An Awesome New York Weekend Road Trip That Takes You Through Perfection
As heartbreaking of a statement as it is for me to make, sadly summer is coming to an end. Luckily for us, we still have the entire month of August to enjoy before any cold weather starts to make an appearance and our short-lived summer vacation is over. If you’re looking to pack as many seasonal adventures into one weekend as you possibly can before our favorite time of year is over, then we have the perfect itinerary for you. Made up of 3 hours and 25 minutes of driving time, take a look at what we’ve planned out for you below.
To view this entire weekend getaway on Google Maps, click here.
One of the best things about Ausable Chasm is that there are so many different ways that you can experience this amazing attraction. Those who are looking to test their bravery can take on things like the Adventure Trail that offers cable bridges, cargo nets and a trail that will have you filled with adrenaline as you criss cross over the Ausable River. Those who are looking to stay a bit closer to the ground can simply a scenic walking tour through the beautiful trails that are here for you to explore, giving you views of one-of-a-kind rock formations and waterfalls! To find out more about what's offered at Ausable Chasm, click here.
Settle in by choosing to stay in one of Ausable Chasm's cozy cabins or set up shop for the weekend and enjoy some classic camping.
While most of our residents by now are aware of this natural wonder that's right in our backyard, many people don't realize that this attraction also features accommodations! Those interested in extending their stay at Ausable Chasm can make reservations for one of their various cabins or they can even go camping here. To make your reservations online and to find out more information, click here.
If you're tired out from exploring Ausable Chasm or are simply looking to enjoy a more relaxing adventure, experience their breathtaking lazy river.
One of the best natural lazy rivers you'll find in all of New York, spend the day out on the water with a tubing adventure down the Ausable River. Taking you through the Grand Canyon of the East, these tubing adventures become quite popular while they're offered during our summer months. So the earlier you arrive, the better! To find out more information about the lazy river, click here.
2. Next stop, take a dreamy scenic ride up to the top of New York's 5th tallest mountain - Whiteface Mountain.
One of the most unforgettable drives you could ever take in New York, the ride up Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway will leave you speechless. With handfuls of spots for you to pull over and enjoy the view of our High Peaks, there's so many beautiful sights to be soaked in from this one amazing drive. Once you reach the end of the highway, you can either take a tunnel and elevator to the summit of Whiteface Mountain or you can climb the legendary staircase that will give you views of Lake Placid and the surrounding Adirondack areas. To find out more about this epic drive, click here.
3. Afterwards, visit a destination that's pretty much heaven on earth, High Falls Gorge.
A privately owned park that features four jaw-dropping Adirondack waterfalls and trails that will sink your stomach to your knees, High Falls Gorge is incredible. The 22-acre park is open for almost the entire year and is especially beautiful to visit during the summer. Putting you in the shadows of our High Peaks, you'll walk along raised boardwalks that feature see-through floors that will give you a look straight down to the Ausable River. Bonus: High Falls Gorge has its own cafe, so if you're feeling hungry and wondering where to eat? You can dine while you're here! To find out more about High Falls Gorge, click here.
4. Next up we have a necessary trip to the historic town of Lake Placid where you can spend the day shopping and relaxing by the water.
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
There may be an abundance of outdoor attractions at your fingertips in the Adirondacks, but let's not be so quick to forget about all of the charming shops that you can check out up north! Head to the town of Lake Placid and take a lovely stroll down Main Street, where you'll find plenty of places to go shopping and grab some Adirondack apparel as well as great-tasting restaurants that will quench your hunger. Take a break at Mid's Park (pictured above) where you'll find a ton of places to sit by the water, giving you a chance to glance out at Mirror Lake. To find out more about why we love visiting this unique town, click here.
5. Later you can visit one of the most delicious roadside attractions in the Adirondacks, Donnelly's Ice Cream.
Once you start walking along Main Street in Lake Placid you'll quickly realize that there are several chocolate shops and ice cream destinations that will be calling out to you. But if you have the strength within you to hold out for a different destination, pay Donnelly's a visit in Saranac Lake. A quick 20-minute drive from the town of Lake Placid, Donnelly's features a different flavor of soft-serve ice cream every day. With a view of open fields and Whiteface Mountain, this Mom & Pop roadside ice cream stand is a destination you'll wish you had closer to home. To discover more stops along our Adirondack Ice Cream Trail, click here.
6. Once you fuel up on ice cream you can work off that belly full of sweets by exploring the beautiful and educational Wild Center.
Located in the remote town of Tupper Lake, The Wild Center is an attraction that's perfect for family members of all ages. Beat the heat and see what's inside the center's main building, where you can find wildlife and adorable critters like The Wild Center's otters. Inside you'll also be able to create art in the Adirondack-themed Artist Studio as well as check out the center's gift shop and cafe.
Those who are seeking outdoor fun can explore The Wild Walk, an attraction that takes you up into the trees and showcases why the Adirondack area is so special and unique. If you've already visited this semi-new attraction, then you can walk through the woods and experience this year's newest feature - the Singing Forest. To find out more about The Wild Center, click here.
7. If you find yourself waning to cool off in the water, go for a swim at the Long Lake Town Beach.
One of our favorite towns to visit, Long Lake is a beautiful destination to check out when it's alive during the summertime. You can find plenty of natural pools and beaches tucked away within the Adirondacks, but not all of them offer a dock equipped with rope swings, slides and even a trampoline! The small beach is perfect to check out if you're looking to avoid our bigger and more crowded swimming spots. The town of Long Lake also has wonderful general stores, an iconic hotel, a waterfall and beautiful sea plane rides worth taking. To find out more about why we'll never grow tired of visiting Long Lake, click here.
8. Take one last major adventure before wrapping up your weekend and visit the largest marble cave entrance in the Eastern United States - Natural Stone Bridge and Caves.
Packing one last outdoor adventure into this weekend of perfection, Natural Stone Bridge and Caves is one of our favorite destinations in the Adirondacks. The massive cave is surrounded by beautiful walking trails that will eventually lead you inside of the cave, where you'll find waterfalls and a whole new world. You'll also be able to find a Rock Shop here and even a tasty ice cream stand that's a local favorite. To find out more about this magical cave that's a great place to take the whole family, click here.
9. Lastly, conclude your weekend getaway with a trip to one of our classic destinations - the Adirondack General Store.
Not only is this one of the most iconic general stores in New York, it also provides you with a place to eat for Breakfast and Lunch! The charming destination will take you back to the good old days where everyone shopped at local stores like these, filled with Adirondack gifts and treats. Around since 1855, you'll enjoy crossing this historic spot off of your bucket list while you're traveling up north. To find out about other amazing general stores in New York, click here.
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com