Saranac Lake and Lake Placid combine to provide fun and exciting outdoor experiences for the intrepid adventure seeker and, also, the soft outdoor adventure enthusiast. Hiking, boating, fishing, and camping are to be expected in Upstate New York. Some unexpected outdoor adventure ideas include lake tobogganing, ice climbing, Olympic skiing, an abolitionist’s farm, and a festive winter carnival.
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Note: Some information in this piece was obtained during a sponsored press trip, but all recommendations are my own.
1. Hiking
Saranac Lake, New York
The 1-mile Riverwalk that runs along the Saranac River is an easy, paved path on the edge of downtown Saranac Lake. The busy path is filled with walkers enjoying the outdoors with their friends, family, and fur babies. It is the perfect spot to stroll along the riverbank.
Scattered around downtown Saranac Lake is the Bug Crawl. Seven larger-than-life bug sculptures dot the area for your artistic enjoyment. If you are traveling with little ones, going on a bug hunt is a fun way to keep them active and engaged.
Pro Tip: According to AllTrails, there are 14 hiking trails in the Saranac Lake area. From the easy-rated 17.3-mile Upper Saranac Paddle Route to the harder 7.9-mile Jackrabbit Trail to Haystack Mountain, there are hiking trails for everyone who wants to get outside and explore the beautiful Adirondack scenery.
2. Boating
Saranac Lake, New York
With so many lakes to choose from, you can launch your boat and explore a new area every day. Whether you are on a peaceful kayaking excursion or a pontoon party boat, you will find your best boating getaway on Saranac Lake. The Franklin County Boat Launch list reveals over 20 launch sites across the county.
Pro Tip: Lower Saranac Lake and Middle Saranac Lake are accessed through a series of locks. You can explore the lakes with the complete boating and fishing map at Green Goat Maps.
3. Fishing
Saranac Lake, New York
In the Saranac Lakes region, you could haul in northern pike, walleye, perch, rainbow trout, and bass (large and small mouth). Whether you are a catch-and-release angler or a hunter-gatherer working on your next meal, the fishing in Saranac Lake is just waiting for you to explore.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a boat or need a guide, NY Fisherman has an extensive list of Adirondack fishing guides to get you out on the water to explore all the great fishing spots for a good line tug.
4. Skiing And Snowboarding
Whiteface Mountain, New York
Home of the 1980 Olympic alpine ski events, Whiteface Mountain is the premiere skiing/boarding mountain in Lake Placid. With a peak elevation of 4,867 feet, 94 trails covering 22 miles, and 11 lift options, you will love skiing at Whiteface Mountain.
It is easy to enjoy Whiteface Mountain in the summer months too. They offer great hiking, scenic gondola rides, and a disc golf course.
Pro Tip: The Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway is a seasonal drive offering stunning panoramic views; it is also a toll road that is closed in the off-season. If you want to see the mountain or go skiing, be sure to turn where the flashing “ski resort” signs are along the roadway. Directions to both the ski resort and scenic drive can be found here.
5. Tobogganing
Lake Placid Toboggan Chute, New York
Just a short walk from the center of town is the Lake Placid Toboggan Chute. Winter fun for the young and young at heart, the 30-foot-tall converted ski jump turned toboggan chute is sure to give you a smile.
Climb up the slide and take a thrilling ride down the ice-covered chute. At the end, you will slide onto and across a frozen Mirror Lake. After a few runs, head over to the downtown area for a hot lunch at the breakfast club, etc. for a salted caramel latte or your favorite anti-chill beverage.
Pro Tip: To ensure all riders’ safety, the tobogganing season is dependent on the depth of ice on Mirror Lake.
6. Forest Bathing
Mount Pisgah Recreation Center, Saranac Lake
The sunlight casts a dappled pattern on the forest floor as you follow your guide. A local naturalist will help you connect with the trees, sounds, and aromas of the Adirondacks. Forest bathing insists you slow down, breathe deep, and just be — no agenda, no yoga, just you and the trees.
Pro Tip: The 2.5-hour guided tours are available seasonally, from early April until the end of November.
7. Saranac Lake Winter Carnival
Saranac Lake, New York
If you plan your Saranac Lake visit during February, you can join in all the cold weather fun at the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. Winter games like curling, arctic golf, skiing, fun runs, fry pan tosses, and other wonderful hometown shenanigans make this a festive time all through the streets of Saranac Lake. Live music, parades, and fireworks abound for the more passive carnival attendee.
8. Ice Climbing
Lake Placid, New York
Not for the inexperienced or faint of heart, ice climbing is a popular winter and early spring sport in the Adirondacks. Ice walls with names like Pitchoff, Cascade Pass, and Multiplication Gully throw a chilly challenge to even the most dedicated ice climber.
Pro Tip: Secure the services of a highly recommended, local, and experienced ice climbing guide for this off-the-charts outdoor adventure.
9. John Brown Farm
Lake Placid, New York
The abolitionist who organized the 1859 assault on the U.S. Arsenal at Harpers Ferry, John Brown, is laid to rest on his family farm in his beloved Adirondack Mountains. Docent-guided tours of Brown’s home and farm bring the family and their freedom-fighting to life.
The John Brown Farm State Historic Site has several hiking trails, cross-country skiing, and periodic re-enactments. The farm’s gentle slopes and pretty pond are lovely spots for a picnic or some quiet meditation.
10. Olympic Jumping Complex
Lake Placid, New York
Now, you can’t ski jump at the Olympic Jumping Complex unless you are in a competition, but you can watch experienced skiers take the death-defying run down the 128-meter and 100-meter ski jumps. You can get a feel for the rush down the run by trying out the zip line located next to the 100-meter jump; no skis are required.
For something a little less hair-raising, book a trip on the Skyride, a newly installed gondola that runs alongside the jumps. The gondola takes you to the base of the jumping towers, then you board a glass elevator that takes you to the sky deck of the 128-meter jumping platform. Be sure to bring your camera; the breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Placid and the surrounding mountains is spectacular.
11. Camping
Saranac Lakes Island Campground, Saranac Lake
Saranac Lakes Island Campground is a perfect spot for campers who want boating access to the lakes. Sporting 87 campsites and 5-day sites along with a boat launch area, you will love being in the middle of #LakeLife. Boating, fishing, and camping are true Saranac Lake showstopping outdoor experiences. All you need to round out the day is some dry firewood and a s’mores kit.
Pro Tip: Saranac Lakes Island Campground is open from mid-May through mid-September.
Saranac Waterfront Lodge
Saranac Lake, New York
When you are physically spent from all your fantastic outdoor adventures, return to your cozy space at the Saranac Waterfront Lodge. You will love relaxing on an iconic Adirondack chair with a view of Flower Lake from the back lawn. It is a lovely spot to enjoy the pretty Saranac Lake sunset. If you want to be close by for dinner, the porch at the adjoining Boathouse Saranac Lake Pub is the perfect spot for a delicious meal with a view.
Pro Tip: The Saranac Waterfront Lodge is located away from the bustle of downtown Saranac Lake, but it is close enough to walk to town and enjoy the town center.
Visiting Saranac Lake
The Adirondack Mountains are a wonderful spot to enjoy fun and exciting outdoor adventures during the winter and summer months. Saranac Lake is a central hub for your Upstate New York getaway. With stunning views, on-the-water sports, a rich history of Olympic events, mountain hiking, and on-the-snow experiences, Saranac Lake will entice you to embrace the outdoors while experiencing some exciting adventures.
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