Recreation
A long history of getting outside in the Adirondack Park
In his groundbreaking 1869 guidebook, “Adventures in the Wilderness, Camp-Life in the Adirondacks,” Boston preacher William H.H. Murray wrote that spending time recreating in nature rejuvenates both body and spirit for the city dweller: “I deem the excursion eminently adapted to restore impaired health. I most highly recommend a month’s experience among the pines.”
Since then, millions of people have sought “R&R” in the Adirondack region. With millions of acres of public land, containing hundreds of mountains to hike and thousands of miles of lakes and rivers to paddle, the Adirondack Park is a year-round destination.
Not sure where to get started? Pick a topic below or keep scrolling for some inspiration.
HOW TO GUIDES
Get started in a variety of popular outdoor activities in the Adirondacks
POPULAR POSTS: HIKING
Mount Adams: A hike with mining history
At 3,460 feet, Mount Adams is one of the higher fire tower peaks.
A hike on a newly formed wilderness preserve
Formerly logged property in Moriah has a wealth of outdoor opportunities
Pitchoff in November
Shoulder season is good time (though windy) for Sentinel Range outing
In search of a spooky swamp
A deer-hunting friend a couple months back related a story his dad had told him about Merriam Swamp high up in the Jay Range.
POPULAR POSTS: PADDLING
Little Woodhull Lake: A little-known spot in a corner of the Adirondack Park
A homage to an overlooked, yet quiet place
Fall paddle on the Oswegatchie
An easy, two-car, mostly flatwater float along the Oswegatchie between Cranberry Lake and Newton Falls.
90-Miler at 40: Boat race kicks off in Old Forge
More than 700 paddlers from all over the country gathered in Old Forge this morning for the 40th anniversary of the Adirondack Canoe Classic, also known as the 90-Miler.
Morning tea with loons
Long Pond in St. Regis Canoe Area is long on scenery, seclusion
POPULAR POSTS: BIKING
Sable Highlands: Almost as cool as a trip to Scotland
Exploring rail history on an 18-mile bike ride through an underused part of the northern Adirondacks
Biking, farms, food and fun
Annual Bike the Barns event brings attention to Adirondack agricultural heritage
A windfall of a ride
Following a historic tornado along a remote stretch of St. Lawrence Co.
Need to get in shape? Try this ride in Jay
The ride begins at the Jay Green and in its initial phase heads south for five flat-as-a-pancake miles to Upper Jay.
POPULAR POSTS: WINTER SPORTS
Covered for calamity at Siamese Ponds
A ski trip with spare parts
Feeling the (Higley) Flow
Wood's Trail offers easy backcountry access in St. Lawrence County
Pole, pedal, paddle: Multi-sport charity race coming to Saranac Lake
The Saranac Lake 3P (pole/pedal/paddle) will consist of six legs over nearly 14 miles, including skiing trails at Mount Pisgah and Dewey Mountain.
Is the future of outdoor skating on thin ice?
Researchers, ice skaters reflect on changes to popular winter pastimes