What You’re Getting Into
The Adirondacks Aren’t a National Park
This surprises almost every first-timer. The Adirondack Park is not a federally managed national park — it is a state park in New York, but unlike any state park you’ve visited before.
The park encompasses about six million acres of both public forest preserve land and private land. More than 130,000 people permanently live and work within the park’s boundaries. Towns like Lake Placid, Lake George, Old Forge, and Saranac Lake are full communities inside the park.
There are no entrance gates and no admission fee for the park itself. You simply drive in — look for the brown and yellow “Welcome to Adirondack Park” signs along the roads that mark the boundary.
⚠️ First-Timer Tip: Because the park is so large (about the size of Vermont), choose a specific region or hub town to base yourself in. Trying to see everything in one trip is overwhelming — pick a corner and explore it well.
The 10 Regions — Choose Your Base
The Adirondack Park is divided into distinct regions, each with its own character, attractions, and hub towns. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular ones for first-timers:
⛷️ High Peaks
Home to Lake Placid and the 46 highest mountains. Best for serious hikers and Olympic history.
🚤 Lake George
The most accessible and family-friendly region. Boating, swimming, and classic resort-town atmosphere.
🌲 Old Forge / West
Great for paddling the Fulton Chain of Lakes, family activities, and a quieter wilderness feel.
🎭 Saranac Lake
Charming village surrounded by water and mountains. Excellent paddling and a beloved winter carnival.
🏛️ Blue Mountain Lake
Home to the Adirondack Experience museum — the best introduction to ADK history and culture.
🌊 Lake Champlain Valley
Historic forts, scenic byways, and spectacular views across Lake Champlain to Vermont.
Getting There — Driving Distances
The Adirondacks are easily reachable by car from major Northeast cities. A car is also the best way to explore once you arrive — public transportation within the park is very limited.
| From | Drive to Lake George | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | ~3.5 hours | Via I-87 (Northway) — straightforward drive |
| Albany, NY | ~1 hour | Most convenient gateway city |
| Boston, MA | ~3.5 hours | Via I-90 W then I-87 N |
| Montreal, QC | ~2 hours | Via I-87 S from the Canadian border |
| Philadelphia, PA | ~5 hours | Via I-95 N to I-87 N |
| Hartford, CT | ~3 hours | Via I-91 N to I-87 N |
Nearest Airports
- Albany International (ALB) — Most convenient, approximately 1 hour from Lake George. Served by major carriers.
- Burlington International (BTV) — Good option for the Lake Champlain Valley region.
- Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) — Small airport serving Saranac Lake directly. Seasonal service.
- JFK / LGA / EWR (New York City) — Viable if combining with an NYC visit; approximately 3.5–4 hours drive to the park.
🚗 Driving Tip: Cell service and GPS can be unreliable in remote areas of the park. Download offline maps (AllTrails, Google Maps offline, Gaia GPS) before you leave home and consider carrying a paper map as backup.
First-Timer FAQ
These are the questions we hear most often from people planning their first Adirondacks trip.
Is there an entrance fee for the Adirondack Park?
No — there is no entrance fee and no gate to pass through to access the Adirondack Park itself. The park boundary is marked by brown and yellow signs along the roads. You may encounter fees at specific state campgrounds, and some private attractions charge admission, but entering the park itself is completely free.
Is cell service reliable in the Adirondacks?
Cell service is unreliable throughout much of the park — especially in forested and remote areas and on hiking trails. Major towns like Lake Placid and Lake George have decent coverage, but do not rely on your phone for navigation in the backcountry. Download offline maps before you go and consider carrying a paper trail map.
Are dogs allowed on Adirondack trails?
Yes — most trails in the Adirondack Park are dog-friendly unless specifically posted otherwise. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times on public trails. At state campgrounds, dogs are typically allowed but must be leashed and may need to be registered at check-in. Always clean up after your pet.
What is the best time of year to visit?
The Adirondacks are a true year-round destination. Summer (July–August) is peak season for swimming, paddling, and hiking. Fall (late September–October) brings spectacular foliage and is many visitors’ favorite season. Winter offers world-class skiing and snowshoeing, especially around Lake Placid. Spring brings whitewater rafting and wildflowers — and far fewer crowds.
Do I need camping permits or reservations?
State campgrounds can be reserved in advance through the DEC reservation system (reservations.nysparks.com) and advance booking is strongly recommended for summer weekends and fall foliage season. Primitive backcountry camping on public land — at least 150 feet from trails, roads, or water — is generally free and requires no permit for stays under 3 nights. Lean-to shelters in the backcountry are first-come, first-served.
Can I fly a drone in the Adirondacks?
Drones can be operated wherever the FAA permits, except on state lands classified as Wilderness, Primitive, or Canoe areas under the Adirondack State Land Master Plan. The Adirondack Park Agency provides an interactive map to check land classifications. Always verify current regulations before bringing a drone on your trip.