The Adirondacks is home to all sorts of outdoor adventures like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but it takes some preparation to do it right, especially in winter. But don’t feel intimidated! The Adirondack Hub is the perfect basecamp for trying something new, and our gear shops have everything you need to get started. 

Picture this: In no time at all, you and your family can be walking past beautiful ice-covered ponds and strolling through snow-draped pine forests. Come try something new today, it’s easier than you think!

1. Get the gear

If you don’t have the gear, you and your family can still get out in the Adirondacks. Rent what you need from a gear shop like Cloud-Splitter Outfitters in Newcomb.

2. Get geared up

New to snowshoeing? Our gear shops are always staffed with people who love the outdoors, and they’re happy to pass that information along. They’ll help make sure those snowshoes (or skis) are the right fit for your feet.

3. Learn the route 

Another plus to renting equipment from a local outfitter is they know where to go. You’ll find hundreds of miles of well-marked trails in the Adirondacks, and some of them are not suitable for beginners. An expert can direct you to the best route based on your experience level and tell you about anything you should be aware of along the way.

4. Looking good!

Feeling like you’re ready to conquer the trail is the best way to start an adventure. Just look at those confident smiles!

5. Look at those smiling faces

There’s nothing quite like hitting the trail and leaving civilization behind. And snowshoeing is a great way to do it!

6. Take your time

A well-planned route is one that doesn’t require running to complete. There’s a lot to see in the Adirondack woods, so don’t rush!

7. Look and learn

You’ll probably see some more experienced skiers and snowshoers on the trail — take some notes and learn some new moves! If it looks like fun, it probably is.

8. The end of a perfect day

Learn the names of the surrounding peaks. They're all begging to be climbed, but that's another adventure.

Take all the time you need in Adirondack Hub. Plan some adventures then head into town for a place to stay and some warm food.

The reason you may see media of people not wearing masks on our website is because all footage is from prior years. More than ever we all need to be vigilant about maintaining social distance of 6 feet or more and wearing masks when we cannot social distance.

The Adirondack Hub is a lot of things: scenic, beautiful, a great destination for fun, and also pretty big. The Hub, an ideal basecamp for adventure, is massively full of mountains, pristine wilderness areas, sparkling lakes, attractions, farm to table restaurants, and so much more. With so much to explore, you might want a little help navigating, right? Well, look no further, your Hub helpers are here!

Experience Newcomb Smartphone App

Known as the "Heart of the Park," the town of Newcomb is picturesque, family-friendly, and full of small-town charm and activities. Recently, the Town of Newcomb worked with zCivic, an app development company, to create a unique, tourism-focused app to support visitors to the community. The result, the Experience Newcomb smartphone app, is an exciting new guide to discovering Newcomb!

The app includes directories of local businesses, such as food and lodging options, destinations including museums, an events listing, and interactive GPS mapping. Looking for a challenge? Use the app to learn more about the town's unique Experience Newcomb adventure patch program. App users can find detailed information about how to earn each patch along with a form for users to "check-in" to start earning patches right away. Four different patches are awarded for accomplishing designated activities throughout Newcomb. Activities include hiking, paddling, visiting an historic Adirondack Great Camp, and more!

History aficionados can even use the app to partake in one of Newcomb's most exciting events: Teddy Roosevelt Weekend! Learn all about Teddy Roosevelt’s special connection to Newcomb, NY (the starting point of Roosevelt's midnight ride to the presidency). During TR Weekend, users can use the app to navigate to events with fun things to see and do for the whole family.

Users can download the Experience Newcomb app today on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store and receive push notifications of upcoming events, weather conditions, and more. Visitors to the Town of Newcomb that do not have a smart phone can access the Experience Newcomb app at touch-screen kiosks located strategically throughout the town. There is currently one kiosk inside the café at the Newcomb Café & Campground. The town will be installing five more kiosks throughout Newcomb.

With the app, planning adventures in the Newcomb area has never been easier. The Town of Newcomb continues to deliver small-town hospitality to outdoor enthusiasts near or far.

Adirondack Wayfinder

Adirondack Wayfinder is a tool to help travelers be inspired, dream, and plan. With Wayfinder, explore themed trails highlighting scenic views, breweries, motorcycle tours, farm to table dining, history, family-favorite attractions, and so much more. The Wayfinder is a unique way to learn more about cultural and recreation opportunities throughout the Adirondack Hub, linking communities and exceptional wilderness areas, including Newcomb, North Hudson, and Schroon Lake.

Looking for a great route for a weekend of leaf peeping? Wayfinder can lead you to the Newcomb overlook on a family-oriented adventure that will help you make memories to last a lifetime. Wayfinder has multiple trails that focus on activities, lodging options, and adventures that kids of all ages will love, from square dancing in Schroon Lake to hiking a historic fire tower. From alpine slopes to the coolest retro dining options, general stores to serene lakes, the Wayfinder is a great tool for personalizing your Hub adventures.

Start from any address and share the trail to your smartphone. All trails are customizable, with options to add lodging and dining, even ice cream! Whether you decide to explore an entire trail or just use the site to get inspired, the curated trails on Adirondack Wayfinder bring the dream of Adirondack travel to you.

Adirondacks, USA Snowmobile app

The 6-million acre Adirondack Park does winter like no where else. When it comes to firing up the sled, the trails in and around the Adirondacks make up one of the biggest trail systems in New York state. Both groomed and backcountry trails provide the heart-pounding exhilaration of smooth cruising through a winter wonderland on some of the finest and most enjoyable trails in the northeast. With so many trails, and plenty of trailside stops to enjoy, deciding where to go and what to do first can be a little overwhelming. To the rescue: the Adirondacks, USA Snowmobile app!

The app allows snowmobilers to plan amazing adventures throughout the Adirondacks and includes an interactive map and all of the information you need to know about trails, gas stations, stores, restaurants, and lodging properties throughout. From restaurants that cater to sledders to cozy cabins in the woods, the app helps you learn more about local favorites and can't-miss stops. Explore lakeside trails in Schroon Lake or even the trail across frozen, scenic Brant Lake. The snowmobile app will help you find the winter wonderland ride of your dreams!

Download today on the App Store or get it on Google Play.

The Schroon Lake Region is a super interesting place, so there’s tons of great stuff that can be written about it. Sifting through the last year of blog posts, there are some great options worth reading again. Here are my five favorites!

1. The moving village of Tahawus

http://www.adirondackhub.com/story/2014/10/moving-village-tahawus
I wrote this one, and it was definitely one of my favorite pieces to write. I had heard the story of how the village of Tahawus (pronounced tuh-HAWS, not tah-HA-wuss!) was moved 12 miles down the road when I was bartending in Long Lake years ago, and it always fascinated me.

It was really cool to learn more about it. I got to check out photos and video from Tahawus and the move, I talked to some people who lived and worked there and in Newcomb when the move happened, and I got to see parts of Newcomb I had never checked out before. The historical society there is so cool - definitely check it out if you get a chance. Writing this blog post was an overall great experience!

2. The ride heard around the world - Theodore Roosevelt’s ride to the presidency

http://www.adirondackhub.com/story/2014/10/roosevelts-ride-presidency
There’s so much great history throughout the Adirondacks, but the Teddy Roosevelt story is one of our biggest claims to fame, and it’s so interesting to read about. Vice President Roosevelt loved the Adirondacks and was staying in the now-defunct village of Adirondac, near Newcomb, when he found out that his president, William McKinley, had been shot in Buffalo.

He took off for Buffalo immediately, but he was still traveling through the Adirondacks when McKinley died and he became president. Read more in Spencer’s blog post about it!

3. 3 hour tour

http://www.adirondackhub.com/story/2014/09/3-hours-boating-on-schroon-lake
Part of the reason that Schroon Lake is such a great place is that the village is situated right on the big, beautiful lake. I love this post Kim A. wrote over the summer about their great day on it.

I was so jealous of them getting out of the office and spending the day on the lake on a beautiful, sunny day. They got to swim, wakeboard, eat delicious food and boat around the lake. But my envy subsided a tad when I heard about how the boat had some troubles and they got stranded in the middle of the lake for an extra hour or two. Too funny!

4. Schroon Lake - a summer haven for culture

http://www.adirondackhub.com/story/2014/07/schroon-lake-summer-haven-culture
I’ve always been into the arts: I was in band, chorus and every play I could get into throughout elementary and high school, and I majored in creative arts with concentrations in theater and music in college. So Schroon Lake is my kind of town, and this blog post proves it.

I loved reading Sue’s post about all the amazing creative offerings in this unique little village, including the Adirondack Shakespeare Company, the Seagle Music Colony, the Schroon Lake Arts Council’s many activities and the annual Folk Music Fest. It makes me want to spend the whole summer there next year! Who’s with me?

5. Ski trip to Gore and Schroon

http://www.adirondackhub.com/story/2014/01/ski-trip-gore-schroon
Gore Mountain is a great place to ski and board, so I loved Nicole’s post about her and Kelly’s trip there last January. The next time I make the trip down there, I’ll definitely hit up Schroon Lake afterward and try out all its great apres ski (well, apres board for me) dining and lodging options! They sound great!

A can’t-miss itinerary

Okay, you’ve found yourself in the Adirondack Hub, and now you want to plan a day that includes an attraction, some outdoor fun, some cold drinks, and good food to end (and start) the day. Well, hey, lucky you! The Adirondack Hub offers you the chance to satisfy every part of your desired itinerary. To complete this plan successfully, we will have to travel through time, decide how much challenge we want in an outdoor adventure, and end the day at a brewery that will not disappoint! There’s no time to waste; let’s get into it! 

Adirondack time travel

The Adirondack Hub is well known for what makes the Adirondacks so special. Rolling landscapes of breathtaking mountains, powerful rivers and pristine lakes, surrounded by lush forests of evergreen trees make this region hard to replicate elsewhere. 

Sometimes though, we all need a change of scenery, and in the Adirondack Hub you can get that change of scenery at the Frontier Town Gateway located in the town of North Hudson. Frontier Town is your chance to travel through time to the days of the Wild West without leaving the Adirondacks! Founded in 1952 as a theme park, it enjoyed many years of fanfare until its closure in 1998. In 2018, it was brought back to life with plans to return it to its theme park glory of yesteryear. The Frontier Town Gateway has started to reemerge as a popular destination for attraction seekers and fans of the Western motif. 

Start your day the Western way

Speaking of well-known, the Frontier Town Gateway Cafe is not only famous for the Wild West aesthetic but also for its tea and coffee. The coffee here is freshly brewed from the finest coffee beans, and it shows in the taste. The Cafe serves breakfast from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. Available for dine-in or takeout, they offer breakfast sandwiches, omelets, pancakes, French toast, and more! Eat until you're full, and from here it’s time to stock up on any essential items you'll need for your day of adventure in the Adirondack Hub. 

We reckon you'll stop by the Trading Post

Listen here, partner. We reckon you'll find your way to the Trading Post, located in the Frontier Town Gateway. It’s your one-stop shop for a day of adventure. The Trading Post offers all the essentials you'll need for 'most every outdoor activity. In addition, you can snag a gift for someone special, a keepsake for yourself, or shop the selection of local and handmade wares. Okay, you've got your gear, and by now it’s probably getting close to high noon, so that means it’s time to get outdoors!

Choose your adventure

If it’s been a long week and you’re just looking for some active recovery, we suggest taking a stroll to Wolf Pond. Rated as easy, according to AllTrails.com, a fairly flat 2.3 mile hike will take you to the pond. From there, you’ll see views of the High Peaks that make this hike truly worth the walk. Wolf Pond also offers hikers the chance to fish, as the pond is stocked with wildlife and a lean-to should you need a rest or want to camp. Wolf Pond is a great option for families who want to keep their outdoor fun light and easy. The hike isn’t overly intense, and the fishing, camping, and views are sure to keep the little ones entertained.

If a challenge is what you’re looking for, then look no further than the Dix Range. The Dix Mountain Range consists of five different summits. The mountains include: Dix, Macomb, Hough, Carson Peak, and Grace Peak. All of the mountains in the Dix Range are considered part of the 46 High Peaks and have elevations well above 4,000 feet. This hike is not for the faint of heart. The trail loop is about 15 miles, and besides the trail to Dix Mountain, all other trails are considered herd paths and not officially maintained. This option is recommended for experienced hikers or those with a professional guide. On average, this entire hike takes close to 8 hours to complete. But, if completed, the views are some of the finest the Northeast has to offer and worth every step you take on this rough, backcountry trail. 

Dinner is a paradox

Okay, you’ve seen the sights, you’ve hit the trails, it’s time to eat (and drink). Paradox Brewery is no contradiction when it comes to good food and good drinks. Paradox has an extensive list of beers, wine, and cider, that will surely quench the thirst of your hike. And to satisfy that hiking hunger, their menu of eats includes pizza, sandwiches, burgers, and more. It’s worth noting the kitchen stops serving an hour before close (closing time depends on day), so if you do plan to eat, make sure that you get there before then.

Finish your ADK Hub itinerary

Give this fun-filled day a try and then find a place to stay, find more places to eat, and if you have the time, find even more to add to your itinerary. Whatever your plan is for a day in the Adirondack Hub, you can’t go wrong, and our sample day is no exception. But don’t just take our word for it; try it out for yourself and see why people just can’t get enough of this region. You won’t be sorry!

I have to admit,when Steve said "Let's go fish the Hudson," my mind immediately went to West Point. Not sure why, other than I remember looking out over the river and seeing the military academy while riding the train to New York City.

I could have,just as easily, thought of the chilly (OK, really cold) Memorial Day weekend we spent at Lake Tear of the Clouds, at the river's first trickle, waking up one morning, chiseling out of the tent and making our assault on Mount Marcy.Anyone who knows us knows THAT Hudson River knows it suits us much better than the wide expanses downstream. So once I wrapped my head around OUR Hudson River, the trip took on new meaning.

This Hudson River is home to browns and rainbows in the upper reaches, and that's where we would start our journey. The drive to Newcomb is a real treat in itself; you're never really sure what you're going to see. Traveling along the road, we've ofcourse encountered deer and the small things – porcupines, foxes, the occasional coyote. We've never – in 16 years of travel – seen an Adirondack moose, but if you're going to run into one, this would be one of the places do it. That said, I hope we never really "run into" one. This particular trip was uneventful, save for the scenery you really can't get anywhere else in the state.

When you get to Newcomb, as the river begins its more "river-like" appearance at Henderson Lake, and you can go left or right, depending on what you're looking for. Head upstream and you'll soon find brown trout and a native brookie population.Downstream takes you into the stocked area where New York's Department of Environmental Conservation and Essex County plant 13,000 brown and rainbow trout farther downstream in the town of Minerva.

While not purists in any sense of the word (we've hooked many a stocked fish, thank you), when we have our druthers, Steve and I will seek out the native brookies.Although small, they are feisty and will put up a great fight on a light fly rod. These headwater streams are especially fun on a hot summer day, when the "outside" temperature can soar into the 80s. Under the forest canopy, high in the peaks,it's cool and inviting – just the way the trout like it. Steve and I will hit these brookie waters once a year, playing the fish, putting them back and moving on to the next stream the next year.

In terms of tackle, I like the fly rod in these smaller streams. A simple terrestrial pattern will almost always entice a strike. For years, I fished with a small yellow and brown "thing." I'm not sure what it was meant to imitate, but I had two of them in the fly box. The only place I would pull it out was on the small native streams scattered throughout Essex County. I finally lost the last one a couple of years ago, but Steve was kind enough to tie several any imitations with big (well, relatively speaking) blobs of neon foam on top so I could see them. I think that's why I liked the yellow and brown "thing." I could see it in those dark recesses.

The day on the Hudson ends all too quickly, like many days on the small, native trout waters.While the sun is still shining in the meadows and fields, it's getting too dark for me to see anything in the thick forest cover. This could very well be whenthe fish are most active, but my usual slow strike problems are only magnified when I can't even see the neon orange fly floating in front of me.

As we walk back to the truck, I again marvel at the small stream and what it holds. We'll be back, maybe not for a couple of years, but the brookies will likely be there,waiting in the cool pools for those strange orange ants to show up. 

Submitted by guest blogger Susan Repko

When the leaves start turning around Schroon Lake, the common refrain on Main Street is, “this is the best time of the year.” Summer is full of wonderful activities here, but fall is a quiet and gentle season. The crowds have left and the Adirondack chairs on the beach are empty. There’s a whiff of wood smoke in the air and colored leaves sprinkle the sidewalk. Lucky people return in the fall to witness the mountains showing off their colors. The leaves start previewing the foliage season in September, but then burst with color during the first two weeks of October. 

For me, this season conjures up memories of being in a station wagon with my seven siblings. My parents would drive around the area for us to “see the leaves.” We would "ooh" and "ahh" at each turn in the road. I particularly remember walking into Crane Pond with my grandfather, a proud Adirondack guide, where the tall trees were resplendent with yellow leaves. It felt like being in nature’s chapel. The scenic vistas haven’t changed over time but wait for us to discover them again. There are many ways to enjoy this annual explosion of color.

Walk around town

I have a yearly ritual when the leaves peak. Around 8 a.m., I grab a cup of coffee at 9 Mile Coffee and walk to the town park. I love to hear the leaves swish with every step. Settling on a bench overlooking the lake, I watch the fog lift from the water and mountains. Although I’m surrounded by crisp air, I stay comfortable wearing my fleece and holding the warm cup between my hands. The mist moves upward, slowly revealing colors of red, orange, and yellow mingled among the green pines. The sky shows its best blue this time of the year. On a sunny and calm morning, all is reflected on the water and the effect is magnified. It’s quite a performance.  

Drive around the area      

When the leaves peak, my husband and I take our annual pilgrimage through the countryside to see nature’s splendor. With a full picnic basket in the trunk and our dalmatian curled up in the back seat, we drive north on Route 9 and follow the leaves. There’s no destination, just a peaceful journey. Although we drive down the same roads all year, this trip is more of an adventure. Each turn in the road may expose a panorama of mountains in color or a maple standing alone in a field, showing off its reds.  

We take the Northway to Exit 29 and turn left onto Blue Ridge Road. Palmer Pond is located on the left and we like to take pictures of the reflection of the trees on the water. Last year my camera captured a loon swimming into the field of vision with the stunning foliage in the background. That shot is hanging over my fireplace.

We drive two miles further down the winding road with colors blurring to Blue Ridge Falls. When we step out of the car, everything stops. It’s nature-quiet with the sound of splashing water and chattering birds. You can smell the fresh mountain air. Although the waterfall is visible from the road, we like to walk down the trail from the parking area to the river. It’s an iconic Adirondack scene with water cascading over rocks and autumn foliage. 

A short distance down the road we take a right at the sign for Elk Lake Lodge. We drive down a several-mile long road under a canopy of trees in color. From the parking lot we walk up to the lodge and stand at the water’s edge. This is one of the most breathtaking views of the Adirondack High Peaks. Although it’s a privately-owned forest preserve, visitors may enter the property to see the lake. It’s also an authentic Adirondack place to stay and experience nature at its best.  

Walking through the woods

A wonderful way to experience fall in the Adirondacks is to follow a trail in the woods. I love seeing the dappled light on the forest floor and painted leaves peeking around white birch trees. I enjoy meandering down an easy trail with my dalmatian and a few friends. 

There are many places to hike in the Schroon Lake area, but one of my favorites is on Scaroon Manor, a state campground that’s located five miles south of the village. Camping is closed at this time of the year, but you can enjoy the trail during every season. Starting at the parking lot you follow the path along the lake that opens to some of the finest views around. You can look for animal tracks on a long natural beach and read illustrated posters about the famous resort that was once located there. The trail takes about 40 minutes and circles back to the parking lot.

You are invited to see Schroon Lake’s natural beauty and experience its quintessential fall season. While you're here, enjoy our local restaurants and be sure to check out our seasonal special events!

This week in ADK news:

Biking Fish Creek and Rollins Pond

Riding Norman Ridge

A historic hike

Night at the (handle) bars

Biking power couple

The amazing apple

Flavors of fall

Meet The Lodge at Schroon Lake

For generations of travelers, scenic Schroon Lake, with its sparkling lake, small town charm, and abundant outdoor adventures just steps (or pulls of the paddle) away, has been an ideal, memorable summer vacation destination. In the early 20th century, a handsome, expansive lodge known as the Brown Swan Club opened its doors to travelers looking for something special. Over the years, the lodge changed hands, saw modern improvements, and spent time as a religious camp. When the camp closed a few years ago, there was an opportunity for the spacious property, complete with cottages and activities, to get a new lease on life (no pun intended!) and welcome a new generation of travelers to this special town. After extensive upgrades and updates, the brand-new Lodge at Schroon Lake, which pays homage to the classic Brown Swan Club with modern amenities, is now open. We're ready to stay, are you?

Stay a while, stay in comfort

If you're like me, the idea of an old-fashioned vacation in a sprawling Adirondack lodge has a lot of appeal. Think: wide porches with comfy chairs and beautiful views. Think: sunset rides on a sparkling, vintage Chris Craft motorboat. The Lodge has all of that, and so much more, it's a resort you have to see for yourself to truly believe, especially when it comes to the overnight options. At the Lodge, you have your choice of hotel rooms and suites in the two primary lodges; nine lakeview chalets with two bedrooms, kitchen, living space, and private deck; five secluded cabins; a rustic-inspired cabin featuring suites only; and, perhaps neatest of all, glamping tents! Glamping is what happens when you mix a luxurious hotel stay with camping; no, you won't be sleeping on the ground, you'll be in a spacious tent with a real bed, in-tent electricity, furniture, a deck for lounging, and easy access to bathrooms and more lounge areas.

The selection of overnight options means that you can find peace and quiet away from the Main Lodge, be in the heart of the resort, or even have the freedom to make your own amazing Adirondack meals and enjoy morning coffee on your private deck or balcony. All of the rooms have Adirondack charm, while still being up to date and offering all that you'll need to have a relaxed, rejuvenating, and super fun stay.

Family fun

Although Schroon Lake is home to abundant adventures and activities, from shopping to hiking, fishing, and live music, you really don't even need to leave the Lodge to fill your days with family fun. The wide, wonderful array of activities available to overnight guests is rather astonishing and should intrigue any family looking for a special summer getaway. Want to race remote-controlled boats on the resort's pond? The Lodge has this unique activity twice a week, on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. (Pro tip: weekday stays are often a bit quieter than weekends!) The whole family, or just the kids, can take part in scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, s'mores and stargazing, create terrariums to take home, and outdoor movie nights.

In addition to these regular events and activities, you'll also have family-friendly options such as on-site mini golf, swimming beach, an indoor pool, paddling, lawn games, game room, and fitness center. Even if you live in the neighborhood, why wouldn't you want to come by for some extra special fun? Oh, and remember how we mentioned fishing? You can do that right here at the resort's stocked fishing pond! I know, it all sounds too good to be true. But it's not and that is so awesome, right?

Indulge your cravings

We know a lot of places call themselves "foodie friendly," but the Lodge at Schroon Lake takes that to a new level of comfort, indulgence, and flavor. Open to the public, the Brown Swan has a classic tavern feel, with farm-to-table menus for breakfast through dinner. Well, through dessert, of course! The food is mouth-watering and offers an elevated twist on standard pub food, like the gruyere-stuffed burger topped with maple-cured bacon, or the short rib poutine. Have you ever had carrot cake flapjacks? Well, you're about to!

Overnight guests also have access to The Bevy, a cocktail lounge off the lobby, where creative cocktails and more inventive meals make family gatherings and fireside romantic getaways that much tastier.

Summer is a special time to get outside, enjoy the natural beauty of the Adirondacks, and make some memories with family and friends. This summer, The Lodge at Schroon Lake promises to offer all of that, plus more, so don't wait to make your reservations! While you're in the Adirondack Hub, just an easy drive up I-87 from the capital district, check out other fun events, attractions, and sweet treats!

This year Earth Day is going digital! I know — that doesn't exactly feel earthy, but that doesn't mean there aren’t great ways to celebrate the natural places we love (ahem, the Adirondacks) and fight for a better environmental future. The 2020 theme for Earth Day is climate action, and while that sounds like an enormous challenge, there are plenty of ways to make a difference this year, even while social distancing. 

The Adirondack Hub truly is an outdoor lover's paradise. Comprised of four towns along the southern end of the High Peaks Region, the area is home to some of the more wild places within the Adirondacks. Whether you prefer remote canoe camping through the Essex Chain Lakes or hiking the High Peaks, horseback riding, or a day spent boating on Schroon Lake, there is an adventure for every outdoorsman. Now that I’ve teased you with a trip you can't take just yet, read on for 5 ways to celebrate Earth Day and the Adirondack Hub at home! 

Plan Future Adventures in the Adirondack Hub 

While it might not be time to visit, or even book an upcoming stay, you can start planning by learning more about the wild places surrounding the Schroon Lake region, and what you will need to enjoy them in the future. Our mountains are special, but they are also rugged and remote. It’s important to know your limits and find an adventure appropriate for you!

Sign the Love Your ADK Pledge 

You found yourself here, so we already know you love the Adirondacks. Now it’s time to pledge to love these mountains a little more by taking actionable steps to recreate more responsibly. Find out more about signing the Love Your ADK pledge here.

Learn the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace 

Understanding the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace is a really great starting point for minimizing impacts when recreating, regardless of the activity. The best thing about education is that it is endless. Even those who are outdoor savvy can work toward being better stewards of the Adirondacks. These principles help. 

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
3. Respect Wildlife
4. Minimize Campfire Impacts
5. Leave What You Find
6. Dispose of Waste Properly
7. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces 

Host a Community Cleanup (For One)

Trash is everywhere and no one is above picking it up. If you live near a trail system or a safe road that could use some TLC, commit a day to cleaning up! Regularly-scheduled community clean ups may be cancelled this year due to necessary social distancing measures, so host one for yourself.

Join a CSA

We all have purchase power and we can use it to better our communities and ourselves. Joining a community supported agriculture (CSA) farm share, not only guarantees you fresh local vegetables or meat, but supports a farmer near you! Some even deliver right to your door, which means less trips to the grocery store. Double win! 

However you choose to celebrate Earth Day, we thank you for caring about our wild places. We can't wait to have you back to adventuring in our region but in the meantime, keep learning more about how to keep the Adirondacks wild for generations to come! 

DID YOU KNOW that Snyder Hill has one of the most fascinating hidden views?

Snyder Hill? Where’s Snyder Hill? Well it’s not far from the town center of Schroon Lake. If you locate Hoffman Road and follow it toward the small Hamlet of Irishtown you will drive right beneath it. From the road you can see it clearly and if you look close you can see the cliffs residing near the summit.

Now, more importantly, to access this summit you will have to have a bit of navigation and cross-country travel experience. While the bushwhack to the summit is very straight forward it helps to know how to use a map and compass and GPS. Private land rests ever so close to the route up this peak and you want to assure that you remain on state land throughout the hike.

If you park your car along the shoulder slightly north of west of the summit, along state forest preserve property, you can work your way up the mountain rather effortlessly. The forest is close to that of a boreal forest but with more tall pines and hemlocks and less of spruce and balsam. With a small bit of deadfall along the ground it is a bit slow going at first but soon opens up to a wonderful hardwood forest. The slopes are very steep in areas and several small seeps or springs make it a tad wet at times. Two parcels of private land nose right up to state land so if you come to the property lines just follow it uphill to stay on state land. Once you pass through that narrow corridor you are pretty much free to roam the summit area. The views are spectacular and the ledge is a perfect spot for a picnic, a nap, or to just feel the nice breeze blowing over you.

DID YOU KNOW that Hoffman Notch Wilderness was planned to have a ski center on it?

It’s true, and I didn’t know it until ever so recently. The nearly 39,000 acre wilderness area was planned to be the third state run ski center. It was in the mid 1960s that there was a proposal to build a ski resort with lifts and over 30 miles of trails on the massive slopes of Hoffman Mountain. It which would also extend a bit further off the mountain onto the steeper slopes of two of the three Peaked Hills just to the east of Hoffman proper. The plan was sponsored by a local Winter Sports Council with support from many local officials. As a group they all pushed the opportunity to bring an economic boom to the region. The idea made it past the county and state legislatures but got voted down in the end by voters. Could you imagine the transformation of Schroon Lake if this were to have happened? Neat to think about.

Today the Hoffman Mountain Wilderness is used mainly by hikers through Hoffman Notch and bushwhackers in search of summiting Hoffman Mountain and Blue Ridge Mountain which are two of the Adirondacks 100-highest Mountains. But if you have never been back to Big Marsh, I highly recommend it, the wilderness experience is wonderful.

DID YOU KNOW that Sharp Bridge Campground is a perfect location to basecamp for the weekend?

Sharp Bridge is a state run campground located off Route 9 just north of North Hudson. Its small quaint stature is also the oldest state campground in the Adirondacks. From the campground you can venture out on the trails and hike back to Shingletree Pond, Round Pond and Triangle Pond without setting foot in the car. A short distance away you can access the backside of the Dix Mountain Wilderness, the Pharaoh Mountain Wilderness, the shops and restaurants of Schroon Lake, the Town Beach on Schroon Lake and dozens more hiking destinations scattered about the Schroon Lake Region. The offerings are nearly limitless. Enjoy fishing? Cast a line in Schroon Brook or walk up the road to Courtney Pond and set a cast for some native brookies. Want to float softly downstream? Visit the Schroon River. Like rock climbing? Check out King Philips, and other rock climbing destinations just minutes away.

DID YOU KNOW that Schroon Lake has some of the most outstanding Lake Trout and Landlocked Salmon Fishing in the Park?

Fishing you say? Why not explore the massive expanse of Schroon Lake itself. With nearly 25 miles of shoreline this lake is worthy of casting a few lines. Whether from a boat or the shore you can surely find a way to do some fun angling. But if you want the best opportunity to latch onto a record-winning lake trout or landlocked salmon you will need to get out on a boat and approach the deep water of the lake. Sure a kayak would work but get your hands on a small boat with a trolling motor and you are sure to reel in a nice-sized fishing story. While much of the shoreline of the lake is private you can access the waters from the town beach area and near the southwest shores of the lake and at Eagle Point State Campground.

This is only a small taste of what the Schroon Lake Region offers, and more surprises wait around every corner. Be sure to come and stay and come back often and see what we mean by “Schroon Lake is really one of the finest places to be."

Blogger's note: Last week, I decided to be a crazy mom and surprise my seven-year-old son with a day playing hooky - his first missed day of the year! We decided to extend our weekend in the Adirondacks' Schroon Lake Region with a bonus Monday meant for holiday exploring and maybe a little playing in the snow, and of course, dining out!

We felt naughty. Skipping school, what rebels we were! Of course, we woke up on Monday morning and Oliver's school was closed for the day - so instead of being rebels, we were just a mom and her kid playing in the snow!

It did however remind me of another time in Schroon Lake, that I could definitely repeat in the near future. And this one I still feel a bit guilty about! Let's do a little rewind back two years, and my wild younger days. :)

Guilty, Guilty, Guilty...

I don’t know that I have ever felt quite as guilty as I did when Greg and I walked into the Schroon Lake Bed & Breakfast - sans 5 year old. I mean, we had already enjoyed a fun Tasting at Paradox Brewery, and a fabulous dinner at Sticks & Stones Bistro & Bar - you can check out the details of that part of our adventure in the first installment of our Schroon Lake weekend away blog.

But… there are a few things Oliver absolutely loves, and the fact that I am about to enjoy one of them without him - a stay away from home - makes me feel fairly sneaky, wicked guilty, and more than a tad bit naughty. I feel like I am about to get caught cheating on a test - if I still took tests. Of course, I am too old for most tests, and I am consoled by the fact that there is no indoor pool (the real reason he likes to go away), and like many Bed & Breakfasts children under 16 are not permitted - we soon understand why.

A Welcome Light On A Chilly Night

It’s a late-fall evening in the Adirondacks, meaning a brisk 35 degrees or so. The Schroon B&B is a welcome sight - lit up in a soft glow and just beckoning us to come in and stay for the night. Unfortunately, we are poor planners - we have not made reservations and so we show up unannounced; luckily a sign indicates there is, indeed, room at the inn. We knock on the door and are greeted by our potential hosts-to-be, Sharon and Mark. As we are ushered into the large living room, I am immediately enveloped in warmth - not just from the beautifully blazing fireplace.

The decor is from an older day and age, I feel at home - well, maybe not my home - I could never keep my house this well-appointed! Antiques, flower arrangements, knick-knacks… that’s all it takes. With a huge sigh of relief, I am glad Oliver has been left at home - his tornado-esque ways would have already destroyed a keepsake or two, I am sure.

Sharon assures us there is room available and asks Mark to give us the tour, "he’s the better tour guide." From the entrance door, to our right is the living room - complete with fireplace, sitting area, books, and dozens (possibly hundreds) of movies. Off to the left is a formal dining room including a grand selection of teas, cocoa, and coffee (I’m sold).

We head upstairs. To our left is a luxurious king suite (reserved), to our right an intimate queen room with a sitting room across the hall. And then, at the end of the hallway, we enter the Pine View. This is, of course, my pick. We enter the suite and to our left a grand bedroom opens up before us, complete with an electric fireplace adding to the romantic ambiance. There is a private bath - I realize most lodging has private bathrooms, but when discussing B&Bs this is a question I always ask - I’ve stayed in some lovely properties in Maine, all with shared baths - not particularly to my liking. To the right is a private sitting room complete with fridge, couch, and television - also notable when discussing B&Bs. I open the closet and spy the luxurious bathrobes. This will be our room for the night. I’ve decided.

Back downstairs we fill out paperwork, grab our luggage, and find out the specific etiquette for this lovely establishment. Guests are welcome to come and go - a key is provided for the front door, but quiet is encouraged. We are welcome to take any of the DVDs to our room, and while coffee and baked goods are available around 7:30am, a full breakfast will be served after 8:30am. And, this is pretty cool: Sharon actually asks if we like eggs or have any allergies as they try to accommodate their guests needs. For the record, if it’s made for us, we will eat it. What a treat!

Out And About

Since it’s a Saturday evening and we’re on our own little spontaneous Adirondack vacation, we decide 7pm is too early to call it a night. We head down to Flanagan’s Pub and Grill on Main Street. Now, the last time I was in this Irish Pub was almost 20 years ago. So, wasn’t I surprised when we opened the doors!? I won’t lie, I was expecting a little old-fashioned, hole-in-the-wall, locals spot. Flanagan’s new look (well, new to me) was shocking. Beautiful wooden booths, an open - yet intimate - layout, still the feel of a great locals spot. Clean, welcoming, and a great selection behind the bar; I couldn’t wait to pull up a stool and have a draught (or two). But wait! There was a backroom with a pool table - the night just keeps getting better and better. We grab a couple of sticks and play a few games before the day finally catches up with me.

As we head back to the car we remember there is a fridge in our room. Obviously we should pop into Stewart’s and grab a pint of our favorite ice cream (chocolate peanut butter cup - as if it could be anything else). The thing I love about Stewart’s - no matter the town - is that there are always a few friendly locals enjoying coffee or a snack and looking to strike up a conversation. Tonight, football is the subject at play - and although I have little to contribute, Greg is quickly debating the day’s results. And, I am soon fantasizing about a hot shower, plush bathrobes, and watching a good movie complete with plastic spoons and shared tub of ice-cream.

Sleep It Off

While I manage the first part of my plan, we are soon curled up in a huge bed dozing off as the flames in the fire flicker at our feet. Tonight, there would be no movie. After thinking about this long day which started with a stint outside in the frigid air watching a High School football play-off game, followed by a scenic Adirondack drive, a bit of education and tasting at Paradox Brewery and a dinner out, I can justify falling asleep by 10pm.

We wake to the smell of fresh coffee brewing and something delicious baking. While I would love to lounge here all day, I am also looking forward to talking with Sharon and Mark before exploring a bit more of Schroon Lake and heading home. After an hour or so of procrastinating - because we could, we finally motivate and start our day.

Sharon meets us as we enter the dining room and immediately offers us coffee - a woman after my own heart. There are a variety of juices, and a lemon-zest muffin that I could happily eat every day. Bowls of fresh fruit are proffered before Mark pops out from the kitchen in full chef mode. As he places our plates in front of us, I am overwhelmed. THIS is way more than I had imagined. As an avid hotel-traveler, I was expecting a serve-yourself, family-style breakfast; not a made-to-order plate of edible artistry. Mark gives us the rundown of what is being served, and where the local products came from. I could try to describe the meal in detail but you know that old saying about a picture saying a thousand words, so here you go…

Sharon and Mark are an amazing team. Seamlessly bustling back and forth while simultaneously working, keeping the conversation lively, answering our many questions, and pointing out the many types of birds at the feeders.

We learn about the history of the B&B, how its clientele varies from couples looking for a romantic evening as they pass through town to groups of fisherman visiting for tournaments. The property acts as a welcoming home-base for family reunions, weddings, group events, and athletes and adventurists. And, after staying here, I can confirm the repeat customers are proof that they are offering a great service to the region.

We discuss town and all it has to offer - Sharon is a wealth of knowledge. We learn about the thriving arts community. Mark is a musician and hearing my background in the arts, he immediately lets us know about the monthly Open Mic Nights that happen right down the street and draw a great deal of local talent.

Pack Your Bags

What can I say… at 10:30am we know we need to say goodbye. We have had a great time in Schroon Lake so far, but there are still places to see, mountains to climb, people to meet. We offer Mark our sadly-untouched ice cream which he enthusiastically accepts (did I mention it’s the best flavor, ever?) - it’s the least we could do after such a relaxing night away.

While we stayed at the inn for maybe 16 hours, I feel like we snuck away for a week. And, hey, you know what? There’s nothing naughty about taking a little time for yourself, right? And it should be noted: I didn't even try to sneak out with my robe. Now, eating that third lemon muffin — which was packed by our hosts in a to-go bag for the 5 year-old — well, that might be a bit naughty, but hey, we’ll call it our little secret, ok?

Want to ditch the kids and plan a romantic stay in Schroon Lake? Looking for a taste of the local brews? Hit the trails, then hit the town - Adirondack hospitality is absolutely where it’s at!