Things To Do in the Adirondacks

Four Seasons of Adventure in Upstate New York

Mountain Biking

Explore six million acres of year-round adventure in the Adirondacks. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a longer stay, every season offers something extraordinary to experience.

Outdoor Adventure

Adventure defines the Adirondacks. Hike scenic trails and fire tower summits, bike forest paths, rock climb rugged cliffs, spot moose and other Adirondack wildlife, or camp beneath vast, starlit skies. Outdoor recreation in the Adirondacks offers something for every skill level and season.

Hiking

Hiking in the Adirondacks

Top Hiking Trails in New York
Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking Parks & Trails

Best Places to Mountain Bike
Camping

Camping & Glamping

Find Camping & Glamping Sites

Lakes, Paddling & Water Activities

Water shapes life here. Paddle quiet ponds, kayak winding rivers, or raft whitewater rapids. Spend summer days swimming, boating, or fishing on thousands of lakes and waterways.

For a slower pace, take a scenic boat cruise or settle in for dinner with a view.

Paddling on a lake

Skiing and Other Winter Sports

When snow arrives, the Adirondacks turn into a winter playground.

Downhill ski and snowboard at some of the best mountains in the Northeast. Cross-country ski or snowshoe through quiet forests. Ride miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Winter here can be high-energy or slow and peaceful — your choice. 

skiiing

Olympic Legacy Experiences

Lake Placid hosted the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, and those Olympic Sites are still active today.

Skate at the Olympic Center or stand on the rink where the “Miracle on Ice” took place. Ride the elevator to the top of the  Olympic Jumping Complex for wide mountain views — or zipline back down.

At Mt. Van Hoevenberg, try a wheeled bobsled ride or explore cross-country trails. Ski Whiteface Mountain in winter or take the scenic gondola in warmer months.

Here, Olympic history is something you can experience firsthand.

Ski Jumping

Kid-Friendly Things to Do

The Adirondack Park is a natural playground for families. Camp under the stars, try glamping, or stay at a family-friendly hotel, resort, or historic Great Camp.

Hike easy trails, paddle calm water, swim at public beaches, or fish from a dock. Visit The Wild Center for hands-on exhibits, explore Fort Ticonderoga’s living history, or plan a day at Six Flags Great Escape amusement and Hurricane Harbor water park.

To celebrate the best of the snowy season, week-long Winter Carnivals dazzle all with ice sculptures, sparkling lights, games and competitions, parades, and pageantry.

From first family trips to multi-generational vacations, the Adirondacks make it easy to explore together. 

Six Flags

Scenic Drives & Adirondack Towns

Take in mountain views along scenic drives, offering some of the best leaf-peeping routes in the Northeast. Explore charming Adirondack towns filled with shops, restaurants, and historic sites. Each community offers its own character and year-round events.

Road Trippin

Food, Drink & Local Flavor

Every adventure ends well with a good meal. Across the region, you’ll find farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, cozy pubs, and lakeside dining.

From casual lunches to special-occasion dinners, local flavor is part of the Adirondack experience.