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Open crags on the an overlook on the Blueberry trail system in Elizabethtown. Getting outdoors in the Adirondacks

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.

Not sure where to get started? Pick a topic below or keep scrolling for some inspiration.

A person cross country skis across a wooden bridge

SKIING

WINTER SPORTS

Keene Valley, from the Baxter Mountain ridge.

WINTER HIKING

ice climbing

ICE CLIMBING

Getting in outside in the AdirondackS

What you need to know

AMR hiking permit graphic
bear graphic
ebikes graphic
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Find your next Adirondack adventure

man wearing blue on a bike looking into the camera on an icy trail

A spring bike adventure in the Northern Adirondacks

21-mile loop rides through utility corridor, former railroad bed and logging roads

Adirondack Rail Trail Loop ride

Adirondack Rail Trail sees 92,000 trips in first 6 months

Strong user numbers on par with similar rail-trails

Indian head

Adirondack Mountain Reserve permits: Your questions answered

What you need to know about hiking from this High Peaks gateway

Blowdown at the south end of the Wild Forest. Photo by Tim Rowland

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. 

Team Jamaica practices at Mt. Van Hoevenberg's Olympic Bobsled Run

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

A winter triathlon took place as part of the 2024 Empire State Winter Games. The race featured a run, fat bike and Nordic ski. Fat tire biking is gaining in popularity across the Adirondacks. Photo by Nancie Battaglia

Fat tire biking grows in popularity

Fat tire biking is emerging as a way to get outside in all kinds of conditions

squaw lake sign

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.

Through its news reporting and analysis, the nonprofit Adirondack Explorer furthers the wise stewardship, public enjoyment for all, community vitality, and lasting protection of the Adirondack Park.

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