The Scenic Road Trip That Will Make You Fall In Love With The Beauty Of New York All Over Again
The Adirondack Mountains are spectacular. These mountains cover nearly 5,000 square miles and they are more than 5-million-years-old. Since 1892, the area they cover has been designated as Adirondack Park and is a protected area, but 200,000 people live in it seasonally, and 132,000 live there year-round.
As you can imagine or may already know, there is much to explore in the Adirondacks. It’s a great place to visit for a number of reasons, but one of the biggest draws is its beauty. Many people underestimate the Adirondacks, but after visiting, they find that they have fallen in love.
Adirondack Park is the largest park in the contiguous United States. Its 9,375 sq. mile area is 1/3 of New York state; it's bigger than Vermont. It's impossible to see it all, but this 250-mile road trip will give you a great overview of the region and its incredible beauty.
There are so many sights and views in the Adirondacks that will amaze and excite you. Between the mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests, there's something for everyone to love. You'll see all of these things and more.
1. John Van Alstine and Caroline Ramersdorfer Sculpture Park; Wells
John Van Alstine and Caroline Ramersdorfer Sculpture Studios, Gallery and Garden, 1293 State Hyw 30 GPS coordinates: N43-23.248 W74-17, 342, Wells, NY 12190, USA
This road trip begins in Wells at the John Van Alstine and Caroline Ramersdorfer Sculpture Park. Stroll near interesting, large-scale, modern art pieces by the park's namesakes on eight acres along the Sacandaga River.
Although this art is man-made, the way it is placed in the sculpture garden invokes much connection with the natural world. This is a great place to start for this very reason, as you move away from the hustle and bustle of your life and into the serenity of these mountains.
Take Route 30 north to Route 8 to Wevertown ,and then head south on Route 28 to Lake George. Here, you can drive to the top of Prospect Mountain for great views of the lake.
From there, drive north on Route 9N along the western shore of Lake George. This is one of the most beautiful lakes in the state at any time of the year.
4. Fort Ticonderoga
Fort Ticonderoga, 102 Fort Ti Rd, Ticonderoga, NY 12883, USA
You'll continue to follow Route 9N all the way along the edge of the lake until you get to Ticonderoga at the top. Here, you can visit historic Fort Ticonderoga. This fort was built by the French in the French and Indian War and was later used in the Revolutionary War, too.
5. The Wild Center; Tupper Lake
The Wild Center, 45 Museum Dr, Tupper Lake, NY 12986, USA
Next, take Route 74 west to I-87 north, then take 28N west to NY-30 north to Tupper Lake to visit The Wild Center.
This natural history museum on 115 acres has informative exhibits about the Adirondacks. The biggest draw here, though, is the Wild Walk. It's 1,000 feet of bridges and platforms that allow guests to get above the trees on foot for incredible and unique views.
Now take NY-30/State Rte 3 E to Lake Placid. This mountain town was the home of the 1980 Winter Olympics. There are two lakes, actually. Mirror Lake is small and still and reflects the mountains around it. It's the lake the town is primarily built around. Larger Lake Placid is more active and recreational, but also quite breathtaking.
Finally, take NY-86-E to NY-9N north to Ausable Chasm. This incredible sandstone gorge is a surprising sight in New York. It was created by the Ausable River. It's privately owned so you'll have to pay for entry, but you can walk the trails or take a raft or tube through the canyon if you'd like for an additional fee.
You’ll be amazed at all the magnificent sights that you’ll see on this road trip around the Adirondack Mountains. Adirondack Park is a remarkable place to visit and it’s likely that you’ll want to come back time and time again. It’s different and special in all seasons, so visiting this area is well worth it no matter the season or month of the year. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your Adirondack road trip today!
Address: John Van Alstine and Caroline Ramersdorfer Sculpture Studios, Gallery and Garden, 1293 State Hyw 30 GPS coordinates: N43-23.248 W74-17, 342, Wells, NY 12190, USA
Address: Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
Address: Prospect Mountain, Lake George, NY 12846, USA
Address: The Wild Center, 45 Museum Dr, Tupper Lake, NY 12986, USA
Address: Fort Ticonderoga, 102 Fort Ti Rd, Ticonderoga, NY 12883, USA
