Welcome to the Adirondack Hub

Wild nature abounds in Newcomb, North Hudson, Minerva, and Schroon Lake, New York, the Adirondack Hub! In the Hub, some of New York state's best fresh air, hikeable forested mountaintops and sparkling backcountry ponds can be found around every curve of the scenic, winding roads. From roadside waterfalls to rugged wilderness, there's a lot of open space!

Picturesque cabins, miles of trails, and charming downtowns are all set against a backdrop of the stunning greenery of the mountains — this really is the Adirondacks. Throughout the region, distinctive local shops and the culinary comforts in our restaurants can be paired with a variety of outdoor activities in any season. Many local artisans have found endless inspiration here, from actors to musicians to painters to guitar makers. This region is alive with creativity and opportunity for adventure.

Outdoor enthusiasts can hike extraordinary interconnected trail networks, wander peaceful woods, or conquer the High Peaks. Fishing enthusiasts love to hit the water here, while newbies can hire a guide to learn the ropes. Need a little more speed to your summer adventures? How about renting a boat on Schroon Lake or digging into some whitewater rafting? To get away from it all, the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness has upwards of 46,000 acres to explore on foot, amid stunning forests, lakes, and ponds.

This summer, live like an Adirondacker in the Adirondack Hub, your perfect basecamp for adventure.

Love Your ADK

By taking the Love Your Adirondacks Pledge and practicing Leave No Trace ethics you can help ensure that the forests, waterways, and communities of the Adirondacks remain beautiful and unique for generations to come.

Newcomb

Not every town has enjoyed as many transformations as Newcomb. From First Nations hunting and fishing presence, to agriculture, to logging, to mining, to recreation, Newcomb has always been a vibrant, if small, community. The area was historically claimed by both Haudenosaunee and Algonquin tribes, and was part of the colonial frontier between New York and New France. After settlement in 1816 it supported many farms, and was a prominent lumber town and home to the summer pasturage for Finch Pryun’s herd of logging horses. Iron deposits discovered nearby in 1826 led to a transition to mining, with the creation of the mining community of Adirondac, also known as "The Upper Works." The mine closed in the mid 1850's, although renewed mining (for titanium) began in 1941. This led to the creation a new community, Tahawus, located about three miles down the Hudson River from Adirondac. That, too, eventually ended and Tahawus is now also a famous ghost town.

Newcomb is a by all measures a gorgeous place, with a mix of mountains and forests, lakes, ponds, and the Hudson River. It is home to Santanoni Preserve, one of the few remaining Adirondack Great Camps and the only one owned by the State and freely accessible to the public. It is maintained in historically accurate condition as an architectural museum, and is an ideal destination for year-round recreation. In addition to annual summer staff interpreting its history for visitors, there are many fun events held year-round targeted at both adventurers and families.

Another great option for exploring Newcomb is a visit to the Adirondack Interpretive Center, operated by SUNY-ESF. The 236-acre property has 3.6 miles of well-maintained trails wandering through many different Adirondack habitats, complete with bridges, boardwalks, and scenic outlook platforms. The AIC trails are open year-round, dawn to dusk. No snowshoes or microspikes? No problem - they are available for free on site. ESF also maintains the trail up Goodnow Mountain with its 60’ fire tower and outstanding 360 view, including to the High Peaks just north of Newcomb.

Paddling and fishing are also popular activities in Newcomb, with great experiences to be had on Rich, Belden, and Harris lakes. Harris has a lovely town beach with a monitored public swim area and separate dock and boat launch for paddlers and boaters. For the more adventurous, Lake Harris connects to the Hudson River providing additional paddling opportunities.

Visit Newcomb on the web or contact at:

Town Hall
5639 Route 28N, P.O. Box 405
Newcomb, NY 12852
Phone: (518) 582-3791
Fax: (518) 582-2061

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Schroon Lake

Schroon Lake has always been a classic resort destination, with the lake full of boaters and the dance halls full of revelers. As the 20th century aged through both World Wars, its stylish hotels and famous summer camps served as the template for cultural memories.

The summer romance, Schroon Lake-style, was immortalized in the 1958 musical “Marjorie Morningstar,” some of which was filmed on location in Schroon Lake.

While the giant resort hotels that once dominated the shoreline no longer exist, the hospitality ethos is still burning brightly, especially in the charming B&Bs the area is known for. Each of them have their own personality and style.

The village of Schroon Lake has perhaps the best beach in the Adirondacks, on the shores of lovely Schroon Lake, a minute's walk from downtown. The town's busy marina handles all kinds of boating needs — get out on the lake and go water skiing, fishing, sailing, and paddling. When the temperature and snow have begin to fall town doesn't close up. There's still plenty to do in winter, from alpine and cross-country skiing to fat biking and snowmobiling, that everyone in the family will be content with the wide range of winter activities.

The art scene is another important part of the area’s heritage. Seagle Festival, the oldest summer vocal training program in the nation, provides wonderful musical entertainment, and visitors can see performers of all kinds at the Boathouse Theater and Schroon Lake Bandstand.

The full events calendar runs year-round, with craft fairs, a regatta, and a wonderful Harvest Celebration at Gore Mountain. Centrally located to many of the area's attractions, and with a nine-hole, par-36 public golf course built nearly a century ago, Schroon Lake is the place for a timeless era of enjoyment. In winter, the golf course transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with tubing and sledding.

In many ways Schroon Lake is just as it was when the Adirondacks were first opened for visiting, but now it also has the latest hospitality and entertainment amenities.

With its delightful range of lodging and plenty of dining and shopping in their walkable downtown, Schroon Lake is just right for a classic Adirondack summer or a winter wonderland getaway.

For more, read the blog Four Schroon Stories.

Schroon Lake Chamber
Town Hall
15 Leland Ave. P.O. Box 578
Schroon Lake, New York 12870
Phone: (518) 532-7737
Fax: (518) 532-9474

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Minerva

Minerva is a place that's rich in history and beauty. Surrounded by wilderness, at one point it was solely populated by the town's founder, American Revolutionary War soldier Ebenezer West, and his five sons. In 1808, Solomon Northup was born there. The free-born African-American attended local schools and later became famous for his book "Twelve Years a Slave," which was published in 1853. It detailed how he had been kidnapped and sold into slavery for twelve years before regaining his freedom.

Today, residents celebrate Minerva's history and natural wonders. Half of the town consists of state land and is rightfully known for the amazing scenery of its hikes, the liveliness of its fish, and the centrality of its location for snowmobiling. Many of the hiking trails lead to bodies of water, so the area is especially notable for hikes that form chains to different ponds from the same trailhead.

On Minerva Lake, the town beach and campground is a beautiful spot for an overnight adventure or day in the sun. The lake is cool, the sand is warm, and the scenery can't be beat. There are play structures and swings for kids, picnic tables, tennis and basketball courts, gazebo, and a pavilion perfect for family gatherings. The campground, open through mid-October, is loved for its family-friendly atmosphere.

Don't miss a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, Sporty's Iron Duke Saloon. Much more than an ordinary restaurant or bar, Sporty’s is a wonderfully unique destination that’s part museum, part dining hotspot, and all fun. It even offers free camping for those who want to have a safe night in. Located across the street from Lake Minerva and the town beach, Sporty's is family-friendly and welcoming to tourists. Stop in for classic, delicious American food for great appetites. Sporty's has fascinating items on display, including motorcycles, celebrating the joy of the open road.

The nineteenth-century painter Winslow Homer was a summer visitor who painted almost all of his famous Adirondack works in the area around Minerva. Today, his presence is celebrated at the museum operated by the Minerva Historical Society. Homer's Adirondack works capture the serenity of fishing, the majesty of our peaks, and the beautiful range of colors, even on a rainy day. To learn more, read the blog post Adirondack Inspired Art: Winslow Homer. Homer often highlighted hunting or fishing in his Adirondack paintings. Today, sportsmen still come to the Minerva area for the excellent outdoor opportunities. The woods are rich in game and the fish are plentiful. In winter, extensive backcountry trails provide snowmobile enthusiasts with miles of snow-laden wooded scenery.

Minerva

Town Hall
5 Morse Memorial Hwy
P.O. Box 937
Minerva, NY 12851
Telephone: (518) 251-2869
Fax: (518) 251-5136
Email: minerva.supervisor@frontiernet.net

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