Adirondacks
New York
The Adirondacks mountain range in upstate New York is contained within a 6.1-million-acre (2.5-million-hectare) state park and includes two peaks that reach more than 5,000 feet (1,524 meters). With scenic trails and calm rivers, as well as quaint bed-and-breakfasts, cabins, and resorts, the mountains are a popular getaway from New York City.
The Adirondack Mountains are the perfect spot for visitors to New York looking to escape the city and embrace the beauty of upstate in the spring, summer, and fall. The close proximity to Lake Placid, a two-time host of the Olympic Games, makes the Adirondacks a four-season destination, where winter-sports lovers can snowboard down Whiteface Mountain or attempt to land one of the massive professional ski jumps. Après ski, stop at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum to explore artifacts from the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games.
During the summer, black flies and mosquitos can be a nuisance in the Adirondacks, so wear light-colored clothing, long-sleeve shirts, and long pants, and pack a head net.
If you are 16 and older, you must have a New York state fishing license in order to fish; most sporting goods stores in the area sell licenses.
The park is free to enter, but there are fees at public and private campgrounds within the park.
The Adirondack mountains run through Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, St. Lawrence, Saratoga, Warren, Hamilton, Herkimer, and Washington counties in New York state. The mountains are bordered by Lake Champlain, Lake George, and the Mohawk Valley. The park is located about four hours north of New York City and five hours northwest of Boston. It’s easily accessible by car via Interstates 87 and 81, as well as Amtrak's Adirondack Service, which departs from New York’s Penn Station.
The best time to visit the Adirondacks depends on your interests. From May to August, the weather is warm and ideal for canoeing and kayaking, but the area can get crowded with folks on summer vacation. November to April is prime time for winter sports, but expect frigid temperatures.
Located in Cooperstown, in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains (a little over two hours from Lake George), the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is a popular attraction that explores baseball history through interactive exhibits and special events. Its Plaque Gallery displays the Hall of Fame members' bronze plaques, which honor their achievements.
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