"The mountains are calling and I must go." ~ John Muir
Truer words have never been said, especially in the Adirondack Hub! Except, maybe it should sound more like "Adventure is calling and I must go!" Tucked away in southern Essex county, the Adirondack Hub is home to an array of adventure opportunities ready for you to explore. Your next adventure is waiting! Which will you choose? Will you take on one of the many mountains that lie within the region, or will you try your hand at paddling down one of the many lakes or rivers that flood the Adirondacks. Perhaps you'd prefer to keep your adventure on two wheels. Regardless of what you'd choose, you’ll surely find the perfect adventure in the Adirondack Hub. So where should you begin? We’ve listed out some of the best adventure trips you should take next time you’re in the Hub! Try one or all! You won't be disappointed.
Hiking adventure
Today, you set out to explore the state-protected Wilderness Areas of Pharaoh Lake and Hoffman Notch. These areas together boast over 90 miles of trails, 47 bodies of water, and nearly 85,000 acres of untamed beauty. You are surely in for an adventurous day!
You can also choose a shorter day hike like Severance Mountain in Schroon Lake that leads to a beautiful view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Or, a personal favorite, Pharaoh Lake via Pharaoh rd! It leads to a stunning lake perfect for swimming! The trail offers a perfect blend of moderate challenge and scenic beauty. Each turn of the path reveals another stunning view, and the serenity of the surroundings is the perfect antidote to the stresses of daily life.
Perhaps you’re looking for an even more adventurous hiking experience. These trails are for the more experienced hiker and should be taken very seriously. Newcomb is the home of the southern access point to the High Peaks! Access great mountains and trails without the busyness of other trailheads. Perhaps this is the year you finally start your 46er adventure!
Don’t forget to do your research before heading out on any of these hiking adventures this summer!
Paddling adventure
What better way to appreciate the epic wilderness of the Adirondack Hub than by paddling through its waterways? Grab a kayak and set out to explore the Essex Chain Lakes, the Boreas Ponds Tract, Opalescent River, and the Hudson River! You’re sure to have an unforgettable experience that might include a few rapids and beaver dams!
For our extreme outdoor adventurers, pack up your canoe or kayak and hit the trails, there's great lakes and ponds that are ready to be explored that are just a little more hidden! Interested in more info on pack canoeing adventures? Check out some more info here!
Cycling adventure
The area is a cyclist’s adventure paradise, with its expansive wilderness, wild forests, gleaming lakes, and picturesque peaks. Choose a route that promises both beauty and challenge, with quiet, low-traffic roads providing a peaceful journey.
You can choose to ride close to any one of the towns or take your two wheels off the beaten path. Great Camp Santanoni offers a 10 mile round trip biking experience perfect for the adventurer in you! The gravel roads takes you back in time as you experience one of the great camps of the Adirondacks.
Camping adventure
An adventure that can last a lifetime! Camping can be experienced by anyone throughout the Hub. You might choose to take on the wilderness day and night and camp at one of the primitive campsites with your tent or lean-to. OR you can choose to stay within the comfort of a campground with all the amenities you appreciate, and the next day you’ll be well rested and ready to start your next adventure.
What adventure will you choose this summer?
