A wonderful hiking experience that is suitable for families, dogs, and even the hikers who may not…read morehave the same strength and stamina they once did. The view at the top is totally worth it - and there's plenty of space to spread out on the summit to sit, eat a snack and soak up the fresh ADK air. Typical of many ADK trails, the trail to Ampersand is filled with rocks that could be a stream (or could become one in rainy weather). But it is a well maintained trail. The first mile or so is flat and cushiony with a few places where you're crossing some boggy areas. Then you reach a section of larger rocks that function like stairs, and finally you get to more large smooth rock surfaces and boulders that you'll need to maneuver up to get to the last stretch before the basically bald summit. I am not in my prime as a hiker, but this was a manageable hike for me. Trekking poles are highly recommended to provide balance and stability if you need it - though kids and fit people can do well without. We saw many children on this trail as well as a lot of dogs (on leash of course) - even one with three legs! We met a local gentleman who was running up to the summit and impressed us all! The best part of this trail though really is the summit. Sweeping views 360 degrees around make for an absolute prize when you reach the top. And if the weather is warm, it makes total sense to reach the summit, come back down and make the extra half mile trek to the beach from the parking lot. A nice sandy beach and shallow bay area of the lake make for a perfect spot to cool off and rejuvenate after your hike. 10 our of 10 would recommend. And I'll be back next month to lead a group of Cross Country runners on this same trail!

This was the first high peak we climbed and wow did it pay off! This is often considered the best…read morebeginner high peak but it was still very tough for us given that we were out of shape. Parts of ot are very steep and can be difficult in wet conditons. Cascade is great because if you can push yourself a little more, you can double back to see Porter mountain's peak as well! The view was absolutely breathtaking and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a challenging hike!

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.

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!

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 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!

I was shocked to find that this gem had not been added to Yelp yet - it is a very popular an easy…read moreto moderate climb that overlooks Heart Lake. The trailhead is to the right of the lake, just past the Adirondak Loj. There are two paths up, one is easier but longer and the other is shorter but much steeper. The long trail is recommended for families and inexperienced hikers. I have been camping at Heart Lake for nearly 10 years and have done this hike many times. It may not be a high peak, but it offers a view of many of them from the top. It is gorgeous on both a sunny and cloudy day. I highly recommend this hike to anyone who wants to see the high peaks but isn't quite ready for a peak hike. This mountain also has an interesting history inspired by a tragic love story and is worth reading about. Distance: Short Trail, 1.1 miles one way; Long Trail, 1.3 miles one way Elevation: 2,876 feet Elevation gain: Approximately 700 feet

Very accommodating and friendly. Central location. Great boats and equipment. Easy online…read morereservations. They opened just for me on Mother's Day as I went a bit off-season and it was still chilly. AND I was late. Even then, they were still welcoming and kind. From now on, I won't rent a kayak anywhere else!

We were SO thrilled the weather cooperated with us enough the Saturday of our trip to get out on…read morethe water! We stayed at the High Peaks resort right next door, and their boats weren't out for the season yet - Mirror Lake Boat Rental to the rescue! NOTE: if you are planning to go soon (this review is being written on 4/27/21) this boat rental shop will be VERY DIFFICULT to find. You need to look for the sign I have in my photos that tells you to text the number provided, then follow the dirt path behind the construction to the little desk that will give you instructions. This shop technically does have open hours, but we had to text the owner Greg upon arrival and then waited for him to come down and rent us a boat. In the future, I would recommend just texting before heading down there and meeting him when he's already there. Check out their website for full details of cost and times and such. $30/hour for most of your standard boats, including the fun bikes! We opted for a paddle boat so we could save money and be out on the water together. The hour flew by even though it was a little chilly when the wind blew. Cash only, which is inconvenient but understandable considering this biz is fully outside, and there's an ATM at the resort across the street if you need it. This is a great way to see Mirror Lake from a new vantage point and is TONS of fun. Happy boating!

My family & I have never had such an experience. We trail ride at vacation destinations a few times…read morea year & this experience was pretty bad. One horse, several times, backed into the bushes to scratch his butt taking the rider completely in the trees. Also it's back legs buckled & it dropped down to its knees with rider on & then popped back up! Another horse went so close to trees to scratch itself, that the rider's foot was close to getting stuck on tree as horse moved forward, over & over. Really a nerve racking experience. Did not enjoy it at all. Plus no bathroom!

I called on a Friday, left a message and received a call back about twenty minutes later. I could…read morehave booked rides the same day, but I chose to make our reservations for the following day so we could get there early. I brought my two nieces (7 and 8 years old who had never ridden), but I hadn't told them where we were going and wanted them to have some time to get excited. We were greeted by all staff with smiles and the girls were given brushes to groom the two miniature ponies while we waited. Before our ride, the girls were given a short but thorough safety lesson and then we were off on the trail. Valerie had a lead on the first horse (Goldie) my older niece was riding, while my other niece followed on White Cloud and I was on Serena. Since the girls were a little nervous, we walked around many of the same trails which was perfect for their first ride. We had a wonderful time and were invited back the next day too! I went back with my sister and her three children (11 months, 3, and 4) and my 5 year old nephew. The kids were able to walk the miniatures (Casper and Blue Knight) around and we fed them carrots. We had a great time and will definitely return in the future!