The Adirondack Mountains travel guide

The Adirondack Mountains travel guide

National Airports

The Adirondack Mountains region of New York State is a large and rural area, and as such, there are no major national airports within the immediate vicinity. However, there are several regional airports within a reasonable driving distance that provide access to the Adirondacks.

Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK): Located in Saranac Lake, NY, Adirondack Regional Airport is the closest airport to the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, and offers flights to and from major cities such as Boston and New York City.

Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG): Plattsburgh International Airport is located about 80 miles north of the Adirondack Mountains and offers flights to and from several major cities, including New York City, Boston, and Washington D.C.

Albany International Airport (ALB): Albany International Airport is located about 120 miles south of the Adirondack Mountains and offers flights to and from several major cities, including New York City, Boston, and Chicago.

Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR): Syracuse Hancock International Airport is located about 140 miles west of the Adirondack Mountains and offers flights to and from several major cities, including New York City, Boston, and Chicago.

Overall, while there are no major national airports in the immediate vicinity of the Adirondack Mountains, there are several regional airports within a reasonable distance that provide access to the area.

Trains in The Adirondack Mountains

Amtrak provides train service to the Adirondack Mountains region via its Adirondack line, which runs daily between New York City and Montreal, with stops in several Adirondack towns including Saratoga Springs, Fort Edward/Glens Falls, Ticonderoga, Port Henry, Westport, and Plattsburgh.

The Adirondack line is known for its scenic route through the Adirondack Mountains and along the shores of Lake Champlain. The train offers comfortable seating, dining car service, and observation windows to take in the views.

Additionally, the Saratoga & North Creek Railway offers seasonal train service between Saratoga Springs and North Creek, with stops in several Adirondack towns along the way. The railway offers special themed train rides, such as fall foliage tours and holiday train rides.

Overall, while there are limited train options in the Adirondack Mountains region, visitors can enjoy scenic train rides through the area and access to several Adirondack towns via the Adirondack and Saratoga & North Creek railway lines.

Buses in The Adirondack Mountains

The Adirondack Mountains region has several bus options that provide transportation to and from the area.

Trailways: Adirondack Trailways offers bus service to several towns in the Adirondacks, including Lake George, Glens Falls, and Ticonderoga. The bus line connects the Adirondack region with other areas in New York State, such as Albany, New York City, and Buffalo.

Greyhound: Greyhound offers bus service to several towns in the Adirondacks, including Lake George, Glens Falls, and Plattsburgh. The bus line connects the Adirondack region with other areas in New York State, as well as with cities in neighboring states such as Boston and Montreal.

Amtrak Thruway Bus: Amtrak provides Thruway bus service that connects passengers from train stations to towns that are not directly serviced by Amtrak trains. The Adirondack region is served by the Adirondack Thruway Bus, which connects passengers from the train station in Albany to towns such as Lake Placid and Saranac Lake.

Overall, while bus service in the Adirondack Mountains region may be limited in some areas, visitors can still access several towns and cities via Trailways, Greyhound, and Amtrak Thruway Bus services.

How to get to The Adirondack Mountains

The Adirondack Mountains region is located in upstate New York, and there are several transportation options for getting to the area.

By car: The most common way to get to the Adirondacks is by car. Major highways that provide access to the area include the New York State Thruway (I-87), which runs from New York City to Montreal and passes through the eastern edge of the Adirondacks, and the Adirondack Northway (also I-87), which runs through the heart of the Adirondacks and connects with several major highways in the area.

By bus: Adirondack Trailways and Greyhound both provide bus service to several towns in the Adirondacks, including Lake George, Glens Falls, and Ticonderoga. The bus lines connect the Adirondack region with other areas in New York State, as well as with cities in neighboring states such as Boston and Montreal.

By train: Amtrak provides train service to several towns in the Adirondacks, including Saratoga Springs, Fort Edward/Glens Falls, Ticonderoga, Port Henry, Westport, and Plattsburgh, via its Adirondack line. The line runs daily between New York City and Montreal, and offers comfortable seating, dining car service, and observation windows to take in the views.

By air: The closest major airports to the Adirondacks are Albany International Airport, which is located about 120 miles south of the area, and Plattsburgh International Airport, which is located about 80 miles north of the area. Both airports offer flights to and from several major cities, including New York City, Boston, and Chicago.

Overall, visitors to the Adirondack Mountains have several transportation options to choose from, including driving, taking a bus or train, or flying to nearby airports.

What is the best time to travel to The Adirondack Mountains

The best time to travel to the Adirondack Mountains depends on what activities you are interested in and what weather you prefer. Here are some things to consider:

Summer: The summer months (June through August) are a popular time to visit the Adirondacks, with warm weather and sunny days perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, boating, and swimming. However, this is also the busiest time of year, with higher prices and crowds at popular attractions and accommodations.

Fall: The fall months (September through November) are a beautiful time to visit the Adirondacks, with stunning foliage colors and cooler temperatures. This is a great time for hiking, camping, and scenic drives, and there are also many fall festivals and events to enjoy. However, the weather can be unpredictable, and some attractions and accommodations may close for the season.

Winter: The winter months (December through February) bring snow and cold temperatures to the Adirondacks, making it a popular destination for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. There are many ski resorts and winter sports centers to choose from, as well as cozy cabins and lodges to stay in. However, be prepared for winter driving conditions and bring warm clothing.

Spring: The spring months (March through May) bring milder temperatures and the start of outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. However, this is still the shoulder season, with some attractions and accommodations closed, and the weather can be unpredictable.

Overall, the best time to visit the Adirondack Mountains depends on your preferences and interests. Consider what activities you want to do and what weather you prefer when planning your trip.

How to get around The Adirondack Mountains

Getting around the Adirondack Mountains depends on where you are and what transportation options are available. Here are some ways to get around the area:

By car: The easiest and most convenient way to get around the Adirondacks is by car, especially if you want to explore the more remote areas of the park. There are several rental car companies in the area, and major highways and scenic routes make it easy to get from one town to another.

By bus: Adirondack Trailways and Greyhound both provide bus service to several towns in the Adirondacks, including Lake George, Glens Falls, and Ticonderoga. However, bus service is limited and may not be available in more remote areas.

By train: Amtrak provides train service to several towns in the Adirondacks, including Saratoga Springs, Fort Edward/Glens Falls, Ticonderoga, Port Henry, Westport, and Plattsburgh, via its Adirondack line. However, train service is also limited and may not be available in more remote areas.

By bike: Biking is a great way to explore the Adirondacks, with many scenic bike routes and trails available. Some rental shops offer bikes and gear, and several towns have bike sharing programs.

By foot: Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the Adirondacks, with over 2,000 miles of trails to explore. Many trailheads are accessible by car or shuttle bus, and there are several guided hiking tours available.

By boat: The Adirondacks are home to many lakes, rivers, and waterways, making boating a popular activity. Several rental shops offer kayaks, canoes, and motorboats, and there are also guided boat tours available.

Overall, getting around the Adirondack Mountains depends on where you are and what transportation options are available. Consider renting a car or bike to explore the area, or take advantage of guided tours and shuttle services if available.

Accommodations in The Adirondack Mountains

The Adirondack Mountains offer a range of accommodations, from cozy cabins and bed and breakfasts to luxury resorts and hotels. Here are some options:

Cabins and cottages: There are many cabins and cottages available for rent in the Adirondacks, offering a rustic and secluded experience. These range from simple one-room cabins to larger, fully-equipped cottages with kitchens and fireplaces.

Bed and breakfasts: The Adirondacks are home to many charming bed and breakfasts, offering cozy rooms, home-cooked breakfasts, and a personal touch. Many are located in historic homes and buildings, and some offer outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.

Hotels and resorts: There are several hotels and resorts in the Adirondacks, offering a range of amenities from pools and spas to restaurants and golf courses. These range from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts with scenic views and outdoor activities.

Campgrounds: For those who enjoy camping, there are many campgrounds available in the Adirondacks, ranging from basic tent sites to RV sites with hookups. Many offer access to hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor activities.

Vacation rentals: There are many vacation rental homes and apartments available in the Adirondacks, offering a home-away-from-home experience. These range from small apartments in downtown areas to large homes in secluded locations.

Overall, the Adirondack Mountains offer a range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. Consider what type of experience you want and what activities you plan to do when choosing your lodging.