Great Outdoors

Stay in vibrant Lake Placid as your gateway to exploring the great outdoors and all the Adirondacks have to offer. Our resort community and the Adirondack region offers more diversity than probably any other recreational area in the Northeast. The fun never stops happening with the widest selection of activities for adventure seekers of all levels.

Short Mountain Hikes and Scenic Views

One of greatest treasures of the Adirondack region is the spectacular views available around every corner. Cobble Hill offers visitors the chance to experience this majestic beauty with only a short hike to the summit. Located right in the heart of Lake Placid, this hike makes the perfect trip for a beautiful sunrise or sunset that will offer amazing pictures and an experience like no other.

Another short hike with an amazing view is Mount Jo. This local favorite is always a treasure as the summit features ledges with beautiful views and is a great way to start any trip to the Adirondacks.

If hiking is not what you are looking for, it is still possible to experience the amazing views. The Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway is arguably one of the most treasured views in all of the Adirondacks. This highway allows visitors to drive all the way to the top of Whiteface Mountain, a 4,867 foot peak with a view that will take your breath away. This attraction should be a must-see for all visitors whether it is your first trip or your 30th.

Any visitors looking for a view that is breathtaking and magical may want to pay a visit to High Falls Gorge. This special 30 minute loop gives visitors the chance to admire four incredible waterfalls and the chance to make memories forever. Visitors are also given the chance to eat overlooking the beautiful view as the Gorge also features a cafe with excellent food.

Hiking, Running, Biking, Walking – Dog Walking, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing

For visitors seeking more of a substantial hike, the Jack Rabbit Trail stretches over 30 miles and weaves all around Lake Placid and the surrounding areas. In the winter this trail also offers beautiful cross-country skiing and snowshoeing and is the perfect addition to any Adirondack vacation.

The Brewster Peninsula Trails are a collection of five trails that offer short loops for anyone looking for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, or trail running opportunities. The area is in beautiful shape and there are trails available for guests of all skill levels and ages. It makes the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors while doing some exercise.

For any visitors looking for a place to walk their dog, Henry`s Woods community preserve is the perfect place. This trail system not only offers plenty of room for dogs to get some exercise but also can be the perfect place for visitors just looking for someone to take a walk. The trail system offers beautiful views and has a peaceful atmosphere for anyone cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking or even mountain biking. Located right in the middle of town, this public area is the perfect place for anyone looking for a short excursion at any time of day.

Another perfect area to go for a scenic stroll is at John Brown`s Farm. This public area offers a short loop, perfect for walking dogs, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and running, hiking or biking. For any guests looking to learn some history about the area, the John Brown Farmhouse is actually located right next to the trail parking lot and offers plenty of information on the historic importance of the area.

For an easier grade walking/running area, Mirror Lake located just downtown is a great place to walk around. This scenic loop allows visitors to get some exercise on the 2.7 mile loop. This loop includes the town`s downtown shopping area. Dozens of local shops offer boutique products that cannot be found anywhere else and are definitely worth the trip. Visitors that work up an appetite from walking can support many local restaurants that overlook the lake with fantastic views.

Paddling, Canoeing, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Swimming

For visitors that enjoy the water, Mirror Lake is the perfect destination for a quick dip. The lake offers a beachfront with a huge dock, perfect for swimming and having a fun day in the water. Mirror Lake is also the perfect place to go paddling as there is plenty of space to explore and the scenery is beautiful. A plethora of different kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards are available for rental downtown so any potential boaters can enjoy the water without bringing their own equipment.

Lake Placid is another great place for a swim; this expansive lake is one of the most beautiful in the Adirondack region. Paddlers can enjoy a long scenic trip if they wish as the lake stretches over 3 miles in area. The lake is always full of rich wildlife that can make for a very memorable experience while enjoying the water.

Sailing, Boating, Water Skiing

Motorboats are not permitted on Mirror Lake. However sailboats are more than welcome on the lake. Visitors wishing to sail should make sure to enjoy the beautiful views as Mirror Lake offers some of the best ways to enjoy the beauty all around the Adirondacks.

For visitors looking for the opportunity to utilize motorboats, Lake Placid is the perfect destination. This picturesque lake offers plenty of space for activities like waterskiing and tubing, and is always a blast during the summer. For guests hoping to sail, during the summer there is plenty of wind so all potential sailors should have plenty of fun no matter what the skill level.

Tennis

Tennis is a very popular sport in Lake Placid over the summer. At the Lake Placid Public Beach there are four courts available for public use at zero cost. The public courts are easily accessible located in the middle of town right next to the public beach.

The Whiteface Club is another facility available for use to play tennis. This beautiful facility is kept in perfect shape and is regularly maintained. Memberships are available for either the entire season or for the length of your stay. Lessons are also available for anyone looking to improve on their tennis skills and the instructors are incredibly friendly and helpful.

Golfing

When looking for golfing in Lake Placid, the Lake Placid Club is one of the best places to play a round. The course is regularly maintained throughout the summer and is always in great shape. There are three different courses available to play depending on what style of golf you are looking to play. There are two 18 hole courses both with the availability of cart use. If you are looking for more of a short, relaxing game there is also a 9 hole, short course available.

The Whiteface Club is another popular golf course utilized by visitors looking for a more upscale game of golf. The course is always kept in impeccable shape and is perfect for a game of golf while on vacation. Rental clubs are available for use by players who do not bring their clubs with them.

Craig Wood Golf Course offers visitors a beautiful view of the Adirondacks whilst playing a round of golf. The course has plenty of amenities available for golfers such as cart rentals, lessons, and a driving range. The course offers a more reasonable rate for a round of golf with some of the best views in the Adirondack region.

Downhill Skiing

Downhill skiing is one of Lake Placid`s most popular attractions. Home to Whiteface Mountain, this enormous slope includes 86 trails ranging in difficulty from easy to difficult. The mountain has a place for everyone with lessons available for all ages and skill levels. No matter your skill level, you will feel at home at Whiteface Mountain and will understand why it is such a local favorite.

Ice Skating

One of the most amazing parts of Lake Placid`s rich history is the occurrence of not just one Olympics but two. The Olympic Oval is one of the most important parts of this rich history. Hosting the speed skating events for both Olympics, this venue was home to the legendary Eric Heiden who won five gold medals during the 1980 Olympics. Become a part of this history today by skating on the oval during public skate sessions offered throughout the winter. Skate rentals are available for visitors so it is possible to fully immerse yourself in the Olympic experience.

Another amazing place to skate in Lake Placid is on the beautiful Mirror Lake. This 124 acre lake is a great place to practice your skating skills and enjoy the winter while having a blast. Every winter after fully freezing, the town utilizes state-of-art machinery in order to clear off a perimeter of the lake so visitors and locals alike are able to gain some exercise and explore the vast lake. Definitely a must see if you are a first time visitor or have been to the Adirondack region many times.

For our visitors that are huge fans of hockey, the Lake Placid Olympic Center is another must see venue. Home of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” victory of the United States against the USSR, this arena is still in impeccable condition and a great place to truly witness history. Hosting three indoor ice surfaces, this complex is the perfect place to come skate no matter what the weather is outside. Public skating is available for visitors of all ages and is available year round.

Fishing, Fly Fishing, and Guide Services

Fishing is one of the Adirondacks most treasured arts. The mighty Ausable River is a fly fishing hotspot with a multitude of fish available to be caught. Fish species most popular are smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and perch. However depending on your skill level, legendary northern pike and walleye fish have been caught large enough to justify trophy status. Other fishing spots popular among locals and visitors alike are Lake George, Long Lake, Schroon Lake, and Great Sacandaga Lake. If you are in need of lessons or would like a guide to join you on a fishing expedition, there are a multitude of friendly guides available with vast expertise of the region.

Ice Climbing and Rock Climbing

If rock or ice climbing is in your interest, the Adirondack region is one of the best places in North-East New York to fulfill all your climbing needs. Some popular places to climb include Cascade Lakes, Echo Cliff, Poke-O-Moonshine, McKenzie Pond, and Long Pond Cliff with climbs ranging from easy to hard difficulty level depending on your experience. If you are new to the art of climbing and want to try it out, guide services are available to supply equipment and training in order to offer you a safe, fun adventure that will leave you will a multitude of stories to tell back home.

Scenic Flights

One of the best ways to get amazing photos of the majestic Adirondack landscape is to take a ride on one of the Adirondack Scenic Flights. These flights take off daily and give visitors the most surreal and spectacular view of this amazing place. Visitors will be able to truly see all the beautiful lakes, high peak mountains, and Olympic Venues this beautiful place has to offer in a 20 minute flight. This is definitely one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the beauty of this region and will leave you with a memory that will last a lifetime.