Eastern Adirondack Road Trip: From Ghost Towns to High Peaks
Planning an Eastern Adirondack road trip? The following itinerary blends roadside wonders, historic stops, scenic vistas, and optional hikes - all reachable by car with minimal detours. Discover Long Lake, Lake Champlain, the High Peaks, and more at your own pace.
Long Lake → Tupper Lake (Route 30)
Start in Long Lake and head north on Route 30.
Optional detour: Quick hike up Coney Mountain for sweeping views without a long trek.
Continue past downtown Long Lake to Tupper Lake, where you’ll find The Wild Center - home to the dramatic elevated Wild Walk through treetops, nature exhibits, and live animals. "Five stars - nature, fun, and wonder at any age!" commented one visitor.
Grab lunch at a local gem like the Main Street Restaurant. "Perfect local cafe. Food is high quality and fresh," according to one reviewer.
Tupper Lake --> Lake Clear --> Paul Smiths
Follow Route 30 past Lake Clear, a serene body of water ideal for a lakeside stretch or picnic.
Pull into Paul Smiths to visit the College Visitor Interpretive Center - a concise stop with history and views. Visitors rave about the gorgeous trails, informative displays, and friendly staff.
Transition to NY 86, following the scenic lakeside route into Saranac Lake.
Stop in town to browse boutiques and grab a coffee, or take a stroll along Mirror Lake - a perfect midday pause.
Saranac Lake --> Lake Placid
Continue on NY 86 to Lake Placid, with optional photo ops at the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex and Mirror Lake Inn. Guests love the gondola, zip line, and views from the observation deck.
Lake Placid --> Wilmington --> High Falls Gorge --> Wilmington Notch
From Lake Placid, continue on NY 86 to Wilmington.
Explore High Falls Gorge, an easy-access, breathtaking waterfall site along Route 86. "High Falls Gorge is a hidden gem in the Adirondacks!" raved one reviewer. "The walking trails are beautifully maintained, making it accessible for families and casual hikers. The series of waterfalls along the Ausable River are breathtaking."
Drive through historic Wilmington Notch, keeping an eye out for trout fishing along the river.
Wilmington --> Ausable Chasm --> Return via Route 86 or the Revolutionary Trail Byway
Swing by Ausable Chasm - “the Grand Canyon of the East” - or canyon-side hikes or raft tours. "If you're someone who enjoys adventure - whether it's hiking, rock climbing, rafting, or even zip lining - this is the perfect spot for you," said one guest.
Head south via Revolutionary Trail Byway (a designated scenic roadway) toward Tupper Lake or complete a loop back via Long Lake.
Note, we also included High Falls Gorge and Ausable Chasm on the Northern Adirondacks road trip, as they're both basically in the northeastern part of the Park!
Other Noteworthy Stops
*Ghost towns and roadside waterfalls like those near Elizabethtown (Split Rock, Wedge Brook Falls) are easy pull-offs!
*Natural Stone Bridge & Caves (near Pottersville) offers an easy walk and cave exploration. "Fantastic park with many photo opportunities. It's very adventurous so have good shoes on and get ready for action," said one visitor.
*For history buffs, consider detouring to Fort Ticonderoga - a colonial era highlight with stunning gardens and lake views. Non-history enthusiasts can also appreciate the gorgeous grounds and views. "We enjoyed how expansive the grounds are. You can enjoy the exhibits and not feel crowded," said one reviewer.
*Although it's essentially in the "middle" of the Adirondack Park, and thus difficult to nail down if it's in the northern, eastern, etc., region, we'd be remiss not to mention Adirondack Experience at Blue Mountain Lake, open late May through mid-October, with its variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits. "I encourage anyone, any age, to spend time exploring the many buildings on the property," said one reviewer.
Pro Tips for Your Eastern Adirondacks Road Trip
*This road trip is best driven late spring through early fall to better enjoy foliage, waterways, and outdoor activities.
*Plan overnight stays in Long Lake, Saranac Lake, or Lake Placid for a more relaxed pace. We highly recommend Motel Long Lake & Cottages! "I almost don't want to tell you all how great this place is," said one reviewer. "It's the definition of perfect hideaway."
*Research any attractions you're planning to visit ahead of time, to ensure they're open, confirm hours, and to see if any special events or activities are going on. High Falls Gorge, Ausable Chasm, and Natural Stone Bridge & Caves are open year-round, so if you are coming in winter, check out their cold-weather offerings!
Explore a Southern Adirondacks road trip next time >>
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