Out of all of New York's outdoor spaces, it's easy to say that our Adirondack Park is the most epic one to visit. Covering over 6 million acres of our state, this amazing space has so much more to offer than meets the eye. With the sun officially out and shining and warm weather making more frequent appearances, now is the perfect time to head up north to see what this park is all about.
1. There's always a new place to explore, like the over 1,000 acres of land that was just recently acquired for public recreational use!
That's right! Just when you were starting to feel like you've explored it all, New York State goes and acquires another 1,144 acres of land to open up to the public in the Adirondack Park. The two new acquisition of land include the Huckleberry Mountain Lands that make up 848 acres and the Marion River Carry that makes up 292 acres. Combined, the two new pieces of land give public use to a wetland complex, pond and trail that will allow you to hike between some of your favorite mountains and areas of the Adirondack Forest.
2. There's no greater adventure than exploring our High Peaks or taking on the journey of becoming a 46er.
New York's tallest mountains can be found up in the Adirondack Park. These beautiful mountains offer a variety of full day hikes and easier half day hikes that will give you insane views of New York. Which High Peak has your heart?
3. And the Adirondack Park also has plenty of shorter hikes and smaller mountains that are great for family adventures.
Not everyone has the time or energy to climb one of New York's tallest mountains, so if you're looking for shorter adventures and hikes to take, a great place to start is the Lake George area! Giving you views of the water, trails like Sleeping Beauty, Buck, Prospect or Black Mountains all have rewarding scenery waiting for you at the top.
4. How about the fact that New York's largest water park can be found here?
Growing tired of your backyard pool? Turn the excitement up a notch with a trip to the largest water park you'll find in New York. Located right up in Old Forge, Enchanted Forest Water Safari is necessary to cross off of your bucket list. Aside from that epic spot, there's also the Splash Water Kingdom at the Great Escape and Water Slide World in Lake George.
5. Some of our best festivals are up in the Adirondacks and they take place all throughout the year!
No matter what season it is, there's always something exciting going on up on the Adirondacks. During the winter you can see an epic ice castle at the Saranac Winter Carnival, while during the summer there's something fun going on constantly! To find out which festivals are going on up north this year, click here.
6. When it comes to camping in the great outdoors, there's no better place to set up camp.
One of the best things about the Adirondacks is that you can find plenty of places to set up your tent where you won't be required to make reservations or pay any fees. On the other hand, if you're looking to enjoy certain modern amenities while you're camping, there's lots of great campgrounds up north that will give you the perfect outdoor experience.
7. The wildlife here is incredible.
While you're out and about, exploring around the Adirondacks you might run into animals like Black Bears, Moose and other jaw-dropping creatures. But if you want to get a closer look at the area's unique wildlife visiting places like the Adirondack Wildlife Refugee in Wilmington or The Wild Center in Tupper Lake.
8. The amount of waterfalls that you can find hiding in plain sight here is unbelievable.
There's so many waterfalls in the Adirondacks that are within close range of each other that we even put together the ultimate Waterfall Weekend Itinerary for you. From down near Lake George to all the way up in Wilmington, there's waterfalls scattered all over this region.
9. The museums up here will genuinely grab your attention and intrigue your curiosity.
With places like the Adirondack Experience and The Wild Center, it's easy to want to plan an entire trip around one of these fascinating museums. Giving you a great insight as to how amazing the Adirondack Park is, all that you can find here and the history behind it, these places are a must-see.
10. Speaking of history, you'll find plenty of historic sites like Fort Ticonderoga - America's Most Historic Landscape!
New York's famous star-shaped fort, Fort Ticonderoga has an amazing story to tell. If you're looking to dive into the Adirondack's history, visiting places like these or taking trips to any of the Great Camps of the Adirondacks is the perfect way to do just that.
11. Those seeking an adventure that will send a chill down their spine can head out to Big Moose Lake to see if they can encounter the ghost of Grace Brown.
Did you realize that the Adirondack Park is even home to ghosts? Head out around Big Moose Lake in Herkimer and Hamilton Counties and you may just run into the ghost of Grace Brown. A tragic love story that's still talked about in current days, back in 1906 the young and pregnant Grace Brown was killed on the lake by her lover. Those who are out around the lake at night have reported experiencing paranormal activity and believe that Grace's spirit still haunts the area.
12. There are so many mouthwatering places to eat, with many of these destinations having insane views of the Adirondacks.
You'll never run out of places to eat when you're exploring the Adirondack Park. Whether you're looking for remote places in the woods that offer peace and quiet while you dine, or you're looking for a place right on the water with an amazing view, the options are endless.
13. And don't think we forgot about dessert! You'll find plenty of amazing ice cream shops up north too.
If you're looking to see what ice cream shops in the Adirondack are all about, try taking on our mouthwatering ice cream trail that takes you all through the park!
14. When it comes to places to stay, accommodations in the Adirondacks will take you away from it all.
Some of the most relaxing reservations you'll ever make in New York will be up in the Adirondacks. From glamping locations that will surround with nature to historic hotels that have long been our favorite place to stay, there's something for everyone.
15. During the off season, the Adirondack Park is still full of adventure.
While other parks may not be so fun to explore during the winter, the same cannot be said for the Adirondacks! During the winter here you can experience winter horseback riding, epic gondola rides, snowshoe hikes and toboggan adventures.
16. And did we mention that the Adirondack Park is home to an actual North Pole?
This isn't like your average seasonal set up that you'll find at your local mall, the Adirondack park is literally home to the North Pole. The designated area in New York has its own theme park and Post Office, where residents of New York can come and mail out cards and packages that an the official North Pole postage on them!
17. The Adirondack Park is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely scenic drive.
Here in the Adirondack Park you have the ability to drive up some of our tallest mountains! From driving up Prospect Mountain to making your way up Whiteface Memorial Highway, there's other more secluded drives in this park too like making your way along Route 73 through Keene.
18. The park is actually home to America's Oldest Natural Attraction, Ausable Chasm!
Ausable Chasm is a fantastic place to explore in this region if you're looking to see an exciting and unique side of the Adirondack Park. Here you'll have various adventures right at your finger tips, from amazing hiking trails to tubing through the lower chasm on your own lazy river.
19. The beaches up here have million dollar views.
Amazing swimming spots that are guaranteed to cool you off await you in the Adirondack Park. Up here you'll find public beaches that you can share with friends, waterfalls to relax at the base of and family to hidden swimming spots that we like to keep secret.
20. There are thousands of reasons for you to get out and enjoy the water up here.
The Adirondack Park is home to thousands of lakes and ponds, giving you ample opportunity to go kayaking, fishing, boating or to enjoy other water sports that are great to experience during the summer.
21. So, what are you waiting for you? Head up north to the Adirondack Park to discover why it is you love this region!
Where's your favorite place to visit up north when you're looking to get away from it all? If you're looking for a rewarding adventure, go explore This One Easy Hike In The Adirondacks That Gives You A Positively Dreamy View!
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