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 outside in the AdirondackS
What you need to know
Find your next Adirondack adventure
Landslides close Avalanche Pass trail
Several routes in the High Peaks around Mount Colden, Algonquin Peak and Mount Marcy have closed until further notice.
Motorized wheelchairs return to remote Adirondack historic site
A DEC program that helps people with disabilities access one of the Adirondacks’ most remote historic sites is returning for a second year.
Scarface Mountain Trail in Ray Brook to reopen this fall after bridge replacement
Work to restore access to a popular hiking trail to start in August.
Linger on the Leichter Trail
The 1.5 mile hike provides options for views of High Peaks and Champlain Valley farms
After dark adventures: Prime time summer fly fishing in the Adirondacks
Major insect hatches make for epic night time fishing
Goodnow Mountain trail to close July 7 for repairs
Popular Newcomb fire tower hike to temporarily close for repairs
Motorized wheelchair program returns to Great Camp Santanoni
Accessibility devices to become available starting July 5
Crane Mountain Paint Mine features high bluffs and history
Remnants of the Glen Mining Co. paint plant dot the scenic hike between Huckleberry and Crane mountains