Flying into Albany, NY - where to hike, cool off, relax for long weekend in August?
 

I like to get out of Atlanta for a long weekend in August for our anniversary each year--prefer a cooler mountain location, lodge or cabin, hiking and outdoor activities, and get getting away from it all with my husband. No shopping, expensive dining, or busy cities and traffic.

This year time is tight, but sometimes North Georgia just isn't much cooler than Atlanta in August, so I want to go farther afield. Competition makes direct airfare to Albany NY reasonable, so just got the idea today that maybe somewhere near there in Adirondacks?

Cool in August?
Good hiking or other outdoor activities you'd recommend with nearby hotel/motel/lodge etc. for just 2-3 nights?

I see mentions of the Lake Placid area, Saranac Lake, Blue Moutain Lake, but I know nothing of this area. More interested in forests, streams and trails than lake activities, but they can be pretty to look at.

The Albany area is not particulary cool in August. May be a couple of dgrees cooler than NYC but not much - routinely has temps in the 90's and frequently is very humid (afternoon thunder downpours are common). Sugest you think about Maine coast or Canada instead for cooler weather.

Yes, Albany can be hot in August -- or cool- weather is variable. But if go a little north and get up into the the Adirondacks it is much cooler. Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Blue Mountain Lake are lovely areas. I can't recommend hotels, because we usually visit family/friends there, but try the Keene Valley area, near Lake Placid. Breathtaking scenery, hiking and outdoor activities. On your way, you might want to stop in Saratoga--

Definitely head up into the Adirondacks; in August it should be pleasant during the day and pretty cool in the evenings ... I'd recommend Lake Placid. I think the area around there will offer more of a variety of activites that you mentioned. Just take interstate Route 87 right out of Albany north into the Adirondack area and then take local Route 73 into the village of Lake Placid. It's a beautiful drive through the high peaks area. The Saranac Lake and Blue Mountain lake areas are also really nice but farther ... I would recommend Lake Placid because you'll be close to some great hiking in the high peaks area. You can also drive your car up to the top of Whiteface Mountain for some great views. There's also a nice hiking area along a stream near Whiteface Mtn (?Ausable Chasm or something like that). We really like staying at the Mirror Lake Inn (in the village). They provided us with information about hiking trails in the area (which there are LOTS of) that showed level of difficulty and how much time to plan. There are hiking trails for all skill levels; keep in mind that this area attracts some very serious hikers (cause of the high peaks). The Lake Placid Lodge right outside the village is nice too.

If you're looking for more of a "cabin-type" accomodation, you should be able to find this in just about any area of the Adirondacks. You may need to do a search on this site or check other websites, especially the New York State Adirondack Park campground information. The NY State campgrounds in the Adirondacks are generally very nice. Saranac Lake and Blue Mountain Lake may offer more for waterfront cabins than Lake Placid will offer.

A problem that you will run into is that most places by now will be booked for weekends in August, but you may luck out with a cancelation. You would probably have better luck in the village of Lake Placid, but it may be next to impossible for getting a lodge or cabin for the weekend for next month.

We live just south of the Adirondacks and spent yesterday hiking up there. The temperatures in upstate NY this summer have been perfect - high 70's low 80's. It does get a bit humid but there are so many beautiful lakes to cool off in. Lake Placid is pretty, but bustling with activity. I would instead stay in Saranac Lake - lots of rustic lodging opportunities. The town is small and quaint. No traffic, tacky shops or expensive dining. As another poster mentioned, Keene Valley is east of Saranac Lake/Lake Placid and is a very beautiful area also. Adirondack park is over 6 million acres of lakes, forest, mountains, etc. I've lived here all my life and spent most of it "playing" in the Adirondacks and still haven't seen a fraction of the natural wonders this area offers. Check out www.saranclake.com for lots of great lodging options. Any questions, you can email me directly. I hope you'll come and discover this amazing place. You'll have a great time. Sharon

Well, nytraveler is full of it. Lake Placid RARELY has temperatutres in the 90. It doesn't take much research to figure that out. Go here:

http://www.weather.com/weather/clima...78?from=search

It is like visiting a place where the air conditioning is on everywhere...even outside. If it does get hot there are hundrerds of lake & podns to cool off in. Other posters have given you some great suggestions and all of this is about a 3 hour drive from Albany Airport.

Have a great visit to the largest publically owned wilderness parkland east of the Mississippi River.

Well, I justy noticed that nytraveler was referring to Albany N.Y. as being in the 90s regularly in August. Sorry about that but, I live in the Albany N.Y. area nytraveler is still off the mark.

It is mighty pleasant here compared to Atlanta in August.

http://www.wrgb.com/wx/historical_da...sp?Selection=8

Albany is a great location to visit some beautiful parts of the country. All of the earlier suggestions are great. My personal favorite if taking Rte. 87 N to the Lake George area and then head east into Vermont.This is rural area where driving is actually easy & enjoyable. You will get a great taste of NE by going as far north as Middlebury. Have also heard rave reviews about the Phila. Orchestra summer concerts in Saratoga.

Thanks for all the help. I'll look into specifics to see if we can get accommodations, etc.

My husband grew up in Jersey and his family traveled up that way in summer, but I've only been to Niagra and Finger Lakes to the west and Vermont to the east.

All the places mentioned would be nice. How about something closer to Albany, spending less drive time, and more vacation time?

You could go over to Lee/Stockbridge area, hike some of the Appalachian Trail. Similarly with going down to the Catskills, you could hike some of the AT or the Long Trail. Up Rt 30 (find Northville, north of I-90 exit #28) you could hike some of the Lake Placid Trail. There's mountain biking at Hunter, a bit south of Albany, or Mt. Snow, in Vermont, NE of Albany. Every once in awhile we have some extreme temps, but we don't see 90's very often.

(Side note: was in Jax FL area last week visiting friends from BatonRouge. Temps in low 90's each day, humidity not bad. They thought it was awfully hot. I thought it just slightly uncomfortable, which me being the "Yankee" seems I'd be the most uncomfortable one ... You never know what's unbearable for anyone, do you?)