Adirondack Scenic Railroad
Operating between Saranac Lake Union Depot and Lake Placid Station, the Adirondack Scenic Railroad takes its riders on a 9-mile journey through the Adirondack wilds and allows them to experience the once vital link to the outside world that made the area famous throughout the early part of the 20th century. Relax and enjoy the beaver dams, the deer along the tracks, the Ray Brook, the great blue herons, and a variety of wild life. Train rides begin Memorial Day weekend and continue through October.
High Falls
This spectacular 120' waterfall was formed over 25,000 years ago as the continental glacier melted and retreated north. Located on the Chateaugay River west of the Village of Chateaugay, High Falls is a phenomenal wonder of nature. The falls is situated in a narrow sandstone chasm that rises above the falls' rim and is an amazing geological wonder on its own. At its base, the roaring force of thunderous water is deafening while at the top the spray from the plunging water rises up the steep cliffs. High Falls Park Campground is conveniently located directly along the western bank of the falls and Chateaugay River for camping visitors.
Adirondack Park
The Adirondack Park is the largest wilderness preserve in the United States south of Alaska. It was created in 1882 by the New York State Legislature, which enacted measures that guarantee public lands will remain forever wild. The Park itself consists of six million acres, with a structure unlike any other state or national park in the nation: it is a patchwork of public and private lands. These mountains are relatively young mountains, born as a result of orogeny, or uplift, followed by etching and carving by mile-high glaciers. It is theorized that there is a geologic "hotspot" beneath the Adirondacks that is causing continuing uplift. The mountains continue to grow at the rate of 1.5 millimeters annually. While the mountains themselves are young, the rock of which most are formed, anorthosite, is among the oldest of the various types found on earth. Anorthrosite is a rare rock on earth but common on our moon.
The region has expansive blocks of backcountry interspersed with private homes, villages and tracts of corporate forest lands under active management. In the Adirondacks, it is possible to hike to an isolated waterfall in the afternoon, then spend the evening strolling Main Street. The Adirondacks is best known for its mountains (including the highest peaks in New York) and lakes (more than 2,900 lakes and ponds) villages, farms, museums, restaurants, artisan shops and a wide variety of accommodations also characterize the Adirondacks.
Middle Saranac Lake Beach
Known for its pristine beauty and warm summer waters, Middle Saranac Lake Beach is a secluded sand beach. Located along the south shore of the lake, the gradual depth makes for a great day of swimming and a picnic. The beach is accessible by boat from Lower Saranac Lake or by car off from State Rte 3. Park at the Ampersand Mountain parking area and walk the 1/2 mile trail to the lake that starts at the western corner of the parking lot.
Bed & Breakfast
Bed & Breakfasts are a wonderful way to experience the charm, elegance, and hospitality of Adirondack Lake Country. Every bed & breakfast in Franklin County is unique. We offer romantic getaways, historic homes and rustic retreats. Since breakfast is a highlight of most B&B stays, enjoy the fact that you are eating a delicious breakfast that the chefs pride themselves in (innkeepers are usually happy to share their signature recipes with you to make at home). Village or country, your bed and breakfast hosts will give you key insights on everything from undiscovered restaurants to secluded mountain trails and romantic getaways. Innkeepers are hospitality experts so relax and enjoy your stay!
Adirondack Guide Boats
Adirondack Guide Boats first appeared on Adirondack waters in the early 1800s. Built by Adirondack guides, they required a lightweight craft capable of carrying the guide, "a sport" (that was the name guides gave to paying visitors), their camping provisions and food. The boat needed to handle the wind and waves, be fast, and easily handled by one man. It also had to be light enough that the guide could carry it on his back over long portages. Adirondack guide boats are still built today in the same traditional way, starting with the selection and digging of the Spruce tree roots utilized in its ribbed framing to the open weave caned seats.
An apt summation of a guide boat's usefulness was described in Henry Van Dyke's book, Little Rivers, A Book of Essays in Profitable Idleness (1895). "A Saranac boat is one of the finest things that the skill of man has ever produced under the inspiration of the wilderness. It is a frail shell, so light that a guide can carry it on his shoulders with ease, but so dexterously fashioned that it rides the heaviest waves like a duck, and slips through the water as if by magic. You can travel in it along the shallowest rivers and across the broadest lakes, and make forty or fifty miles a day, if you have a good guide."
Adirondack Lake Country
In the lush, glacier carved watersheds of the Adirondacks sprawls an impressive array of scenic waterways. Here lie some of the nation's most enjoyably spectacular canoe and kayak water in the 689 lakes and ponds of Franklin County's Adirondack Lake Country. These magnificent waters create a quiet preserve that is as abundant in wildlife as it is in natural splendor. Loons, osprey, red-shouldered hawks, bald eagles, great blue herons, river otters, and beaver share your sojourn with immodest regularity. Whether paddling the Saranac Lakes, the St. Regis Ponds, the Raquette River to Tupper Lake, Paul Smiths to Lake Kushaqua, or the newly-opened Santa Clara Tract, you will find a natural sanctuary to restore your spirit.
Saranac Lake Gallery Walks
On the third Thursday of the months of June - September the galleries, studios and storefronts of Saranac Lake showcase the artistic talents of Adirondack artists. This self-guided tour of 10 - 15 locations takes place from 4:30 to 7:00 on summer evenings. Often visitors will find artists working in their medium. Additionally, musicians, visual artists and theatrical performers showcase their talents creating a festival atmosphere.
Idems
One of the oldest inland yacht clubs in America, the St. Regis Yacht Club, founded in 1897, has been sailing these unique racing sloops for over a century. Known as "Idems," these boats measure 32 feet in length and carry over 600 square feet of sail. An original 12 boats were built and 11 still race to this day. The 12th, the Water Witch, is the feature exhibit in the Adirondack Museum watercraft collection. Every summer these rare boats compete in a series of regattas for the coveted St. Regis Yacht Club Cup. Today, these Idems represent one of the oldest one-design class of sailing boats still racing in America.
The Point Boat House
Formerly, Camp Wonundra, the home of William Avery Rockefeller, The Point is known as the most enchanting lakefront sanctuary of its kind in America. Located on Upper Saranac Lake, this Adirondack Great Camp features eleven distinctive guest quarters spread among four buildings. Originally the playroom, The Boathouse has one guest room, which is directly above the boats and water, and is considered the ultimate in "camping out."
Northbrook Lodge
Northbrook Lodge is located on a 10-acre peninsula on Osgood Lake surrounded by Adirondack Mountains. Constructed in the 1920s, Northbrook was built in the tradition of the Adirondack Great Camps of its time. This charming architectural style is evident in the Boathouse/Lounge. Guests have use of several canoes, rowboats and a kayak to help them explore the Lake and the Osgood River. Those who rent or bring their own canoes have over 50 lakes and ponds to visit within a 30-minute drive, including the famous St. Regis Wilderness Canoe Area.
is a registered trademark and service mark of the