Dawn Patrol

The sun rises on epic adventure

Put simply, the Adirondacks are an outdoor paradise. Six million acres of woods, mountains, rivers, and lakes provide opportunities for super cool people to do awesome things. Mountain biking up and down rugged trails with epic views? Got 'em. Snowshoeing in a sparkling winter paradise? No problem. The Dawn Patrol, a series of videos created by Adirondacks, USA follows nine incredible locals as they share what the Adirondacks and their favorite outdoor activities mean to them. Join us for scenic wonders and unforgettable moments.

Looking for more? Check out season two of Dawn Patrol for even more early morning adventures.

Episode 9: Stacy

For Stacy, a good day begins with getting outdoors and doing what she loves: paddling. In this episode of Dawn Patrol, glide through Long Lake with Stacy as she explores beautiful Adirondack waters and the importance of living a full, energetic life.

Read more about Stacy's paddling adventures as the sun rises.

Episode 8: Keith

Paddling is one of the oldest, and most beloved ways to have fun, reconnect with nature, and get around in the Adirondacks. Dip into calm waters alongside Keith, who shares why he loves this natural playground, and what the Adirondack way of life on the water is all about.

Read more about Keith's early mornings on the water

Episode 7: Erin

Meet Erin. She's a road cyclist in the Lake Champlain Region, spending her early mornings on smooth, quiet country roads. As the sun rises, Erin watches the world wake up from the saddle, encountering stunning views and bliss along the way.

Read more about Erin's early morning two-wheeled adventures

Episode 6: Amanda 

An Adirondacker at heart, Amanda climbs mountains...on two wheels. This installment in the Adirondacks, USA Dawn Patrol series explores one adventurous woman's perspective on the challenges and rewards of mountain biking and why the Adirondacks are such a great place to explore outdoors, especially in the glowing light of a mountaintop sunrise.

Read more about Amanda's adventures on two wheels at dawn. 

Episode 5: Ali

When you're part of the Dawn Patrol, you get to enjoy Adirondack scenery without a crowd. Just you, the outdoors, and fun. Join Ali, a dedicated and passionate water skier, to find pure happiness on Adirondack glass, where the views and the feelings are awe-inspiring and make everything else so much better and more fulfilling. This is sunrise, Adirondack-style.

Read more about Ali's early mornings waterskiing on Lake Placid. 

Episode 4: Mitchell & Bethany

For Mitchell and Bethany, an ice fishing duo, there are endless joys and thrills to a day out on the "hard water." As part of our Dawn Patrol series, this video highlights two hardy Adirondackers who start their adventurous days before first light. Between the often dramatic weather and excitement of catching a big fish, there is never a dull moment for these two while ice fishing. It's all about good fish and good company. And, of course, being on the lake for beautiful sunrises.

Read more about Bethany and Mitchell's ice fishing experiences.

Episode 3: Beth

For outdoorswoman Beth, the wildness of the Adirondacks provides endless inspiration, especially at sunrise or sunset. As part of our Dawn Patrol series, this video highlights one of the hardy Adirondackers who starts their adventurous day before first light. Beth is a New York state guide, singer/songwriter, and yoga/ meditation instructor, and finds that a common thread in all her pursuits is wildness. Whether it be a quiet evening under the stars or the mystery of an animal track, there is something to be said about being mindful and present in the outdoors. As Beth suggests, "allow yourself to be enlightened by the wilderness here in the mountains."

Read more about Beth’s experiences snowshoeing at sunrise and sunset in the Adirondacks. 

Episode 2: John

For Whiteface Region outdoorsman John, skinning Whiteface Mountain as the sun rises is an inspirational way to start the day. Follow along as he climbs and listen to him reflect on how outdoor activity influences his photography. As part of our Dawn Patrol series, this video highlights one of the hardy Adirondackers who starts their adventurous day before first light. It can be hard to describe the feeling of having the mountain to yourself, but in the solitude, John finds his photography shines brightest. He encourages us to take advantage of the mornings, and get out for new adventures.

Read more about John's experiences about skinning and photography.

Episode 1: Mark

For Tupper Lake hiker Mark, ascending a mountain as the sun rises is an inspirational way to start the day. Follow along as he climbs and hear his take on what hiking in the pre-dawn solitude means to him. As part of our Dawn Patrol series, this video highlights the hardy Adirondackers who start their adventurous days before first light. Even though there are other places around the Adirondacks and country where solitude can be found, Mark says that hiking around Tupper Lake provides endless opportunities for hikers looking to get away. Get up, get out there, and enjoy the wild nature around Tupper Lake! 

Read more about Mark’s experiences hiking before sunrise.