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
Railtown rivalries and a trail that runs through it
The role of railroads in shaping a historic community rivalry
Adirondack Rail Trail took off in 2024
Tupper Lake hopes Big Tupper gets restored.
Paul Smith’s Nordic ski team featured in new documentary
The champion ski team of Adirondack Park's only four-year school is featured in a new documentary.
A fresh take on Baxter Mountain
Finding the true summit of Baxter takes a bit more work.
Cherrypatch Pond: A journey through Lake Placid’s forgotten ski loop
A once-popular ski loop now sits largely forgotten
Exploring the Hudson: Student expedition trekked 375 miles
Documentary follows high school students from Mount Marcy to New York City while highlighting pollution concerns
The Pinnacle: 20 minutes to the top
Short hike offers big views across the St. Lawrence Valley
Carry Falls Reservoir: Family fun in all seasons
Raquette River spot in Colton offers sandy beach, scenic hikes