Recreation in the Heart of the Adirondacks

Enjoying the Adirondack Wilderness

The grandeur of the Adirondack Mountains and lakes, the natural beauty of the woods and the fresh air of public lands - protected as “forever wild” by the Adirondack Park Agency and the Department of Environment Conservation - provide the perfect environment for a wealth of recreational opportunities. Saranac Lake serves as year-round base camp for hundreds of miles of waterways, thousands of miles of wooded trails and countless pristine summits from which to view it all!

The Adirondack Guide

If you want a local with intimate knowledge of the regions woods, cliffs, waterways or hunting grounds to take the lead of your next outdoor adventure, call upon the services of an Adirondack guide - it could be the best decision you make when planning your trip. They have a knack for finding the best place to hike, climb, hunt, fish or set up camp, as well as a great command of Adirondack wildlife, history and lore.

Boating

The Saranac River flows from the Village of Saranac Lake heading north to Lake Champlain. Visitors can launch upstream into the Saranac Chain of Lakes where canoe and kayak travelers can explore innumerable islands and secluded ponds, many of which have campsites, just waiting for you to settle in for an unforgettable sunset.

Or you can travel downstream from any of the launch sites located in the village, drifting down the Saranac River as it meanders through bogs and forestland, all with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and ample opportunity to catch a glimpse of osprey, bald eagle, beaver and other wildlife - the Saranac River is a photographer’s dream.

Motorized craft are also welcome for a leisurely cruise, an afternoon of fishing or an overnight stay. From the village, travel through both Lower and Middle Saranac Lake is available through a pair of unique man-powered locks maintained by the State Department of Environmental Conservation. Don’t forget to clean your boat before you use it here. Invasive species are not welcome!

Camping

Camping is a great way to discover our region, with both remote wilderness campsites or campgrounds with services. Boat access sites on Lower and Middle Saranac can now be reserved. Most state campgrounds offer waterfront sites, boating, swimming, hiking, biking, and more.

Hiking

The Adirondack Mountains offer challenging summits like Mt. Marcy and Algonquin (both over 5,000 feet). Long and short day climbs bring spectacular views. One could choose a different trail everyday for a year and never trample the same ground twice! Mt. Baker, off Moody Pond, is a great family hike with a short, gradual climb and great views. ~ 1.8 miles round trip. Haystack Mt. in Ray Brook is a moderate-to-steep climb with expansive views of the high peaks. ~ 6.5 miles round trip. Ampersand Mt., just 8 miles from Saranac Lake off Route 3 West, is a steep climb with an open summit and stirring panorama that takes in the Saranac Lakes, Tupper Lake, Long Lake and the high peaks. ~ 5.4 miles round trip

Climbing

For the rock and ice climber, there are endless crags to explore just a short drive from the Village - each with routes of all ability levels. The Cascade Lakes and Wilmington Notch regions are popular, hosting a wide variety of routes. If bouldering is your thing, Saranac Lake boasts the McKenzie boulders just off McKenzie Pond Road with countless possible lines.

Fishing

Salmon, Trout, Bass - a wide variety of game fish are found in the lakes, rivers and ponds in and around the village. From boat or shore, angling enthusiasts will enjoy the challenge of casting for wily native sport fish. The Au Sable River (Wilmington), Franklin Falls, Moose Pond, and Sumner Brook are some of the best waters in the area for fly-fishing.

Hunting

The Adirondack wilderness provides sportsmen with hundreds of square miles of public lands to pursue big and small game. White tail deer, black bear, snowshoe hare, ruffed grouse, and ring-necked pheasant are abundant.

Horseback Riding

Explore the Adirondacks on horseback with guided trail rides or choose a fully outfitted, extended wilderness pack trip - all options are available.

Golfing

Our area boasts some very nice greens, from 9 to 45 holes, with challenging and fun courses both for the novice and the experienced golfer. Consult us at the Chamber of Commerce for more information.

Geocaching

The Hidden Sport is alive, and well hidden, in the Adirondacks, ask our local Guides! This sport consists of finding hidden treasures in a cache left by others using a GPS device. Brush up on your orienteering and map reading skills while exploring the great outdoors.

Ski

Mt Pisgah Ski Area is located in the Village of Saranac Lake, just 15 minutes from downtown Lake Placid. The mountain offers something for everyone… from recreational downhill skiing and snowboarding, to a high caliber terrain park, gate training for expert alpine racers and snowtubing, we have it all!

Please go to www.saranaclakeny.gov for the complete list of prices, schedule and directions to the best little ski area in the East!

Dewey Mountain Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Center offers 15K of groomed trails for both skating and classic skiing, and ungroomed trails for the skier that enjoys he back country experience. Dewey also has a snowshoe trail to the top of the mountain where you can enjoy view of the surrounding area. A warming hut with basic amenities is located at the base of the mountain. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available and trails passes are required.   www.deweyskicenter.com