Winding Your Way Through Wonder: A Western Adirondacks Road Trip
A Western Adirondacks road trip offers a quieter, more secluded experience than some of the Park’s more visited areas. With pristine lakes, dense forests, charming small towns, and scenic drives, this route is perfect for travelers looking to slow down and explore a lesser-traveled side of the Park.
What Is Considered the Western Adirondacks?
The Western Adirondacks generally refers to the region west of the High Peaks, stretching from the St. Lawrence area through towns like Cranberry Lake, Tupper Lake, Long Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Raquette Lake, and Old Forge. This area is rich in wilderness, peppered with remote lakes and small hamlets, and offers some of the most peaceful adventures in the Park.
While it may not have the crowds or commercial bustle of Lake George or Lake Placid, the Western Adirondacks provide a different kind of magic - solitude, expansive views, and a close connection to nature.
Note, some towns may overlap with our other road trip pages.
Starting Point: Old Forge
Old Forge is a classic Adirondack town and a great place to begin your road trip. It offers both family fun and outdoor recreation year-round.
Where to Stay
If you're camping or just want to stay close to nature, consider Old Forge Camping Resort, which provides cabin, RV, and tent sites within walking distance of the town, plus a beach, nature trail, kayak and canoe rentals for Lake Serene, and more outdoor recreation opportunities.
Things to Do
- McCauley Mountain Ski Center: In the off-season, this ski resort transforms into a hub for hiking and mountain biking with panoramic views.
- Enchanted Forest Water Safari: New York's largest water park is always a summer hit with families.
- View Arts Center: Explore contemporary Adirondack art exhibits and creative workshops.
- Just across the road, spot the Red Boathouse at Beaver Brook, an eye-catching, modern structure set against a classic forest and water backdrop - a great photo stop.
Where to Eat
- Big Moose Station: A historic train station turned restaurant offering classic American dishes with a rustic charm.
- Fulton Chain Craft Brewery: Grab a local beer and relax in the laid-back taproom - a favorite with both locals and visitors.
Drive Route 28 Toward Blue Mountain Lake
Leaving Old Forge, follow Route 28 northeast - a scenic drive filled with natural beauty. This stretch runs along the Fulton Chain of Lakes, a series of interconnected lakes that shimmer between tall pine forests. You'll pass through Inlet and Raquette Lake, both great places to stop and stretch.
Don’t miss:
- Seventh Lake Boat Launch in Inlet - a peaceful place to take in the view or launch a kayak.
- Overlook of Raquette Lake’s south bay - perfect for a photo stop.
- Bald Mountain Pond - there's a small parking area where you can cross the road and walk just a few hundred feet to a hidden viewpoint over this quiet pond.
Overnight in Blue Mountain Lake
Blue Mountain Lake sits at the heart of the Western Adirondacks and is a perfect midpoint for your road trip.
Where to Stay
The Hedges at Blue Mountain Lake is a timeless Adirondack retreat with historic charm and lakeside views. If you're staying here, your room rate includes a made-to-order breakfast and a four-course dinner daily.
Not staying overnight? Their dining room is also open to the public for breakfast and dinner (reservations recommended), and they offer picnic lunches to go if you order the day before - excellent for your next leg of the road trip.
Route 3: From Long Lake to Tupper Lake
From Blue Mountain Lake, continue north on Route 30, a drive that takes you deeper into the wilderness, passing wetlands, rivers, and forested hills.
Must-See: The Wild Center
Just before reaching Tupper Lake, stop at The Wild Center (get tickets ahead of time), an immersive natural history museum featuring wildlife exhibits, walking trails, and the Wild Walk - an elevated trail through the treetops.
The approach to Tupper Lake is dotted with bogs, marshes, and quiet waters, a great opportunity for spotting wildlife.
Tupper Lake Municipal Park
Once in town, head to Tupper Lake Municipal Park, set along the shores of Raquette Pond, a manmade lake perfect for a relaxing walk, picnic, or just sitting and watching the boats go by.
Detour on Route 3: Piercefield Flow to Cranberry Lake
From Tupper Lake, take Route 3 west. Along this road, nature takes center stage - and a couple of detours are worth your time.
Piercefield Flow
This peaceful spot is the result of damming the Raquette River for hydroelectric power. A small picnic area near the boat launch offers serene views of the water surrounded by forest.
Dead Creek Marsh
A short drive farther, stop at Dead Creek, a marshy offshoot of the Raquette River. A roadside parking area sits right on the edge of the water. This is a quiet spot where you’re likely to see birds, deer, and other wildlife drawn to the marshy banks.
Final Stop: Cranberry Lake
End your journey at Cranberry Lake, one of the most pristine and undeveloped lakes in the Adirondack Park. It's also the third-largest lake in the Park, behind only Lake George and Raquette Lake. The area is popular for paddling, hiking, and just soaking in the silence - a peaceful end to a scenic trip.
Where to Eat in the Western Adirondacks
Here are a few of the best spots to grab a bite along your route:
- The Hedges at Blue Mountain Lake: Elegant meals with a lakeside view; open to guests and the public (reservation required).
- Big Moose Station (Old Forge): Great for lunch or dinner in a unique setting.
- Fulton Chain Craft Brewery (Old Forge): Relaxed spot for local brews.
- In Tupper Lake or Long Lake, local diners and taverns provide comfort food favorites and friendly Adirondack hospitality.
Planning Your Western Adirondacks Road Trip
This route can be completed in a weekend, but it’s best enjoyed over 3–5 days so you can explore each town without rushing. The summer and early fall months offer the best weather, especially if you want to paddle, hike, or enjoy outdoor dining.
Here are a few tips to help plan your trip:
- Book lodging in advance, especially at places like The Hedges, which fill quickly.
- Check seasonal hours for attractions and restaurants.
- Pack layers - even summer nights can get chilly in the mountains.
- Bring a cooler or picnic basket for meals on the go.
Enjoy discovering the lesser-explored side of the Adirondacks!
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