The Adirondack Park

When the Adirondack Park was created in 1892 by the State of New York - this diverse mountain landscape was a wild place. Full of pristine waterways, boreal forests and the towering Adirondack Mountains. It was land ripe for cultivation or conservation, and it was already on the brink of wide-spread deforestation.

Clear cutting was a growing concern for many in the late 1800s, but it wasn't until 1894 that the Adirondack Forest Preserve was established and recognized as a constitutionally protected Forever Wild area. Of the Adirondack Park's 6 million acres, 2.6 million acres are owned by the state. The remaining 3.4 million acres are privately owned.

Within the Adirondack Region is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States. It is also home to 105 towns and villages. There is often a misperception that the Adirondack Park is a national or state park, yet the region's mix of public and private land allow for conservation and civilization to thrive.

6 Million Acres Forever Wild

Larger than several states in New England, bigger even than Yosemite, Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Canyon and the Great Smokies National Parks combined - the Adirondack Park contains the largest protected wilderness area east of the Mississippi.

Seven distinct geographical regions are located within the Adirondacks: the Adirondack Wild, Lake George Region, Adirondack Coast, Adirondack Lakes Region, Lake Placid Region, Adirondacks-Tughill and the Adirondack Seaway.

A constant juxtaposition of mountains and water, the Adirondack Park boasts 3,000 lakes and ponds, and 30,000 miles of rivers and streams. Adirondack waterways are vast, wild and primal - a treasured destination for New York canoeing and kayaking. The 46 tallest mountains within the park are called the High Peaks. Mount Marcy is the highest point in the entire state of New York, towering 5,343 feet above the High Peaks Wilderness Area. Whether you're a "46er" or simply looking to take a nature walk in the lower elevations - the Adirondack Park has more than 2,000 miles of New York hiking trails that cater to every skill level. Year-round recreation at alpine and cross-country ski centers is also a popular draw throughout the region.

Handicap accessible trails are offered in many regions so that everyone can enjoy the wilderness. For a hands-on glimpse into the history of the Adirondacks - from the logging industry to the distinctive architecture of the Adirondack Great Camps - the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake is the best place to go. The Wild Center Natural History Museum in Tupper Lake focuses on the environment and geology of the park. Celebrated for their experiential exhibits, these two museums are a must for first time visitors.

The Adirondack Park is delineated by a blue line on many maps. Although it is known for offering incredible outdoor recreation experiences, the park offers an authentic and unique wilderness adventure within a day's drive for 60 million people. It's just hours from New York City, Boston, Burlington, Montreal and Ottawa. Discover the enduring legacy of this wild area during your next Adirondack family vacation.