Outdoor Activities
The Adirondacks are one of the most activity-rich wilderness destinations in the eastern United States. Here’s an overview of the most popular outdoor pursuits — available across all four seasons.
🥾 Hiking
With over 2,000 miles of marked trails ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous summit climbs, hiking is the heart of the Adirondacks experience. Trails are accessible to all fitness levels. See our full Best Hikes guide for specific trail recommendations.
🛶 Paddling
Kayaking and canoeing are central to Adirondack culture. The Fulton Chain of Lakes near Old Forge, the St. Regis Canoe Area, and the Lake George islands are among the finest paddling destinations in the Northeast. Rentals are available throughout the park.
🌊 Whitewater Rafting
The Hudson River Gorge and the Black River offer some of the best whitewater rafting in the eastern United States. Spring snowmelt (April–May) creates Class IV–V conditions that draw rafters from across the region. Guided trips run all season and require no prior experience.
🎿 Skiing and Snowboarding
Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington — the official alpine ski venue of the 1980 Winter Olympics — has the greatest vertical drop in the eastern United States. Family-friendly ski areas like Oak Mountain (Speculator) and Big Tupper (Tupper Lake) offer relaxed alternatives.
🏊 Swimming
The Adirondacks’ thousands of lakes and ponds offer some of the clearest and most beautiful swimming in the Northeast. Many state campgrounds have dedicated swimming beaches. Mirror Lake in Lake Placid and Lake George Village beach are popular with visitors.
🎣 Fishing
The Adirondacks are famous for world-class trout and bass fishing. Lakes, rivers, and streams throughout the park provide exceptional angling opportunities. A New York State fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Available online at the DEC website.
Iconic Attractions and Experiences
The Adirondack Experience Museum (ADKX)
Located in Blue Mountain Lake, the Adirondack Experience is consistently ranked among the best regional history museums in the United States. Spread across 120 acres with more than 20 exhibit buildings, the museum brings Adirondack history and culture to life. Visitors can row a historic guideboat, climb a relocated fire tower, explore a restored Great Camp, and browse galleries covering everything from the park’s logging history to its role as a destination for wealthy Gilded Age visitors. Plan to spend at least 4 hours. Open late May through mid-October.
Lake Placid Olympic Sites
Lake Placid hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and again in 1980, when the United States ice hockey team’s improbable upset of the Soviet Union became one of the most celebrated moments in sports history — forever known as the “Miracle on Ice.” Today, visitors can experience the Olympic legacy firsthand: ride the Olympic bobsled track, tour the ski jump complex, skate on the Olympic speed skating oval, and explore the Lake Placid Olympic Museum. Many Olympic venues are open year-round.
Fort Ticonderoga
Situated at the strategic narrows where Lake Champlain meets Lake George, Fort Ticonderoga is a beautifully restored 18th-century French and British fort with commanding views and compelling Revolutionary War history. The fort changed hands multiple times during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution and features living history demonstrations, guided tours, gardens, and excellent exhibits. Located at the eastern edge of the park near the town of Ticonderoga.
Lake George Scenic Cruises
Several cruise vessels operate on Lake George, offering everything from narrated daytime sightseeing tours to sunset dinner cruises. The Minne Ha-Ha is a genuine steam-powered paddleboat operating on the lake. The Lac du Saint Sacrement offers elegant dinner and dancing cruises. A relaxing way to experience the lake’s remarkable beauty and see its 170+ islands without paddling a stroke.
Great for Families
The Adirondacks are an outstanding family destination. Here are some activities that children of all ages tend to love:
- Six Flags Great Escape (Lake George) — Full-scale theme park with roller coasters, water slides, and rides for all ages. Adjacent water park.
- Ausable Chasm (Keeseville) — A spectacular natural sandstone gorge in the Champlain Valley with guided walking tours, tubing, and zip line adventures.
- Santa’s Workshop (Wilmington) — A charming and historic theme park operating since 1949, located at the base of Whiteface Mountain. Perfect for young children.
- Wildlife spotting — Loons, bald eagles, great blue herons, deer, foxes, beavers, and occasionally moose and black bears. The lakes at dusk are especially magical for wildlife watching.
- Stargazing — Remote areas of the park have minimal light pollution. On clear nights, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye — a truly memorable experience for children and adults alike.
- Adirondack Animal Land (Gloversville) — A drive-through and walk-through safari park located near the southern edge of the park, popular with families.