I was introduced to this beautiful nature center through a friend who summers in the Adirondacks…read more This center has so much to offer from weekly 5k trail runs to patio yoga weekly. Open year round. Several walking trails over 25 miles and 3k acres. There's walking and hiking in the summer and snowshoes abs cross country skiing in the winter. Beautiful and peaceful! I wouldn't pass it up!

I am proud to say I just completed my first trail ever! This one has lots of hills and lots of tree…read moreroots. Overall it was a nice hike. You have to walk over boards to get past some of the boggy areas, but those were pretty consistent in keeping you out of the water. Lots of deer flies this year, but also a lot of nature to see. Beautiful views from many places along the trail. Most of the hike was sun-dappled with some instances of bright sun, and once I got to the far side of the pond there was a nice breeze. Whoever put all the inclines at the end of the trail is a Sadist.

One of the Saranac Six, this mountain is a challenge. There is a trail hike to a split where you go…read moreto Haystack or McKenzie. In total it is about three miles up, then you gotta come back down. This mountain is a bit of a challenge. There are a lot of steep areas. When I was hiking it was raining and got very slippery. My dog and I fell several times. Definitely going to try it again when it isn't wet outside. The trail is gorgeous and is great for pictures. Love the water that cuts through the trails.

The wife and I came here after hearing about it for a couple of years. She had found out about it…read moreonline, and I saw their scale model promotional displays in downtown Albany. So, we made a daytrip of coming up north. It was pretty cold and overcast in early October, but we still had a good time. When we arrived on a weekday there were only a dozen or so other people around. We practically had the place to ourselves. We first watched the four otters swim in the pools (brr) and play on the tubes. One really seemed to like me, and we both shared the name Louis, so we hit it off from the start. I liked him more than the otters (!), but I think he just came to the fence to see me because he thought I was going to feed him. Then, we saw the staff with their "mystery" public interaction animal... a porcupine. She seemed hungry and grumpy, and spent the time eating food. I guess if I was trotted outside in the 40-degree weather I would be upset too. We went for a walk in the woods and heard music piped on speakers in the trees. My wife made a comment about it feeling like an anime or RPG experience, and I think she was right. It was odd, though enjoyable. We then walked around on the elevated paths in the woods and looked out of the bird's nest towers and spider's nest (yuck). There were swinging bridges and other interactive things for kids of all ages. Again, it was cold or we might have spent more time looking at them. They had indoor exhibits which were closed due to the pandemic (boo), but on a day like this they are very much needed to help recharge and get warm. It was a good time, despite being chilly. The views were great, but my glasses kept fogging up from the masks so I couldn't see as much as I would have liked. It is a great park seemingly in the middle of nowhere, and very far from where we live. But, I would like to return in warmer weather to experience it again.

We had an incredible time here! The indoor area is not to be missed! So many unique hands-on…read moredisplays, sea otters, ugly fish, collections of fungi and interesting plants. The outdoor walk is a breathtaking walk through the treetops with unbeatable views. My 5 year old also loved the outdoor loose part natural play area. The whole adventure is a lot of fun for both kids and adult. Also very responsible with covid policies!

One of my favorite hikes in the high peak region -- it's a great starter one to those interested in…read moredoing a high peak. You combine it with Porter to get two mountains off your list, for the "physical price" of doing one! This is a gentle mountain, but still should not be taken lightly as it is a high peak and it will challenge you, no matter how fit you might be. I've climbed this in the summer 2-3 times and at least 2-3 times in the winter. I prefer doing it in the winter personally for less crowds and beautiful ice covered pine sights and an Arctic wonderland, but either one is gorgeous. Parking is free, but limited...come early to try to snag a spot. Doing both mountains will only add an hour or so to your total hike time, so don't be afraid to tackle both even if you might be tired after hitting Cascade. I think Cascade is good to hit first and then head over to Porter, but honestly either one will work well. Plan 3-8hours round trip, depending on your level of physical ability. Come prepared and know the conditions, talk to the rangers or other hikers so you know what to expect.

One of the 46 high peaks and known to be the easiest and quickest round trip hike! This means that…read moreyou should expect it to be the busiest as well! Early birds will get the parking spots, but during the warmer season, early may mean arriving before 6:30am for optimal parking! A phenomenal panoramic view that gives a great view from anywhere you decide to post up on the top for a quick snack. You can also hike this to mount porter which is another high peak of the 46er club! For avid hikers/trail runners, you could really round trip in under 2 hours. For new mountain hikers, best to expect a 4-5 hour trek for those who aren't use to the 2000 feet of elevation gain.

Ausable Chasm, NY - billing itself as "the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks" is a shamelessly…read moreambitious boast for an attraction that I'd more accurately describe as Watkins Glen with the consumer interface of Bushkill Falls, but there's no denying Ausable Chasm is a fun, scenic, and daring adventure for all ages! We came during the off season at the end of April, before the more high thrills activities like rafting & tubing, riverwalk, Via Ferrata adventure trail, rappelling, rock climbing, etc. were open for the season (usually around late-May to June through autumn). That was no problem as we are visiting with our toddler who isn't old enough to do most of these activities anyway, and, as we discovered, it was actually perfect and to our advantage, since as first-time visitors we only wanted/had time to explore the chasm itself. And as there were very few other visitors on a weekday, it was as if we had this private park all to ourselves! No need to jostle for views/photos, can enjoy lunch & snacks at the best picnic tables by vista points, and it's also more pleasant than hiking in hot summer, though many of the trails are shaded. The basic "trails only" admission is about $20 for adults & teens, $12 for kids 5-12, and free for under 5. All the other activities have additional fees, which can add up so you might explore packages, or even stay overnight at their campground & cabins. We are a family of hikers so wanted to do the whole perimeter and see the entire gorge (about 2 miles). But if you only wish to see the exciting parts and leave time for other activities, then you can turn back halfway and do the shorter loop (1 mile if you do the Inner Sanctum Trail which I 100% recommend as this is the "signature" trail along the canyon's edge. But note it has many stairs up & down). We took the Inner Sanctum (yellow) trail, crossed over to Big Dry Chasm and hiked to the Whirlpool Basin Overlook at other end, then looped back around on the orange trail via Little Dry Chasm. The trails are well maintained, with most of the outer edge trails on comfortable soft padded ground. They're mostly well marked except the end part is not really shown clearly on the park map so I used AllTrails. The orange trail (Dry Chasm Trail) is marked as more difficult, but it's basically just a regular wooded hiking trail that's not paved, with rooty and rocky sections. The park is very walkable for most able-bodied people. Even our 3yo was able to hike the whole thing by himself, with a bit of help over the orange trails. We loved our visit and are excited to come back when our child is older to do more activities! Will update my review when we've had a chance to experience all the action-packed adventures the park has to offer. TIP #1: No trail maps are given out so take a photo ar a screenshot. But there are maps placed along the trails marked with where you are. TIP #2: Porta-potties only on either end of the trails, so I recommend taking your nature break before setting out. TIP #3: There's a cafe by the Welcome Center but it's only open seasonally. Bring water. No garbage bins along the trails (cos bears!) so trash is carry-in carry-out.

This place is the best. Great for families. Do the explorer package with river walk...ropes…read morebridges are awesome. Boat is mild, it's not white water rafting. Very safe. Go here and enjoy!

Easy hike with wife and 2 kids, ages 12 and 9. Plenty of parking at the trail head. Views are…read moregreat. Fire tower well maintained but they need to remove the glass. The fresh air breeze on the top is always a bonus. There are a couple steep parts but very manageable and one of the easier fire tower hikes you can do. Enjoy

Awesome Hike with a beautiful view on top. About a mile long with some rugged slants and water!!!…read moreThis is the place to go for a "amateur" hike!

Mount Wright is a fantastic high peak and #16 by height out of the 46 high peaks in the region. The…read moretrail for Mount Wright is challenging, but fun and passes through a waterfall and is wonderfully picturesque. The trail starts at the Adirondack Loj and some ambitious folks hit two peaks in one day with Wright and Algonquin which are quite close to each other, although Algonquin is the 2nd tallest peak in the region. Mount Wright is also unique in that it has aircraft remains near the summit from an unfortunate military aviation accident back in the 40s. There's a memorial and plaque commemorating the pilots and you can hike a bit to see remains of the plane. Difficulty-wise, I'd say the summit is a 3-5 hour round trip for experienced hikers and 5-8 if you're struggle bussing. I love this peak and trail and have completed it a number of times now. Definitely recommend it!

10 miles of open trails that are perfect for the summer, to walk, hike or bike. Choose between 20…read moretrails - easy, moderate or hard. Trail 1 - Corridor 0.3 miles (Easy) Trail 2 - Delta 0.4 miles (Easy) Trail 3 - Bluff 0.4 miles ( Moderate) Trail 4 - Corridor Loop 0.4 miles (Easy) Trail 5 - Cedar 0.4 miles (Moderate) Trail 7 - River 0.4 miles (Easy) Trail 8 - Marble Mountain 0.6 mile (Moderate) Trail 9 - Erratic 0.3 mile (Moderate) Trail 10 - Ridge is 1.5 miles (Hard) Trail 11 - Flume Knob 1.0 miles & hiking trail only Trail 12 - Bear Den Mountain 1.2 miles & hiking trail Trail 19 - Whiteface Upper Connector 1.0 miles (Hard) Trail 20 - Whiteface Lower Connector 0.9 miles (Easy) We did a mix of trails and the River, Corridor loop, Flume Knob and Whiteface Lower connector were a lot of fun and also very scenic. Remember to apply bug spray generously and carry some with you - we met many a pesky mosquitoes en route! Also there are no public rest rooms on site.

Great hike. Picturesque views. Lots of areas to take a dip and swim. Don't forget the bug sprayread more

The Silver Bog Preserve trail is a sweet walk!…read more The Nature Conservancy maintains this preserve for educational and scientific purposes and we benefit cause it's a great way to spend some time in a neat environment.The trail starts out in sun-dappled woods which quickly leads to a boardwalk that winds its way though the bog. A great stroll through some interesting plants. At the end of the end of the boardwalk you can turn around OR you can venture into the woods for a gentle climb to the 200' bluffs overlooking Silver Lake. With roots and some rocks, it's not level, but not difficult. Beautiful open rock area at the top! So, bring a snack and enjoy! Special Note: This hike is a little over 2 miles RT.

A really fascinating place to visit for a decent hike/ tour. It's a self guided tour after you grab…read moreyour tickets inside the gift shop. There are some pretty incredible views & a few astounding caves you can explore. The trail features quite a bit of stairs & winding paths so come prepared (eg. walking stick if need be). We saw plenty of families, children & seniors on the trail so it's suitable for an array of people. We saved the coolest part for last: cracking open a few geodes. This is completely random but it's enchanting to wait & see what color is inside! We love this place.

Such a great day for kids while in the Adirondacks! The geode popping and activities at the end of…read morethe trail were fun.