Saranac Lake Outdoors

Naturally beautiful

In Saranac Lake, we take the outdoors seriously, so if you're looking for endless options to get outside this autumn, you've come to the right place.

Hit the trail, explore the forest

The outdoors are so close to downtown Saranac Lake it's possible to be on the trails within minutes! The options are endless: hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and more dominate the trails and waters that swirl around the region, making for endless fall fun. Get in gear on Mount Pisgah's Mountain Bike trails, where the pros can practice their tricks and the little ones can learn the ropes. If you're feeling adventurous in any season, Saranac Lake has an abundance of fantastic options for all skill levels. Big challenges such as hiking the Saranac Lake 6er to overnight paddling routes, or our new Paddling Challenge are a great way to spend time in the big outdoors! Low-key, low-impact adventures abound, so spend an afternoon exploring the trails at the Paul Smith's VIC, Saranac Lake's own Dewey Mountain Recreation Center, or along the new Adirondack Rail Trail.

When you've had your fill of stretching your legs, kick back and relax in town! Take a stroll through our charming downtown. You'll find artists at work, musicians at play, and plenty of options for food and shopping.

Leave No Trace and Love Your ADK

The magic of the Adirondacks is the result of previous generations taking a long view and protecting the mountains, lakes, and rivers within the Blue Line. That tradition continues today as we support and encourage everyone to practice Leave No Trace ethics, which help protect the lands and waters of the Adirondacks.

Leave No Trace 7 Principles

The Adirondack Park provides a haven of pristine wilderness in New York state’s northernmost reaches. It also offers an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities for explorers of all ages and experience levels! While you enjoy your visit, please keep the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace in mind. Set forth by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, and championed by many partners within the Adirondack Park, these principles will not only improve your own nature experience, but they help preserve this unparalleled natural wonder for generations to come.

1

Know before you go

Be prepared! Remember food, water, and clothes to protect you from cold, heat, and rain.
Use maps to plan where you’re going. Check them along the way so you’ll stay on course and avoid getting lost. Learn about the areas you plan to visit.

2

Stick to trails and camp overnight right

Walk and ride on designated trails to protect trailside plants. Camp only on existing or designated campsites to avoid damaging vegetation.

3

Trash your trash and pick up poop

Pack it in, pack it out. Put litter—even crumbs, peels and cores—in garbage bags and carry it home. Use bathrooms or outhouses when available. If they're not available, bury human waste in a small hole 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet or 70 big steps from water and the trail.

4

Leave it as you find it

Leave plants, rocks, and historical items as you find them so others can enjoy them. Treat living plants with respect. Carving, hacking, or peeling plants may kill them.

5

Be careful with fire

Use a camp stove for cooking. Stoves are easier to cook on and create less impact than a fire. If you want to have a campfire, be sure it’s permitted and safe to build a fire in the area you’re visiting. Use only existing fire rings to protect the ground from heat. Keep your fire small.

6

Keep wildlife wild

Observe wildlife from a distance and never approach, feed or follow them. Human food is unhealthy for all wildlife and feeding them starts bad habits. Protect wildlife and your food by securely storing your meals and trash.

7

Share our trails and manage your pet

Be considerate when passing others on the trail. Keep your pet under control to protect it, other visitors, and wildlife. Be sure the fun you have outdoors does not bother anyone else. Remember, other visitors are there to enjoy the outdoors too.