Spring Break in the ADK

March has officially arrived! And, as the warmer weather starts to settle into the Adirondacks, we can't help but get that familiar itch to get out and enjoy all that the Saranac Lake Region has to offer. Here are a few ways growing up in a mountain town has taught me to enjoy spring break in the Adirondacks.

Hit the trails

There’s nothing my pup, Sam, and I love more than taking long walks in the woods or downtown.

Having just gotten back from a 4-mile walk around town, one thing is clear — the snow is rapidly melting! With mud becoming more apparent on the trails, we know it's simply time to prep a bit differently before we head out for a spring trek in the woods. Having a white pooch, the mud shows up quite well. My tip for you and your four-legged friends: carry an old towel with you at all times to wipe them down and to help save your car seats!

Earlier this week, Sam and I traveled in to the woods for a jaunt. In the spring months, signs warning that microspikes are needed can be quite prevalent. Luckily, I received a pair for Christmas this year and I carry them in my car at all times. They were definitely necessary on this walk. For those that are unfamiliar with microspikes, they are a more powerful than YakTrax, and less bulky and powerful than snowshoes. Both Yaktrax and microspikes easily slip over running shoes or hiking boots. If, like me, you’ve decided to spend your spring break in the ADK I strongly suggest investing in a pair — they can be found at many of our outdoor recreation outfitters.

If the snow is still flying on your break, which most of us are hoping for, break out the snowshoes to help with even more traction! Along with snowshoeing, be sure to check out the local downhill ski/snowboard mountains for excellent spring skiing. If the weather has warmed up enough to retire your cross-country skis for the season, consider renting a fat tire bike and trying what is fast become a favorite new Adirondack activity. 

Not so outdoorsy?

If you think you have had enough of our great outdoors, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy throughout the area. Grab a coffee and a delicious selection of fresh baked goods from one of the many eateries the area has to offer.

Check out some of our local thrift shops for the one item you just can’t live without. Another favorite indoor activity I might suggest is to head to your local spa and get a pedicure.

Quench Your Thirst

So now that you have successfully perused a few of my favorite ways to enjoy spring break in Saranac Lake, why not stop and grab yourself a well-deserved cold one? There are local breweries to enjoy, along with a variety of bars and restaurants offering drinks galore to satisfy all palates.

As a side note: Later this month the downtown Saranac Lake staple, The Waterhole, will be reopening. Under new ownership this favorite bar and music venue has played host to hundreds of acts over the years. We can't wait to see what they have in store for the future!

With an awesome array of arts and cultural events, along with countless outdoor activities taking place all year, make sure to check our events calendar and then head to our lodging pages to find a place to relax.

Now that you have your ADK spring break outlined, get out and experience it! Will the weather hold up for your adventures? Will March come in like a lion and out like a lamb, as the idiom goes? Or will it be the other way around? One thing is for sure, I have my staycation thoroughly mapped out and I'm ready to enjoy it. See you there!

Break out of the norm this spring:

Flocking to the central Adks

Sweet spring skiing

Collection of cascades

Spring beaks on the Coast

Breaking into flavor

Spread your wings

Shoulder-season hiking