The Best Things To See And Do In New York's Adirondacks

Larger than Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite and Glacier National Parks combined, New York’s Adirondack Park is the biggest protected area in the lower 48 states. Its size guarantees the area’s attractions are as abundant as the space itself. Experience them all with this guide to the best things to see and do in New York’s Adirondacks.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Storm King Art Center

Leave Museum Mile to the tourists in favor of this insider’s art attraction located just north of New York City. Storm King Art Center is a sculpture park featuring more than 100 sculptures by the world’s most celebrated contemporary artists. Occupying a whopping 500 acres (200ha), the park’s rolling hills, clear water ponds and bright fields of native wildflowers are masterpieces in their own right.

Athletic types will love the adrenaline-pumping activities awaiting on Whiteface Mountain, which features the largest vertical drop – 3,430ft (1,045m) – on the eastern seaboard. In addition to hiking, biking and skiing – the mountain is particularly suited toward advanced skiers – daredevil visitors can also find extreme adventures such as 4×4 excursions and free-fall jumping.

Adirondack Safari

If camping doesn’t appeal to you, then perhaps glamping would be a superior fit. Give the outdoors a shot, sort of, at Adirondack Safari, a luxury campground furnished with extra-large tents, zero-gravity chairs, fire pits and more. Here, outdoor movie screenings, palm readings and painting classes trump hiking and foraging any day.

Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex

Sports enthusiasts will recognize Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex as the site of the 1980 Winter Olympics and the home base of many current Olympic athletes. Whether you catch a ski jump competition or try your hand at extreme tubing, you’ll feel prepared to go for the gold yourself after a visit to this historic location.

The Wild Center

It makes sense that the best way to experience the densely-wooded Adirondack region is to explore above it, not through it. The treetop-level nature path at the Wild Center provides a bird’s-eye view of the property’s 81 acres (33ha) of forest. There’s also plenty to be seen at ground level when you explore the center’s 54,000sq-ft (5,017sq-m) museum, showcasing live animals and hands-on exhibits.

Cycle Adirondacks

See more of the region’s 6m acres (2.4m ha) safely when you join Cycle Adirondacks. From one-day, family-friendly rides to six-day bicycle tours, Cycle Adirondacks’ events are an ideal way to explore some of the highest mountains in eastern North America, New York State’s farm country and the best of the Adirondacks. Best of all, riding with the organization supports local conservation efforts and economic development.

Ausable Chasm

Rock climb, bike or tube Ausable Chasm, the Grand Canyon of the Adriondacks. Since becoming a tourism hot spot in 1870, one of America’s oldest natural attractions is still in high demand today thanks to its variety of outdoor activities and timeless views from the Ausable Chasm Bridge.

Mount Marcy Summit

At 5,344ft (1,629m), the summit of Mount Marcy is the highest point in all of New York State. From its stunning treetop vistas to its up-close views of the rare endangered vegetation present on just 85 acres (34ha) of the Adirondacks, the view from the top makes the technically unchallenging, though generally long, hike worth every step.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.