Lake Placid, New York 🛶
"Olympic-sized adventures and the rugged High Peaks region."
A short drive from CT, this is a budget-friendly but premium choice. You can hike the 46 High Peaks, mountain bike at Whiteface Mountain, and even try the summer bobsled run at the Olympic training sites.
An action-packed adventure blending demanding High Peak hikes with the thrill of Olympic sports history and the cozy charm of an Adirondack lakeside village.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Arrival & Olympic Village Vibes
Morning — Arrive in Lake Placid and take a scenic 2.7-mile stroll around the Mirror Lake loop to orient yourself.
Afternoon — Stroll through Mirror Lake village, visit the Olympic Center museum, and skate at the Herb Brooks Arena (1980 Miracle on Ice site).
Evening — Dinner at Lake Placid Pub & Brewery for a 'Ubu Ale' and views of Mirror Lake.
💡 Park at the public lot on Main St early; it fills up fast!
Day 2 · High Peaks Vistas & Ski Jumps
Morning — Hike Mt. Jo (Long Trail) for the best 'effort-to-view' ratio overlooking Heart Lake and the High Peaks.
Afternoon — Visit the Olympic Jumping Complex. Take the skyride to the top of the 120m jump for panoramic views of the High Peaks.
Evening — Relax with a casual meal at Smoke Signals for BBQ on the water.
💡 The Mt. Jo trailhead is at the Adirondack Loj; parking is $15 for non-members.
Day 3 · Whiteface & Bobsled Thrills
Morning — Drive up the Whiteface Mountain Veterans' Memorial Highway for 360-degree views without the climb.
Afternoon — Head to Mount Van Hoevenberg to ride the Cliffside Coaster (the longest in North America) and tour the bobsled facility.
Evening — Upscale dining at The View at Mirror Lake Inn for locally sourced Adirondack cuisine.
💡 The Toll Road is weather-dependent; check the status online before driving up.
Day 4 · Fire Towers & Mirror Lake Paddling
Morning — Hike Hurricane Mountain. It features a fire tower at the summit with rugged, wilderness views of the Champlain Valley.
Afternoon — Rent a kayak or canoe on Mirror Lake (no motorboats allowed) for a peaceful paddle.
Evening — Grab a hearth-baked pizza at Liquids and Solids at the Greenhouse.
💡 The fire tower provides shelter from the wind while you photograph the summit.
Day 5 · Waterfalls & Wilmington Wilderness
Morning — Drive to Wilmington for a hike up Copperas Pond or a more strenuous trek to Whiteface summit via the trail.
Afternoon — Visit High Falls Gorge to see the four waterfalls of the Ausable River via well-maintained boardwalks.
Evening — Enjoy live music and a relaxed atmosphere at Wiseguys Sports Bar & Grill.
💡 High Falls Gorge is private; purchase tickets in advance during peak season.
Day 6 · The Great Range & Historic Camps
Morning — Hike Mt. Van Hoevenberg's East Trail. It's a modern, sustainable trail leading to spectacular views of the Great Range.
Afternoon — Take a boat tour of Lake Placid (the lake itself) to see the historic 'camps' and learn about the area's elite history.
Evening — Farewell dinner at Salt of the Earth Bistro—a local favorite with an eclectic, changing menu.
💡 The East Trail is much easier on the knees than older Adirondack 'fall line' trails.
Day 7 · Final Peaks & Local History
Morning — Final breakfast at Breakfast Club, etc. on Main Street and some last-minute gift shopping at the Adirondack Popcorn Co.
Afternoon — Visit the John Brown Farm State Historic Site for a dose of local history and easy meadow walks before departure.
Evening — Depart Lake Placid.
💡 The Adirondack Store & Gallery is the best spot for high-quality mountain decor.