From beautiful waterfalls to spacious caves that can only be found by those willing to trek through the wilderness, the Adirondacks is the place to be for nature lovers from all walks of life. Tourists just can’t enough of its spectacular natural scenery. Travelers will also be spoiled for choice if looking for thrilling activities to engage in during both summer and winter.
So, which places are worth exploring in the Adirondacks? These are the 8 secret places visitors shouldn’t miss if looking for an unforgettable exploration experience.
8 The Ski Resort At Whiteface Mountain
The Ski Resort at Whiteface Mountain is one of the best-kept secrets in the Adirondacks. It is a great winter destination for tourists looking to engage in ice skating on frozen waterfalls, downhill skiing, and snowboarding. Fun summer activities to engage in are scenic chairlift rides, hiking, biking, and horseback riding, among others. The resort also has a mountain coaster, which takes adventurers on a roller coaster ride through the woods at speeds of 35mph.
7 The Wild Center
The Wild Center is a place of discovery where nature and science come together. The museum's exhibits and programs explore the natural world through interactive experiences. It inspires visitors to think about their relationship with nature and take action to protect it. The Wild Center offers more than 200 free events each year. It invites participants to learn about the natural world through hands-on activities, demonstrations, and storytelling. Kids can also enjoy various activities such as playing hide and seek at Hopscotch, solving puzzles, or gazing at Planet Adirondack. The center also offers many programs, including summer camp programs and guided hikes.
6 Revolution Rail
It's an excellent spot for visitors looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy some peace. The Revolution Rail is near the town of North Creek, which is just two hours north of Albany. The trailhead is located at the end of a dirt road that leads past a few houses before it dead-ends at a large field. The trail follows an old railroad bed used to haul logs out of the woods in the 19th century. It features lots of shade under tall pine trees that come in handy during hiking.
5 North Creek
This is a small town with a handful of shops, restaurants, and lodging options. But it's also home to some hidden gems that you can't find anywhere else. Visitors can experience how it feels to be in the center of it all, and North Creek is the perfect place to start a trip. It's a short drive away from Lake Placid, another excellent spot for hiking or camping.
4 Lake Placid
Lake Placid is one of the most popular vacation spots in the Adirondacks. It's also home to some of the best-hidden gems around. Take a bike ride around Mirror Lake or hike up Cascade Mountain for breathtaking views of the High Peaks. The area is known for its Olympic history and natural beauty, so it's no surprise that it's a popular summer destination. Lake Placid transforms into an entirely different place during winter. The town becomes smaller, quieter, and more intimate, and that makes it the perfect time to explore new places or have fun far from the crowds.
3 High Falls Gorge
It's located on the Ausable River, just above its confluence with Lake George. It's a deep chasm carved out by the river through huge rock layers. The gorge itself is only about a quarter-mile long, but several trails extend upstream and downstream from it. A series of ledges and cliffs form the gorge of slate and gneiss rock. The area is popular among hikers who can explore the gorge on their own or as part of guided hikes by local guides. The cliffs here are perfect for daredevils who enjoy rock climbing. On the other hand, there are plenty of spots along the shoreline to relax and enjoy the spectacular views.
2 Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake, which is in the heart of the Adirondacks, is a charming small town that's been around for more than 200 years. The town was built around the Saranac Inn, a historic hotel that Franklin Roosevelt once owned. The Saranac Lake inn is now a national historic landmark, and it's still open as a restaurant and bar today. It offers plenty of other hidden gems for those who want to explore the Adirondacks beyond its most visited areas. Saranac Lake is home to other historical sites, including the Adirondack Museum.
1 Lake Champlain
Take a boat or kayak and enjoy a good time here. There are also many caves located underneath the surface of Lake Champlain that visitors can explore if they want to satisfy their curiosity. In addition, there are plenty of hiking trails throughout this region that lead to beautiful waterfalls and other natural wonders.