The Garnet Hill Outdoor Center in North River is a four-season adventure center offering hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more. Plan a visit this year and experience the beauty of the Adirondacks.
Welcome to the Outdoor Center
Located at the Garnet Hill Lodge, the Garnet Hill Outdoor Center is a year-round activity hub that's open to both lodging guests and visitors. Beginning in spring 2021, the Outdoor Center will continue to be staffed as they transition to offering hiking and mountain biking on the trails. Below, we've highlighted the wide variety of activities you can enjoy on the property.
Explore the Trail System Year Round
The Garnet Hill Outdoor Center is more than just a top spot for winter sports. The extensive trail system is open to guests and visitors free of charge for hiking and mountain biking from spring through fall. These trails weave through the woods, over hilltops, into peaceful valleys, and past historic remnants of the area's past.
Mountain bikers are welcome to explore miles of single-track trails, cross-country ski trails, and dirt and gravel roads. Some offer a view of the Adirondack High Peaks, and others will bring you into wooded areas.
Garnet Hill has a brand new fleet of mountain bikes that lodging guests and visitors can rent as of spring 2021. Mountain bike rentals, fat tire bikes, and children's bikes are available at the Outdoor Center, and you can rent them for a half day or a full day. Helmets are provided with your bike rental, and a credit card is required and a waiver should be signed prior to renting. Lodging guests should pre-rent bikes ahead of time to receive a 20% discount on Hardtail Mountain Bikes.
Lodging guests also have access to swimming, fishing, and paddling on Thirteenth Lake.
Grab a Bite to Eat
Located at the Main Lodge, the Log House Restaurant is Garnet Hill's restaurant that serves traditional American fare with an Adirondack twist. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner for both lodging guests and non-guests, and breakfast is available for lodging guests only. Enjoy a variety of delicious American dishes in a warm, inviting environment, or in one of the Lodge's porches overlooking Thirteenth Lake and the Adirondack mountains. Advance reservations are required, and takeout is available.
Garnet Hill's other restaurant, the Bobcat Bar & Grill, is located on the second floor of the Outdoor Center, and while the Log House is closed, it's available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to overnight guests on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Non-lodging guests can enjoy takeout for lunch or dinner from the Bobcat Bar & Grill.
From Skiing to Snowshoeing, Discover a Winter Wonderland of Fun
The Garnet Hill Outdoor Center is a winter sports destination for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat tire biking. Right outside the door, Garnet Hill's property features a fantastic trail system with 35 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, approx. 9 miles of snowshoe trails, and fat tire bike trails. During ski season, fat tire bikes are allowed on designated trails from Tuesday - Sunday and on the whole groomed trail system on Mondays.
Trail passes are included for overnight guests at Garnet Hill Lodge, and for non-guests, passes can be purchased on site from the Outdoor Center's service windows, but Garnet Hill highly recommends online pre-purchase of passes.
Winter Sport Equipment Rentals, Ski Services, Lessons & More
During a typical year, the Garnet Hill Outdoor Center is your one stop shop for equipment rentals and excellent ski services. Daily equipment rentals can be made online to guarantee equipment and reduce the wait time.
Interested in purchasing equipment? You can make an appointment ahead of time to buy products in their retail shop. Only one person is allowed at a time with one sales person. You can make an appointment by calling the Outdoor Center at 518-251-2150.
Lessons will also be available for all abilities, but they must be reserved ahead of time by calling the Outdoor Center at 518-251-2150. Only private or small group (5 or fewer people who are related or traveling together) lessons will be available this winter season. Kids 10 or younger must be accompanied by an adult. Face coverings are required during all lessons.