Center your summer getaway in the Adirondack Hub
It’s finally here! Your week-long getaway to the Adirondack Hub, filled with epic adventure, sweeping mountain views, and charming communities nestled between it all. If you’re not sure how to spend seven days in the Hub, there’s no need to fret. This region is vast, and each community brings its own unique flair, complete with local trails, Gilded Age history, float plane rides, and more. Whether you're a "no plans" kind of traveler or have a few bucket list items in mind, let this itinerary guide your trip.
Day 1 - Indian Lake
Highlights: whitewater rafting, fire tower hikes, and a breathtaking waterfall
Known as "The Whitewater Capital of New York State," Indian Lake is no stranger to outdoor fun. Naturally, start your day with an adrenaline rush on the roaring Hudson River rapids. There are two guide companies nearby to choose from for your trip, Adirondac Rafting Co. and Adirondack River Outfitters. Your trip includes all the essentials needed, including a dedicated guide who will make the journey with you.
Later on, trade your paddles for hiking boots and set off on the nearby trails. Snowy Mountain is one of the region’s most rewarding hikes, with sweeping summit views that stretch for miles. While challenging (at 3,899 feet in elevation and 7.8 miles round-trip, Snowy Mountain is just shy of being an Adirondack High Peak), the views are incredible, with a fire tower to explore at the top.
If you’re looking for a hike with a “cooler” reward, OK Slip Falls is all yours. A stunning hidden gem featuring one of the tallest waterfalls in New York State, OK Slip Falls is 6.7 miles round-trip with two stellar viewing areas of the waterfalls. The viewing areas are on the east side of a deep gorge, and the waterfall is viewed to the west. This trail is best done in the morning, as the sunlight hits the falls perfectly for pictures.
Day 2 - Long Lake
Highlights: float plane tour, an iconic general store, and dinner lakeside
After a day spent trailblazing, enjoy day 2 with a small town that takes it easy, both on land and in the air. Start your morning gliding above the mountains and waterways on a scenic float plane ride, taking in breathtaking aerial views of the vast wilderness and sparkling lakes below. These little planes never even touch the ground, landing and taking off on the 14-mile Long Lake! Back on the ground, spend the afternoon browsing Hoss's Country Corner, a beloved local stop packed with Adirondack gifts, outdoor gear, and classic road trip snacks that make it impossible to leave empty-handed. As the sun begins to set, wind down with a lakeside dinner at Long View Lodge, where a cozy Adirondack atmosphere and blissful waterfront views create the perfect ending to day 2.
Day 3 - Newcomb
Highlights: Paddle Boreas Ponds, visit a Great Camp
By Day 3, we’re itching for adventure again. That’s why Newcomb is the perfect neighbor to Long Lake. Surrounded by High Peaks views (you’ll want to stop at Newcomb’s Overlook Park for pics), Newcomb is a gateway to wilderness and adventure. Start your day with a visit to Great Camp Santanoni Preserve. Built by the wealthy Pruyn family of Albany, and opening in 1893, this publicly-owned National Historic Landmark is one of the earliest examples of what is now known as an Adirondack Great Camp. To get to the Main Lodge and Farm, visitors have the option to bike, walk, or take a horse-drawn carriage from the Gate House. 9 miles in you'll find the Main Lodge, where tours are available through autumn! In addition to the Main Lodge, visitors can explore the artist's studio, boathouse, and several smaller buildings.
After a morning spent in the past, it’s time to get paddling! Boreas Ponds Tract is a spidering stretch of water that cuts through thick backcountry and rare views of the surrounding wilderness. LaBier Flow, Boreas River, LeClaire Brook, Casey Brook, Slide Brook, and White Lily Brook are also all found on this 320-acre tract! To put in, walk from the Four Corners parking area to Boreas Ponds, for an easy glide into the water. Once on Boreas Ponds, you can make your way northeast through the main parts of the ponds and into the Boreas River, where depending on the water level it can be quite navigable and scenic.
Day 4 - Minerva
Highlights: Beach day, a stop at the local ice cream shop
With half of the town designated as state-protected land, Minerva is a town that will never lose its natural beauty or the nostalgic pit stops many look forward to every year. The crown jewel of the hamlet is the town beach. Family-friendly and surrounded by forests, you’ll be spending much of your time lounging in the sand or taking a dip in the lake. There's so much more to this beach, however, with tent camping sites, tennis courts, basketball courts, boat rentals, a concession stand, restrooms, and bathhouse facilities that make it easy to spend the whole day here. When your group is tuckered out from a day in the sun, the only solution is ice cream. The Stand, just steps from the beach, serves up the perfect frozen treat to end the day.
Day 5 - North Hudson
Highlights: Antique hunting, camping at a horse-friendly campground, and craft brewery flights
Known as a gateway to the High Peaks, this corner of the Adirondack Hub is full of outdoor experiences and the town’s culture reflects that! North Hudson is a popular pit stop for adventurers, and between trails allows visitors the time needed to slow down and regroup. Spend a night at Frontier Town Campground, a camper’s paradise and horseback riding hub dedicated to keeping our frontier spirit alive. Catch a rodeo, ramble through a pioneer village, and homestead at your own campsite during your stay.
After you’ve set up camp, stop in at Hayfields Antiques, a hidden gem brimming with an eclectic collection of antiques and treasures from the Adirondacks and around the world. Watch out for their flea market schedule, when collectors and makers from around the region come and sell their wares. End the day at Paradox Brewery, North Hudson’s famous independent craft brewery. With 40 years of crafting experience, one taste and you’ll see just why this company has gone from a friends-and-family secret to one of the largest brew operations in the Adirondacks. Sip all through the evening in their beautiful taproom, and watch as the sun sets behind your favorite mountains just outside.
Day 6 - Schroon Lake
Highlights: High-reward hikes, a paddling challenge
Schroon Lake is perfectly situated for outdoor fun. Just off of the Adirondack Northway, getting here is seamless, and getting to your favorite trails has never been easier. Schroon Lake is unique in its position as the neighbor to one of the Adirondacks’ largest Wilderness Areas. Pharaoh Wilderness houses some of the most beautiful peaks and waterways in the region. Its tallest peak to scale is Pharaoh Mountain, a 9.1-mile round trip with 1,920 feet in elevation gain. Take on the challenge, or climb nearby Treadway Mountain, a 7.8-mile round trip with 1,430 feet in elevation gain. This peak offers sweeping views of the surrounding Adirondacks, making for a pretty hefty reward.
Down below, embark on the Schroon Paddling Challenge. This area is primed with peaceful and scenic waterways, and what better way to celebrate that than with a challenge? Explore the Saranac Lake Watershed with paddles through Schroon River, Schroon River to Schroon Lake, and Paradox Lake. Your reward? A patch and memories to last a lifetime.
Day 7 - Schroon Lake
Highlights: A charming small town main street, shopping, local events, and markets.
It’s time to head into town! Schroon Lake’s Main Street is tough to beat; framed by the lake and mountains, the town is straight out of a postcard. It’s no wonder then that the town served as a filming location for the 1958 musical Marjorie Morningstar! Explore the arts scene with events like the Seagle Festival, craft fairs, or square dancing in the park just off of the lakeshore. In town, tuck into coffee shops for a pastry and craft drink, then explore local boutiques. Live music frames picturesque summers here, and if you’re lucky, you might just end your day dancing away to tunes in the park.
Fill your week with Adirondack fun
Planning for seven days can be daunting, but luckily the Adirondacks is primed and ready to welcome every type of traveler! From summits to beaches, float plane rides to craft breweries, you’ll find yourself booked and busy during your stay in the Adirondack Hub.
