Recreation in the Adirondacks
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.
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Getting in outside in the AdirondackS
What you need to know
Find your next Adirondack adventure
Adirondack Rail Trail sees 92,000 trips in first 6 months
Strong user numbers on par with similar rail-trails
Adirondack Mountain Reserve permits: Your questions answered
What you need to know about hiking from this High Peaks gateway
Split Rock Mountain’s forgotten quarry and tramway
The hidden trails of Split Rock Mountain Wild Forest reveal a piece of Adirondack history that ended tragically
Jones Hill: An understated trek in Schroon
Humble little Jones Hill, an 1,880-foot bump in the town of Schroon, doesn’t draw much attention—just yet.
Lake Placid’s chances of hosting Olympic events slide away, with successful test runs in Italy
Delegation reports successful test runs in Cortina in run up to 2026 Winter Olympics
Fat tire biking grows in popularity
Fat tire biking is emerging as a way to get outside in all kinds of conditions
State proposes biking and boating changes in Moose River Plains
The DEC is proposing to allow motorcycle and e-bikes through the Moose River Plains. It is also proposing to reduce the horsepower of boats on the Cedar River Flow.
These 5 Adirondack trails make for great spring hikes
Check out these recent outings from our team of Explorers