Adirondacks State Park

Biking

Biking is allowed on park roads and in the Wild Forest areas except on land and trails where posted. Biking is not allowed in the wilderness areas. Generally, trail conditions in the Adirondacks don't make for the best biking: Trails that aren't boggy tend to have many roots, rock, and steep inclines, knocking out all but the most daredevil and muck-loving stump jumpers. So think touring. The parks roads can be challenging, but there are many inns and good restaurants to reward yourself with at the end of the day. And a bike gives you a chance to experience the glorious mountain environment more directly than you can in the stifling confines of a car. For some good bike tour ideas, we recommend Countrymen Press' 25 Bike Tours in the Adirondacks.

Scenic Driving

Any route you take through the Adirondacks is bound to be a pleasure. Routes 3, 28, 30, 86, and 9N are all designated scenic routes. Route 30 is a favorite of many. It skirts dozens of lakes as it travels lazily the south to north axis of the park. Route 28 arcs east/west through the park, from the southern tip of Lake Champlain to farming country of the Western Foothills. Along the way it passes villages, trailheads, and eye-popping scenery. Lakes along this route includes Fulton Chain Lakes, Blue Mountain Lake, and Raquette Lake—all treasures.

Route 3 slashes east/west down the northern portion of the park. It begins in the upper Lake Champlain Valley, traveling through farming burgs, then follows the crest of the Alder Brook Mountains before running down the bottom of the Saranac Lakes. After Saranac it tops Raquette Lake before passing by Cranberry Lake and heading into rural Jefferson County.

For some short trips in Warren Country, see "Driving around Lake George."

Climbing

With cliffs scattered over a wider area, Adirondack climbing ranges from the social climbs of Chapel Pond Canyon to empty outback cliffs. The Adirondack Mountain Club's Climbing in the Adirondacks is the best source of information for the region, listing, description, and rating of climbs, and provides directions and historical data. Adirondack rock climbs are scattered through what the guidebook divides into seven regions: Keene Valley, Cascade Lakes, Whiteface, Pok-O-Moonshine, Wallface, the Northwest, and the newest region, the Southern Adirondacks. The frontier is the Southern Adirondacks, where new crags are still being discovered. Each region includes a number of cliffs. The book also lists top-roping areas, slides and remote high peaks, and ice climbs.