When you think of the Adirondacks, the first thing that might come to mind is endless adventure. But we want those adventures to be accessible to everyone. While we can only modify nature to a certain extent, the Adirondack Hub has several attractions and outdoor destinations that make it easy for all to access and enjoy. Here are four of our favorite accessible locations. 

1. Camp Santanoni Historic Site

Camp Santanoni is an incredible historic site open to the public with a number of year-round outdoor activities available and occasional events that take place there. There are also a number of accessible amenities. 

Accessible Features

A horse and accessible wagon may be reserved to travel the Newcomb Lake Road Trail between the Gate Lodge Complex and the Main Complex. Qualified persons with disabilities can ride for free. This service is provided by Newcombe Farms (518-480-1743) through a contract with DEC. Others can ride for a fee. Accessible vault toilets are available at the Gate Lodge Complex and the Main Complex. 12-foot wide covered porches around the Main Lodge are accessible by ramp. Accessible horse mounting platforms are available at the Gate Lodge Complex and the Main Complex.

2. Frontier Town Campground & Day Use Area

Frontier Town Campground is a newly constructed state campground with 77 campsites just outside of Schroon Lake and right next to Paradox Brewery with equestrian features and a day use area. 

Accessible Features

Frontier Town was designed to provide accessibility to people of all ages and abilities and includes many Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant features. The facility's universal design enables everyone, including seniors and families to access its amenities. All campsites, showers, and restrooms are accessible and campsites have accessibly designed picnic tables and fire-making facilities. In addition, the campground features two ADA-compliant horse mounting ramps. There are also three accessible parking spots at the day use area. 

3. Adirondack Interpretive Center 

The Adirondack Interpretive Center is part of SUNY ESF's Newcomb Campus and provides a number of learning opportunities. Inside there are an array of exhibits, props, and publications to learn about the Adirondacks. Outside there is 3.6 miles of trails and a picnic area to eat lunch and experience the beauty of the natural environment. 

Accessible Features

Most AIC facilities and programs are wheelchair accessible. The 0.6-mile Rich Lake trail, managed by SUNY ESF, is in the process of being improved to give users a better interpretive accessible experience as well.

“Birds can nest in winter?”

This is a frequent question I receive when I mention that Red Crossbills are currently nesting in several locations in the Adirondacks — including Newcomb and Minerva. Red Crossbills (Loxia curvirostra) and White-winged Crossbills (Loxia leucoptera) are finches that can nest at any time of year, but they most frequently nest during winter in the Adirondacks. Crossbills feed their young conifer seeds, so they can nest even in the depths of winter if the cone crop is large enough, which is the case this year.

Canada Jays begin nesting toward the end of winter, usually in late February or early March, and their young fledge in late April. With nesting out of the way in early spring, this allows the year-round Canada Jay to spend late spring and summer caching enough food to make it through the next winter.

Great Horned Owls nest in winter also, usually during February. Young are born after a month of incubation. The owlets remain with their parents for a long time compared to other species – until early fall. By nesting in winter, Great Horned Owls give their young enough time to learn how to survive on their own before the following winter.

It’s all about food

Birds are warm blooded animals and much of their behavior, including nesting, migration, and other movements, is all about finding enough to eat. A common misconception is that cold weather is responsible for some bird species migrating. It’s not the cold temperatures, but the changing food sources as a result of those temperatures (especially the effects on insects), that are the impetus for some birds’ movements. Many waterfowl species will stay north as long as they have open water for foraging, and with our rapidly warming climate, the birds are staying longer and longer as the lakes ice over later and later each year.

Interesting Red Crossbill facts

As their name implies, Red Crossbills have bills that are crossed. Roughly half of Red Crossbills have upper mandibles that cross to the right, and half to the left. This unique physical characteristic allows the birds to open cone scales so their tongue can reach the seeds. If a cone is closed, the crossbills will bite off the cone and hold it with their toes as they open it. If the cone is already opened, the birds will use their bills and feet to hang, parrot-like, in all kinds of positions in order to access the seeds.

Male Red Crossbills are red (sometimes orange) and females are greenish-yellow. Both have dark wings and tails.

During nesting, the female Red Crossbill does all of the incubation, and then all of the brooding of nestlings. Red Crossbills are monogamous and the male feeds the female during courtship and incubation, and he feeds the young after they hatch. By the time the young are 5-days-old, both parents feed them. By the end of winter or early spring, it is wonderful to see the heavily striped Red Crossbill fledglings!

The Red Crossbill is considered a mostly western U.S. species as you can see by its range map.

Red Crossbills are “nomadic” birds. They move from place to place based upon the variable nature of cone production, sometimes all the way across the continent. Unlike most migratory birds that nest in one location, winter in another, and then return to the same place to nest, Red Crossbills only show up to breed and forage based on the size of the cone crop.

Both Red and White-winged Crossbills spend a lot of time “gritting” - taking sand and salt from the roadways. Unfortunately, they are often killed by vehicles since they don’t fly out of the way in time. If a Red Crossbill’s upper mandible points to the right, the bird will turn its head to the left to grit, and if the bird’s upper mandible points to the left, it will turn its head to the right to grit.

Whenever I’ve observed Red Crossbills drinking, they are always positioned upside down!

Scientists believe there are at least 10 different Red Crossbill sub-species based on the differences in their calls and songs, and differently shaped bills. Red Crossbills specialize on particular coniferous trees for feeding – some preferring various spruces, pines, or hemlock, etc. Their bills are the perfect size for the particular coniferous tree cones on which they feed. The calls have allowed the scientists at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to separate Red Crossbills into different “Types,” which are likely different species. I often record calling birds and send the recordings to Cornell for identification. Most of the birds in Newcomb and Minerva are Type 2 birds which have a loud call note. The Red Crossbills recorded in Long Lake are Type 10 birds, which have a softer call note. Multiple “Types” of Red Crossbills will often nest near each other, but they do not inter-breed. If scientists decide to separate, or “split,” Red Crossbills into multiple species, it will be tricky for birders to distinguish them since they all look alike!

With an excellent cone crop on most coniferous trees, this is a terrific winter for observing beautiful Red Crossbills. In Newcomb and Minerva, watch for this species along Route 28N from the scenic overlook in Newcomb to a mile or two east of the Boreas River in Minerva. Listen for their loud, “jip, jip, jip” calls. The best time to look for Red Crossbills is early in the morning just after a new snowfall when the plows have recently salted and sanded the highways. The crossbills will be gritting in the road.

It always seems like such a gift to have Red Crossbills singing and nesting during the heart of the Adirondack winter!

In addition to great roadside birding along Route 28N, there are many trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the area. And after your outing, there are wonderful places to dine and spend the night.

Whether you are pulling your own water gear or arrive with only your kayak shoes and a dream, Schroon Lake welcomes you to their namesake lake. It's over four-thousand acres of fun.

This charming resort town has been famous for summer hospitality since the late 19th century. And when it comes to the lake, nothing has changed.

Historic summer getaway

The Leland House was a resort hotel built in 1871 on the shore of Schroon Lake. It had six acres of gardens, three stories, and room for 125, which was soon expanded to accommodate 50 more. The Victorian-style hotel boasted a front veranda, a two-story porch, and an observatory. It quickly became popular and grew to the point where the main dining room (there was also a children's dining room) could hold 300 people.

As they say in real estate: location, location, location. As seen in this postcard from the 1900s.

Schroon Lake offered plenty of gorgeous recreation with its nine miles of glacier-dug lake backed by the mountains of the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area. As its reputation grew, more and more people built resort hotels in this lovely area.
Eventually, "vacating the city" to escape the summer heat turned into the word "vacation." Yes, the Adirondacks didn't just invent the word, we perfected it.

This postcard was from 1907, when wind or strong arms was the way to get around on the water. In fact, this was a favorite way of courting among young people; just the two alone on a lake, yet visibly not doing anything that would shock turn-of-the-century sensibilities.

The "summer romances" of the resort hotels of upstate New York was such a well-known phenomenon it led to popular Broadway musicals like "Wish You Were Here." The bestselling novel "Marjorie Morningstar" took place at the world-famous Scaroon Manor. Later, it would be a film musical starring Natalie Wood and Gene Kelly, filmed right in Schroon Lake.

This vintage postcard, with a postmark of July 30th, 1920, gives an indication of how this resort town was known for the easy pace and scenic beauty of the Lake Resort culture. In the center is the sign for The Leland House.

Boating has always been a popular way to get out on the lake and view the lovely scenery. Now there are even more ways to enjoy the lake, with kayaks, Stand Up Paddleboards, and inflatables joining the traditional sailboats, fishing boats, and canoes.

Choose your favorite

Whatever you want to do on the water, the Town Dock is a great place to get going.

There's parking and accessibility about a minute from downtown, and plenty of days full of that Adirondack blue water and blue sky. Plenty of room for all, whether you are racing along pulling someone on water skis, or paddling a quiet shoreline looking for scenic photography opportunities.

If you have brought your boat, you might want to explore other local water bodies, like Paradox Lake, a long 896-acre lake with incredible mountain scenery. It is also known for its tranquility, as it is sheltered among hills and forests; one of the most untouched places in the whole of the Adirondacks. Water access is via the campground entrance, and has a hard surface ramp and parking. Further east, Eagle Lake is a prime paddling spot, located right at the edge of the Pharaoh Lake Wildnerness Area.

For those who aren't bringing their own watercraft, Schroon Lake Marina has the variety, and flexibility, you might be looking for.

They include water skis and tubes free of charge with all multi­-day boat rentals, so every skill level can have fun on the water. And for those who like it slow, there are kayaks and canoes. Browse their pro shop for anything you might be missing.

And, they even have Stand Up Paddleboards for their many fans.

Do you just want to start with your "toes in the water"? Then take a Schroon Lake Boat Tour for a one-hour cruise filled with scenic places and local legends.

Town beach

Best beach in the Adirondacks? That just might be so.

If you prefer the water closer to shore, Schroon Lake's Town Beach has fantastic swimming and sunbathing in their lakeshore park. Walk to downtown to find everything you need for a day at the beach, from a picnic lunch to whatever you like to fill that cooler with. There's plenty of ice cream nearby too, perfect for completing any summer day!

However you wish to enjoy the lake, the variety will please anyone in the family. From getting involved with that big beach read to testing those water skis, you can find your favorite kind of lake love at Schroon Lake.

Nostalgia isn’t always bad. It can lead you to try things you remember loving as a kid. Like square dancing. I hadn’t square danced since I was in my elementary school enrichment class where Hot Cross Buns blaring on a plastic recorder was considered music. The afternoons we square danced meant moving to our teacher’s commands and swinging our partner to fiddles. I don’t remember ever not wanting to square dance.

I recently square danced with some friends in the beautiful Adirondack lake town of Schroon Lake. Every Wednesday evening in July and August at 7 p.m. the town of Schroon Lake’s Chamber of Commerce hosts a free public square dance right on the shore of the lake, at the bandshell. In the center of it all is a wonderful dance floor, conveniently made of cement and cordoned off by a stone wall.  As one person noted, “it might just be the most beautiful dance hall” in America, overlooking the shimmering water and a stone’s throw from downtown. People of all ages come out to dance on these evenings and it’s acceptable to come alone, to bring a partner, or to come with a group. Expect to meet new dance partners, of all ages and abilities. I may not be a seasoned square dancer, but plenty of experienced dancers came out to enjoy this tradition with the rest of us.

Square dancing requires a caller and often a live band, so these events are not always easy to come by. Our caller was enthusiastic and instructive, and I happened to partner dance with her husband, which meant I had extra instructions on how to do the moves. Regardless, plenty of people — including children — were eager to teach me since I didn’t know the moves.

Once the music started, the fun began. Square dancing is a group activity so there’s lots of laughing and holding hands with strangers. The name “square dancing” comes from  the shape couples make when they dance. Two couples facing each other makes a square. This square, however, can be expanded into a giant rectangle to accommodate more couples. The shape matters less than the sheer fun of having more people involved.

Our caller began the evening with simpler dances. I learned to do the Do-si-do, bringing me back to those joyful childhood lessons in enrichment class. As a child I didn’t think this, but as an adult I recognized how square dancing is great exercise to great music. Traditionally, the music danced to is performed by a folk ensemble made up of string instruments. Our band was a string trio with an upright bass, guitar, and fiddle. They vary their playlist each week. Square dancing originated in 17th century England and became popular in the U.S. during the early 20th century. Today it is most popular in New England and Appalachia.   

By the third dance I was more acclimated and the moves became more complex, but no less fun. Dancing involved much promenading on the dance floor with my partner. My favorite move involved forming a tower with my partner for other couples to dance under. At no point during this evening did I feel pressure to get all the moves right.

Schroon Lake is a great place to host a square dance because it’s a small community that comes alive in the summer season. It's a beach town with a fresh water lake and it's in proximity to amazing hiking. In town is the unique, high-end craft and furniture store, Pine Cone Mercantile and Provisions, which is also a bakery that serves fresh baked bread and coffee. This store also has a small market that serves fresh produce and goods from local farms. The Strand is the local movie theater that shows indie movies from time to time. Schroon Lake is also home to the Seagle Music Colony, the Word of Life Bible Institute, and 9-mile Coffee, proving it’s an eclectic place. It feels like a small town with its own identity outside of tourism. I honestly couldn’t tell who were the locals and who were the summer travelers during the square dance.

An exceptional part of this evening was the setting, which was not your typical indoor dance hall. We were in a prime location to watch the sunset on the lake. I witnessed kids play football on the nearby lawn and others just lingered about on the grass. One woman parked it on a lawn chair the entire evening to watch us dance.

The final dance of the night was a Schroon Lake original: the Zodiac. It involved some singing and improvising, and the kids in the audience went wild for it. That’s all I can tell without giving it away. You’ll have to experience it for yourself.

Schroon Lake is a great summer destination! Start planning your trip today. Dance, eat, spend time in nature, and rest easy.

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!