Hiking
Hiking is the simplest and one of the best ways to experience the outdoors in New York’s North Country. Most trails are well maintained and marked by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and many trailheads are along the major routes through the Adirondack area—including Route 28N between North Creek and Long Lake and Route 73 between Lake Placid and Keene.
The most popular—and congested—area for hiking is the High Peaks region, accessible from the Lake Placid area in the north, Keene in the east, and Newcomb in the south. Much ado is made of the so-called Adirondack "46ers"—the people who have ascended the 46 highest peaks in the region. Although the High Peaks area tends to draw the most attention, this is where you find the most rugged hiking. Many less strenuous climbs and hikes offer rewarding views and backwoods experiences, whether for half-day hikes, full-day outings, or multiday backpacking trips. The areas around Schroon Lake, for example, have good hiking with minimal climbing.
The Adirondack Loj, off Route 73 about 7 mi south of Lake Placid, is at the main trailhead to Mt. Marcy, Algonquin, and the rest of the High Peaks core. The lodge is run by the nonprofit Adirondack Mountain Club (aka the ADK), which is a good source for hiking and backcountry information. It publishes a set of regional Adirondack trail guides with topographic maps and trailhead directions. You may buy the guides through the ADK Web site or at its Lake George and High Peaks information centers.
Resources
Adirondack Regional Tourism Council. The Adirondack Regional Tourism Council features an interactive map with some North Country hikes on its Web site. You may also obtain a copy of the free "Great Walks & Day Hikes" brochure from the council. 518/846--8016; www.adk.com.
Adirondack Mountain Club Information Center. Run by the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK), Adirondack Mountain Club Information Center is a nonprofit group that aims to protect forest, parkland, and other wilderness areas while supporting responsible recreational use. Information about hiking and other recreational activities in Adirondack Park is available here. The center is closed on Sunday. 814 Goggins Rd., Lake George, New York, 12845. 518/668--4447; www.adk.org.
Adirondack Mountain Club Information Center. Information Center: Adirondack Loj Rd., off Rte. 73, 1002 Adirondack Loj Rd., Lake Placid, New York, 12946. 518/523--3441; www.adk.org.
Outfitters and Expeditions
High Peaks Information Center. High Peaks Information Center, 5 mi south of Lake Placid, is run by the nonprofit Adirondack Mountain Club. It sells camping and hiking gear as well as regional guides and has information about hiking and other recreational activities in the area. Adirondack Loj Rd., Lake Placid, New York. 518/523--3441; www.adk.org.
