It is a truth universally acknowledged that going out to eat is a big part of the fun of going on vacation. You get to try new foods, explore new restaurants, and, since this is the Adirondacks, enjoy great views! Summertime means that the chill of winter has disappeared and sunny days, perfect for dining al fresco, are here. Why sit inside when you can enjoy the fresh breezes and warmth of summer? In the Adirondack Hub, there is a variety of cafes and restaurants with excellent outdoor dining, from coffee shops to the finer dining end of the spectrum. Each one is well worth a visit this sunny summer!

Lake Harris Lodge

Lake Harris Lodge has it all: gorgeous views, cool cocktails, a divine food menu, outdoor dining in the sun or shade, and even glamping tents for a unique overnight getaway! The screened porch and sunny deck at Lake Harris Lodge are ideal spots for enjoying a relaxing, flavorful meal. If you're in the mood for sunshine, try the upper deck! You can soak up some rays (with sunscreen, please!) and the warmth of summer while savoring a cold, deliciously refreshing drink and a summery meal. For a little cool shade with your fresh air, try the screened porch, which feels like a classic Adirondack camp as you enjoy the breeze and the view of Lake Harris.

9 Mile Coffee

9 Mile Coffee, located in Schroon Lake, is a sweet (pun intended) spot to grab a coffee to go, or settle in at an outdoor table for a homemade breakfast or lunch before your next adventure. On a hot summer day, a frozen coffee will get your day started in a cool, buzzy way. Maybe you'd rather try a fresh fruit smoothie or frozen lemonade? The non-coffee drinks are a big hit with kids! Settle in at an outside table and dig in to a fresh pastry, bagel, panini, or the popular build-your-own breakfast sandwich! Everything is so tasty, you may just want to stay all day!

Newcomb Cafe and Campground

Looking for a relaxing spot to savor the scents and sounds of the great outdoors? Stop by the Newcomb Cafe and Campground! You don't have to be a camper to enjoy the cafe, which serves up awesome, hearty diner-style dishes for breakfast and lunch. The staff here pride themselves on making comfort food that will keep you coming back for more. Think: platters of rich, fluffy French toast, homemade sausage gravy, fresh burgers, and special, unlike anything you'll get anywhere else desserts. The cafe and adjacent general store are open Thursday through Monday. Be sure to check out the general store, which sells items made by local artisans!

Pitkin's Restaurant

A local legend with a fresh new spin, Pitkin's has been a Schroon Lake staple for decades. Located downtown, within easy walking distance of shops and, of course, the lake, Pitkin's has recently undergone a big refresh under new, enthusiastic young owners. One of the changes was the addition of a patio for outdoor dining. The new patio enables locals and visitors alike to enjoy Pitkin's great, classic American food in the great outdoors. Open every day of the week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Pitkin's is the spot to indulge in a stack of buttermilk pancakes, fresh homemade pie, a "Schrooner or Later" sandwich, or a classic turkey dinner. As always, save room for dessert!

Trail Break at Schroon Lake

When you're ready to take a break from all the fun you've been having on the water, in the shops, and on the trails, grab a seat outdoors at Trail Break at Schroon Lake! Everything here is made in-house and with a lot of time and love behind it. Here, you can eat as lightly or as heartily as you like, selecting from a menu that ranges from fun salads to big, beautifully cooked steaks. The extensive beer and cider menu means that you can enjoy a cold drink or two while you dine, choosing from an array of craft beers from the area and throughout the state. Are you a snowmobiler? While you're here, plan for a winter trip! Trail Break is right next to the trails, of course!

With so many excellent outdoor dining options in this region of big woods and big water, it may take you a few days to try each one. So why not plan a trip and stay a while? We have snuggly lodging options perfect for a sweet summer getaway.

 

October, 2010 - My husband Kevin and I have had the North Hudson Trail System on our to-do list for a while - and even showed up at the trailhead last spring with our mountain bikes only to find that the trails were still covered with unbikeable icy snow. This perfect fall day, however, we had only colorful leaves with which to contend.

North Hudson Trail systemThe trailhead is near the old entrance to what used to be the Frontier Town theme park off I87 exit 29, and has an informational sign and maps of a series of loops on both sides of Route 9. The 7.7 miles of trails are marked with Red, Yellow and Blue markers and intersect frequently. We took a map, and headed off on the first red-to-the-right.

In less than a quarter of a mile, we were off-trail. Well, to clarify, we were on a trail, but the old falling down log church and ghost town in our sights indicated to us that perhaps we'd taken a wrong turn. We had inadvertently ridden onto the old Frontier Town property, and it was kinda neat to recall how it must have looked when in operation. (Both Kevin and I had been there as kids, but as very LITTLE kids).

As we stopped to take a couple of pictures, a truck came slowly driving in - and stopped next to me and opened his window. Now - I work for the visitors bureau, and am fairly adept at answering questions about the Adirondacks, and used to fielding media inquiries at any time and every day of the week. However, the driver caught me off guard. Apparently where he lives, all of the tourism experts wear bike shorts, a helmet and ridiculous protective eyewear at work. "When was this park open?" he asked. Of course, I immediately fell into character and said that it wasn't as long ago as the condition of these buildings would imply. I told him that I'd been there as a kid, but that it had been closed - I thought - since the 1980's - but that he should check online to verify. He thanked me and started off down the "road' back to civilization. We headed back onto the trails, determined to ride by color successfully. The trails are multi-use, meaning that we could theoretically come upon a horse, walker or other biker at any time, but we had the place to ourselves. We took the red-to-the-right to its conclusion, which turned into a steep singletrack on pine needles - (I made a mental note that red means "more difficult").

The trail system takes up two sides of Route 9, and includes a triangle they called the "beginners trail". We took that to get to Route 9 itself, crossed the road and started off on a yellow trail. I was immediately struck by the landscape: it was like we had inadvertently stumbled on another old theme park. The ground was akin to a pillow, but somehow we maintained traction. I made Kevin ride back toward me so I could take his picture riding on the mossy singletrack.

We decided to take the outermost loops and head back, finding one more steep section of technical riding that included some downed trees for extra points. Most of the trails we tested were far from technical, though, and it was a wonderful ride, along the Schroon River at points, and through primarily evergreen forest. The majority of the trails were rolling, easy terrain; most wide enough for us to ride side-by-side. We concluded that these will be spectacular trails for skiing, and promptly added the trails back onto our to-do list for winter.

-Kimberly Rielly is the director of communications for the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism.

 

Addendum: When I returned home and gained access to the world wide highway of e-information, I looked it up myself. Frontier Town was in operation from 1952 to 1998 (the original theme park effectively closed in 1985). It was developed by Arthur L. Bensen, who had a vision of a theme park where visitors could see American history come to life before their eyes. (The point here, I think, is that the information I provided that guy was right.) There's a site compiled by a fan with pictures and postcards HERE. 

As winter surrounds the Adirondack Hub in a layer of fresh and fluffy snow, it's the perfect time to gather your loved ones and immerse yourself in the season's magic. This winter, create memories that will last a lifetime by exploring the various family-friendly activities the Adirondack Hub has to offer. Unleash your inner child and embrace the joy of winter with these delightful experiences.

Ice skating adventures:

Bring the family to any of the town's skating rinks and enjoy a picture-perfect winter activity. Glide gracefully across the glistening ice on some of the Adirondack Hub's charming ice skating rinks. Regardless of age or ability,  these rinks provide the perfect setting for family fun. Explore the ice skating rinks in Minerva, Newcomb, and Schroon Lake, where laughter and the crisp winter air combine to create an unforgettable experience. As the ice freezes on the lake, look for the Town of Minerva to have a section of Minerva Lake cleared off by Donnelly Beach for people to skate on! No skates? No problem! At the Town of Newcomb ice skating rink, skates are available for free for anyone who might need them! 

Sledding thrills:

For a fun day of sledding, head to the sledding hills in Newcomb and Minerva. Feel the rush as you race down the hills, surrounded by the winter landscape. These sledding hills offer a perfect blend of excitement and snowy scenery, making them ideal for a family adventure filled with laughter and joy. Bonus you won't have to travel too far from the skating rink since they are located right next to each other! 

Newcomb Ski Slope:

Take your winter escapades to new heights at the Newcomb Ski Slope. Featured in the latest article by Forbes!!!  Whether you're a seasoned skier or a first-timer, the slopes of Newcomb provide an opportunity for family members of all skill levels to enjoy the thrill of downhill skiing or snowboarding. Plus it's free. If you don’t feel comfortable skiing or snowboarding, bring your toboggan or sled and ride down the snowy slope. 

Hot chocolate havens:

After a day of winter activities, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and indulge in sweet treats at some of the best spots in the Adirondack Hub. Visit Newcomb Cafe and Campground, the Lodge at Schroon Lake, Pitkins, or Lake Harris Lodge for a cozy and delightful post-adventure treat. Share stories of your winter escapades over steaming mugs of hot chocolate, creating a perfect ending to your day of family fun.

Escape to the Adirondack Hub this winter for a family adventure like no other. From gliding on ice skates to racing down sledding hills and conquering the slopes, there's something for everyone in this winter wonderland. The Adirondack Hub awaits, ready to be your family's snowy playground this winter.

 

Submitted by guest blogger Susan Repko

Outside time

As soon as I see the morning light in the summer, I start thinking about how to spend the entire day outside. After months of gray and cold, Adirondackers go into overdrive during this time of the year. I feel a need to make up for lost time by squeezing in as many activities as possible. 

I start with coffee on the porch and ask my husband the daily question, “So what do you want to do today”? Then I steer the discussion to what I have in mind. Recently we decided to take a hike to Gull Pond — the best little trail in Schroon Lake. I remember when my grandfather, an Adirondack guide, taught me how to track deer in the area and to respect the woods. He shared his love of nature and the mountains with me. 

An easy trail 

My husband and I are not serious hikers, but we have backpacked through the High Peaks in the past. Now we enjoy spending leisurely time in the woods along an easy trail. A trip to Gull Pond is a perfect nature experience in every season. It’s an easy half mile that takes the hiker on a journey to a scenic pond. I have a fear of getting lost in the woods, but there’s no worry there because the trail is well-worn and well-marked.  

I grabbed the backpack from our mud room and threw it over a shoulder. It’s always ready-to-go with a first-aid kit, bug spray, matches, flint and steel, knife, cell phone, trail map, and even bear spray (not to worry). We packed the perfect lunch -- a couple of subs from DeCesare’s restaurant, kettle chips, trail mix with nuts and M&Ms, and bottles of water. I prefer wearing long, lightweight pants and hiking boots, although sneakers are fine on this trail. We were on our way as soon as Dottie, our dalmatian, leaped into the back seat. She knew there was an adventure ahead.      

A trip to the natural world

The trail to Gull Pond may only be fifteen minutes from downtown Schroon Lake, but it’s a trip to another world. As you drive north on Route 9, you leave the village behind. Once you take a right on Alder Meadow Road, there may not be another car on the road. You pass wetlands that are surrounded by mountains and full of wildflowers, streams, and beaver dams. You take a right on East Shore Road and follow the lake to the trailhead which is located about three miles down on the left. 

We were ready with bug spray and hats when the mosquitos realized that we had arrived. We grabbed our backpack and hiking poles and signed the register.

There’s something about the woods 

As we left the parking lot, I felt welcomed by the quiet woods. There was a wonderful cool in the air as we started down the trail through dappled light. The scent of warm pine needles and the chatter of birds surrounded us. The trail was outlined by beautiful arrangements of ferns, berries, wild plants, and rocks, which all seemed to guide us as we trekked along. There was a sense of discovery as we walked quietly, listening for wildlife and looking for unusual wildflowers. Swallowtail butterflies flittered around and tempted me to chase them. 

We crossed a bridge of cut logs over a marshy area and then the trail rose up to an area where light streamed through the trees. A quick walk up the pine-needled hill gave us a view of the pond below. We had this classic Adirondack place all to ourselves. The only sound was the flapping wings of a loon. We sat together on a log and enjoyed our lunch in this wild place.  

I sensed that nature continues whether we are there or not. The next time you visit the hub of the Adirondacks, make sure to check out this trail or many of our other hikes in the region. Don't forge to find a place to refuel and lay your head after a long day of adventuring. 

Let’s face it, we know this ski season is looking different. But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy it! There’s nothing better than getting outside and enjoying something you love right now. However, we want you to be prepared for what you can expect before heading to Gore Mountain this year. So, here’s a list of what you need to know before you go so that you can have the best possible experience.

Advance ticketing & season passes

All lift tickets, lessons, and rentals must be purchased online. If the date you’re looking for is booked, please check back as more availability may be added as it becomes available. Consider mid-week to avoid crowds and enjoy shorter lines and more skiing and riding. And don’t worry if you’re a season passholder: you don’t need to make any reservations. 

Arrive ready!

Indoor space is currently limited so try to get as much of your gear on and ready as possible in your car and try to leave as many of your personal belongings as you can in your car. This will limit any unnecessary time indoors for everyone. 

Mask on & keep 6 feet apart

For the safety of yourself and others you must wear a double layer face mask at all times, with the exception of when you are actively skiing or riding, or if you are seated for dining. They’ll help keep your face a little bit warmer if anything! 

Ride with your crew

Skiers and riders that arrived together can ride the lifts together. If you are a single skier or rider, you’re welcome to take a lift solo. Don’t forget to keep your face covering on while you wait in lift lines and for the duration of your ride. Gondola windows must remain open during the ride, but that’s okay because you’ll get to enjoy the fresh mountain air. 

Limited capacity & takeout food

Indoor space will be limited and tables inside are spaced 6 feet apart and can only be occupied for up to 30 minutes. Try some of Gore Mountain’s new grab and go takeout food options or bring your own food in your own personal pack and enjoy it outside. If you do need to sit down and eat inside, try to avoid the busier lunch hour of approximately noon. 

Follow NYS’s travel advisory

With ever changing guidelines, it is important to stay up to date with New York state’s travel advisory. For more information on what is happening in our region, please take a look at our travel updates page. We will keep it updated with what’s open, what restrictions there are, and any other important information we think you might want/need to know. 

As always, remember to socially distance when possible, wash your hands, wear your mask, and stay kind. Gore Mountain will continue to update their operational information as necessary and ensure that everyone has a safe experience at the mountain. 

Spooky Season

It’s that time of year again, folks. The spooky season is upon us, and as October comes to an end, we ascend towards maximum levels of spookiness. In the fall, the Adirondack Hub becomes the Haunted Hub, giving thrill seekers and ghost-hunters alike the chance to get their blood pumping. As Halloween approaches, so does the search for something scary in the Haunted Hub.

The Ghost Town of Tahawus

Could there be a better place to ghost hunt than in an actual ghost town? The village of Tahawus was once a busy mining village that was located in what is now the town of Newcomb, NY. Tahawus, or Adirondac, was founded in 1826 after iron ore was discovered on the banks of the Upper Hudson. In 1858, the town was deserted for the first time as complications arose with mining operations. Tahawus would be repopulated in 1941 during a second attempt at mining the area. Like it had before, the mine would shut down again in 1989, leaving the ghost town that stands today. Today, you can hike through the abandoned mining area, explore the remnants of the town that once flourished, and read some informative historical signage along the way. But be warned, the appearance of the deserted town looks like something you’d see in a horror film, and to this day, local legends swirl about ghost sightings and supernatural occurrences.

Aiden’s Lair

Between present day Minerva and Newcomb is where you will find Aiden’s Lair, a popular supernatural adventure seeker destination. While the abandoned Aiden’s Lair is certainly creepy, it also has significant historical significance, which only adds to the lore of this once luxurious lodge. On September 6, 1901, President McKinley was shot twice by anarchist Leon Czolgosz while in Buffalo, NY. At the time of the shooting, then Vice President Theodore Roosevelt was on Isle La Motte on Lake Champlain. Upon hearing the news, Roosevelt began his route to Buffalo to be with President McKinley. Not long thereafter, Roosevelt was informed that the operation was a success and was told not to return to Buffalo at that time. Then, on September 13th, things became dire. While hiking Mount Marcy, Roosevelt was informed that McKinley’s condition had suddenly taken a turn for the worse. Upon hearing this, Roosevelt set off on what would become known as the “Midnight Ride to the Presidency”. During that ride, Roosevelt stopped at Aiden’s Lair to stretch his legs and exchange his current transportation for a fresh horse and wagon before embarking on the rest of the ride to Buffalo. Aiden’s Lair is chalked full of historical significance and serves as a supernatural adventure destination in the Adirondacks. 

Great Camp Santanoni

Built in 1893, Great Camp Santanoni was part of the original wave of Great Camps in the Adirondacks. Wealthy individuals of the time began vacating cities in the summer and relocating their families to open spaces so they could relax and have some “space to breathe” in the warmer months. The Adirondacks (as it does today) provided that refuge. Eventually, The Great Camp came into the possession of the Melvin Family. Tragically, during one of their traditional family vacations in 1971, a member of their extended family named Douglas Legg disappeared into the woods with little trace, never to be seen again. Extensive measures were taken in the search, and a rescue team of hundreds, including law enforcement, volunteers, and even private investigators, searched at great lengths through the Adirondack Forest to find the boy who had gone missing. Sadly, he was never found and no body was ever recovered. Following the gut-wrenching tragedy, Camp Santanoni was sold to New York State and reopened in the early 2000’s as a state park. Today, the buildings remain, and the legend continues to grow. Stories of supernatural phenomena can easily be found on social media platforms or with a quick Google search. The overwhelming opinion by those who have hiked the area is clear: there is a presence in the woods around Great Camp Santanoni that lives on to this day.

Plan your Scare-cation

Add each historical site to your scare-cation itinerary and get spooked this season, or maybe take the entire Haunted Adirondacks trip for yourself. After that, find a place to stay that isn't haunted, find something to eat, and maybe something to do to unwind after your own supernatural experience. Spend this spooky season getting terrified in the Haunted Hub! 

The Adirondack Mountains — and the townships within them —are beautiful places to live and visit. Travelers come from around the world to spend time here because of the scenery, the outdoor activities, the hospitality of the local people, and the unique businesses that are scattered throughout our region. However, the reality of the Adirondacks is this: it is sometimes a challenge to live here year-round! With a lull in tourism during the late fall and early spring, many business owners become creative and find interesting secondary ways to make their income. One business owner, who lives in the mountains outside of Schroon Lake, has managed to to meld two of her favorite things with great success.

True Adirondack spirit

Laura Donaldson had been a seamstress/tailor for well over 35 years. She wasn't your typical small-town seamstress; her business plan was unique because she would travel to her clients' homes, place of business, or any other location they needed her. She often found herself working in Newcomb, Schroon Lake, Minerva, Olmstedville, North River, Warrensburg, Glens Falls, Chestertown, Pottersville, Thurman, North Hudson, and Adirondack to name a few! Her business thrived, and she was doing well. Unfortunately, in 2001 Laura was faced with the challenge of taking care of an entire household due to the passing of her husband.

Faced with new challenges, Laura stepped up to the plate like any other tough and rugged Adirondack woman, and she started a bed and breakfast at her home. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she drew on her years of experience as a caterer, election office worker, school substitute, headstone digger, movie theater attendant, house cleaner, and as an employee of the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. This was yet another new challenge, an endeavor with great potential.

Taking a chance

It was by chance during her summer work at the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center that Laura met a woman that was desperately looking for a place to stay. It was 4th of July and all the local motels and B&Bs were booked. The lady really needed to come for a family vacation, so Laura explained that she had been considering the possibility of starting a B&B of her own. Laura told the lady that if she was willing to stay at her place it would give Laura the opportunity to feel it out and see if it is something she really wanted to do.

This chance meeting was a great fit; Laura loved fussing while making coffee and muffins for her first guest. And over the next fifteen years, Rocky Acres Inn grew. Laura has been blessed to have had many wonderful guests that continue to return each year to stay in her home. She works hard to make every guest's experience unique and comfortable, and her breakfast is divine. With sprawling yards at this beautiful property, guests are sure to witness wildlife and nature at its best. Besides her regular B&B rooms, over the last couple of years Laura has added a screen house that people can stay in that has a heater and curtains that can be pulled to keep the heat in on a chilly night for that "Airbnb" feel. During the winter her yard is a great place to cross-country ski.

Today, both Laura's B&B and sewing business are thriving due to the fact that she melded them together (they even share a website!). Laura has had the pleasure of having guests bring their items to be tailored while they stay at her B&B. Where else is that an option!? She happily gets to do two of her favorite things at once — fuss over her guests, and take care of their tailoring needs. With the success of her unique business, she was honored recently by Trip Advisor for her growing 5 star reviews. But the most rewarding compliment Laura gets is generous and kind comments and gifts from her guests. She has had guests take her to dinner and send her unexpected gifts such as an embroidered pillow case, a hat and shirt for organ donation (in honor of her late husband), an outfit sent for her to use as mother of the bride, and a beautiful signed plaque in honor of guests that stayed in her Wolf Room. All these kind acts of generosity enforces Laura's will to succeed.

The personal touch

You can not book a room at Rocky Acres B&B online, and there is a reason for that: Laura believes in good old-fashioned one-on-one customer service. She would rather speak to her guests in person so that she can cater to their individual needs.

As of 2022, Rocky Acres has been in business for 18 years now, and the future is bright! Page after page of TripAdvisor and Google reviews are the result of Laura's hard work and dedication. Ready to plan your vacation? Contact Rocky Acres Inn today!

 

---

 

This story was written by Tammy Whitty-Brown and was originally published in 2016. It was updated in 2022.

One way of knowing what people love about the Schroon Lake Region is what they share with each other.
With that in mind, here are the Top Ten things people think about... when they think about us.

History, fishing, and pie

The top most-shared blog of 2017 was about North Hudson history, which includes a fun video about Frontier Town. Our blog, A Day in North Hudson, covered the rise, fall, and possible new rise, of this early theme park.

There's also the fantastic family hiking and the amazing Adirondack Buffalo Company. Yes. real buffalo.

The next one was about Schroon Lake's favorite diner, Pitkin's: A taste of home. Fantastic breakfast with all the fixings, their own Michigans, or dinner with those homemade desserts, like peanut butter pie or rice pudding.

Come on in and make yourself to home.

The third blog was about the great fishing in the area, Wild places, wild fishing! It featured an interview with an Adirondack Guide and a DEC wildlife biologist to find out some of the best places to find the fish.

Of course, the fishing is fine all the year 'round, whether the water is "hard" (frozen) or "soft" (not frozen.)

Water, water, everywhere

Our next three top shares are all about the lakes and rivers.

The blog Kid Hikes Near Water shared some of our favorites for getting the younger ones on a hike with a lovely payoff at the end. Of course, we are spoiled for choice, here, as seen in this shot from Newcomb.

One of our followers, Richard Gallagher, brought us this lovely photo of Blue Ridge Falls, a spectacular, and spectacularly easy, hike with big waterfall action.

Thank you, Richard. What a reminder that spring hiking is especially good for this kind of roaring river photo opportunity.

Our next contender was this shot of fall on the shores of Schroon Lake.

From the fantastic foliage to the tasty eats downtown, this is a great place to be at that most enjoyable time of year.

Thrill of summer

Our final four top shares celebrate the sheer beauty of the area, like this one of fall just beginning in North Hudson.

One of our bloggers caught this fun reminder of how nature is all around us in the Adirondacks.

I love this fall picture from one of our most enjoyed photographers, Sharron Hosley Tyrrell, who revels in capturing our loveliness.

Thank you so much, Sharron!

Coming in tenth is a blog called Celebrate Summer in Schoon.

Which we do, we do. And we hope you do, too.

Some of our most shared posts were videos. Enjoy them on our Schroon Lake Region Facebook page, and feel welcome to follow us.
We don't believe in depriving you of anything.

Come and stay with us. Enjoy a meal with us. Win a stay with us.

Warmer days are finally here and nothing compares to an Adirondack summer. Longer days mean longer adventures, and there is a never-ending list of outdoor activities to tackle. Before every new season I like to make a few goals, a bucket list of sorts.

This summer I’ll be racing in the Black Fly Challenge, want to learn to fly fish, and have a big question mark next to the Adirondack Canoe Classic-90 miler, but more important than any race, I want to experience new regions in the Adirondacks. I currently live in Lake Placid, which means my backyard extends for 6 million acres. It might take me a lifetime to explore, so I better get started.

First up on my haven't-visited-yet Adirondack towns is Schroon Lake. Read on the see my Schroon Lake summer bucket list!

Boating on Schroon Lake

There is no shortage of boating options in the Schroon Lake Region, so I hear, making it number one on my list. Schroon Lake is 9 miles in length and has 23.7 miles of shoreline, so there’s plenty to cover by boat. There’s also a beach on the lake, perfect for summer lounging.

The Schroon Lake Marina has a great rental fleet of pontoons, row boats, motor boats, deck boats, canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and more! If fishing is your boating motive, there are 24 fish species and 52 trout-stocked bodies of water in the Schroon Lake Region.

Camping and Hiking

More than any other season, summers are meant to be spent outside. I would happily leave my bed behind in the summer, trading it for my hammock, tent, and sleeping bag. Falling asleep to nature's sounds, waking up to the warmth of the sun, and being fully immersed in the outdoors is what dreams are made of (and why I chose to move to the Adirondacks!).

Top on my Schroon Lake Region camping and hiking list is the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. The 46,283-acre Pharaoh Lake Wilderness offers 70 miles of hiking foot trails and an abundance of lakes and ponds. Pharaoh Mountain stands as the wilderness’ highest point at 2,551 feet. There are also plenty of camping options with 38 designated tent sites and 14 lean-tos. It seems to be the perfect hiking choice whether I'm out for a day hike or a multi-night camping trip!

Dining

I strongly believe dining out is a must when experiencing a new place. Beer is also high on my list and Paradox Brewery is just the place to go. I already know their beer is delicious, I just need to experience it at the brewery. Paradox opened in 2013 and has been taking off since, featuring a variety of beer styles for every craft beer connoisseur.

North Woods Bread Co. is another place I’m excited to visit. They serve rustic breads, local cheeses, and other handmade goods, all of my favorite things! No matter your dining style, there seems to be a long list of options!

Shopping

At this point you might take me for an outdoor, tent-sleeping bum, but I’m a Long Islander at heart and I'm always ready to shop!

Schroon Lake is home to a quaint downtown area with unique shopping options. I’m dying to check out Pine Cone Mercantile — a home goods store taking a modern spin on rustic interiors. There is also Gokey’s Trading Post, Adirondack Buffalo Company, and more!

I’ve never been one to plan and I probably won’t start now. There’s no saying when my Schroon Lake Bucket List will be complete, you’ll just have to keep checking back in. I’ll follow up eventually and let you know how it goes!

 

I should also note, if you’ve made it this far, you’re probably also intrigued by Schroon Lake and just about ready to plan your adventure. Don’t put too much thought into it, just book your stay now!

 

I have a nostalgic streak that draws me to historic places. When deciding which attractions to visit this season, I went off the familiar path and chose an Adirondack attraction I had driven past the signs for all my life but never visited. I was excited at the prospect of finally visiting this natural wonder.

One of our oldest and best attractions

Natural Stone Bridge and Caves is one of the Adirondack's oldest natural attractions. The business has been operated by different members of the same family for more than five decades. Surveys have concluded that the Stone Bridge appears to be the largest natural marble cave entrance in the eastern United States. Greg Beckler is the current family member to own and operate the business. We chatted with Greg after our tour and he filled me in on a lot of history and some of the expansion they've done in recent years.

An 1824 passage from A Gazetteer of the State of New York by Horatio Gates Spafford, describes the stone bridge and cave:

"The STONE BRIDGE, in this town is a very great natural curiosity, and has given the name Stone-Bridge Creek, to a small stream that runs under it. This stream rises in Essex County, and enters Chester about 30 rods above the Bridge, and immediately falls over a rocky precipice, into a large natural Basin; whence turning easterly, enters its subterranean passage in two branches. The northern branch enters its passage under an arch of massive granite 40 feet high, and about 80 feet broad at the base, gradually diminishing in capacity as you descend. A person may follow the stream with ease, 156 feet from the entrance, where it becomes co contracted as to check any farther progress. At a short distance, the southern and principal branch enters its passage amidst a heap of stones and rubbish that almost conceal the entrance; and though with difficulty, its passage has been explored. In some places, very much confined, in others it opens into caverns of 30 or 40 feet diameter, and filled with water to a great depth. At the distance of 247 feet from the entrance, the waters disembogue in one stream, having united in the subterranean passage; and here is a precipice of rock 54 feet high, which terminates the Bridge. The arch through which the water discharges is about 10 feet wide and 5 high. This stream enters the Scaroon River, about ¾ of a mile below the outlet of Scaroon Lake, and the Stone Bridge is about 3 miles NW from the mouth of the Creek."

The above ground tour

Greg was kind enough to give me a thumb drive with some great images of old maps and brochures from the past days of the attraction. The tour map from the 50s is one of my favorites. Keep in mind the current tour is somewhat expanded from this older map as they have added some walkways since that time, and there is a walkway across the top of the stone bridge. But, you'll get the general idea from this map. Oh, and they'll give you a brand spanking new map when you go.

 

As you can see, the paths wind around the edges of Trout Brook, which runs through the property. It's lined with wooden walkways, stairs, railings and beautiful meditation spots along the way. We marveled at some of the tiny and noisy caves with the brook rushing through them. We've had a very dry summer here in the Adirondacks this year. Fortunately, just prior to my visit, the region experienced some big storms, dumping quite a large amount of rain on the area. Naturally the rain caused the water levels to rise in the rivers and streams, so we were able to experience the attraction with a fairly normal amount of water flowing.

The day we toured was a beautiful, hot summer day and the attraction was very busy. Lots of visitors of all ages were scurrying around the rocks and walkways around the property. Little kids were marveling at the caves and the loud water sounds inside them. Noisy Cave is one of the caves visitors can walk into. Trout Brook rushes through the cave as you watch the electric lighting change color from green to blue to red to purple. It's pretty cool and we readily understood why it was named Noisy Cave - we could not hold a conversation inside!

It took us about an hour and a half to walk the entire tour, taking time to stop for a snack with a lovely family from Connecticut, who so generously offered us some of their treats and water. The Lilaporia family, from Connecticut, had chosen to visit by suggestion of their three young daughters, who were making all the holiday decisions and plans for this vacation. I love that idea! I think more families should do this - that way the kids can't complain when they don't like the itinerary —because it's all theirs. The girls obviously had a great time judging by all the smiles:

Highlights of the tour

A great resting spot along Trout Brook, known as Serenity Park

There are wonderful benches and stopping points to take a break and contemplate the beauty

This is the site of a former sawmill on Trout Brook

You can see why this cave is known as "Tiny Cave"

Walking along the huge expanses of rock downstream from the Bridge

Natural Stone Bridge is also a great location for a wedding!

Fall foliage season is a perfect time to visit and capture nature's spectacle

Some really cool 'potholes' as seen from the walkway above - these are carved out by the force of the water raging against rocks swirling around within the hole.

Join an adventure tour and get inside the caves

If you aren't claustrophobic and you don't mind getting wet and dirty, sign up for one of the Adventure Tours led by a guide through some of the amazing caverns and waterfalls. The tour is offered once a day on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday each week during summer, ending the last day of August. If you miss it this year, make sure you visit during the summer months next year to take advantage of this very cool trip through the attraction. Watch the video above for the better picture of the Adventure Tour.

It's a tight squeeze through parts of the Adventure Tour. Put on your brave pants and give it a try next summer!

There are many more activities in the park for adults and kids alike - mining, climbing, disc golf, and much more.

And of course, there are winter snowshoe adventures.
If you're a rock hound, you won't want to miss the gift shop. Greg told me they make regular rock buying trips to Tucson, Arizona, and rocks shows in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. These are apparently the big shows in the rock world. The rock shop is filled with hundreds of amazing rock and mineral specimens, most of which are for sale. There are Mexican geodes with surprises inside that you can buy, and they will split them open for you to find your special surprise minerals. There are many items on display that are not for sale, but you can buy items ranging from .10 cents to $10,000.00! Don't miss at least browsing around the rock and gift shops before departing.

Plan your trip

Plan a trip to the Schroon Lake Region and take advantage of all the fall attractions and events in the region. Visit Natural Stone Bridge and Caves website for much more history, as well as admission information. The park is open through September 5th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and September 6th to October 10th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Be sure to arrive 90 minutes before closing time to assure yourself the time for the full experience.
Of course, Mother Nature's fall foliage spectacular is the biggest attraction in fall. What better backdrop than to spend a few days visiting and touring. Don't wait til the last minute to make your lodging plans — plan now to visit soon!

---

This week in related ADK awesome autumn activities:

Switching gears

Lapping up the fun

Four for fall

A-maze-ing fall fun

Going up?

By land, sea, or air

Defiance at its finest

Bike the Barns 2016