When the sun slips behind the mountains, the Adirondacks put on their most dazzling show. Due to minimal light pollution, the Adirondacks boast some of the darkest skies in the Northeast.
Much of the region ranks as Class 2 on the Bortle Scale, meaning it’s considered a “typical truly dark site.” Stars blaze brighter. Constellations pop. And the Milky Way spills across the horizon. Lay back, look up, and let the night pull you in.
Best Places to Stargaze in the Adirondacks
While the Adirondacks’ skies set the stage, and visitors can view the night sky from just about any location within the region, here are some spots that offer incredible stargazing experiences. Some come with hikes, others are accessible by car or short walks.
The Adirondacks’ variety of vantage points make stargazing here unforgettable.
Belfry Mountain fire tower, Moriah, NY—a very easy walk to the firetower, with an amazing view of the Adirondack Mountains to the west and Lake Champlain to the east.
Cadyville Boat Launch and Picnic Area, Cadyville, NY—the gentle Saranac River creates a wide, unobstructed view of the sky, minimizing visual barriers to leaning back and taking in the stars.
Cranberry Lake Campground, Cranberry Lake, NY—˚a remote location with some of the darkest skies in the Adirondacks, its expansive lake views and wilderness backdrop create ideal conditions for spotting the Milky Way and shooting stars.
Hamilton County—the sparsely populated “Experience Our Adirondacks” region is centrally located in the Adirondack Park and has very little light pollution making enjoying the night skies as simple as setting back in an open field, lakeshore or dock.
Heaven Hill, Lake Placid, NY—the field on the Orchard Loop offers wide-open sky views.
Higley Flow State Park, Colton, NY—minimal light pollution and wide-open skies over the reservoir create excellent waterfront conditions for sky views.
Marcy Field, Keene Valley, NY—this open field is surrounded by the region’s High Peaks. It offers a wide view of the sky above.
Mirror Lake, Lake Placid, NY—the 2.7-mile paved path around the lake provides wide-open views of the night sky with easy, even footing.
Plattsburgh City Beach, Plattsburgh, NY—one of the largest freshwater, sandy beaches in America located on the shores of Lake Champlain boasts beautiful views to lay back and view the stars by the water’s edge.
Sabbath Day Point Overlook, Hague, NY—a roadside pulloff that offers low light pollution and wide stretches of night sky as well as looks out on the mountains surrounding Lake George.
Silver Lake Mountain, Au Sable Forks, NY—0.9-mile hike leads to a series of open rock ledges at the summit ridge, providing outstanding panoramic views of lakes, mountains, and, come evening, skyscapes.
The Pinnacle, Bolton Landing, NY—a 73-acre preserve offers panoramic views of Lake George and the surrounding area at its summit as well as space to sit and take in the stars come nightfall. The 1.5-mile hike is suited for dedicated stargazers and requires a headlamp.
Lastly, a breathtaking vantage point for viewing the night sky in the Adirondacks: by boat in the middle of just about any of the region’s 3,000 lakes and ponds.
The best stargazing locations typically offer:
- Unobstructed Views
- Panoramic 360° views
- Moonlit silhouettes of mountain peaks
- Safe and easy-to-follow trails for departing in the dark if a hike-in location
- Places to lie down or sit back
- Camping options or remote lodging
Camping
Discover the magic of Adirondack camping, from backcountry solitude to family-friendly escapes.
RV Camping
If your family cabin sits on four wheels, use our directory of Adirondack RV parks to pick the best place to stay awhile.
Glamping
Escape to the Adirondacks and unwind in style—where luxury meets the wild under a canopy of stars.