 12 miles to trailhead on the left. A state DEC sign marks the location.
¯ Goodman Mountain: 3.4 miles round-trip, 2,178 feet elevation. Trailhead: From the intersection of state routes 3 and 30 in the village of Tupper Lake, follow Route 30 toward Long Lake. Drive just under 10 miles to Lumberjack Spring on the left. Lumberjack Spring is not marked, but a trailhead post is located there.
Tupper Lake Paddling Triad
The Tupper Lake Paddling Triad involves three paddles. Earn a patch by completing them all.
For more information, including registration for the challenge,
Paddling in the Tupper Lake region
(Provided photo — TupperLake.com/ROOST)
(Provided photo — TupperLake.com/ROOST)
visit www.tupperlaketriad.com.
¯ Stony Creek Pond to Axton Landing: 3.25 miles one way through the Stony Creek Ponds and to the Raquette River to Axton Landing. Launch: From the intersection of state routes 3 and 30 in Tupper Lake, follow Route 3 toward Saranac Lake. Keep right on Route 3 at the “Y.” In about 2.5 miles, Coreys Road will be on the right. Turn here and continue down to the state boat launch at Stony Creek Ponds.
¯ The “Crusher” boat launch to Big Tupper: 7.75 miles one way on the Raquette River, Simon Pond and Big Tupper Lake. Launch: From the intersection of state routes 3 and 30 in Tupper Lake, follow Route 3 toward Saranac Lake. Before approaching the “Y” you will see a state boat launch for the Raquette River on the right hand side of the road. Organizers recommend leaving a car at the Big Tupper boat launch for when you finish. To get to this boat launch, head out on Route 30 toward Long Lake. A quarter mile after crossing Moody Bridge, you will see the boat launch on your right.
¯ Raquette Pond to Setting Pole Dam: 3.25 miles one way on Raquette Pond and Raquette River. Launch: From the intersection of routes 3 and 30 in Tupper Lake, follow Route 3 toward Piercefield. The boat launch is located in the Tupper Lake Waterfront Park, across the street from McDonald’s. Park in the lot at the park and launch right there. Organizers recommend leaving a car at Setting Pole Dam. To get to Setting Pole Dam, head toward Piercefield on Route 3. Just outside of Tupper Lake, you will find Setting Pole Dam Road on your left after about 4.5 miles. Continue down this road until you meet a stop sign, then turn right. This will take you right to a parking area at the dam.
Saranac Lake 6er hiking challenge
There are four patches for the Saranac Lake 6er hiking challenge: Summer, Winter, Ultra Summer and Ultra Winter.
Ultra hikers leave from Berkeley Green — corner of Main Street and Broadway — in downtown Saranac Lake, complete all six mountains in 24 hours and finish at Berkeley Green, where they can ring the bell in the pavilion. Winter hikes are completed between Dec. 21 and March 21. All hikes must have been complet-
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Tupper Lake Hiking Triad patch
Welcome to Tupper Lake
By ANDY FLYNN Guide Editor
The village of Tupper Lake and town of Piercefield have been known as year-round outdoor recreation destinations for generations, from skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice fishing in the winter to hiking, camping, boating, paddling, golfing, biking, birding and fishing in the warm-weather months.
Famous for its sunsets on Raquette Pond, this community is a nature lover’s paradise, quiet and laid back, and the perfect base camp for your Adirondack adventures.
And don’t forget swimming at popular places such as the Little Wolf Beach, Bog River Falls and the Raquette River.
Find what you need at one of the local outfitters, or hire an outdoor guide for your adventure.
Tupper Lake is home to The Wild Center, one of the most popular attractions in all of northern New York. The museum is located on a 115-acre campus and includes the Wild Walk. Learn more at visit www.wildcenter.org or 518-359-7800.
The Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory (www.adirondackskycenter.org) on Big Wolf Road connects residents and visitors to the night sky with programs throughout the year.
Stop by the Tupper Lake History Museum, 291 Park St., open from June to September, and learn about the roots of this town, from the early days of Mohawk life to the heyday of the lumbering and wood products industry. For more information, call 518-3590117 or visit https://tinyurl.com/bdvufn7w.
The Tupper Lake Field Day returns on July 19 in 2025 at the Waterfront Park. The day begins with a parade featuring a float contest. Then families can enjoy activities such as sack races, threelegged races and tug-of-war for youth and adults. There will also be cornhole competitions, food trucks, artisan crafts vendors, chain saw carving, face painting, inflatable bouncy houses, live music, a mechanical bull and more.
Big Tupper Lake
(Provided photo — TupperLake.com/ROOST)
The Tupper Lake Field Day returns on July 19, 2025. (Staff photo — Aaron Marbone)
Tupper Lake History Museum board members Dian Connor and Kathleen Lefebvre pose in July 2024 in front of photos taken by Kathleen Bigrow, which were collected by Jim Lanthier, in the museum’s new building at 291 Park St.
(File photo — Galen Halasz)
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The annual Tupper Lake Tinman Triathlon (www.tupperlaketinman.com) is set for June 29 in 2025.
The Adirondack State Theater (www.tupperlakemovies.com) and Tupper Arts (www.tupperarts.org) on Park Street celebrate culture in the community. Tupper Arts presents art and photography shows and sponsors the free Summer Sunset Series of concerts at the Flanders Park band shell in July and August.
Tupper Lake is home to a professional baseball team, the Riverpigs, which plays other teams in the Empire Baseball League during June and July. Their home stadium is the Raquette Pond Stadium (Municipal Park) on Demars Boulevard. The 2025 season begins at 7 p.m. June 19 at home against the LA Bullies. Learn more at https://tupperlakeriverpigs.com.
Tupper Lake is the western terminus of the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail and the northern terminus of the Adirondack Railroad excursions from Thendara and Utica. Learn more about Tupper Lake at www.tupperlake.com.
Scenes from The Wild Center
Tupper Lake’s Summer Sunset Series is held in Flanders Park in July and August. See Page 37 for the 2025 schedule.
(Staff photo — Aarone Marbone)
The Wild Center, a natural history museum in Tupper Lake, features many exhibits and programs, including the Wild Walk above the trees and paddling on the Oxbow of the Raquette River.
(Provided photos — The Wild Center)
ed after May 25, 2013.
Hikers who finish the six peaks have the privilege of ringing the bell at Berkeley Green.
For more information, including registration for the challenge, visit www.saranaclake.com/saranac-lake-6er.
¯ Baker Mountain: 1.8 miles round-trip (from the trailhead), 2,457 feet elevation. Beginning in 2022, no longer will starting at the Baker Mountain trailhead count for the 6er program. Now, to earn a 6er patch, one must start and end their Baker Mountain summit (on foot) from the 6er bell at Berkeley Green. Trailhead: From Berkeley Green, head east on Main Street. Take a right on Pine Street and a left on Forest Hill Avenue. Follow it clockwise, as it wraps around Moody Pond. The trailhead is on the left about half a mile.
¯ St. Regis Mountain: 6.6 miles round-trip, 2,874 feet elevation. Trailhead: From downtown Saranac Lake head west on state Route 86, toward Paul Smiths. At Paul Smith’s College, turn right on state Route 30, take the first left on Keese Mill Road. Follow the road for almost 3 miles to the trailhead parking on the left.
¯ Haystack Mountain: 6.6 miles round-trip, 2,874 feet elevation. Trailhead: From downtown Saranac Lake, take state Route 86 east toward Lake Placid. Continue for about 5 miles and look for the large parking area on the left. This is also the parking area for McKenzie Mountain.
¯ Scarface Mountain: 7.6 miles round-trip, 3,058 feet elevation. As of the summer 2024, the trail on Scarface Mountain was closed for repairs. Hikers can hike all the other mountains, but they can’t complete the challenge until the Scarface trail reopens.
¯ Ampersand Mountain: 5.4 miles round-trip, 3,352 feet elevation. Trailhead: From downtown Saranac Lake, turn right onto state Route 3, heading west toward Tupper Lake. The parking area is on the right after about 8 miles. The trailhead is across the road on the left.
¯ McKenzie Mountain: 10.6 miles round-trip, 3,861 feet elevation. Trailhead: From downtown Saranac Lake, take state Route 86 east toward Lake Placid. Continue for about 5 miles and look for the large parking area on the left. This is also the parking area for Haystack Mountain.
Saranac Lake Paddling Challenge
Earn a Saranac Lake Paddling Challenge patch by completing five paddles.
For more information, including registration for the challenge, visit www.saranaclake.com/saranac-lake-paddling-challenge.
¯ South Creek to Second Pond: 7 miles, following the creek into Middle Saranac Lake, entering the Saranac River to Lower Saranac Lake and following the Saranac River to the Second Pond boat launch. Launch: The trip starts at the South Creek access site (Middle Saranac Lake boat launch), on the south side of state Route 3, about 10 miles west of Saranac Lake.
¯ Second Pond to Lake Flower: 6 miles, following the Saranac River, through the Lower Locks, into Oseetah Lake, continuing on
¯ Saranac River — Pine Street to McCasland Bridge: 5 miles on the Saranac River. Launch: Start this paddle at the Pine Street
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Your Local Outfitters Since 1983
the Saranac River to Lake Flower. Launch: Parking is located at the Second Pond boat launch on the south side of state Route 3, 3.5 miles west of Saranac Lake.
Hiking St. Regis Mountain near Paul Smiths (File photo)
Welcome to Malone
By ANDY FLYNN Guide Editor
The historic village of Malone is in the Northern Tier region of New York state bordering Canada, where you will find that life becomes intermingled with visitors from the provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
This gives the communities in northern Franklin and St. Lawrence counties much more of an international feel. Not that it looks like the older neighborhoods in Montreal or Quebec City, just that there may be some French Canadian accents about.
With Lake Champlain to the east and the St. Lawrence River to the west, there are ample summer outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, cycling, mountain biking, boating, paddling, golfing, fishing and birding.
Malone is home to a professional baseball team, the Border Hounds, which plays other teams in the Empire Baseball League during June and July. Their home stadium is the Border Hounds Field (American Legion Field) off Route 11. Their 2025 season begins at 5 p.m. June 20 at home against the LA Bullies. Learn more at maloneborderhounds.com.
Also in the Empire League are the North Country Thunderbirds, based outside Fort Covington. Their home is Salmon River Park at the Salmon River Central School, 637 County Route 1, Fort
Covington. They begin their 2025 season on the road, playing the Malone Border Hounds at Veterans Field at 5 p.m. June 21. Their first home game starts at 1 p.m. June 25 against the LA Bullies. Every summer, people from all over the North Country visit Malone to see the Franklin County Fair, which is Aug. 2-10, 2025.
There are also plenty of farms, food producers and those who make cider, beer and wine. The farm-to-table movement is alive and well in this region.
There is plenty to do in the communities of Malone, Akwesasne, Massena, Potsdam, Canton and Ogdensburg and smaller hamlets across the two counties.
Attractions in northern Franklin and St. Lawrence counties include the Almanzo Wilder Homestead in Burke; Eisenhower Lock in Massena; Lyon Mountain Mining and Railroad Museum; Chateaugay Historical Society; Akwesasne Mohawk Casino; Akwesasne Library and Cultural Center; Franklin County Historical Museum in Malone; Silas Wright Museum (St. Lawrence County Historical Association) and Traditional Arts in Upstate New York in Canton; St. Lawrence Power & Equipment Museum in Madrid; Frederic Remington Art Museum in Ogdensburg; and Potsdam Public Museum.
For more information about visiting these two counties, check out visitmalone.com or visitstlc.com.
Aug. 9; and Franklin County Ag Society Truck & Tractor Pull and NYTPA Tractor
on Aug. 10. Learn more at www.frcofair.com.
(File photo)
This year’s Franklin County Fair will be held from Aug. 2 to 10 in 2025 at the fairgrounds in Malone. Highlights will include the demolition derby on Aug. 2; monster trucks and stunt show on Aug. 3; Northern New York Truck & Tractor Pull on Aug. 4; Miss Franklin County Fair Pageant, Franklin County Fair 175th Anniversary Celebration, Small Town Famous/Franklin County Has Talent and Cornhole Tournament on Aug. 5; Blippi Join The Band Tour on Aug. 6; Sawyer Brown with special guest Drew Baldridge on Aug. 7; Cooper Alan with special guest Josh Ross on Aug. 8; Blue Oyster Cult with special guest Foghat on
Pull
(Staff photo — Andy Flynn)
bridge hand launch site, on the west side of the bridge.
¯ St. Regis Chain of Lakes: Varying distances depending on route taken. Launch: Parking is in the large lot to the right of the library on the Paul Smith’s College campus, 12 miles northwest of Saranac Lake. The campus entrance is located at the intersection of state routes 86 and 30. Put in at the public access on Lower St. Regis Lake. Paddle 2.5 miles down to the dam where Paul Smith generated electricity for his hotel complex. You can also paddle across the lake to the marshy “slough” through Spitfire lake past historic Rabbit Island and paddle out into Upper St. Regis Lake. You can return to campus or take out at the public launch to the left of the St. Regis Shore Owners boat launch at the end of the St. Regis Carry Road.
¯ Follensby Clear Pond Loop: 4 miles paddling the length of Follensby Clear Pond to a short carry over to Polliwog Pond. Continue across Polliwog Pond to a short carry over to Little Polliwog Pond, then take the short paddle across to the carry to Horseshoe Pond. Paddle across Horseshoe to the short carry back to Follensby Clear and back to your car. Launch: Park at the Follensby Clear Pond boat launch on state Route 30.
Lake Placid 9’er hiking challenge
There are four patches for the Lake Placid 9’er hiking challenge: Summer, Winter, Ultra Summer and Ultra Winter. Ultra hikers must complete all nine mountains in 24 hours.
The Lake Placid 9’er winter hikes are completed between Dec. 21 and March 20 (starting after Dec. 21, 2018). All summer hikes must have been completed after July 1, 2018.
For more information, including registration for the challenge, visit https://lakeplacid9er.com.
¯ Cobble Hill, Lake Placid: 2.2 miles round-trip, 2,332 feet elevation. The trailhead is on Mirror Lake Drive next to the entrance of Northwood School. There is no parking lot there, so hikers must park in the village and walk to the trailhead.
¯ Mount Jo, Lake Placid: 2.6 miles round-trip, 2,876 feet elevation. Trailhead: From Lake Placid, go east on state Route 73 to Adirondack Loj Road. Parking lot is at High Peaks Information Center. There is a parking fee.
¯ Baxter Mountain, Keene: 2.4 miles round-trip, 2,440 feet elevation. Trailhead: From Lake Placid, take state Route 73 west past Keene. Take left on Route 9N toward Elizabethtown. Continue about 2 miles to the top of hill. Trailhead is on the right.
¯ Mount Van Hoevenberg, Lake Placid: 4.4 miles roundtrip, 2,940 feet elevation. Trailhead: From Lake Placid, take state Route 73 east to Adirondack Loj Road. After 4 miles, take left on Meadow Lane. Trailhead is 0.25 miles on left. The Mount Van Hoevenberg “East Trail” begins at the Olympic Sports Complex off state Route 73.
¯ Big Crow Mountain, Keene: 1.4 miles round-trip, 2,815 feet elevation. Trailhead: From Lake Placid, take state Route 73 east. At 200 yards past the intersection with Route 9N in Keene, turn left on Hurricane Road at Keene Town Hall. At just over 2 miles, bear left on O’Toole Lane for 1.2 miles to end at Crow Clearing. Trail is on left.
¯ Bear Den Mountain, Wilmington: 4.5 miles round-trip, 2,650 feet elevation. Trailhead: From Lake Placid, follow state Route 86 to Whiteface Mountain Ski Center. Turn left into center. Follow road around to the right and the Bear Den Lot.
¯ Pitchoff Mountain, Lake Placid: 5.2 miles round-trip, 3,500 feet elevation. Trailhead: From Lake Placid, take state Route 73 to the Pitchoff West Trail, 7.5 miles. Pitchoff East Trail is 2.7 miles farther on Route 73. Trailhead is on left, parking on right.
¯ Catamount Mountain, Wilmington: 3.6 miles round-trip, 3,169 feet elevation. Trailhead: From Wilmington, take Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway. Just before the toll house, bear right toward Franklin Falls. Continue 3.3 miles to Roseman Road. Take a right. Follow Roseman Road for 0.8 mile. Turn right on Plank Road. Follow 2.2 miles to parking area on left.
¯ Hurricane Mountain, Keene: 6.8 miles round-trip, 3,678 feet elevation. Trailhead: From Lake Placid, take state Route 73
A hiker enjoys a view of the High Peaks, Olympic Jumping Complex and North Elba Show Grounds from the summit of Cobble Mountain in the village of Lake Placid.
(Provided photo — LakePlacid.com/ROOST)
past Keene. Turn left on Route 9N after 15.5 miles. Parking area is 3.5 miles on right. Trailhead is on left.
ADK Fire Tower Challenge
Here’s a hiking challenge that combines history with outdoor recreation: the Adirondack Mountain Club’s Fire Tower Challenge, a program of ADK’s Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter.
There’s also a Winter Fire Tower Challenge (Dec. 21 and March 21).
People completing the challenge do not have to be ADK members.
To complete the challenge and receive the official full-color patch, hikers must climb and document, by date, ascents of at least 23 fire tower summits: 18 of the Adirondack Park summits and all five Catskill Park summits. Climbing each tower itself is not required, and it is not recommended for those towers that have not been restored for safe public use.
Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/8cu8hb75.
Adirondack Park
Mount Adams, Mount Arab, Azure Mountain, Bald (Rondaxe) Mountain, Belfry Mountain, Black Mountain, Blue Mountain, Cathedral Rock, Goodnow Mountain, Gore Mountain**, Hadley Mountain, Hurricane Mountain, Kane Mountain, Loon Lake Mountain, Lyon Mountain, Owls Head Mountain, Pillsbury Mountain, Poke-o-Moonshine Mountain, Snowy Mountain, Spruce Mountain*, Stillwater Mountain*, St. Regis Mountain, Vanderwhacker Mountain, Wakely Mountain, Woodhull Mountain
* Closed during hunting season.
Catskill Park
Balsam Lake Mountain, Hunter Mountain**, Overlook Mountain, Red Hill, Mount Tremper
** Because this is a hiker challenge, ADK asks Challenge completers submitting Gore and Hunter mountains do so on the trails (rather than a ski lift).
The hamlet of Inlet is in Hamilton County. (Provided photo — AdirondackExperience.com/ROOST)
Welcome to the Central Adk’s
By ANDY FLYNN Guide Editor
The Central Adirondacks include communities in Hamilton, Essex and Herkimer counties such as Long Lake, Raquette Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Newcomb, Minerva, Schroon Lake, North Hudson, Indian Lake, Speculator, Inlet and Old Forge.
HIGH PEAKS GOLF COURSE
Nearby, you will also find many more family-friendly activities in the communities of Warren County to the east, such as North Creek, Lake Luzerne, Chestertown, Pottersville, Brant Lake, Bolton, Warrensburg and Lake George (www.visitlakegeorge. com).
Continued on Page 45
The McIntyre Iron Furnace is located on the west shore of the Hudson River off the Upper Works Road in the town of Newcomb. According to interpretive signs at the site erected by the Open Space Institute, construction began in 1849 and it was completed in 1854. It was first fired on Aug. 20, 1854. In 1855, the furnace was producing 10 to 12 tons of iron per day, operating around the clock. However, due to “transportation difficulties, lack of funds, and a national recession,” the owners ceased operations. In 1857, flooding destroyed the dams here and at the Lower Works, and the furnace never fired again. (Provided photo — AdirondackExperience.com/ROOST)
The Adirondack Experience engages you with interactive exhibits, unexpected stories, and an amazing collection of artwork and historical objects. Here we bridge the past and present, fostering the curious side in everyone.
The Vanderwhacker Mountain fire tower is located in the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest between the hamlets of Newcomb and Minera.
(Provided photo — AdirondackExperience.com/ROOST)
The Great Adirondack Moose Festival in Indian Lake will be held Sept. 26-28 in 2025.
(Provided photo — AdirondackExperience.com/ROOST)
Continued from Page 43
Here in the heart of the Adirondack Park you will find an abundance of summer outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, road cycling, mountain biking, boating, paddling, golfing, fishing and birding.
Attractions include the Adirondack Railroad in Thendara; View Center for Arts and Culture, Enchanted Forest/Water Safari, McCauley Mountain Scenic Chairlift, Goodsell Museum and Strand Theatre in Old Forge; Indian Lake Theater; Great Camp Sagamore in Raquette Lake; Raquette Lake Navigation Company; Great Camp Santanoni, Newcomb Historical Museum and Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb; Natural Stone Bridge & Caves in Pottersville; Minerva Historical Society in Olmstedville; Schroon-North Hudson Historical Society and Seagle Festival in Schroon Lake; and Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts and the Adirondack Experience museum in Blue Mountain Lake.
The Adirondack Hub is a subsection of the Central Adirondack Region and features the four towns of Minerva, Newcomb, North Hudson and Schroon Lake. Learn more at www.adirondackhub. com.
For more information about the Central Adirondack Region, visit online at www.adirondackhub.com, www.adirondackexperience. com, oldforgeny.com, www.mylonglake.com and www.newcombny.com.
Paddling the Opalescent River in the town of Newcomb
(Provided photo — AdirondackExperience.com/ROOST)
“If you can’t find it at 40 year-old Hoss’s, you probably don’t need it.” -Martha Stewart
Adirondack
Landmark
Swimming at Little Wolf Beach in Tupper Lake is a popular summertime activity.
(Provided photo — TupperLake.com/ROOST)
Learn more with these tourism resources
Adirondack Regional Tourism Council: https://visitadirondacks. com
Adirondack Hub (Minerva, North Hudson, Newcomb, Schroon Lake): www.adirondackhub.com
Clinton County
Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau: 7061 Route 9, Plattsburgh, 877-242-6752. http://goadirondack.com
Essex County
Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism and Lake Placid Convention/Visitors Bureau: 518-523-2445, with offices in Lake Placid (2608 Main St.) and Crown Point (814 Bridge Road), www. lakeplacid.com
Whiteface Mountain Regional Visitors Bureau: 5753 Route 86, Wilmington, 888-944-8332, www.whitefaceregion.com
Lake Champlain Region: 866-843-5253, www.lakechamplainregion.com
Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce: 94 Montcalm St., Suite 1, Ticonderoga, 518-585-6619, https://ticonderogany.com
Town of Newcomb: 5639 Route 28N, Newcomb, 518-5823211, www.newcombny.com
Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce: 1075 Route 9, Schroon Lake, 518-532-7675, www.schroonlakechamber.org
Franklin County
Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce: 39 Main St., Saranac Lake, 518-891-1990, www.saranaclake.com
Tupper Lake Information Center: 121 Park St., Tupper Lake, 518-359-3328, www.tupperlake.com
Malone Chamber of Commerce: 497 East Main St., Malone, 518-483-3760, www.malonechamberofcommerce.com
Franklin County Local Development Corporation: 355 West Main St., Suite 428, Malone, 518-651-2868, www.visitmalone. com
Fulton County
Fulton County Visitors Bureau: 1 East Montgomery St., Johnstown, 800-676-3858, www.44lakes.com
Village of Northville: 412 South Main St., Northville, 518-8634211 www.villageofnorthville.com
Hamilton County
Hamilton County Office of Economic Development and Tourism: 102 County View Dr., Lake Pleasant, 800-648-5239, www. adirondackexperience.com
Town of Long Lake Parks, Recreation and Tourism: 1130 Deerland Road, Long Lake, 518-624-3077, https://mylonglake.com
Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce: 6132 state Route 28, Indian Lake, 518-648-5112, www.indian-lake.com
Inlet Information Office: 160 state Route 28 at Arrowhead Park, Inlet, 315-357-5501, www.inletny.com
Speculator Region Chamber of Commerce: 2960 state Route 30, Speculator, 518-548-4521, www.speculatorchamber.com
Herkimer County
Town of Webb Visitor Information Center: 3140 state Route 28, Old Forge, 315-369-6983, www.oldforgeny.com
Lewis County
Lewis County Chamber of Commerce: 7551 South State St., Lowville, 315-376-2213, https://discovertughill.com
St. Lawrence County
St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center: 101 Main St., first floor, Canton, 877-228-7810, www.visitstlc. com
Saratoga County
Discover Saratoga (Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau): 60 Railroad Place, Suite 301, Saratoga Springs, 518-584-1531, www.discoversaratoga.org
Warren County
Warren County Tourism Department: 1340 Route 9, Lake George, 800-958-4748, www.visitlakegeorge.com
Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB: 2176 Route 9, Lake George, 518-668-5755, www.lakegeorgechamber. com
Bolton Landing Chamber of Commerce: 4928 Lakeshore Dr., Bolton Landing, 518-644-3831, www.boltonchamber.com
North Warren Chamber of Commerce: 3 Dynamite Hill Road, Chestertown, 518-494-2722, https://northwarren.com
Lake Luzerne Regional Chamber of Commerce: 37 Main St., Lake Luzerne, 518-696-5804, https://lakeluzernechamber.org
Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce: 3839 Main St., Warrensburg, 518-623-2161, https://warrensburgchamber.com
Washington County
Washington County Tourism: 383 Broadway, Fort Edward, 888-203-8622, https://washingtoncounty.fun
Emergency contacts
General emergencies: Call 911
Backcountry emergencies: 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833697-7264)
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation operates a dispatch center at the DEC Region 5 office in Ray Brook 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It should only be contacted to report backcountry emergencies (lost or injured people and wildfires).
Non-emergencies: The New York State Police Troop B, 518897-2000, Clinton, Franklin, Essex, St. Lawrence, Hamilton counties; Troop D, 315-366-6000, Lewis, Herkimer, Oneida, counties; Troop G, 518-783-3211, Fulton, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren, Washington counties.
Welcome to Plattsburgh
By ANDY FLYNN Contributing Writer
Up north, the city of Plattsburgh on Lake Champlain is a center for shopping, health care and education, yet it retains its historical and outdoor recreation roots while growing as a cultural center in northern New York.
One can find the typical outdoor activities, such as boating, paddling, sailing, swimming, hiking, cycling, camping and fishing.
For sports fans, there’s the Airborne Park Speedway at 70 Broderick Road in Plattsburgh (www.airborneparkspeedwayny.com).
Bordering New York on the east coast of Lake Champlain is the state of Vermont, and to the north is the Canadian province of Quebec. Lake Champlain ferries (https://ferries.com) cross from Essex, N.Y. to Charlotte, Vt. and from Plattsburgh, N.Y. to Grand Isle, Vt. Motorists can also use two bridges from New York to reach Vermont, one at Crown Point and one at Rouses Point.
In Plattsburgh, cultural institutions include the Plattsburgh State Art Museum (https://tinyurl.com/4p2eadap), Strand Center for the Arts (www.strandcenter.org), Clinton County Historical Association Museum, War of 1812 Museum (battleofplattsburgh. org), Kent-Delord House Museum (www.kentdelordhouse.org) and Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum (plattsburghafbmuseum.org).
Nearby attractions include the Samuel de Champlain History Center (www.champlainhistory.org) in Champlain and the Alice T. Miner Museum (www.minermuseum.org) in Chazy.
Plattsburgh is also a transportation hub in the North Country, providing air service at the Plattsburgh International Airport.
The 2025 Clinton County Fair (clintoncountyfair.com) is set for July 7-12 at the fairgrounds in Morrisonville.
Learn more about Plattsburgh and the Lake Champlain region at www.goadirondack.com or www.lakechamplainregion.com.
A ferry on Lake Champlain makes its way from New York to Vermont.
(Staff photo — Andy Flynn)
New York’s Adirondack Park encompasses 6 million acres, roughly the size of Vermont. It was created by the Legislature in 1892 and is now the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States. Nearly half of the Park is owned by the state and is constitutionally protected as “forever wild” Forest Preserve. The remaining half is private land that includes communities, farms, timber lands, businesses, homes and camps.
