Summer in Saranac Lake

Summer is when Saranac Lake really shines. From mountain and road biking, paddling, hiking and mountain climbing to arts, live music, shopping, and fantastic food, this mountain town will leave you wanting more. Find endless fun for the whole family, with activities like all day swimming, picnicking, picking up local souvenirs, relaxing the day away in the fresh mountain air – maybe even squeeze in a stack of blueberry pancakes – you'll find something just right to fill every summer day. Saranac Lake has a knack for making anyone in your family smile! With Saranac Lake as your basecamp, you can explore the Adirondacks any way you want, and create those special and lasting memories.

A winding river in the middle of the mountains.
A man in a mobility chair and three attendants from Paul Smith's College pose next to the sign.
Two women share a water bottle on a cycling trip in a valley.

On the water

After a day of fishing and swimming, kids and kids at heart will delight in finding an ice cream parlor right on the water! For paddlers, the river offers a variety of paddling options, and serves as part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, which stretches from the Adirondacks all the way into Maine. Adventurous paddlers who love a good challenge will be thrilled with the Saranac Lake Paddling Challenge. Complete all five paddling routes in this decidedly different challenge to earn a patch! For a more remote paddling experience, the St. Regis Canoe Area - the only designated canoe area in New York - is just down the road from downtown Saranac Lake. With historic routes like the Seven Carries, tons of loops, and dozens of ponds, the St. Regis Canoe Area is unlike any other place in the Adirondacks.

On the land

Whether you’re a hardcore hiker looking for a challenge or a family taking a leisurely stroll to a wild pond, the hiking in and around Saranac Lake is hard to beat. Self-guided nature walks, cascading streams, remote views, and mountains of all sizes grace the landscape, and a vast network of trails lead to an unending variety of adventures. Even the most seamless of hikes can offer views that take your breath away, so spend your time looking for that perfect peak!

On the town

The village of Saranac Lake is unique in so many ways, not the least of which is the culture, food, shops, and attractions that make it feel so much like home. Start your day off right with a hearty breakfast and hot cup of coffee, enjoy a leisurely lunch or grab sandwiches to take on the trail, and relax after a hard day of fun with a wonderful dinner, local beer, and an unforgettable atmosphere.

Family fun resides in the heart of Saranac Lake! Take the kids to the Adirondack Carousel, stop in to the Loon Center for a natural history lesson, or check out the Adirondack Hamlets to Huts Trails Center for insider info on adventures to be had.

What are you waiting for? Plan your Saranac Lake summer getaway today!

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Hiking
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Paddling
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Boating
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Live Music
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Arts and Culture
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Attractions