Discover the Adirondacks

Discovering the Adirondacks

Hiking, paddling, camping, fishing, hunting, climbing, skiing, snowmobiling – all of this and more is possible in the Adirondacks. From accessible nature trails to rugged mountains towering at over 5,000 feet, small ponds to the enormous Lake Champlain, there is a destination for every size and kind of adventure – and it is yours to explore.

The Adirondack Regions feature over 100 welcoming communities, mountains, lakes, verdant valleys, and steep cliffs. Spanning more than six million acres, the Adirondack Mountains are home to the largest protected natural area in the lower 48 of the United States. Like a patchwork quilt, the Adirondacks are made up of ten distinct regional destinations, each offering their own brand of Adirondack adventure.

Each year, the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) asks hikers to stay on trails and mountains below 2,500 feet in elevation. This is done for a number of reasons, including the protection of rare alpine plants, to prevent erosion on thin mountain soils, and because trails in higher elevations may have ice and snow far longer than lower elevation lands.

Spring and Summer is One of the best times of the year for exploring the outdoors in the Adirondacks. Trout fishing is superb, hiking is refreshing, and waterfalls are often at their finest.The Adirondacks in Spring is where it can snow and be warm on the same day, parking lots can be full or empty, and one may be sucked dry of blood or merely spotted with hundreds of bites from black flies.

Their are nearly 10,000 square miles within the Adirondack Park (and even more if you count the surrounding counties that are part of our Adirondack Region), to welcome Spring!

Adirondacks during Bird Migration – Spring is a constantly changing time of year for Migrating birds have been arriving in our area for weeks with each day adding new species to a growing list.

During April the songs of Dark-eyed Juncos were joined by that of Winter Wrens and White-throated Sparrows, as other species of sparrow such as Vesper and Savannah Sparrows began to move into and through the area. Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, and even Rusty Blackbirds were found in increasing numbers. Broad-winged Hawks arrived from the south, and Northern Saw-whet Owls were heard tooting on cool nights along Sabbatis Circle Road south of Tupper Lake. The entirety of spring is an exciting time of year, but we birders have all been holding our breath for May.

White Water Rafting – Starting in mid to late April, the season kicks off with some Class IV and V rapids down the Hudson River Gorge. (For those looking for some slightly calmer waters, try summer or fall when the rapids are usually around a Class III.) The rafting season generally runs to the end of September, rain or shine. Grab a wetsuit and a paddle — rentals are available at most of our outfitters — and plan to hit the river. There are dam releases from Lake Abanakee every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from early April through fall to ensure fantastic whitewater fun! This is a truly one of a kind way to see the Adirondacks! And don’t forget a change of clothes. You WILL get wet!!

Low Elevation Hikes – Hiking is the perfect way to celebrate spring, but don’t forget! Spring can present some challenging forecasts, snow can last longer in the bigger mountains, and with melt, some dangerous conditions can form with ice and mud. This can also mean snow on a majority of the trail. Not to worry though, low elevation hikes offer a chance to finally see some sprouting flora as you make your way to their peaks! Trails like Owl’s Head Mountain offer similar temperatures throughout the climb, and a taste of truly spring.

Discover Adirondack Lakes, Ponds & Rivers With Great Fishing Spots – Did you know there are over 3,000 lakes and ponds in the Adirondacks? And over 30,000 miles of rivers and streams? With all that water, you know there are some great places to go fishing! Everyone has their favorite Adirondack fishing spot, and we’ve shared some of the most popular here, from Cranberry Lake to the Boquet River. Be sure to check out our Adirondack fishing guide for more information, or book a guided fishing trip led by an experienced fishing guide. Whether your like to drop a line from the shore, or paddle to a remote lake in the morning mist, you’ll discover the Adirondacks is a fishing paradise. 

Lake George is a great lake for fishing in both, the north and south basins with large fish populations. Both ends of the lake hold populations of lake trout, landlocked salmon, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pickerel, northern pike, and panfish. Spring is the best place to catch trout and salmon near the tributary mouths that lead into the lake. During the summer anglers will need to use downriggers to reach the fish. 

Bass season opens in June and rocky areas are home to smallmouth bass. For largemouth bass, anglers will want cast down to 70-foot depths and use minnows or crayfish. The weedy bays is where you can find some largemouth bass, pickerel, and pike. 

The Adirondack Seaway offers some of the diverse terrain, from the foothills of the Adirondacks to the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Camp on Cranberry Lake and enjoy paddling, complete a family friendly trail challenge including a tour of easy access waterfalls, and cast a line for trophy fishing! From outdoor activities, to family-friendly dining, find a perfect Adirondack adventure