What is Adirondack Park?
Adirondack Park is part of the Forever Wild Forest Preserves and has been since 1892. There are millions of acres of protected area and is a one of a kind wilderness area. New York State owns 2.6 million acres and the remaining acreage is dedicated to agriculture, forestry and open recreation. Contrary to popular belief Adirondack Park is not a state or national park. There are no fees to access the park and there are no certain hours the park is open. However, it is the largest National Historic Landmark and covers a large area bigger than the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, the great smokes national parks and the glacier.
What does “Adirondack” mean?
The term “Adirondack” was originally intended as a slanderous remark which was given to the Algonquin tribe by the nearby Mohawk tribe and means “barkeaters.”
Where Adirondack Park located?
The Adirondacks are in the northern part of New York just north of Manhattan and a just south of Montreal, Canada. It is vast and remote wilderness however it is not as remote as one may think. The Amtrak train leaves from Penn Station located in New York City and go straight to Adirondack Park and stops at scenic depots and historic areas on the ways. Vermont, New Jersey, New York and Canada residents also know the Adirondack Park as a popular trip to take on one tank of gas and offers a blend of both outdoor recreation as well as restaurants, attractions, events and shopping. So if you are traveling by car you can take one of two highways. You can take Interstate 81 west or Interstate 87 east. There are two airports that travel to the Adirondacks as well as bus lines making traveling to the Adirondacks convenient, easy and most of all affordable.
What are the fees to access the park?
There are no fees to enter the Adirondack Park at all. However, there are fees at both the private New York campgrounds and the public campgrounds.
Where is the entrance located?
There is no “official” entrance to the park you don’t have to buy tickets to enter the park. Once you are at the park there will be a brown and yellow sign that welcomes you to Adirondack Park.
Is the park all wildernesses?
Many people believe that the park is mostly wilderness with no entertainment or infrastructure to interest visitors. Within the vast acreage there are villages and towns which lend to the distinct flavor of the park. Saranac Lake which is a historic village used to be known as a center for people suffering from tuberculosis in the late 1800’s to the 1900’s. Today it is home of the Adirondack Arts community. The Winter Olympics have been hosted twice by Lake Placid and has the best nightlife. Ft. Ticonderoga was an outpost during the Seven Year war, the American Revolutionary War and colonial conflicts. Near Lake Champlain on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places is a U.S. National Historic Landmark and is open to the public. These are only three of the 100 towns so you can imagine the endless possibilities along the scenic byways, wooded shores and mountain peaks.
What places are there to eat?
There are bistros, pizzerias, cafes and gastro pubs so looking for a place for a meal in the Adirondacks is easy. Maybe you would prefer a micro-brewery in Lake Placid or Lake George both bottle their own brews. Many restaurants in the Adirondacks are part of the farm-to-fork-movement and use ingredients in their seasonal dishes that are grown by local farmers. You have your choice of family style or fine dining.
What is there to do in Adirondack Park?
On any day you choose you can go on a hike, go to a Shakespearean show, ride a paddle boat on the lake, dance outside during a concert or go on a tour historic sites and museums. Families that travel through the Adirondacks will find a wide variety of things to do and places to see to keep them busy. You can kayak or canoe on any of the lakes, ride a hot air balloon ride over Lake George, take a hike on over 2,000 miles of hiking trails or downhill or cross country ski. This park is one huge playground. There are also beautiful sandy beaches along Lake Champlain.
Where are some good areas for hikes outside of the high peaks?
The 46 High Peaks give hikers a unique experience; however some trails are crowded during peak seasons. The better hikes are actually are not near the peaks but they have breathtaking views from their summits. Ampersand Mountain in Saranac Lake, Cathead Mountain in Benson and Castle Rock in Blue Mountain Lake are only a few of the better hiking trails outside of High Peaks.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Yes the only exception is if you see a sign posted saying “no dogs”. The majority of Adirondack Park’s hiking trails allow dogs however all dogs must be on leashes. Dog owners must use bags that are on posts along the trails. All of the villages and towns have wilderness recreation campsites and areas that require all dogs be on leashes. The Eastern High Peaks Wilderness, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation require dogs always be on leashes.
Are the resorts and campgrounds pet friendly?
Everyone is can come to the Adirondacks. All resorts, hotels, campgrounds and motels in the park are pet friendly and have accommodations which include:
- The Copperfield Inn in North Creek
- Rooster Comb Inn in Keene Valley
- Starry Night Cabins in Schroon Lake
- Long Pond Cabins in Willsboro
- Waldron Cottages in Raquette Lake
- Saranac Lake Islands in Saranac Lake
- Schroon River Resort in Diamond Point
- The Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort in Lake Placid
- Lake George KOA Campground in Lake George
How do I get a fishing license?
If you are 16 or older, you are required to have a NYS fishing license. There are several sporting goods stores in the Adirondacks that sell fishing licenses. You must provide a driver’s license or other form of ID when buying a fishing license. If you are a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, member of the Shinnecock or Poospatuck tribes and the Six Nations living on a New York State reservation , resident patient at a U.S. Veterans Administration hospital you can get a fishing license for free.
Is hunting permitted in the Adirondacks?
Yes you can. The Adirondacks have the best hunting for small game, deer and bear in the country. The New York State DEC requires hunters 12 and over to have a license for small game. Those that hunt big and are16 and over also must have a license as well as trappers of any age. New hunters are required to take a safety course. For additional information, check the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s website.