Mari’s Guidebook - The Adirondacks
City/town information
The Town of Keene is our home. It's close to a number of big trailheads including the ADK Loj, the Cascades and some of our favorite stores and restaurants.
· Activities & Stores:
- Walk along the Ausable River: down the street from the house you can walk along the Ausable River.
- Cascade X-C Ski Center: a great place to start your cross-country skiing adventure in the Adirondacks is the “Cascade X-C Ski Center.” It’s a 12-minute drive from the house, and for beginners it’s a great place for your first lesson! They also have their own trails and offer rentals:
◦ https://www.cascadeski.com/ski/
- Dartbrook North & Dartbrook South: our next door neighbor, Dartbrook is a really artfully designed set of furniture stores. They also have cool Adirondack-esque gifts and knick-knacks.
- Black Rooster Maple: they sell locally produced maple syrup and maple syrup goods like candies, butters, teas
- East Branch Organics is a great place for a variety of adult beverages. In the spring they have great succulents
· Food & Restaurant Reccs:
- Forty-Six Restaurant: this restaurant is down the street from us. It's a good place to go for a nice dinner. It's more of a sit down spot, but you can get take out too. They have a small menu, but the food is great.
- Baxter Mountain Tavern: a five minute drive from the house, across the street from Baxter Mountain, is this restaurant. It's always been a solid place to go eat for me. Everything I have eaten there has been good, I like their sandwiches and soups in particular
- Cedar Run: There is a local market called Cedar Run that offers a variety of foods and high-quality products. I recommend their fresh soups and baked goods.
20 habitants recommandent
Keene
The Town of Keene is our home. It's close to a number of big trailheads including the ADK Loj, the Cascades and some of our favorite stores and restaurants.
· Activities & Stores:
- Walk along the Ausable River: down the street from the house you can walk along the Ausable River.
- Cascade X-C Ski Center: a great place to start your cross-country skiing adventure in the Adirondacks is the “Cascade X-C Ski Center.” It’s a 12-minute drive from the house, and for beginners it’s a great place for your first lesson! They also have their own trails and offer rentals:
◦ https://www.cascadeski.com/ski/
- Dartbrook North & Dartbrook South: our next door neighbor, Dartbrook is a really artfully designed set of furniture stores. They also have cool Adirondack-esque gifts and knick-knacks.
- Black Rooster Maple: they sell locally produced maple syrup and maple syrup goods like candies, butters, teas
- East Branch Organics is a great place for a variety of adult beverages. In the spring they have great succulents
· Food & Restaurant Reccs:
- Forty-Six Restaurant: this restaurant is down the street from us. It's a good place to go for a nice dinner. It's more of a sit down spot, but you can get take out too. They have a small menu, but the food is great.
- Baxter Mountain Tavern: a five minute drive from the house, across the street from Baxter Mountain, is this restaurant. It's always been a solid place to go eat for me. Everything I have eaten there has been good, I like their sandwiches and soups in particular
- Cedar Run: There is a local market called Cedar Run that offers a variety of foods and high-quality products. I recommend their fresh soups and baked goods.
Keene is split into Keene Valley and the Town of Keene. Besides being the entrance to a number of hikes, Keene Valley is home to several food spots & shops I like to recommend to guests.
· Activities & Stores:
- Hiking: Right outside of Keene Valley is where you will find a number of trailheads. Check out Mari's personal favorite hikes in the guidebook for some ideas! For easier access to the trails, take the "Garden Shuttle" from Marcy Field which we detail in the "Public Transportation" section in our guidebook. Also note, for trails that start at the AMR's (Adirondack Mountain Reserve) parking lot, aka the Ausable Club, you have to book a parking spot at least 24 hours in advance. See the "Parking Restrictions" in our guidebook for details on that as well.
- Keene Valley Farmer's Market (Seasonal): the market sets up on Marcy Field, held on Sundays, during the summer and early fall. The market showcases showcases local vendors from around the Adirondacks. Check out this link for more info:
◦ http://adirondackfarmersmarket.com/user/keene/
- The Mountaineer: a staple in Keene, they sell all kinds of gear for a mountain hike. They also have advice on local trail conditions, guiding services, and recommendations for outdoor activities
· Food & Restaurant Reccs:
- Noonmark Diner: this is a solid diner, great for breakfast. They also advertise they have a good pie
- Ausable Inn: This is a nice place for drinks and dinner (as of now, they have the only bar in Keene)
- Old Mountain Coffee: a good place to go for a coffee or tea
- Rivermeade Market: this is a good market with fresh soups, sandwiches and baked goods. Make sure to bring cash, they have a $20 credit card minimum.
- Keene Valley Grocery: I like this place for the types of local products they offer. I also like the daily special sandwiches they make.
29 habitants recommandent
Keene Valley
Keene is split into Keene Valley and the Town of Keene. Besides being the entrance to a number of hikes, Keene Valley is home to several food spots & shops I like to recommend to guests.
· Activities & Stores:
- Hiking: Right outside of Keene Valley is where you will find a number of trailheads. Check out Mari's personal favorite hikes in the guidebook for some ideas! For easier access to the trails, take the "Garden Shuttle" from Marcy Field which we detail in the "Public Transportation" section in our guidebook. Also note, for trails that start at the AMR's (Adirondack Mountain Reserve) parking lot, aka the Ausable Club, you have to book a parking spot at least 24 hours in advance. See the "Parking Restrictions" in our guidebook for details on that as well.
- Keene Valley Farmer's Market (Seasonal): the market sets up on Marcy Field, held on Sundays, during the summer and early fall. The market showcases showcases local vendors from around the Adirondacks. Check out this link for more info:
◦ http://adirondackfarmersmarket.com/user/keene/
- The Mountaineer: a staple in Keene, they sell all kinds of gear for a mountain hike. They also have advice on local trail conditions, guiding services, and recommendations for outdoor activities
· Food & Restaurant Reccs:
- Noonmark Diner: this is a solid diner, great for breakfast. They also advertise they have a good pie
- Ausable Inn: This is a nice place for drinks and dinner (as of now, they have the only bar in Keene)
- Old Mountain Coffee: a good place to go for a coffee or tea
- Rivermeade Market: this is a good market with fresh soups, sandwiches and baked goods. Make sure to bring cash, they have a $20 credit card minimum.
- Keene Valley Grocery: I like this place for the types of local products they offer. I also like the daily special sandwiches they make.
Lake Placid is the most well-known city in the area. Home to two winter Olympic Games, the city attracts a lot of tourism throughout the year. The highlights of Lake Placid are Mirror Lake, and its host of restaurants and shops.
· Activities:
- Walk around Mirror Lake: not to be confused with the actual "Lake Placid," which is on the other side of town, Mirror Lake borders Lake Placid's downtown. Here you can go swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, and in the winter you can go ice-skating, use the toboggan chute, and go dog-sledding.
- Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboards: check out the links below for renting kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards in Lake Placid to enjoy a nice outing on the lake! I have used EMS (first link below):
◦ https://www.ems.com/stores/lake-placid
◦ http://www.lakeplacidskiandboard.com/
◦ https://www.mlboatrental.com/
◦ http://www.placidboatrentals.com/
- Toboggan Chute in winter: when Mirror Lake freezes, the Town opens up the toboggan chute. It's very popular, and a lot of fun for those looking for a rush. It usually opens late December. Check out the link below for more info:
◦ https://www.lakeplacid.com/do/activities/lake-placid-toboggan-chute
- Ice Skating: you can also go ice-skating on Mirror Lake. Check out the link below for more info
◦ https://www.lakeplacid.com/do/activities/ice-skating
- Dog-Sledding: for those who are interested, you can also go dog-sledding on the lake. I have never done this, but I had a guest ask me about it so I thought to add it here. There are two people I found online who do it, and I also put an article about the experience below:
◦ Mike Arnold Dog Sled Rides - (518) 323-7622
◦ Thunder Mountain Dog Sled Tours - (518) 891-6239
◦ https://www.minitime.com/trip-tips/Lake-Placid-Dogsledding-article/
· Food & Restaurants Reccs:
- Lake Placid Pub & Brewery: I like Lake Placid Pub & Brewery, I think it has the best mix of food and drinks.
- Smoke Signals: This restaurant has great barbecue. I always get great feedback from guests who go.
- Big Slide Brewery: Big Slide is a little more modern than the other restaurants. It's a solid place. The same owner owns Lake Placid Pub.
- Top of the Park: for drinks and appetizers, I highly recommend Top of the Park at the end of Main Street. They open daily at 3pm. Sit at the bar and ask to play "the game"
- Cottage Cafe: I also like the Cottage Cafe for drinks and appetizers, also at the end of Main Street. They have Gondolas you can sit in and eat which is pretty cool
- Players: this is a decent bar restaurant. It's a pretty solid place. A good mix of food and drinks, it sits below the Top of The Park
257 habitants recommandent
Lake Placid
Lake Placid is the most well-known city in the area. Home to two winter Olympic Games, the city attracts a lot of tourism throughout the year. The highlights of Lake Placid are Mirror Lake, and its host of restaurants and shops.
· Activities:
- Walk around Mirror Lake: not to be confused with the actual "Lake Placid," which is on the other side of town, Mirror Lake borders Lake Placid's downtown. Here you can go swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, and in the winter you can go ice-skating, use the toboggan chute, and go dog-sledding.
- Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboards: check out the links below for renting kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards in Lake Placid to enjoy a nice outing on the lake! I have used EMS (first link below):
◦ https://www.ems.com/stores/lake-placid
◦ http://www.lakeplacidskiandboard.com/
◦ https://www.mlboatrental.com/
◦ http://www.placidboatrentals.com/
- Toboggan Chute in winter: when Mirror Lake freezes, the Town opens up the toboggan chute. It's very popular, and a lot of fun for those looking for a rush. It usually opens late December. Check out the link below for more info:
◦ https://www.lakeplacid.com/do/activities/lake-placid-toboggan-chute
- Ice Skating: you can also go ice-skating on Mirror Lake. Check out the link below for more info
◦ https://www.lakeplacid.com/do/activities/ice-skating
- Dog-Sledding: for those who are interested, you can also go dog-sledding on the lake. I have never done this, but I had a guest ask me about it so I thought to add it here. There are two people I found online who do it, and I also put an article about the experience below:
◦ Mike Arnold Dog Sled Rides - (518) 323-7622
◦ Thunder Mountain Dog Sled Tours - (518) 891-6239
◦ https://www.minitime.com/trip-tips/Lake-Placid-Dogsledding-article/
· Food & Restaurants Reccs:
- Lake Placid Pub & Brewery: I like Lake Placid Pub & Brewery, I think it has the best mix of food and drinks.
- Smoke Signals: This restaurant has great barbecue. I always get great feedback from guests who go.
- Big Slide Brewery: Big Slide is a little more modern than the other restaurants. It's a solid place. The same owner owns Lake Placid Pub.
- Top of the Park: for drinks and appetizers, I highly recommend Top of the Park at the end of Main Street. They open daily at 3pm. Sit at the bar and ask to play "the game"
- Cottage Cafe: I also like the Cottage Cafe for drinks and appetizers, also at the end of Main Street. They have Gondolas you can sit in and eat which is pretty cool
- Players: this is a decent bar restaurant. It's a pretty solid place. A good mix of food and drinks, it sits below the Top of The Park
Wilmington is the home of Whiteface Mountain. As you drive through the town, you will see some amazing views of Whiteface, it's really something special. Check out what Wilmington has to offer below:
· Whiteface Mountain:
If you're a big skier/snowboarder, you will most likely be visiting to go "Ski the Face." Whiteface Mountain is also a great mountain to hike, and we highly recommend it. It's a 17-minute drive from the house.
Whiteface has a nice mix of trails for beginners and those who are more advanced. The advanced trails are a highlight of Whiteface, as the mountain is known for having the greatest vertical drop, east of the Rockies. The black diamonds (and double black diamonds) are very challenging, so please be safe. The top of Whiteface is very cold, so don’t forget to dress warm and bring hand warmers! Check out a trail map, and more info below:
- https://whiteface.com/mountain/trail-map/
· Activities:
- High Falls Gorge: this is a highly recommend nature walk. Check out this site for more info:
◦ https://www.highfallsgorge.com
- The North Pole (Santa's Workshop): this is a great winter activity for families. Check out their website for more info:
◦ https://www.northpoleny.com/
· Food & Restaurants Reccs:
- The Hungry Trout: This is more of an upscale restaurant. It's a great place up here to go for a nice dinner. They have a great menu with a good Adirondack influence. The food is very good and you'll get to dine with a nice view of the Ausable River. It's more on the expensive side.
- R.F McDougalls Pub: this is located right next to The Hungry Trout. It's a more casual spot with good food and decent drinks. I like to go here in the summer and sit outside with a nice view of the Ausable River.
- Whitebrook Dairy Bar: this is a classic ice cream spot. It gets pretty busy in the summer time, so there could be a line. They are closed in the winter.
- The Little Supermarket: this supermarket has great sandwiches. It's located in a gas station, but don't let it fool you.
26 habitants recommandent
Wilmington
Wilmington is the home of Whiteface Mountain. As you drive through the town, you will see some amazing views of Whiteface, it's really something special. Check out what Wilmington has to offer below:
· Whiteface Mountain:
If you're a big skier/snowboarder, you will most likely be visiting to go "Ski the Face." Whiteface Mountain is also a great mountain to hike, and we highly recommend it. It's a 17-minute drive from the house.
Whiteface has a nice mix of trails for beginners and those who are more advanced. The advanced trails are a highlight of Whiteface, as the mountain is known for having the greatest vertical drop, east of the Rockies. The black diamonds (and double black diamonds) are very challenging, so please be safe. The top of Whiteface is very cold, so don’t forget to dress warm and bring hand warmers! Check out a trail map, and more info below:
- https://whiteface.com/mountain/trail-map/
· Activities:
- High Falls Gorge: this is a highly recommend nature walk. Check out this site for more info:
◦ https://www.highfallsgorge.com
- The North Pole (Santa's Workshop): this is a great winter activity for families. Check out their website for more info:
◦ https://www.northpoleny.com/
· Food & Restaurants Reccs:
- The Hungry Trout: This is more of an upscale restaurant. It's a great place up here to go for a nice dinner. They have a great menu with a good Adirondack influence. The food is very good and you'll get to dine with a nice view of the Ausable River. It's more on the expensive side.
- R.F McDougalls Pub: this is located right next to The Hungry Trout. It's a more casual spot with good food and decent drinks. I like to go here in the summer and sit outside with a nice view of the Ausable River.
- Whitebrook Dairy Bar: this is a classic ice cream spot. It gets pretty busy in the summer time, so there could be a line. They are closed in the winter.
- The Little Supermarket: this supermarket has great sandwiches. It's located in a gas station, but don't let it fool you.
Saranac Lake is a really cool city. The river systems are amazing for those who love kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding. It has a lot of history as well; the town is the former home of Robert Louis Stevenson.
· Activities:
- Kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding: Saranac Lake's river system is vast. Check out the two links below for an overview of the system, and a primer from a trail guide who brings people on tours:
◦ https://www.saranaclake.com/activities/outdoor/paddling
◦ https://www.adirondackoutfitters.com/saranac-river-drainage.html
- Downtown: Saranac Lake has a nice downtown with a number of restaurants and shops. It's great to walk around and explore.
- Nori's Market: I really like this market, it's got some high quality products. If you're looking for a store with healthier options in the area, this is the place to go.
- Winter Carnival: Saranac Lake is well known for it's annual winter carnival. It usually starts the first weekend in February, and lasts a week. It's a great event for families. Check out their website for more information:
◦ https://www.saranaclakewintercarnival.com/
70 habitants recommandent
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake is a really cool city. The river systems are amazing for those who love kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding. It has a lot of history as well; the town is the former home of Robert Louis Stevenson.
· Activities:
- Kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding: Saranac Lake's river system is vast. Check out the two links below for an overview of the system, and a primer from a trail guide who brings people on tours:
◦ https://www.saranaclake.com/activities/outdoor/paddling
◦ https://www.adirondackoutfitters.com/saranac-river-drainage.html
- Downtown: Saranac Lake has a nice downtown with a number of restaurants and shops. It's great to walk around and explore.
- Nori's Market: I really like this market, it's got some high quality products. If you're looking for a store with healthier options in the area, this is the place to go.
- Winter Carnival: Saranac Lake is well known for it's annual winter carnival. It usually starts the first weekend in February, and lasts a week. It's a great event for families. Check out their website for more information:
◦ https://www.saranaclakewintercarnival.com/
Food & Bar scene (Mari's Favorites)
Forty-Six restaurant is a great place to check out, down the street from us. It's a good spot to go for a nice dinner. It's more of a sit down place, but you can get take out too. They have a small menu, but the food is great.
24 habitants recommandent
Forty Six
2837 NY-73Forty-Six restaurant is a great place to check out, down the street from us. It's a good spot to go for a nice dinner. It's more of a sit down place, but you can get take out too. They have a small menu, but the food is great.
A five minute drive from the house, and across the street from Baxter Mountain, is Baxter Mountain Tavern. It's always been a solid place to go eat for me. Everything I have eaten there has been good. I like their sandwiches and soups in particular.
36 habitants recommandent
Baxter Mountain Tavern
10050 NY-9NA five minute drive from the house, and across the street from Baxter Mountain, is Baxter Mountain Tavern. It's always been a solid place to go eat for me. Everything I have eaten there has been good. I like their sandwiches and soups in particular.
This is a great place for breakfast. They are also known for their pies.
30 habitants recommandent
Noon Mark Diner
1770 NY-73 ScenicThis is a great place for breakfast. They are also known for their pies.
This is a nice place for drinks and dinner (as of now, they have the only bar in Keene).
17 habitants recommandent
Keene Valley Ausable Inn
1809 NY-73This is a nice place for drinks and dinner (as of now, they have the only bar in Keene).
The Ice Jam Inn is another great place for a nice dinner. The food is really good. The chicken sandwich is a must if you go.
26 habitants recommandent
Ice Jam Inn
12134 NY-9NThe Ice Jam Inn is another great place for a nice dinner. The food is really good. The chicken sandwich is a must if you go.
This is my favorite restaurant in Lake Placid, as I think it has the best mix of food, drinks, and price point. A solid spot, I have also gotten good feedback from people who went.
78 habitants recommandent
Lake Placid Pub & Brewery
813 Mirror Lake DrThis is my favorite restaurant in Lake Placid, as I think it has the best mix of food, drinks, and price point. A solid spot, I have also gotten good feedback from people who went.
This restaurant has great barbecue. I always get great feedback from guests who go. One of the best restaurants in town.
74 habitants recommandent
Smoke Signals
2489 Main StThis restaurant has great barbecue. I always get great feedback from guests who go. One of the best restaurants in town.
Big Slide is a little more modern than the other restaurants. It's a solid spot. The same owner owns Lake Placid Pub.
76 habitants recommandent
Big Slide Brewery & Public House
5686 Cascade RdBig Slide is a little more modern than the other restaurants. It's a solid spot. The same owner owns Lake Placid Pub.
For drinks and appetizers, I highly recommend Top of the Park at the end of Main Street. They open daily at 3pm. Sit at the bar and ask to play "the game"
42 habitants recommandent
Top Of The Park
2407 Main StFor drinks and appetizers, I highly recommend Top of the Park at the end of Main Street. They open daily at 3pm. Sit at the bar and ask to play "the game"
This is a decent bar restaurant. They have a good mix of food and drinks. It sits below the Top of The Park.
20 habitants recommandent
Players Sports Bar
2405 Main StThis is a decent bar restaurant. They have a good mix of food and drinks. It sits below the Top of The Park.
I also like the Cottage Cafe for drinks and appetizers, located at the end of Main Street. They have Gondolas you can sit in and eat which is pretty cool.
64 habitants recommandent
The Cottage
77 Mirror Lake DrI also like the Cottage Cafe for drinks and appetizers, located at the end of Main Street. They have Gondolas you can sit in and eat which is pretty cool.
This is more of an upscale restaurant. It's a great place up here to go for a nice dinner. They have a great menu with a good Adirondack influence. The food is very good and you'll get to dine with a nice view of the Ausable River. It's more on the expensive side.
37 habitants recommandent
The Hungry Trout Resort
5239 NY-86 ScenicThis is more of an upscale restaurant. It's a great place up here to go for a nice dinner. They have a great menu with a good Adirondack influence. The food is very good and you'll get to dine with a nice view of the Ausable River. It's more on the expensive side.
This is located right next to The Hungry Trout. It's a more casual spot with good food and decent drinks. I like to go here in the summer and sit outside with a nice view of the Ausable River.
35 habitants recommandent
R.F McDougalls Pub
5239 NY-86This is located right next to The Hungry Trout. It's a more casual spot with good food and decent drinks. I like to go here in the summer and sit outside with a nice view of the Ausable River.
This is a classic ice cream spot. It gets pretty busy in the summer time, so there could be a line. They are closed in the winter.
11 habitants recommandent
Whitebrook Dairy Bar
5660 NY-86 ScenicThis is a classic ice cream spot. It gets pretty busy in the summer time, so there could be a line. They are closed in the winter.
Recommended by a past guest, for its class and charm. A nice way to enjoy a delicious celebratory meal out in Lake Placid.
21 habitants recommandent
Salt of the Earth Bistro
5956 Sentinel RdRecommended by a past guest, for its class and charm. A nice way to enjoy a delicious celebratory meal out in Lake Placid.
Another guest recommendation for great quality, locally sourced food. This bistro is located in Saranac Lake, about 30 minutes from Keene, but may be worth a stop if your passing through that area!
24 habitants recommandent
Fiddlehead Bistro
33 BroadwayAnother guest recommendation for great quality, locally sourced food. This bistro is located in Saranac Lake, about 30 minutes from Keene, but may be worth a stop if your passing through that area!
Winter Activities
If you are a skier or snowboarder, Whiteface is the mountain to go to in the winter. It’s a 17-minute drive from our house. Whiteface has a nice mix of trails for beginners, and those who are more advanced. The advanced trails are a highlight of Whiteface, as the mountain is known for having the greatest vertical drop, east of the Rockies. The black diamonds (and double black diamonds) are very challenging, so please be safe. The top of Whiteface is very cold, so don’t forget to dress warm and bring hand warmers! Check out a trail map, and more info below:
◦ https://whiteface.com/mountain/trail-map/
36 habitants recommandent
whiteface ski resort
5021 NY-86If you are a skier or snowboarder, Whiteface is the mountain to go to in the winter. It’s a 17-minute drive from our house. Whiteface has a nice mix of trails for beginners, and those who are more advanced. The advanced trails are a highlight of Whiteface, as the mountain is known for having the greatest vertical drop, east of the Rockies. The black diamonds (and double black diamonds) are very challenging, so please be safe. The top of Whiteface is very cold, so don’t forget to dress warm and bring hand warmers! Check out a trail map, and more info below:
◦ https://whiteface.com/mountain/trail-map/
A great place to start your cross-country skiing adventure in the Adirondacks is the “Cascade X-C Ski Center.” It’s a 12-minute drive from the house, and for beginners it’s a great place for your first lesson! They have their own trails and offer rentals as well. Check out their website below. And for those who want to rent their skis or snowshoes, check out the second link for a map and details on different trails in the area:
◦ https://www.cascadeski.com/ski/
◦ https://www.whitefaceregion.com/recreation/cross-country-skiing-snowshoeing
18 habitants recommandent
Cascade X-C Ski Center
4833 Cascade RdA great place to start your cross-country skiing adventure in the Adirondacks is the “Cascade X-C Ski Center.” It’s a 12-minute drive from the house, and for beginners it’s a great place for your first lesson! They have their own trails and offer rentals as well. Check out their website below. And for those who want to rent their skis or snowshoes, check out the second link for a map and details on different trails in the area:
◦ https://www.cascadeski.com/ski/
◦ https://www.whitefaceregion.com/recreation/cross-country-skiing-snowshoeing
Mount Van Hoevenberg offers a host of XC ski and snowshoe trails when there is a lot of fresh snow on the ground. It might be busier because of this than the other trails. When their isn't much fresh snow on the ground, they make snow, but only for their advanced "Competition Trail." So if their isn't much fresh snow on the ground, it may not be a good place to go for beginners. Check out this site for more details:
◦ https://lakeplacidlegacysites.com/legacy-sites/mount-van-hoevenberg/
23 habitants recommandent
Mount Van Hoevenburg Recreation Area
Mount Van Hoevenberg offers a host of XC ski and snowshoe trails when there is a lot of fresh snow on the ground. It might be busier because of this than the other trails. When their isn't much fresh snow on the ground, they make snow, but only for their advanced "Competition Trail." So if their isn't much fresh snow on the ground, it may not be a good place to go for beginners. Check out this site for more details:
◦ https://lakeplacidlegacysites.com/legacy-sites/mount-van-hoevenberg/
Mirror Lake Winter Activities:
- Toboggan Chute: when Mirror Lake freezes, the Town opens up the toboggan chute. It's very popular, and a lot of fun for those looking for a rush. It usually opens late December. Check out the link below for more info:
◦ https://www.lakeplacid.com/do/activities/lake-placid-toboggan-chute
- Ice Skating: you can also go ice-skating on Mirror Lake. Check out the link below for more info
◦ https://www.lakeplacid.com/do/activities/ice-skating
- Dog-Sledding: for those who are interested, you can also go dog-sledding on the lake. I have never done this, but I had a guest ask me about it so I thought to add it here. There are two people I found online who do it, and I also put an article about the experience below:
◦ Mike Arnold Dog Sled Rides - (518) 323-7622
◦ Thunder Mountain Dog Sled Tours - (518) 891-6239
◦ https://www.minitime.com/trip-tips/Lake-Placid-Dogsledding-article/
35 habitants recommandent
Mirror Lake
77 Mirror Lake DrMirror Lake Winter Activities:
- Toboggan Chute: when Mirror Lake freezes, the Town opens up the toboggan chute. It's very popular, and a lot of fun for those looking for a rush. It usually opens late December. Check out the link below for more info:
◦ https://www.lakeplacid.com/do/activities/lake-placid-toboggan-chute
- Ice Skating: you can also go ice-skating on Mirror Lake. Check out the link below for more info
◦ https://www.lakeplacid.com/do/activities/ice-skating
- Dog-Sledding: for those who are interested, you can also go dog-sledding on the lake. I have never done this, but I had a guest ask me about it so I thought to add it here. There are two people I found online who do it, and I also put an article about the experience below:
◦ Mike Arnold Dog Sled Rides - (518) 323-7622
◦ Thunder Mountain Dog Sled Tours - (518) 891-6239
◦ https://www.minitime.com/trip-tips/Lake-Placid-Dogsledding-article/
The North Pole (Santa's Workshop) is a very popular winter activity for families. Check out their website for more info:
◦ https://www.northpoleny.com/
53 habitants recommandent
Santa's Workshop, North Pole, NY
324 Whiteface Memorial HwyThe North Pole (Santa's Workshop) is a very popular winter activity for families. Check out their website for more info:
◦ https://www.northpoleny.com/
Saranac Lake is well known for it's annual winter carnival. It usually starts the first weekend in February, and lasts a week. It's a great event for families. Check out their website for more information:
◦ https://www.saranaclakewintercarnival.com/
10 habitants recommandent
Saranac Lake Winter Carnival
22 River StSaranac Lake is well known for it's annual winter carnival. It usually starts the first weekend in February, and lasts a week. It's a great event for families. Check out their website for more information:
◦ https://www.saranaclakewintercarnival.com/
Summer, Spring, Fall Activities
This is a great place to go and hang out for the day. You can swim and sun bathe here. It's also a great place to bring your kayak, canoe, and paddle board.
It's also great for the foliage views in autumn.
6 habitants recommandent
Cascade Lake
This is a great place to go and hang out for the day. You can swim and sun bathe here. It's also a great place to bring your kayak, canoe, and paddle board.
It's also great for the foliage views in autumn.
This is another great place to go and hang out for the day. It's another great place to swim, kayak, canoe, and paddle board.
It's also great for the foliage views in autumn.
12 habitants recommandent
Chapel Pond Trailhead
New York 73 ScenicThis is another great place to go and hang out for the day. It's another great place to swim, kayak, canoe, and paddle board.
It's also great for the foliage views in autumn.
Nicknamed "The Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks" this is a must see if you have time. Check out this website for more information:
◦ https://www.ausablechasm.com/
164 habitants recommandent
Ausable Chasm
Nicknamed "The Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks" this is a must see if you have time. Check out this website for more information:
◦ https://www.ausablechasm.com/
This is a highly recommend nature walk. Check out this site for more info:
◦ https://www.highfallsgorge.com
102 habitants recommandent
High Falls Gorge
4761 NY-86This is a highly recommend nature walk. Check out this site for more info:
◦ https://www.highfallsgorge.com
This is a place my husband recommends for kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and swimming. Check it out here:
https://goo.gl/maps/YuZXTdDQLpVPgBzo8
Middle Saranac Lake Boat Launch
This is a place my husband recommends for kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and swimming. Check it out here:
https://goo.gl/maps/YuZXTdDQLpVPgBzo8
Lake Placid's Olympic Complex has been revamped recently, and now offers a host of experiences: a zipline, skyride, bobsled, gondola and coaster ride. Check out the website below for more information:
◦ https://lakeplacidlegacysites.com/
85 habitants recommandent
Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex
5486 Cascade RdLake Placid's Olympic Complex has been revamped recently, and now offers a host of experiences: a zipline, skyride, bobsled, gondola and coaster ride. Check out the website below for more information:
◦ https://lakeplacidlegacysites.com/
Mirror Lake Summer Activities:
- Walk around Mirror Lake: not to be confused with the actual "Lake Placid," which is on the other side of town, Mirror Lake borders Lake Placid's downtown. Here you can go swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking.
- Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboards: check out the links below for renting kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards in Lake Placid to enjoy a nice outing on the lake! I have used EMS (first link below):
◦ https://www.ems.com/stores/lake-placid
◦ http://www.lakeplacidskiandboard.com/
◦ https://www.mlboatrental.com/
◦ http://www.placidboatrentals.com/
35 habitants recommandent
Mirror Lake
77 Mirror Lake DrMirror Lake Summer Activities:
- Walk around Mirror Lake: not to be confused with the actual "Lake Placid," which is on the other side of town, Mirror Lake borders Lake Placid's downtown. Here you can go swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking.
- Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboards: check out the links below for renting kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards in Lake Placid to enjoy a nice outing on the lake! I have used EMS (first link below):
◦ https://www.ems.com/stores/lake-placid
◦ http://www.lakeplacidskiandboard.com/
◦ https://www.mlboatrental.com/
◦ http://www.placidboatrentals.com/
This is a great place to check out in the Fall. I got some asks this October about where to go for an apple orchard. It's a bit of a drive from Keene, but Rulfs has come highly recommended. They have great pies.
19 habitants recommandent
Rulfs Orchard
531 Bear Swamp RdThis is a great place to check out in the Fall. I got some asks this October about where to go for an apple orchard. It's a bit of a drive from Keene, but Rulfs has come highly recommended. They have great pies.
Hiking (Mari's Favorite Mountains / Trails)
Little Crow Mountain
Beginner Hike
Beginner Hike (take the Roaring Brook Falls trail, not Giant Mountain - that is more advanced)
Roaring Brook Falls
Roaring Brook Falls TrailBeginner Hike (take the Roaring Brook Falls trail, not Giant Mountain - that is more advanced)
Baxter Mountain
Beginner Hike (Ok for winter)
Moderate Hike - This hike is located in the Ausable Club where you have to park at the AMR's parking lot. You need to reserve a parking spot to park there, at least 24 hours in advance. The spots open 2 weeks in advance. You can do that here:
◦ https://www.hikeamr.org/new-hiker
* Note: hikes at the Ausable Club require a ~2-3 mile walk to the entrance of the trailhead on blacktop cement. It's not the most appealing thing, but the hike is worth it.
8 habitants recommandent
Indian Head Trailhead
24 Ausable RdModerate Hike - This hike is located in the Ausable Club where you have to park at the AMR's parking lot. You need to reserve a parking spot to park there, at least 24 hours in advance. The spots open 2 weeks in advance. You can do that here:
◦ https://www.hikeamr.org/new-hiker
* Note: hikes at the Ausable Club require a ~2-3 mile walk to the entrance of the trailhead on blacktop cement. It's not the most appealing thing, but the hike is worth it.
Moderate Hike - This hike is located in the Ausable Club where you have to park at the AMR's parking lot. You need to reserve a parking spot to park there, at least 24 hours in advance. The spots open 2 weeks in advance. You can do that here:
◦ https://www.hikeamr.org/new-hiker
* Note: hikes at the Ausable Club require a ~2-3 mile walk to the entrance of the trailhead on blacktop cement. It's not the most appealing thing, but the hike is worth it.
Rainbow Falls
Moderate Hike - This hike is located in the Ausable Club where you have to park at the AMR's parking lot. You need to reserve a parking spot to park there, at least 24 hours in advance. The spots open 2 weeks in advance. You can do that here:
◦ https://www.hikeamr.org/new-hiker
* Note: hikes at the Ausable Club require a ~2-3 mile walk to the entrance of the trailhead on blacktop cement. It's not the most appealing thing, but the hike is worth it.
Noonmark Mountain Trail
Noonmark Mountain TrailModerate Hike
Mount Jo Trail
Mount Jo TrailModerate Hike - Accessed via the Adirondack Loj.
Algonquin Peak Trail
Algonquin Peak TrailAdvanced Hike - Accessed via the Adirondack Loj. This is a High Peak
Hurricane Mountain Trailhead
10008 NY-9NAdvanced Hike
Advanced Hike - Cascade and Porter can be done in the same hike. They are both High Peaks.
19 habitants recommandent
Cascade Mountain
Advanced Hike - Cascade and Porter can be done in the same hike. They are both High Peaks.
Advanced Hike - Cascade and Porter can be done in the same hike. They are both High Peaks.
6 habitants recommandent
Porter Mountain
Advanced Hike - Cascade and Porter can be done in the same hike. They are both High Peaks.
Giant Mountain
Advanced Hike - This is a High Peak
Jay Mountain Trailhead
134 Jay Mountain RdAdvanced Hike (Ok for winter)
Sightseeing
Saranac Laboratory Museum highlights Saranac Lake's unique history as a tuberculosis treatment destination. Museum is open year round Thursday-Saturday 10a-5p. Children 12 and under are free of charge.
16 habitants recommandent
Saranac Laboratory Museum
89 Church StSaranac Laboratory Museum highlights Saranac Lake's unique history as a tuberculosis treatment destination. Museum is open year round Thursday-Saturday 10a-5p. Children 12 and under are free of charge.
A state historical site, visitors (and their pups) have access to walk the beautiful grounds while learning about the history of John Brown and his efforts to spark an abolitionist movement in the 19th century.
33 habitants recommandent
John Brown Farm State Historic Site
115 John Brown RoadA state historical site, visitors (and their pups) have access to walk the beautiful grounds while learning about the history of John Brown and his efforts to spark an abolitionist movement in the 19th century.
Conseils sur la ville
Déplacements
Traveling in winter is best done with a 4WD or AWD vehicle
The Adirondack roads can see harsh wintery conditions from late November to March. As such, it's safer to bring a vehicle that has 4WD or is AWD. Winter tires are a plus. Note:
- Be very careful when driving over bridges, they are likely to have ice.
- When a fresh snow fall hits, it's best to wait for plows.
Our rentals have easy access from the main road which are plowed promptly by Essex County in such conditions. We also have snow plow services for our driveways, and entrance way clearing. In emergencies, we have shovels, snow brooms, car scrapers, and salt so you can get out if needed.
Déplacements
Do not rely on Uber/Lyft Apps
Up here, there are very few (if any) Uber/Lyft possibilities to get home. There is a taxi company, but they may take some time to arrive, and they don't operate late; it's safe to assume you will have a hard time getting a taxi after 5pm. This is one taxi company, there are no others I can find at the moment:
- ADK Express: (518) 524-6963
Déplacements
Essex County public bus transportation between towns
For more info on using public bus transportation in the Adirondacks, check out the link below. If you want to fully understand the routes, it is best to give them a call at 1-800-914-9266:
- https://www.co.essex.ny.us/wp/transportation/
Déplacements
Public transportation to Keene's hiking trails
In the Spring, the Town of Keene offers the "Garden Shuttle" which brings you to and from the entrance to certain hiking trails without needing to park on busy roads. You park your car at Marcy Field located off Route 73 between Keene and Keene Valley. See the shuttle schedule below:
- https://www.townofkeeneny.com/hiker-shuttle-information/
Réservez avant de partir
Hiking Information - advice, planning, ideas
Check out this link from the Town of Keene before you go hiking for important information to know before you head out. For your safety, please make sure that you are prepared for the conditions:
- townofkeeneny/hiking-information/
Mountain-Forecast is a great resource to use before going out on a hike to evaluate temperature and wind conditions.
Alltrails is another great site to get current trail conditions from recent hikers who post updates!
Réservez avant de partir
Parking Restrictions for Hikers - Ausable Club ("AMR" lot)
You now need a reservation to park and hike in the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) trailhead, aka the Ausable Club - it's called the "St. Huberts Parking Lot" on Google maps. This lot is the main access point for the following hikes:
Dial, Nippletop, Bears Den, Blake, Colvin, Indian Head and Fishhawk Cliffs, Pinnacle, Rainbow Falls, Beaver Meadow Falls, Cathedral Rocks and Bear Run.
If you are planning to hike any of these, you should register to reserve a spot when possible - the spots open 2 weeks in advance, and it's free. This is the link: https://www.hikeamr.org/new-hiker
Ne manquez pas
Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddle Boarding - Boat Launches
Below are websites that detail the boat launches for Essex County (Keene) and Franklin County (Saranac Lake). This will help those who want to explore around with their kayaks/canoes/SUPs:
◦ Essex: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/23897.html
◦ Franklin: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/23896.html
Our personal favorite places to go are Cascade Lake (Upper and Lower), Chapel Pond, Middle Saranac Lake, Mirror Lake
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Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing - Trails
Check out the website below for the different snowshoe and XC ski trails in the area. When going out in the winter, please make sure to prepare yourselves for the weather conditions:
◦ https://www.whitefaceregion.com/recreation/cross-country-skiing-snowshoeing