I am wondering if anyone can give me some advice about finding a place to stay in August with my family, possibly at one of the Great Camps or similar, not too busy an area, but fun for 7-year olds, too. More specifically, does anyone know anything about White Pines Camp?

I am not sure where in the Adirondacks you are interested in, but I am familiar with the Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Old Forge areas. I love staying in Lake Placid. It is a beautiful area and a very quaint town with lots of character. You will be right near the "high peaks" area and there is lots to do and see in and around Lake Placid. In that area I would highly recommend the Mirror Lake Inn right in town of Lake Placid on Mirror Lake. This is a wonderful place, and although not one of the "great camps" it has that kind of ambience. If the rooms in the main part are not available or too pricey, inquire about rooms at the two properties right across the street in their "cottage" or "white house", which I prefer over the main lodge in the summer because they are directly on the edge of the lake. Another place that I recommend and that may be exactly what you want is the Lake Placid Lodge, right on Lake Placid (the lake) about a 10 minute ride outside of town. It has the appearance, look, and ambience of the "great camps." The grounds around it are beautiful and the lodge is typical Adirondack decor. Being outside of town, it is away from the busy area. Mirror Lake Inn is right in town and is busier, although it is on a side street a bit off the main road. I think that Lake Placid has much to do and still retains that Adirondack ambience.

Also check into The Sagamore in Bolton Landing on Lake George (the lake). I have not stayed there, but know people that have and loved it. It looks like a "great camp" type of place. Whatever you do, avoid the town of Lake George which has become somewhat of a tourist trap.

There is another place in the Blue Mountain area that I visited as a possible place to stay and really liked. I think it was Hedges, although I'm not sure of the name. It is right on the water has great Adirondack ambience.

I am not familiar with White Pines Camp. I hope that this information is helpful.

I live in the adirondacks but you need to give a more specific location that you would like to visit. I have not heard of the camp you mentioned but even in my own area I am unable to keep trackof all the camps.

Although there may not be lodgings quite like you describe in the area of Old Forge (and the town is a bit commercial), try to drive over there for a day and take the 7 year old to the Water Safari park at Enchanted Forest in Old Forge. It has heated water, is set in a very nice woodsy environment and is the best water park I've ever been to. In terms of acreage it's not as big as Disney's Typhoon Lagoon but has much better rides/slides and more of them.

What is the weather like around the end of March/beginning of April?

It varies from year to year but depending on how far north you are there's likely to still be snow on the ground and you may possiblt even receive additional snow. Daytime temp's are likely to range from the low 20's to the high 40's or occasionally even the low 50's (rarely). Night time temps will be 10-15 degrees colder - this is all fahrenheit degrees.

Yikes. That's cold. I was wondering about a surprise first anniversary trip to Lake Placid Lodge that first weekend in April -- is that insane? We like to hike.

anyone?

Hi JHM, I live in Albany, NY so the weather a little farther upstate doesn't bother me too much. You'll most likely get temps in the mid 40's to low 50's in April anyway. Of course you'll get some freak days that may get into the high 60's or down to the 20's, but who can predict? There are a few problems with hiking at the time of year; if it has been a cold spring, there will be snow and ice still on some trails, which can be dangerous (obviously) if you don't have the proper equipment. If you're lucky enough to get a good warm spell, this presents a whole other set of trail circumstances: 1)the snow and ice immediately turn to mud. I mean MUD, like step into it and it's up past the top of your boot. 2) The stream that's described in the hiking guide as a burbling brook is now a river raging from snow runoff (tricky to cross if there's no bridge and you have to hop across the rocks). 3)Hiking in the "high peaks" is strongly discouraged (maybe even forbidden?) due to the environmental impact you can have on the trails and vegetation before things dry out in May.

I'm not trying to discourage your trip at all; I've been hiking in the Adirondacks and Catskills at all different times of year, and you just have to be prepared (mentally and physically) for different conditions. I haven't been hiking specifically right near Lake Placid, but I'm sure there are probably some nice flat trails that would work for you. Lake Placid is a really nice little town with lots of cut restaurants and shops (a little touristy, but nice). The Adirondack Mountain Club has a website where you can probably get up to date info about weather and trails. www.adk.org.

Have fun!

Early April in Lake Placid is usually too late for skiing but too early for hiking. Even if there is no snow on the trails it will be muddy. We moved to Lake Placid from New York City seven years I love this area but April is not the best month to visit. Although this is only time you will easily find a place to park on Main street unless there is convention in town. There are so many wonderful hiking trails in the Adirondacks but I would wait at least to the end of May.

Beth - Last April I was living near Saratoga NY and we got 17" of snow! Anything could happen weatherwise. Lake Placid is beautiful (I love wandering the town and dog sled rides on the lake in winter are fun), and so is Lake George (although it is more commercial). Many places kid-fun places will be closed because it is off-season. Remember...Adirondack State Park is HUGE with lots of places to stay, visit, and play. Have fun!