Hook A Fish Any Which Way
Theres water for every kind of angler in the Saranac Lake region, including stocked ponds, brooks for fly-fishing, bodies of water with great shoreline fishing, large lakes with nooks and crannies for the crafty angler, and shallow bodies of water containing thick, large weed beds for sneaky species. As for the catch, expect trout, landlocked salmon, as well as warm-water species such as bass, pike, and panfish.
Drink In The View From The Top Of Whiteface Mountain
Just 45 minutes away on the far side of beautiful Lake Placid is the towering peak of Whiteface Mountain. During the winter, Whiteface is one of the most popular ski destinations in the Adirondacks. If you are looking for some serious vertical, this is where you go. During the summer Whiteface Mountain makes for an amazing road trip as well. The drive up the winding switchbacks takes you up thousands of feet to the base of a castle! Yes, a castle!
From there a narrow, steep hike takes you to one of the most scenic places in the Adirondacks. We spent the better part of an afternoon lazing on the rocky peak and gazing down on Lake Placid from 4,449 ft above sea level.
Restaurants In Saranac Lake New York
You cant look for what to do in Saranac Lake without exploring the towns burgeoning foodie scene. There is a great mix of local farm-to-table and international cuisine within this small town. You can also treat yourself to some of the local craft beers and wine from nearby areas such as the Finger Lakes.
To help you fuel up when you are exploring Saranac Lake, start with a coffee and breakfast at Origin Coffee on Main St. they have lighter fare to power you through the morning. For lunch treat yourself to a drink paired with flatbread or chili at Bitters and Bones on Broadway. Treat yourself to a classy dinner wine and dine with one of the best prime ribs in the Adirondacks at Red Fox Grill on RTE 3. For lighter, more casual restaurants in Saranac Lake NY you can also check out Downhill Grill on Main St. and the Lakeview Deli on River St.
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Visit The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival
The Winter Carnival in Saranac Lake is one of the most popular festivals in the Adirondacks. The Saranac Lake winter carnival takes on a different theme each year. The Adirondack winter carnival features parades, celebrations, fireworks, and of course the Saranac Lake ice palace that graces the shores of Lake Flower. The winter carnival is steeped in tradition. It dates back to 1897 when people brought out their fanciest clothes to watch a hockey game on Lake Flower. By the second year the Saranac Lake Ice Palace was created, and throughout the years the festival has continued to grow in popularity. Now, the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival attracts people from throughout the Adirondacks and around the world!
The Saranac Lake carnival includes the Ice Palace, a Gala Parade and Kiddie Parade, sporting competitions, performances, torchlight skiing, and three fireworks displays. The Saranac Lake winter carnival usually runs in early February. You can find out more details on their website.
Ski Or Tube Or Hike At Mt Pisgah Recreational Center
Sometimes its nice to break up a day in Saranac Lake with some time on the hills. And for those that arent looking to spend a whole day on the mountain, Mt. Pisgah Recreational Center in Saranac Lake is the perfect option. During the winter Mt.Pisgah offers skiing and tubing at a great price. And, although Mt. Pisgah only has a single trail for each, its perfect for a little outdoor fun to add to your day. You can pick up a 2-hour tubing ticket for just $15.
If you are visiting Saranac Lake during the summer, the hills are opened up to hiking and wilderness viewing. And the fall views from the top offer one of the best spots to visit the fireworks of autumn in Saranac Lake.
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Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway
If you are looking for a scenic drive or epic views without challenging hikes, the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway delivers. This is a toll road, so it is a bit of a steep price to pay for those views, but the five-mile road isnt too challenging and offers plenty of pull-outs and scenic viewpoints to make it worth the while.
For summer 2020, some of the attractions at the top are limited, including access to the summit, the glass elevator, and the castle. The capacity is also limited to 70 cars at a time which means fewer people and less traffic for enjoying the drive!
Be sure to make your pit stops along the way up, as most of the parking lots and pull-outs are on that side of the road. The views keep getting better but you get different angles so be sure to stop at a few spots along the drive.
The View At Mirror Lake Inn
If you are looking for a fine dining experience, The View is a Four Diamond restaurant in the Mirror Lake Inn. While it is located across the street from the lake, the floor-to-ceiling windows still offer exceptional views. We found the appetizers and dessert more interesting than the entrees, but it was nice to get away from pub food for a night. Safety protocols are also top-notch with contactless temperature checks, hot towels to clean your hands, personalized menus, and UV sanitizing of tables between guests. Plus, they take reservations!
The View at Mirror Lake Inn is located at 77 Mirror Lake DriveLake Placid, New York 12946.
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Popular Types Of Attractions In Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake Winter Carnival
If you only do one of the best things to do in Saranac Lake NY on this list, let the Winter Carnival be it.
Because this annual event is routinely held throughout the second week of February and is home to a whole host of events that visiting snow bunnies will love.
See, it was first started by the Pontiac Club in 1896 to break up the monotony of winter and to promote outdoor activity among patients convalescing in the area.
And since then, well, its become the longest-running festival of its kind on the east coast of the US. it also promotes a sense of community and now stretches out over the course of ten days, with a unique theme that varies from year to year .
Therefore, its truly a must-see extravaganza that even features a full-on hand-carved, ice palace in the center of town. No, really people, this is not a drill especially when you add in several races, obstacle courses, bake sales, arts and crafts sales, a chocolate festival, curling, frying pan tossing, special dinners, arctic golf, ski races, arctic bbqs, ice skating, scavenger hunts, parades, live performances, and fireworks displays that make this one of the true highlights of the winter season in the Adirondacks.
Address: Varies by the event.
Hours: This year the festival will be from February 4th through February 13th, with events scheduled throughout the day between 10:00 am 7:00 pm. But, check the festival website for this most up-to-date information.
Price: Varies by the event.
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Things To Do In The Lake Placid / Saranac Lake Region
With bobsledding, world-class skiing, ice skating, golfing, camping, climbing, and sight-seeing, there is plenty to see and do in the Lake Placid / Saranac Region of the Adirondacks. Find countless regional attractions, museums, tours and more – all in close proximity to one another. Browse the options below, then start planning your visit!
Brewery: Raquette River Brewing Tupper Lake
Raquette River Brewing is the king of small batch specialty brews in the Adirondacks. Its large railroad-depot-ish space promotes lively and happy gatherings. Experts and casual beer drinkers alike praise RRBs experimental and innovative IPAs, porters, ales, and sours all tasty and unique.
At the moment, this craft brewery is famous for its best-selling Mango Wheat Ale and Maple Cream Porter. But sour lovers will be ecstatic with Fruit Salad Sour and Strawberry Banana Sour, and whatever others the brew makers come up with by the time you read this.
Although Raquatte River doesnt serve food theres bevy of food trucks outside, so you can spend the evening with decent vittles and a brewski to wash it all down.
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Moderate: Golden Arrow Resort
For this visit, we spent four nights at the family-friendly Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort. You could immediately tell that this is a favorite destination hotel for families, many of which return every year. The Golden Arrow occupies a prime location at the end of Mirror Lake and in the heart of the downtown shopping and restaurant district.
The small private beach at the Golden Arrow is another huge draw for families, especially since they offer free use of kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and rowboats. Of course, that small beach can get quite crowded, and finding a spot is a challenge. I would recommend bringing your own beach chairs and staking out a space on the lawn. Also, the equipment is a bit hit or miss with a first come, first serve policy and a mismatch of paddles and heavily used equipment.
Another nice thing about the Golden Arrow is the availability of two-room suites for families, some of which have kitchenettes. The rooms themselves could use some updating but the size is nice and the view and location make those trade-offs worthwhile.
Check rates and availability here: Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort on TripAdvisor
Hiking Near Lake Placid
There are trails for beginners/families, intermediate hikers, or those looking for a challenge all within a few minutes of downtown Lake Placid.
Hiking Trails / Nature walks near Lake Placid for Beginners and Families
If you are looking for something nice and gentle, there are a number of nature trails around Lake Placid including:
- Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails this is a winding 2 mile trail over fairly flat terrain. After a short walk, the trail follows the shores of Lake Placid with views of Whiteface Mountain.
- Henrys Woods this is a 4-mile loop with varying flat and hilly sections. The side trails offer views of Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain.
- Heaven Hills this is a community preserve with multiple trails that can be combined to form loops.
Intermediate Hikes near Lake Placid
If you are ready for a more moderate hike, grab your trekking poles, lace up your hiking boots, load up your day pack, and get ready to climb!
Keep in mind that parking at trailheads in this area can fill up fast. It is best to plan for the more popular hikes midweek and go early or late to avoid the mid-day rush. And please, follow the principles of Leave No Trace.
Longer Hikes Near Lake Placid
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Explore: The Wild Center
The 115-acre Wild Center in Tupper Lake NY is hardly obscure. Its been running full-page ads in glossy travel magazines and New York publications since its elevated Wild Walk, modeled on the High Line in Manhattan, was erected in 2015.
But due to its remote location, 30 miles from Lake Placid , the Wild Center isnt your average roadside attraction. In fact, there is nothing average about it. In the words of communications director, Nick Gunn, We try to put a unique spin on our local nature.
One of the most unique spins is the above-mentioned Wild Walk. Thirty feet off the ground, elevated boardwalks lead visitors inside a tree, out to a massive eagles nest, and onto a giant spider web: all while weaving around steel pilings designed to look like the tops of conifer trees.
A section of the property, called Forest Music, is also distinctive for its meandering trails and contemplative music piped through 24 speakers hidden in the trees.
The Wild Center property abuts the Raquette River. So, aside from naturalist led trail walks, visitors can sign up in the summer for guided canoe trips no matter what your level of paddle expertise and other programs.
We provide a range of full experiences for guests fun and educational at the same time, says Gunn. Theres a trout-filled pond, maple-sugaring in season, and a natural play area for kids.
Touch a Cloud and Other Super Hands On Experiences
Romantic Wintertime
Lake Placid Pub And Brewery
This local brewery has a large outdoor dining space. When ate here on our first visit to Lake Placid and enjoyed the fun atmosphere, good beer, and tasty food. Again, it is typical pub fare but there are some atypical options, like spicy Pad Thai.
Lake Placid Pub and Brewery is located at 813 Mirror Lake Dr, Lake Placid, NY 12946.
The lush green forests of the Adirondacks, the rock mountain high peaks, the calm, clear lakes are a nature lovers dream and the perfect outdoor playground for families. Im already thinking about our next trip!
The mountains are calling, are you going?
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Explore Baker Mountain Trail Head
A post shared by Annie on Aug 23, 2019 at 2:31pm PDT
This is a great option that provides amazing views of Saranac Lake and its surrounding mountains. You can climb to a height of 2,452 feet and all the directions are guided. You can go hiking in any season you like, but keep in mind that you will need special snowshoes and clothes in winter.
Baker Mountain Trail Head
Address: 189 Forest Hill Ave, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours
Saranac Lake Ny And Tupper Lake: Under The Radar Adirondacks
- Pin
WHY GO: Though just as physically alluring, both Saranac Lake NY and Tupper Lake NY in New York States Adirondacks region, get lost in the brouhaha of the better known and nearby Lake Placid.
But there are several reasons to make the extra trek. First, youre sure to be transfixed by astonishing views of lakes and mountain passes on the drive up.
Second, the Wild Center in Tupper Lake offers dazzling exhibits, inside and out, reflecting the botanical and wildlife riches of the Adirondacks.
And, third, Saranac Lake is flourishing, with two recently opened luxury hotels, and a vibrant, community-focused and artsy downtown. In fact, youll hear the phrase community based quite a bit, as it seems that while tourism is fine and dandy, those who live here come first.
Plus, the areas got some strange history.
In the late 1800s, the whole town of Saranac Lake became an open-air hospital, thanks to the father of Tuberculosis research, Dr. Edward Trudeau. Patients seeking a cure, or relief at the very least, came here for the pristine Adirondack mountain air. While visiting, dont miss a fascinating look at the very first T.B. lab in the United States.
Saranac/Tupper Lake made it on to the Getaway Mavens Top 20 Romantic Getaways in the US 2021 list.
For a complete Adirondacks escape, pair this Getaway with the following from Getaway Mavens:
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St Regis Mountain & Canoe Area
An excellent hiking option just 20-30 minutes from downtown Saranac Lake is St. Regis Mountain. This is also part of the St. Regis Canoe area, popular for overnight or day canoe trips
The hike is about 6.6 miles and earns its moderate rating. The first couple of miles uphill arent too bad but the last mile you have to work for. Dont worry, it is worth it! Before you get to the summit you will reach a nice rock overlook, but keep going. The wide-open summit offers amazing views and you can climb the fire tower if you dare to see even further.
Lake Placid Olympic Center
In Lake Placid youll discover The Olympic Center. In the winter, step outside to skate on the Olympic Speed Skating Oval, or step inside the Olympic Center to experience the rink on which the United States defeated the Soviet Union in The Miracle On Ice. Also Inside is the 1932 Rink. The Lake Placid Olympic Museum is filled with memorabilia, photos, and video footage from the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Games
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