Recreation
Hiking
Paddling
Biking
Winter Sports
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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HOW TO GUIDES
Get started in a variety of popular outdoor activities in the Adirondacks
Winter adventures
Feeling the (Higley) Flow
Wood's Trail offers easy backcountry access in St. Lawrence County
Organizations warn of the dangers of postholing
After Friday’s storm, the snowpack now exceeds a foot in many places in the Adirondacks.
12 snowshoe treks for all ages, abilities
Five articles that feature 12 snowshoe treks for all skill levels, on trails that are located all over the Adirondacks.
Grassroots trails grow in Tupper Lake
The trail system consists of nearly five miles of groomed trails and another mile-long spur trail that connects to the currently shuttered Big Tupper Ski Area. The system is a big upgrade from where it started in 2008 when the main focus was skiing the golf course, which is owned by the town and leased…
The warmest winter
Although the calendar is still in winter, the snowless and mild climate aligns more with the muddy spring season
Grassroots trails grow in Tupper Lake
The trail system consists of nearly five miles of groomed trails and another mile-long spur trail that connects to the currently shuttered Big Tupper Ski Area. The system is a big upgrade from where it started in 2008 when the main focus was skiing the golf course, which is owned by the town and leased…
Tracking Adirondack animals
A group of snowshoers led by guide Elizabeth Lee look for animal tracks in the snow near Pok-o-moonshine.
3 winter summits
Coney, Adams, and Treadway reward snowshoers with spectacular views for only moderate effort. By Spencer Morrissey Snowshoeing in the Adirondacks has a long history. Originally a means of travel, it is now a popular recreational pastime. The French called snowshoes raquettes because the paddle-shaped contraptions of earlier times resembled rackets. They were used by hunters and…
St. Regis Mountain
An old favorite in winter If you’re heading up St. Regis Mountain, bring your skis and your snowshoes. By Phil Brown Last winter, my daughter Becky and her fiancé, Joe, wanted to climb one of the Saranac Lake 6, so we snowshoed up St. Regis Mountain. Although I like St. Regis—with its marvelous views of ponds and lakes—I am not an…
The end of ice climbing?
For those who love ice climbing, with its short season and fickle medium, warmer winters have hit hard
Second ice climber rescued at Pitchoff
The man fell about 30 feet, rangers say
Surviving a fall
Experienced ice climber describes Jan. 9 accident in Cascade Pass
Staring into a cold face
An attempt to claw up the frozen face of Gothics.
New ice climbing guide gives solid overview for beginners and experienced adventurers
Climbers of all skill levels will find much of value in this manual
5 ice climbing articles
Recommended reading from Adirondack Explorer's archives
Snowboarding: Fun, for those who have access to it
Pondering more than bruises on a recent Gore outing
Chasing snow
When my buddy Doug Miller is eager to ski early or late in the season, he looks to the west, toward St. Lawrence County in the hopes of lake effect powder. He is seldom disappointed.
9 state sites for family-friendly winter fun
Parks throughout the region offer cold-season recreation