LAKE PLACID, ADIRONDACKS, NY
Lake Placid is a village in the Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York. Roughly 6 hours from South Jersey, this area has something to offer for every season.
My brother’s fiancé asked me to plan a little hiking weekend getaway for my brother’s birthday so we decided on the Adirondack Mountains as our destination. We explored Lake Placid village, hiked Whiteface Mountain, checked out High Falls Gorge, walked through Ausable Chasm, and took full advantage of the fall September weather.
Lake Placid is known for hosting the winter olympics and offering olympic related activities for all ages. During warmer months there are countless hikes and trails to walk, bike, and run. In the winter, this area offers world class skiing and snowboarding.
Lake Placid Village, the main downtown area, is located on Mirror Lake. There are lots of restaurants and bars, along with airbnbs and hotels to stay, although during the off-season of fall and winter most places aren’t lively or open late.
We thought the town was wholesome and adorable and would definitely want to go back in warmer months to take full advantage of lake activities!
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There are 85 different trails in the Lake Placid area with varying levels of difficulty on the AllTrails app!
Whiteface Mountain - Located in Wilmington, NY. 9.5 miles out and back (over 12 miles if you park at the reservoir like we did), 4,867 feet elevation, takes about 6.5 hours, rated hard & I concur. This mountain is the 5th highest peak in NY. It is a complete incline the entire time, climbing up and over rocks the entire time, and very muddy. You’re in the woods the entire hike until the top, but the summit has the most rewarding view and castle. Be prepared for gusty winds at the top and a temperature drop so wear layers and waterproof shoes! If you wear mesh sneakers like I always do, your shoes and socks will be wet from all the mud along the trail. I also suggest packing lots of snacks and water.
Another option to get to the top is to drive up. It’s $20 for a car/driver, $20 for second passenger, $10 for each additional passenger. Motorcycles have a $20 fee and bicycles have a $10 fee. Once at the top there is a .2 mile hike to the summit, which includes climbing stairs and large rocks. There is also an elevator option so everyone is able to make it to the top!
Indian Head - Located in Keene Valley, 10.8 mile loop, 2700 feet elevation, takes about 5 hours, rated hard. Requires reservation in advance!
Mount Jo - 2 mile loop, 2,876 feet elevation, takes about 1 hour, rated moderate
Owl’s Head Mountain Trail - 6.3 miles out and back, 2,786 feet elevation, takes about 3 hours, rated moderate
Baker Mountain - 1.6 miles out and back, 2,452 feet elevation, takes about 2-2.5 hour, rated moderate
Mirror Lake in Lake Placid Village Loop - 2.6 mile loop, 48 minutes, easy
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Caffe Rustica - A Mediterranean menu with pasta, meat, and seafood. We ate here on my brother’s birthday and all 3 of us thoroughly enjoyed our meals and Italian wine. Our waitress was so sweet.
Lisa G’s - trendy restaurant and bar with American menu. We ate here and loved our meals. We also came back a second night to have drinks at the cozy bar. The staff was so friendly.
Smoke Signals - best bbq in Lake Placid
The Breakfast Club - brunch spot with cocktails
Soulshine Bagel - grab and go bagels, pastries, and coffee
The Cottage at Mirror Lake Inn- simple American menu, scenic view located right on Mirror
Peak 47 at Whiteface Lodge - casual restaurant & bar. We came here after hiking Whiteface Mt. to enjoy post-hike drinks. We loved the cozy vibe and Whiteface Lodge was a beautiful luxury resort.
Kanu at Whiteface Lodge - fine dining, upscale menu
Generations Tap & Grill - located right on Mirror Lake, American menu, open for lunch and dinner
Salt of the Earth Bistro - small, quaint, bistro. Menu changes with seasons. Reservations are strongly recommended and hours are limited.
Luna Restaurant - cozy Italian Mediterranean restaurant open for lunch and dinner
Sol de Oro Sports Bar & Grill - Peruvian menu
Wiseguys Sports Bar & Grill- classic sports bar with pool, darts, and tons of big screen TVs to watch sports games
Redneck Bistro - very casual restaurant with bar and porch seating, pub style menu
Wyatt’s - Mexican located in the Alpine Mall on Main Street
Top of the Park - great cocktail bar with elevated views of Mirror Lake
The Greeks ADK - the highest rated restaurant in Lake Placid area (note: they take a fall break after a busy summer)
Big Mountain Deli & Creperie - order breakfast foods, sandwiches, beer, and cocktails at this counter style restaurant
The Good Bite Kitchen - tiny vegetarian lunch spot
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High Falls Gorge - a beautiful 30 minute, easy walk, although there are lots of stairs involved. There is a cafe and gift shop, where you will purchase tickets to enter. Adults (ages 13 and up) cost $15.95 plus tax, while children (ages 4-12) cost $12.95 plus tax. We did not realize this attraction cost money and while it was beautiful we felt a little bamboozled after spending almost $60 for 3 tickets.
Ausable Chasm - Known as “The Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks.” Located 50 minutes from Lake Placid Village, but worth the drive. Walk trails along cliffs and canyons, opt for the adventure trail including rock climbs, cable bridges, and cargo net climbs (must wear hiking shoes or sneakers to partake). You can also float down the river in rafts. Check out the canyons and rims at night on the “Lantern Tour.” Lodging is offered in the form of the Ausable Chasm campground and small cabins. Prices vary upon trail chosen.
The Olympic Center - Home to the 1932 and 1980 winter olympics. Located right in Lake Placid Village this historic venue is open to the public, although the museum costs a fee.
Olympic Ski Jump Complex - watch ski jumpers practice and go to the top for incredible views of Lake Placid region
Mt. Van Hoevenberg - ride the longest coaster in North America along the Olympic track ($55 for adults, $10 for children, but need to be accompanied by an adult. December 20th -January 1st you can also experience bobsledding for $125. This facility also offers indoor rock climbing, biking, and luge lessons.
*Passport passes are available for the Olympic Center, Ski Jump Complex, Whiteface Mountain Summit & Gondola Ride, and Mt. Van Hoevenberg.
Wild Center - located 40 minutes from Lake Placid Village this hands on outdoor experience includes treetop walks, canoe trips, live animals exhibits, and swimming with otters. Adult tickets: $24, youth $15, under 4 free
Lake Placid Club Golf Course - only 45 hole golf course in the Adirondacks
Rent a paddle board, kayak, canoe, or boat on Lake Placid and Mirror Lake!
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Crowne Plaza - overlooks Mirror Lake and Lake Placid Village, beautiful mountain views. This hotel owns Lake Placid Club Golf Course, the only 45 hole golf course in the Adirondacks
Mirror Lake Inn - right on Mirror Lake, private beach
Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort - directly on Mirror Lake, pet friendly, private beach
High Peaks Resort - beautiful hotel located on Main Street in downtown Lake Placid.
Whiteface Lodge - luxury resort located in the woodlands. Amenities include award-winning spa, movie theater, bowling alley, and fine dining restaurants and bars.
Lake House - mid-century modern inn located just across from Mirror Lake.
Lake Placid Lodge - luxury hotel located on Lake Placid, just a 10 minute drive from Lake Placid Village.
The Boha Hotel - newly remodeled hotel located just off the beaten path of Main Street, a 15 minute walk.
Margaret’s Place Airbnb - 2 bedroom (3 beds), 1 bathroom. We stayed here, it was a close distance to downtown, which was very convenient
Cooper’s Cozy Quarters Airbnb - 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment south of Mirror Lake
Adventure Inn Suite 1 - 2 bedroom (plus sofa bed), 1 bathroom walking distance to downtown
Couple’s Retreat on Mirror Lake Airbnb - 1 king bed, 1 bath, located in downtown
Angela’s Apartment Airbnb - 2 bed, 1 bath apartment on Main Street