Adirondack Adventures: 3 Days in the Heart of the Park
Featuring Blue Mountain, Long Lake, Inlet, and Raquette Lake
Nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks, the scenic communities of Blue Mountain, Long Lake, Inlet and Raquette Lake offer a unique blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty. We've put together a three-day itinerary for you to explore a variety of local eateries, crystal blue waters, breathtaking hikes, and rich historical sites, all promising an unforgettable experience within the heart of the Adirondack park.
Day 1: A journey through history
It's always a good idea to start your day with a hearty breakfast. Depending on your plans for the rest of the day, you have several delicious options, each in a different, totally unique Adirondack town. Kick off your adventure with a delicious breakfast at one of these fantastic spots:
The Waypoint Cafe in Long Lake: A must-stop whenever you're in the area! The Waypoint Cafe offers outstanding pastries, quiche, environmentally-conscious coffees, and more, in a unique spot overlooking the lake.
Chef Darrell's Mountain Diner in Blue Mountain Lake: Located in a genuine old diner, the food here is a great blend of diner classics (like Hunter's Biscuits & Gravy) and flavors inspired by Chef Darrell's travels and family (like Grandma Gert's muffins!). The grilled cinnamon roll is a must!
Next stop: Visit the Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake!
After breakfast, immerse yourself in the rich history and culture at the Adirondack Experience, an easy, scenic drive from any of our breakfast suggestions. Wander through the 23 buildings that are spread across 121 acres of museum campus, some of them original buildings painstakingly moved to the museum grounds. Explore a rustic camp or climb a fire tower!
Discover "Life in the Adirondacks," a fascinating exhibit that sheds light on the region's lifestyle and heritage, including "A Peopled Wilderness," an exhibit on the indigenous people of the Adirondacks, past and present. And, if you get hungry while exploring the campus, enjoy a scenic lunch at the museum's Lake View Café.
Looking for the best view of the mountains? Take a float plane ride
Across the picturesque small towns of Hamilton County, you may have spotted more than a few tiny planes, docked on the water! Float planes are a staple of the Adirondacks, originally emerging onto the scene in the 1920s to bypass dense forests and rugged terrain, these planes quickly became a lifeline for remote logging camps, fishing outfitters, and resorts. Although the time for these little work horses has past, a few companies still operate today, offering scenic tours that grant visitors the perfect birds-eye view from above.
Kick back, relax: Sunset dinner at The Long View Lodge
End your day with a memorable dinner at The Long View Lodge offering panoramic views of Long Lake at sunset. Eat out on the lakeview patio, or step into the cozy pine-paneled bar and be greeted by a warm Adirondack atmosphere that feels like home. Indulge in handcrafted cocktails, classic Adirondack comfort fare, or Chef Ben's innovative specials.
As you unwind and relive the fun experiences of Day 1, prepare to rest and rejuvenate, anticipating the exciting adventures that await you on Day 2 in the heart of the Adirondacks!
Day 2: An Exciting Expedition
You've dipped your toes into the history of the region, and sampled the great flavors, so now it's time for a bit of adventure! Options abound for all levels of fitness and interest; here are three of our favorites:
Option 1: Embark on a scenic hike at the Buck Mountain Fire Tower Trail (moderately challenging)
Get ready for an exhilarating hike up the new Buck Mountain Fire Tower Trail, a 1.2-mile ascent boasting a moderate 500-foot elevation gain. Ascend the stone and wood staircases to the summit and be rewarded with panoramic views of the Central Adirondacks. The 60-foot fire tower offers a breathtaking vantage point overlooking Little Tupper Lake and the majestic Sewards in the distance, making this hike a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and stunning vistas.
Option 2: Unwind and reflect by Buttermilk Falls (easy)
For a more relaxed outing, explore Buttermilk Falls. This easy 0.1-mile trail is perfect for all ages and physical abilities. Enjoy the picturesque falls, where the cascading waters emit a refreshing mist. The area also features picnic benches and a hiking trail that follows the Raquette River. This trail, designated as a canoe carry, provides access to nice swimming areas and attractive views over the water.
Option 3: Whitewater rafting in Indian Lake (moderate)
Get your heartrate pumping with a guided whitewater rafting trip! Beginning in Indian Lake, also known as “the Whitewater Capital of New York State,” follow the Hudson River Gorge for a full-day of whitewater adventure! On the Hudson you’ll find a heart pounding, big-wave, thrill ride or a picturesque family outing depending on the season. The best part? No experience is required! Outfitters, located in Indian Lake provide guests with a New York state Licensed Guide, all of the necessary equipment, and appropriate instruction for the perfect day on Adirondack waters.
Conclude your day with a magical dinner cruise on Raquette Lake’s W.W. Durant
Admire breathtaking scenery, indulge in delectable cuisine, and bask in the rich history and opulent ambiance of the vessel. Immerse yourself in a bygone era of luxury complemented by modern comforts. Ensure a memorable experience by booking your reservation in advance for this must-do dining cruise, promising an evening of unparalleled elegance and enchantment.
Relive day 2’s adventure as you savor your meal, anticipating a well-deserved rest before embarking on the excitement that awaits on Day 3 of your Adirondack journey.
Day 3: The gilded life
Embark on a captivating journey through history with a tour of the illustrious Great Camp Sagamore, a masterpiece of Adirondack architecture constructed in 1897 by railroad magnate W.W. Durant. Once the summer retreat of the Vanderbilt family, this enchanting estate offers a two-hour historic tour of its buildings and grounds, providing a captivating glimpse into the opulent past when America's elite sought solace from the pressures of modern life.
After the tour, indulge in a delectable, family-style lunch at the camp's dining hall, offering splendid views of Sagamore Lake and the surrounding mountains in a relaxed atmosphere.
Hiking and mountain biking in Fern Park
Right in the heart of Inlet lies a recreation park perfect for the whole family! Fern Park is home to 14 miles of looping trails, ranging from easy to expert. The possibilities for routes are endless, making it easy to turn a short brisk hike into a multi-hour excursion.
Fern Park is a multi-use trail system, meaning you won’t just find a fun hike here! In summer, the park offers trails perfect for mountain biking, with single and double track trails available. You’ll also find a playground, ball field, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, and public restrooms.
Bonuses: Ice cream and shopping!
An adventure in the Adirondacks would not be complete without treating yourself to some delicious ice cream. Here are three can't-go-wrong options to satisfy your sweet tooth:
Custard's Last Stand (Long Lake): Enjoy classic soft serve ice cream in a variety of flavors, along with sundaes, milkshakes, and floats.
Northern Lights Creamery (Inlet): This beloved ice cream stand is famous for its homemade ice cream and gelato, with special flavors changing daily.
Shopping
Mountain and Main (Inlet)
Step into Mountain and Main, a cozy shop offering a curated selection of Adirondack-inspired home décor, gifts, and apparel with a blend of rustic charm and modern flair.
Hoss's Country Corner (Long Lake)
Delve into the charm of Hoss's Country Corner, a beloved Adirondack landmark store for over 50 years. This shop offers an array of local goods, unique finds, and Adirondack crafts.
Over three action-packed days, you've savored delicious meals, marveled at breathtaking vistas, and delved into the region's rich culture, paving the way for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the park.
