Summer in Saranac Lake

Summer in Saranac Lake is pure Adirondack magic. Whether you're paddling across a serene lake at sunrise, conquering mountain trails, or biking along scenic roads, adventure is always within reach. Downtown comes alive with arts, live music, and vibrant local shops, while cozy cafés, craft breweries, and ice cream stands offer the perfect post-adventure treat. Spend your days swimming, picnicking, and soaking up the mountain air—with endless ways to explore and unwind, Saranac Lake is the ultimate summer playground, ready to make every moment unforgettable. Saranac Lake has a knack for making everyone smile! With Saranac Lake as your basecamp, you can explore the Adirondacks your way and create special, 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, with a vast network of trails leading to endless adventures. For a more relaxed trek or a scenic bike ride, explore the Adirondack Rail Trail—a multi-use pathway connecting communities and offering stunning views of the region’s lakes, forests, and wildlife. Even the most seamless of hikes can offer breathtaking scenery, so spend your time searching 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.

Summer in Saranac Lake is also a celebration of the arts! Stroll through downtown during the Third Thursday ArtWalks, where local artists showcase their work in shops and galleries, or unwind with live music at Music on the Green, a free outdoor concert series that fills Riverside Park with great tunes and good vibes. Whether you're admiring a mural, catching a live performance, or browsing handcrafted goods, creativity is always in the air.

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!