Summer in Saranac Lake
Winters in Saranac Lake may be legendary, but summer is when this town really shines. From mountain and road biking to more paddling than can be imagined to arts, live music, shopping, and fantastic food, this mountain town will leave you wanting more. Climb the Saranac 6er mountains, pick up local souvenirs, or just relax the day away in the fresh mountain air. It doesn't matter if you're here for a weekend getaway or a mid-week vacation, with Saranac Lake as your basecamp, you can explore the Adirondacks any way you want.
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.
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 dot the landscape, and countless trails lead to an unending variety of adventures. If you’re a goal-driven person, then tackling the Saranac Lake 6er hiking challenge is the perfect match! Climb six of the area’s iconic mountains to earn the finisher’s patch, or complete it in 24 hours for the Ultra designation!
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. 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.
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. As if you needed another reason to visit mountain lakes and streams, here are 10 reasons paddling in Saranac Lake is awesome!
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.
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 Bug Crawl.
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.
There’s also a lot to do for people of all ages and interests. 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.
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.
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 tthe most popular vacation destionations. In the early 1900s, there were double digit hotels in the village and surrounding area. Of those, one can still be visited today: the historic Hotel Saranac. Today, hospitality is very much part of Saranac Lake's DNA.
After a day exploring all the area has to offer, you want a comfortable place to rest your head. 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 relax, enjoy your stay, and drift off to sleep as the Common Loons sing you a lullaby. Book your stay today!
The reason you may see media of people not wearing masks on our website is because all footage is from prior years. We all need to be vigilant about maintaining social distance of 6 feet or more and wearing masks when we cannot social distance.
