Great hike. Loved the views from the summit. Challenging but so worth the views. We used hiking…read morepoles and it make the trip down a little easier on the knees. It was about 6 miles round trip and the trail was very well laid out. Highly recommend!

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!

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.

I was trying to find a review of whiteface mountain on Yelp, but instead, I found a review of a ski…read moreresort with the same name so don't get confused... it's a review of Whiteface Mountain... Overlooking Lake Placid is one of the tallest peaks in New York State, and one of its most prominent ski destinations - Whiteface Mountain. One of the main hubs of activity, no matter the season. It is located in the NY town of Wilmington, about 13 miles outside of Lake Placid. Standing proudly at 4,867 feet, this natural wonder is the 5th tallest mountain in the whole New York state. With a bevy of trails, this mountain is a prime spot for riding, skiing, and hiking. Even better, the views from this mountain are to die for. There are multiple ways to view and reach the top of Whiteface Mountain, including the Veteran's Memorial Highway, Gondola rides, and hiking. The mountain has 90 trails, with more than 22 miles of skiing and riding. The longest run is the Wilmington Trail, which is just over two miles. Fact: It was home to the six alpine ski events in the 1980 Winter Olympics. The summit of Whiteface offers 360-degree views that span as far as Canada and Vermont on clear days. if you are taking Veteran's Memorial Highway - It's $20 /PP fee. This scenic drive winds its way up the mountain giving way to some spectacular photo ops along the way - including a castle. From the castle, it's a 20-minute hike to the peak of Whiteface Mountain, We took the highway, it's a very easy drive plus we wanted to visit the Summit Weather Observatory, and there is a lift to reach to summit, where you have seen the lift to reach the summit? I have never seen a lift installed in the mountain like this. Lift is for 5 persons only at a time, and takes almost 30-40 secs to reach the top. it is equal to a 24-floor building. Also, the gondola is more fun in winter, in summer it will take you to just an overlook spot, I would suggest coming via highway. In fact, from the summit, you can see this gondola point, it's higher than the gondola point. (just make sure while coming down, use low gears- typical suggestion- but it's important) Parking: ample parking spot, one staff will stop you, provides useful info and tell you how/where to park. One food truck was there serving typical fries, sandwiches, and burgers. Restroom & Git shop - is there too...!!

A truly spectacular National park. The views are next level and the paved roads leading all the way…read moreto the top means you can choose whether to walk, bike or drive up! There's also an elevator up to the peak, if you don't feel like climbing up there (talk about convenience )! You can find plenty of picnic benches up there to have lunch, and there is a food vendor at the base of the summit if you want to grab food (there are also restrooms). My fiancé proposed to me up here and it was the perfect backdrop!

One of the best 46 high peak hikes I've done so far. Giant Mountain is challenging, but doable even…read morefor first time mountain hikers as long as they are in decent cardiovascular shape. The best thing about Giant Mountain is that most of the hike is along a ridge line so you're getting into the gorgeous scenery early on. Time-wise I would plan for 5-7hour round trip with some time for breaks, but if you're a fast hiker you could probably do it even sooner. We caught some wild blueberries on the trail in early August which we ate and got some sustenance for the way up. I thought some of the views on the journey up were even better than the actual summit giving credence to the saying: it's about the journey, not the destination.

We love climbing the 46. Giant was my 10th peak. It was nice because it gets right to business, up!…read more3.4 miles puts you to the top, and then you can go on to Rocky if you want with an additional 2.4 round trip, which took us over an hour moving at a quick pace. Enjoy this peak!

If you want to learn how to ruin peoples' plans and days, then come here…read more Booked a pontoon boat first thing in the morning at 9:00 am. Asked if any booking for the day, they said we were the first, and they gave us the option to pick the time and the boat. Our renting should have been started at 12:45 pm. We arrived at 12:30, and they told us that the boat was no anymore available because another group came before us and they were boarding our selected boat. I asked for the other one then... and they told us they didn't have the keys, and we should have wait until 1:30 pm... probably more. Or take a fish boat which I didn't want. In the end, I walked away, and my wife and I got to change plans, and of course, the day was already ruined. I hope they will refund me the money. Please, stay away if you don't want to have your day ruined, or if you still want a boat, then get them to sign a piece of paper that they will not give away your booking for someone less polite than you. (I saw the group who took or boat negotiating with them from the window of my bedroom at the lake house minutes before we got downstairs, BTW.) I hope this review helps as much as possible. Planning a weekend these days is not simple, and having people that ruin it with such superficiality, it's a shame.

We had a great time renting a pontoon boat and spending the afternoon on the water! This boathouse…read moreand the associated hotel are new so we walked by the night before we rented and talked to a friendly staff member. The rental process was easy online, as was the check-in, and the staff were all helpful and knowledgeable. The price was half that of comparable places at Lake Placid so this was a great value!

I love carousel animals (especially vintage) so I'm always excited to find some unique ones. This…read morecarousel has a skunk, porcupine, a black fly, fish, and various other critters found in the region- each with a plaque with their name. I believe there are 25 hand carved creatures total. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly. This charming ride ($2.50 at the time of my visit) will delight all ages! There's a play area outside, a gift shop and snack shop inside, and a craft/coloring table as well.

Have you ever been on a Carousel that features ALL the local animals from the area?! This Carousel…read moreis 10 years old and handcrafted celebrating the beautiful Adirondacks! It's a great stop when visiting Lake Placid and Lake George! It's like $5 to ride and you have to wear a mask. This place is awesome and great for the winter holidays coming up! There is also an outdoor playing area which is lovely! This place is one of our Adirondack stops and must see for fun with the family!

Best shop on the Adirondacks! Friendly, knowledgeable staff and great guides. The woman that works…read morethere is AWESOME!!

Formerly of Rainbow Lake. Nice little shop, friendly owner (guide, fly tier, fisherman). He was…read morevery helpful and though he was in the process of settling in on April 3, 2013 to the new shop, he spent plenty of time with me answering questions and telling me stories and information about fly fishing, hatches, books and business. A very good place to stop in on if you are going fishing in the Adirondacks. Has a comprehensive stock of flies, rods, reels and equipment. There is also a lot of spincast items as well.

I had to come to the town of Lake Placid for a conference and stay a few nights. I was fortunate…read moreto come in May when the weather was very nice; in fact, it was 90 degrees my first day here. The other days it was in the 70's and nice. They have lots of shops and eateries, as well as an old looking theatre with newer movies. The town boarders Mirror Lake with beautiful views of the mountains behind it. It's a quaint town that's very walkable without any mainstream/popular stores or restaurants. Plenty of hotels here as well. It offers historic value, with the Olympic Center area and trails and winter sports too. Definitely a place worth visiting!

Lake Placid is dubbed as one of "6 Forgotten Vacation Spots" in North America. In my mind,…read moreforgotten but not lost. It's a small town that famously hosted the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Lake Placid is about a 6 hour drive from NYC (with traffic)... but it's a very easy drive. The highway is I-87 N. My two bucket list items? - Dog Sled - run by an independent operator on Mirror Lake (Main Street side) - $10 per person - Bob Sled - held at the Olympic Sports Complex. Bob Sled is $85 for adults... but 20% off with purchase of the Olympic Sites Passport - http://www.whiteface.com/plan/olympic-sites-passport Perfect for a short weekend trip! My Lake Placid List: http://www.yelp.com/list/lake-placid-ny-lake-placid-2 Mobile Phones: Between my significant other and I, we had a Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T phones between personal and work mobile phones. Coverage wise, Verizon worked the best, then AT&T, and then T-Mobile. Most areas had voice service except for in between towns (i.e. Lake Placid and Saranac Lake). Data service was hard to come by; reliance was placed a lot on wifi access provided by local businesses.