46 Reasons to Visit the Adirondacks This Summer

Forty-six. In the Adirondacks, that number means something. It's the number of High Peaks that make up one of the most storied hiking challenges in the country, a list that's pulled hikers into these mountains for nearly a century.

We're borrowing that number for a different kind of list. Forty-six reasons to spend your summer here, not all of them requiring a topo map. Some are towns, some are trails, some are paddles you'll think about for weeks. Pick a few, pick all of them, or let this be the start of your own list.

1. Lake Champlain Region: Explore lakeside towns including Crown Point, Willsboro, Elizabethtown, Essex, Keeseville, Chesterfield, Lewis, Port Henry & Moriah, Ticonderoga, and Westport. Here, working farms, agricultural traditions, Revolutionary War landmarks, sailing adventures, and the legend of Champy come together along the Adirondack shoreline.
2. Saranac Lake: A town with a strong arts scene, anchored by a walkable downtown and a gateway to Ray Brook, Bloomingdale, Paul Smiths, and Lake Clear. Spend your days exploring farmers markets, galleries, and local shops, then fill your evenings with live music, festivals, and a lively calendar of community events.
3. Tupper Lake: Home to the Wild Center and sections of the Adirondack Rail Trail, with small-town charm that still feels refreshingly unhurried. Paddle quiet waters, camp under star-filled skies, and enjoy a family-friendly base for exploring the Adirondacks.
4. Lake Placid: The legacy of two Olympic Winter Games lives on through iconic sites and attractions throughout the village, while Mirror Lake, a walkable downtown, and mountain views create the perfect base for a summer getaway. Nearby, Keene and Keene Valley offer small-town charm, stunning High Peaks scenery, and access to some of the Adirondacks’ most celebrated hiking trails.
5. Hamilton County: The heart of the Adirondack wilderness, connecting communities like Indian Lake, Long Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Inlet, Raquette Lake, Speculator, Lake Pleasant, Piseco, Arietta, Morehouse, Wells, Hope, and Benson with some of the park's most remote landscapes.
6. Adirondack Hub: Minerva, Newcomb, North Hudson, Schroon Lake, Indian Lake, and Long Lake, where the High Peaks give way to quieter roads, open landscapes, and endless adventure.
7. Whiteface Region: Jay, Upper Jay, Au Sable Forks, and Wilmington, set in the shadow of iconic Whiteface Mountain. Ride the Cloudsplitter Gondola, explore scenic mountain roads, and cast a line in the world-class waters of the Ausable River, known for some of the Adirondacks’ best fly fishing.

8. Hiking: Of course, you can take on the iconic 46 High Peaks, but the Adirondacks offer so much more, with countless mountains, lower-elevation trails, and peaceful nature walks that make it easy to explore the landscape at any pace.
9. Paddling: The Adirondacks are known for their peaks, but their waterways are just as iconic. Explore remote destinations like Boreas Ponds and Henderson Lake, or choose from countless front-country paddles that are perfect for canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. Stop by a local outfitter to pick up a paddling map, discover the endless network of lakes, ponds, and rivers across the region, and find a route that’s perfect for your adventure.
10. Mountain Biking: Plenty of Adirondack communities offer mountain biking trails, purpose-built parks, and scenic routes for riders of all skill levels. For those looking for an extra challenge, spend the summer chasing mountain bike festivals, races, and events that bring riders together from across the region.
11. Cycling: Whether you’re into road cycling or gravel biking, the Adirondacks offer endless routes to explore, with new roads, climbs, and scenic stretches to discover on every visit. With thousands of miles of quiet roads and gravel paths, you can return trip after trip without ever riding the same route twice. Bike rentals are available from outfitters throughout the park, making it easy to plan your next adventure.
12. Stargazing: With some of the darkest skies in the United States, the Adirondacks offer a front-row seat to the wonders of the night sky. Far from the glow of major cities, visitors can take in brilliant views of the Milky Way, constellations, meteor showers, and more. Look up from the summit of one of the 46 High Peaks, settle in at your campsite beneath a sky full of stars, or take a nighttime stroll through one of our downtowns and experience the Adirondacks after dark.
13. Fishing: Exceptional opportunities await anglers of all kinds, including world-class fly fishing, peaceful lake fishing, and remote backcountry adventures. Cast a line in the legendary waters of the Ausable River, explore trout-filled ponds and streams, or spend a day fishing on iconic waters like Lake Champlain and the Saranac Lakes Chain.
14. Climbing: The Adirondacks have quietly become one of the Northeast’s best-kept secrets for climbing and bouldering. Come see what the hype is about on classic slabs, granite walls, and tucked-away bouldering spots that have been drawing climbers for years.
15. Boating: There’s a reason so many Adirondack communities include the word “Lake” in their names (seriously, try counting them). Cruise across Lake Champlain, launch a motorboat for a day on the water, or enjoy a quiet sunset cruise. Bring your own vessel or rent one locally and see why life here revolves around the water.
16. Beaches: With so many lakes comes plenty of shores to explore. Spend a summer day swimming at sandy beaches, relaxing by the water, or cooling off after an afternoon of adventure.
17. Camping: The Adirondacks have a camping experience for every kind of outdoor enthusiast. Set up at a full-service campground, find a quiet lakeside site, or venture into the backcountry for a more remote experience surrounded by wilderness. Pitch a tent, park an RV, or spend a night under the stars and wake up to the sounds of the Adirondack landscape.
18. Golfing: Tee off with some of the best scenery in the game, where fairways come with views of the High Peaks and fresh mountain air. Spend a day on the green at classic Adirondack courses, enjoy challenging layouts surrounded by nature, and make time for a relaxing round during your getaway.
19. Hunting: Hunting has long been part of the Adirondack tradition, offering a chance to experience the park’s forests, mountains, and backcountry in a new way. Explore miles of public lands, pursue seasonal game, and connect with a heritage that has been passed down through generations. Be sure to review New York State regulations, seasons, and licensing requirements before heading out.
20. Adirondack Rail Trail: This 34-mile multi-use trail connects Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake along a former railroad corridor turned outdoor adventure route. With a smooth, mostly flat surface, it’s perfect for biking, walking, running, and taking in the scenery at your own pace.
21. Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway: You don’t have to hike a High Peak to reach the summit of one. The Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway winds to the top of Whiteface Mountain, bringing visitors to breathtaking views from one of the Adirondacks’ most iconic peaks. Drive to the top, bike the climb if you’re up for a challenge, or stop along the way to take in overlooks and mountain scenery.
22. High Falls Gorge: Follow a series of walkways and bridges above the Ausable River to experience rushing waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and the power of the Adirondack landscape up close. This family-friendly adventure near Wilmington offers an easy way to explore the outdoors and see some of the region’s most impressive scenery without a strenuous hike.

23. The Wild Center: Discover the natural world at this unique museum in Tupper Lake. Wander above the treetops on the Wild Walk, explore hands-on indoor exhibits, meet native species, and learn about the landscapes, wildlife, and communities that make the region special. A visit here is part science, part adventure, and a must-stop for all ages.
24. Arts Center Lake Placid: Catch a film, live performance, art exhibition, or concert at this cultural hub in Lake Placid. With year-round programming that brings together local artists and national acts, the center adds a creative spark to the town.
25. Pendragon Theatre: Experience live theater at this professional theater company in Saranac Lake. After more than 40 years of performances, Pendragon recently moved into a new, purpose-built home, creating an even better space for plays, musicals, and community events that bring stories to life year-round.
26. Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake: Step into the stories, traditions, and people that shaped the Adirondacks at this immersive museum in Blue Mountain Lake. Explore historic buildings, interactive exhibits, and outdoor displays that bring the region’s culture, craftsmanship, and natural history to life. A visit here is a chance to understand the Adirondacks beyond the mountains and lakes.
27. John Brown Farm State Historic Site: Visit the historic homestead and final resting place of abolitionist John Brown in Lake Placid. Walk the peaceful grounds, explore the farm’s buildings and exhibits, and learn about the life, beliefs, and legacy of a figure whose actions helped shape the course of American history.
28. Adirondack Great Camps: Discover the history of the Adirondacks’ legendary Great Camps, grand wilderness retreats built by some of America’s wealthiest families in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tour the rustic elegance of Great Camp Sagamore, once owned by the Vanderbilt family and now a National Historic Landmark, or explore the historic trails and buildings of Great Camp Santanoni. Visit White Pine Camp, the former summer retreat of President Calvin Coolidge, and discover the architecture, stories, and craftsmanship that make these camps an iconic part of Adirondack history.
29. Fort Ticonderoga: Step back in time at this historic fortress on the shores of Lake Champlain, where centuries of military history come to life. Discover the restored fort, walk the grounds, watch living history demonstrations, and discover the stories of the soldiers and events that shaped the American Revolution and beyond.
30. Crown Point State Historic Site: Explore centuries of history at this scenic Lake Champlain landmark, home to the remains of a massive 18th-century fortification and sweeping views of the Adirondack Mountains and Vermont shoreline. Visit the nearby Crown Point Bridge, a historic crossing over Lake Champlain, and the Champlain Memorial Lighthouse. 
31. Art Galleries: Discover the creative side of the Adirondacks at galleries tucked throughout small towns, village downtowns, and Main Streets across the region. Browse landscape paintings inspired by the mountains and lakes, handmade pottery, photography, and work from local artists who capture the character of the Adirondacks in their own unique ways.
32. Live Music: Summer in the Adirondacks comes alive with the sounds of live music filling outdoor venues, downtowns, parks, and waterfronts across the region. Catch a local band at a community concert, enjoy a festival under the stars, or find a new favorite artist playing at a small-town venue. With a busy calendar of performances all season long, there’s always a reason to stay a little later and enjoy the music.
33. The Depot Theatre: Catch a live performance at this unique theater located inside the historic, functioning Westport Amtrak station. Set along the shores of Lake Champlain, The Depot Theatre brings plays, musicals, concerts, and community events to life in a one-of-a-kind setting that blends local history, transportation heritage, and the arts.
34. Events: There’s always something happening in the Adirondacks. From historic celebrations and holiday festivals to live music, farmers markets, art walks, and community gatherings, the region’s calendar stays busy all year long. Explore a small-town celebration, catch a summer concert, or join a local tradition that brings visitors and residents together.

35. Breweries: The Adirondacks are home to a growing craft beer scene, with breweries scattered throughout many of the region’s towns. Create your own brewery tour by visiting taprooms across the park, or make an adventure out of it by exploring breweries along the Adirondack Rail Trail. From mountain towns to lakeside communities, there’s always a local pour worth discovering.
36. Dining: The Adirondacks offer a dining scene as diverse as the landscape itself. Enjoy a casual meal at a local tavern or pub, settle in for a fine dining experience, or embrace a classic Adirondack tradition with a stop at a roadside food stand serving up burgers, fries, and ice cream cones.
37. Coffee Shops: Start your Adirondack mornings with a locally roasted cup of coffee, a fresh pastry, and a cozy spot to plan the day ahead. Coffee shops tucked into small towns and village downtowns offer more than a caffeine fix, providing welcoming places to slow down, connect with locals, and soak in the character of each community.
38. Bakeries: Follow the smell of fresh bread, pastries, and sweet treats to bakeries tucked throughout Adirondack towns and villages. Pick up a morning pastry before a day of adventure, grab a loaf of locally made bread, or stop in for a homemade dessert that’s worth the detour. 
39. Farms: Agriculture has deep roots in the Adirondacks, with family farms, farm stands, and working landscapes woven throughout the region. Visit a local farm to pick up fresh produce, browse seasonal offerings, meet farmers, or experience the flavors of the Adirondacks through locally grown and made products.
40. Cuisine Trails: Taste your way through the Adirondacks on self-guided food and drink trails that connect farms, orchards, breweries, restaurants, and other local producers across the park. Each trail offers a unique look at the region’s agricultural roots and culinary traditions, with stops that showcase everything from farm-fresh ingredients to craft beverages and locally made products. Pick a route, plan your stops, and discover the people and places behind the flavors of the Adirondacks.

41. Spas: Treat yourself to a massage, soak, facial, or wellness experience at a lakeside retreat, resort spa, or local wellness center.
42. Lodging: Make your Adirondack getaway complete with a stay that feels like part of the adventure. Rent a lakeside cabin for the week, book a cozy bed and breakfast, settle into a historic lodge, or find a full-service resort with all the amenities. 
43. Sunsets: End the day with an Adirondack sunset, where the sky puts on a show over mountains, lakes, and forests. Watch the colors reflect across the water, catch the last light from a High Peak summit, or take in the view from your cabin porch. No matter where you are, sunset is a reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment.
44. Yoga and Wellness: Find space to slow down and reconnect surrounded by the calm of the Adirondacks. Join an outdoor yoga class, unwind at a wellness retreat, or practice your own routine beside a lake, in the forest, or with mountain views. 
45. Scenic Drives: Some of the best Adirondack adventures happen behind the wheel. Wind through mountain passes, follow quiet country roads, and take in sweeping views of lakes, forests, and peaks around every corner. In the Adirondacks, the drive to a High Peak trailhead can be just as memorable as the hike itself.
46. Start Planning Your Visit: With six distinct regions, the Adirondacks offer something different around every corner. Explore regional guides to find the best places to stay, things to do, and local favorites in each area.