Summer in Saranac Lake

Winters in Saranac Lake may be legendary, but summer is when this town really shines. From mountain and road biking, paddling, hiking and mountain climbing to arts, live music, shopping, and fantastic food, this mountain town will leave you wanting more. Find endless fun for the whole family, with activities like all day swimming, picnicking, picking up local souvenirs, relaxing the day away in the fresh mountain air – maybe even squeeze in a stack of blueberry pancakes – you'll find something just right to fill every summer day. Saranac Lake has a knack for making anyone in your family smile! With Saranac Lake as your basecamp, you can explore the Adirondacks any way you want, and create those special and lasting memories.

On the land

Sure, we may have the word ‘lake’ right in our name, but Saranac Lake is situated in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, and that means there is plenty to do on the land. And, the best part is that there are adventures for all ages, abilities, and attitudes! 

Whether you’re a hardcore hiker looking for a challenge or a family taking a leisurely stroll to a wild pond, the hiking in and around Saranac Lake is hard to beat. Self-guided nature walks, cascading streams, remote views, and mountains of all sizes grace the landscape, and a vast network of trails lead to an unending variety of adventures. Even the most seamless of hikes can offer views that take your breath away, so spend your time looking for that perfect peak!

For those who like to be self-propelled at a faster pace, Saranac Lake is also home to world-class road and off-road biking. From mountain bike trails less than a mile from downtown to quiet country roads with more scenic outlooks than cars, the biking in Saranac Lake is second to none.

 

On the water

There’s some water near here. Ok, so there’s actually a ton of water. So much that aquatic adventures start right in downtown and spread in all directions.

Lake Flower, a dammed part of the Saranac River which drains the Saranac chain of lakes, flows right through downtown. After a day of fishing and swimming, kids and kids at heart will delight in finding an ice cream parlor right on the water! If the kids are in need of a mini adventure, send them off to the beach for some "amateur" scuba diving. Lake Flower and other Adirondack lakes like it are home to all different kinds of fish, and seeing them is a real treat.

For paddlers, the river offers a variety of paddling options, and serves as part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, which stretches from the Adirondacks all the way into Maine. Adventurous paddlers who love a good challenge will be thrilled with the newly unveiled Saranac Lake Paddling Challenge. Complete all five paddling routes in this decidedly different challenge to earn a patch!

Of course, there are the three Saranac lakes, plus dozens of other ponds and lakes, that offer boating of all kinds - whether you’re a paddler, sailor, skier, or cruiser. Check out historic great camps on the St. Regis lakes or enjoy slowly trolling Moose Pond for fish.

For a more remote paddling experience, the St. Regis Canoe Area - the only designated canoe area in New York - is just down the road from downtown Saranac Lake. With historic routes like the Seven Carries, tons of loops, and dozens of ponds, the St. Regis Canoe Area is unlike any other place in the Adirondacks.

 

On the town

The village of Saranac Lake is unique in so many ways, not the least of which is the culture, food, shops, and attractions that make it feel so much like home.

Start your day off right with a hearty breakfast and hot cup of coffee, enjoy a leisurely lunch or grab sandwiches to take on the trail, and relax after a hard day of fun with a wonderful dinner, local beer, and an unforgettable atmosphere.

Family fun resides in the heart of Saranac Lake! Take the kids to the Adirondack Carousel, stop in to the Loon Center for a natural history lesson, or check out the Adirondack Hamlets to Huts Trails Center for insider info on adventures to be had. All this, combined with any number of public parks, artist exhibits, nightlife, and unique shopping opportunities, make Saranac Lake a must-visit destination.

 

Creative community

With a thriving arts culture, you can experience the Adirondacks through local eyes in one of the many art and photography galleries along Main Street, or take a tour and visit artist studios and watch them at work.

Art extends beyond the studios, too: some examples of creative things around town are Projector Art, Music on the Green, and the Raining Poetry Project. Get the whole family involved in the art scene by hunting down bugs around town! The Bug Crawl is a scavenger hunt for all: aspiring entomologists, artists, moms, dads, grandparents, toddlers, and everyone in between.

Trust us, Saranac Lake is an inspirational place! Create your own work of art at the Plein Air Festival, visit with local artists at a Third Thursday Art Walk, or explore a new medium at ADK ArtRise.

 

Lodging

Where to stay is always one of the most important questions we ask when planning a trip. Fortunately, there are a variety of options in and around Saranac Lake!

There are backcountry campsites, grand hotels, budget-friendly accommodations, and quaint B&Bs. Did you know the word "vacation" originally was used by folks vacating the cities for fresh, mountain air? Of course, Saranac Lake was one of the most popular vacation destinations. Of those, one can still be visited today: the historic Hotel Saranac. Today, hospitality is very much part of Saranac Lake's DNA. From classics that are woven into the fabric of the town's history to new hotels adding to the charm, like the Saranac Waterfront Lodge, you'll find a welcoming and comfortable place to rest your head.

After a day exploring all the area has to offer, you want to relax. We get it because we feel the same way. No matter where you stay in Saranac Lake, you're never very far from the water, so kick back, enjoy your stay, and drift off to sleep as the Common Loons sing you a lullaby. Book your stay today!

 


Decide to make Saranac Lake your summer destination

Start planning your authentically Adirondack getaway to Saranac Lake today!