Classic Adirondacks

An adventure in the Adirondack Mountain region of northern New York is a journey into a rustic natural world of undisturbed tranquility. The call of the loon, the splash of trout breaking a crystal lake surface, our footsteps along shaded forest and mountain trails — these are the sounds punctuating our delightful days in one of the nation’s best-kept travel secrets.

The walking terrain is ideal. An extensive trail network winds through the Adirondack Mountain range, leading to panoramic views of the entire region known as the Adirondack Park— a territory more vast than Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks combined!

Opportunities to immerse ourselves in this peaceful region abound off the trail as well. Pristine waterways, such as Blue Mountain Lake, are an irresistable invitation. Boating options — in kayaks, canoes, and sailboats — open new avenues to explore the region’s quiet coves and wooded islands. Biking and tennis are also available for active travelers, and there is simply no better venue for relaxing with a good book than an Adirondack chair overlooking calm waters.

Our accommodations in the Adirondack Mountains complement the region’s exquisite quality of life. Lodges built in the “Great Camp” tradition blend rustic authenticity with uncompromising comfort. Lakeside lodgings are nestled in scenic settings — with private beaches, extensive grounds, and shoreline walking trails. Evening meals fortify us with satisfying seasonal notes. From the High Peaks for the view, into the charming Olympic village of Lake Placid, or to the cabin porch to take in the sunset, we understand how this destination has for so long been a cherished, yet semi-secret respite from the hubbub of city life. We are grateful to have made such a rewarding discovery.

RATING - Moderate terrain with challenging sections

All meals included. Alcoholic beverages not included.

DAY 1

Meet in Albany,
transfer to
Blue Mountain Lake

Sawyer Mountain;
2.2 miles,
easy to moderate

At our meeting point in Albany, we get to know one another before setting out on a two-hour drive to Blue Mountain Lake, the site of our home for the first three nights and our entry into the serene Adirondack Park. Over lunch on the shores of the lake, our guides orient us to our surroundings as we prepare for an afternoon walk.

Our first walk leads up Sawyer Mountain to breathtaking views of the central Adirondack Peaks, with brilliant ponds and lakes dotting the landscape below. As we walk, the crunch of leaves underfoot and the brilliant colors of the autumn foliage accentuate the unspoiled natural beauty of the Adirondacks in its finest season.

This evening we enjoy dinner in the rustic lodge dining room — with lake views and a sunset over glass-calm water. After dinner, the main lodge fireplace invites us to relax, converse, or review maps and routes for tomorrow’s walks.

The Hedges, Blue Mountain Lake

DAY 2

Rock Pond;
1.5 miles, easy

Tirrell Pond;
6.6 miles,
easy to moderate

Early risers may join guides for a short walk (1.5 miles) to Rock Pond before breakfast. Upon reaching this secluded pond, we pause to enjoy the peace and quiet.

After a hearty breakfast, we begin our walk to Tirrell Pond, a mountain-ringed pond in a classic Adirondack setting. The beautiful shoreline and lean-to invite us to rest for a bit and enjoy the scenery as well as the solitude of the wilderness. Following lunch at the lean-to, we complete our route and venture back toward Blue Mountain Lake. This afternoon is ours to enjoy at the lodge, where active options await: kayaks, canoes, and a clay tennis court. At your request, guides can arrange a trip to a local general store perhaps to pick up a regional keepsake.

Following dinner at the lodge, the evening is spent at leisure, perhaps relaxing on the lodge's porch.

The Hedges, Blue Mountain Lake

DAY 3

Adirondack Museum

Castle Rock;
4 miles, moderate
(640 ft elevation gain)

In lieu of a morning walk, we visit the Adirondack Museum. This 32-acre museum houses more than 20 exhibits ranging from the history of boats and boating to the region’s renowned furniture-making tradition. A picnic lunch awaits on the grounds of the museum.

Our afternoon walk takes us to Castle Rock. A loop trail offers easy or moderate walking options with a summit ascent (640 ft elevation gain). From this viewpoint, Blue Mountain Lake spreads out below, glistening under the autumn sun.

On our final evening in Blue Mountain Lake, we dine overlooking the water and share conversation by the fire.

The Hedges, Blue Mountain Lake

DAY 4

Transfer to Lake Placid

Mt. Van Hoevenberg;
5 miles,
moderate
(750 ft elevation gain)

Awaking to the loon’s call and the rustle of autumn leaves, we enjoy an energizing breakfast before bidding farewell to Blue Mountain Lake.  Dressed to walk, we begin a one-and-a-half hour drive toward Lake Placid and our home for the next two nights.

Our walk on Mt. Van Hoevenberg takes us along wooded trails, past beaver ponds, and along the ridge to the summit.  Here we are treated to views of Mt. Marcy, Algonquin Peak,  and Lake Placid. We take in the view and learn how the High Peaks were formed, before making our way back down.

Late this afternoon we continue on to Lake Placid and check into our inn, which sits on the shores of Mirror Lake, within walking distance of the village. 

Tonight we are on our own to choose from the many excellent restaurants in Lake Placid.

Mirror Lake Inn, Lake Placid

DAY 5

St. Regis Mountain,
6.6 miles,
moderate to challenging,
(1500 ft elevation gain)

Following a hearty breakfast and a short drive to the trailhead, we depart for a walk to the summit of St. Regis Mountain. The path leads through a mixed hardwood forest, treating us to a south-facing viewpoint — spectacular vistas on the Saranac Lakes, the St. Regis Wilderness Canoe area, and the distant High Peaks (1500 ft elevation gain). 

Our final night in the Adirondacks features sumptuous fare at our inn,  as we celebrate our recent adventure into one of America’s most treasured and pristine regions.

Mirror Lake Inn, Lake Placid 

DAY 6

Owl’s Head;
1.1 miles, moderate.

Transfer to Albany

Departure

This morning, we depart Upper Saranac Lake and drive through the High Peaks Region toward the eastern edge of the mountains. Along the way, we stop to walk up Owl’s Head, enjoying expansive views of Cascade, Pitchoff, Giant, and Hurricane Mountains. Our final walk leads us back through this tranquil setting.

A favorite, local cafe provides lunch, which we enjoy on the shores of classic Chapel Pond— an ideal setting. Rock climbers scaling cliffs across the lake may provide impromptu entertainment.

The road winds back down to lower elevations, offering a parting view of this peaceful, pristine wilderness.