The Best Things to do in the Adirondacks This Year

As one of the largest regions in Upstate New York, you’ll find so many fun things to do in the Adirondacks all year round. Outdoor lovers are in paradise here, whether for ski season or sunshine on the lake; you’ll love the peace, quiet, and privacy these wooded trails and hidden lakes offer. If you’re into extreme sports, we’ve got you covered. And for those on the opposite end of the spectrum, looking to slow down and relax, we also have the perfect place for that. 

The Adirondacks is the ideal space for a romantic getaway; from the pristine beaches and untouched forests, you’ll be in the best place to reconnect and spend some special one on one time together. There are so many things to do in the Adirondacks geared towards couples time. Vacationers have been coming to this area since the late 1800s, as the land was rumored to have healing powers and quickly became the best place to escape from the daily grind of city life. Travelers today have that same feeling when they arrive in this unique wilderness and leave refreshed! 

When you stay at our luxury Adirondack hotel, you’ll be in the perfect location to explore the long list of things to do in the Adirondacks. We offer a diverse selection of cozy and upscale hotel rooms and have our own network of private nature trails. We’re the only luxury Adirondack hotel with on-site elegant fine dining for breakfast and dinner.

Surrounded by this beautiful green space, let our elegant accommodations be your home base for the getaway to the Adirondacks you deserve! Each of our 18 guest rooms is unique and reflects the beauty of the Adirondacks in decor and appointments. Book your room today! 

Things to do in the Adirondacks, photo of a person on top of a mountain looking out over the Adirondacks

The Best Things to do in the Adirondacks this Year

Exploring all of the best things to do in the Adirondacks varies by season—spring brings crisp sunny days, summer brings the heat (and the crowds), Fall is all about bright autumnal colors, and winter is a snowy wonderland. Here we’ll break down the most popular things to do in the Adirondacks each season.

As a guest at our luxury Adirondack hotel, we’re happy to help with reservations and recommendations; feel free to ask during your stay! 

Things to do in the Adirondacks this Spring: 

  1. As the snow begins to melt and we see the first sign of new growth emerging in the spring, it’s time to check out the nearby waterfalls rushing with icy waters. In the Lake George area, you’ll find Shelving Rock Falls, which features a 50-foot cascading waterfall.
  2. This rushing water is also ideal for those who love the thrill of whitewater rafting. A guided rafting trip on the Hudson River will be an unforgettable addition to any getaway to the Adirondacks. Beaver Brook Outfitters is a great place to start! 
  3. Our neighbors at Circle B Ranch offer horseback riding and sleigh rides depending on the weather—both are excellent outings on a romantic getaway.

Best Summer Activities in the Adirondacks: 

  1. Of course, summer is the season filled with the longest list of things to do in the Adirondacks. Hiking is by far one of the most popular pastimes. Thankfully, as a guest at our luxury Adirondack hotel, you’ll have access to our private trails on-site. For those heading out to explore, here’s a list of our favorite Lake George hikes to check out. 
  2. During the summer, the lakes in the area come alive with boaters, paddlers, and sunbathers. As a guest at our luxury Adirondack Hotel, you’ll be near Friends Lake, Lake George, and Loon Lake for water activities. 
  3. Lake George Steamboat Company has been offering old-fashioned cruises on the lake for more than 200 years. It’s a great way to take in the sights from the water on a relaxing ride.

Fall Colors in the Adirondacks: 

  1. Autumn is the perfect time for all the popular things to do in the Adirondacks, be that hiking, biking, or rafting, but you’ll have the colorful backdrop that Fall brings when the sweeping green turns to gold hues, fiery reds, and burnt oranges. You’ll love taking scenic drives through the mountains.
  2. Visit Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, one of the top-rated things to do in the Adirondacks. Highlights include waterfalls, Artists’ Gorge, grottos, and several caves and hiking trails.
  3. Go rail riding with Revolution Rail – it’s a memorable and relatively easy journey, and you’ll see some of the best fall foliage scenery in the Adirondacks.

Things to do in the Adirondacks this Winter:

    1. Snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter activities. A fun and adventurous way to spend time with your partner is to take a snowmobile ride through a wintry forest. At C+C Adirondack Snowmobile Tours, you can take a one-hour or two-hour tour with various options and routes. 
    2. Gore Mountain offers year-round recreation, and come winter, the resort is a hotspot for skiers and snowboarders who’ve been missing the fresh powder all year long. This ski resort is only about 20 minutes from our luxury Adirondack hotel.
    3. There are also plenty of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities. A favorite destination is the Dynamite Hill Recreation area for peaceful wintery excursions.
Things to do in the Adirondacks, photo of a guest room at our Adirondack lodging

An Amazing Adirondack Getaway at Friends Lake Inn

Before you start filling up your itinerary with all the best things to do in the Adirondacks, you’ll want to secure your lodging. Our luxury Adirondack hotel offers the perfect mix of casual elegance and high-end touches. You’ll feel completely comfortable and taken care of, giving yourself full permission to unwind and let the stress of daily life just melt away. 

If you’re here with romance in mind, you’ll see quickly that couples have everything they need here to bond. Either over romantic dinners at our on-site farm-to-table restaurant, toasting mimosas at breakfast, or spending quality time in the privacy of their own guest room—many offering big comfortable beds, cozy fireplaces, jacuzzi tubs for two, and steam showers. 

We also have a lovely selection of add-on packages to really up the romance. From little touches like Champagne and flowers to full charcuteries, cheese spreads, and special dinners for two. We know that most of our guests are here to focus on each other, and we make it much easier to check in, kick back, and explore all of the best things in the Adirondacks. We can’t wait to host you; book your room today.