Things To Do in the Adirondacks

Find exciting Adirondack events, can't miss dining spots, and the never-ending thrill of discovery in the Adirondack Region. Read our seasonal recommendations for the best things to do while traveling in the region, then check out some of the categories including Boat Tours, Wineries & Breweries, Scenic Drives, and more!

Summer: At Home in the Adirondacks

Fully loaded with hiking gear, fishing poles, and roadmaps, your crew hits the road. Destination: the Adirondack Mountains and lakes.

Once here, avid hikers will want to venture into the 46 High Peaks. Shorter hiking trails also abound, providing fantastic views along the way. Take Rooster Comb, a moderate 2.5-mile trek with stunning views.

As the sun sticks around later and later into the evenings, lakeshores become a popular spot for swimming and picnic dinners. Soak up the mountain lake vibes while paddling a kayak or visiting a public beach. To surround yourself with nature while learning about the Adirondack, boat tours are available all summer long on lakes throughout the area, such as aboard the Lake George Steamboat Company’s famous Minne-Ha-Ha..

Rain-soaked days are a chance to bring the adventure indoors. Visiting an Adirondack museum will teach you about this unique wilderness region. But don't forget about the rich Winter Olympic history in the Lake Placid area, what it's like to walk along boreal treetops in Tupper Lake, or how settlers in the 1800s traversed this rugged landscape in Blue Mountain Lake.

Summer in the Adirondacks is a time to relax, adventure, hike, paddle and learn!

red, white, and blue ice cream cones in the summer

Fall: There Is More In The Adirondacks Than Foliage

There is a reason why travelers from around the world converge upon the Adirondack Region every autumn: Adirondack fall foliage. The vibrant colors of the leaves fascinate new and returning visitors as colorful vistas change daily.

To see the most of this season of phenomena, take a ride along one of the Adirondack scenic drives. The views, and the colors, change around every curve as the miles fly by.

After taking in nature's show of color, local breweries await. Sample an award-winning craft beer and get the inside scoop from a local on where to explore next. Take in the views via motorcycle!

Adirondack Winter: Land of Wonder

Knee-high snow and iced-over lakes are nature's white winter canvas. Roaming through this backdrop is a centuries-old Adirondack tradition. To celebrate the best of the snowy season, week-long Winter Carnivals bring together communities and visitors with cast iron frying pan tosses, parades, and pageantry.

Outside of town, winter explorers snowshoe and cross-country ski across snow-laden trails. The most adventurous of winter things to do is winter camping in the Adirondacks. Stop by a local outfitter or guide service for winter conditions and safety advice.

Adirondack dog sledding on Mirror Lake in Lake Placid

Spring in the Adirondacks: Surprising & Serene

To the uninitiated, a clear spring day in the Adirondacks may be intimidating to figure out what to do – summer is not here yet but the snow is gone. Springtime, however, has become an incredibly popular season amongst the upstate New York region's residents. Here's why:

Warmer days get the sap flowing from sugar maple trees, which eventually lands on a stack of pancakes. When visiting Adirondack maple syrup cabins, be sure to sample the maple sweetness.
Melting snow means more water in streams and brooks. And more water means spectacular waterfalls pop up only a short hike in from the trailheads.
It's exhilarating, breathe in fresh, crisp air as you explore one of the many historic sites open during springtime. Think Great Camps, museums and walking tours throughout the region.
With the snow gone from barren tree-branches, more vistas overlooking the region await.