Adirondack Winter Road Trip Ideas With Lake Placid as Your Base
We’ve rounded up top Adirondack winter road trip ideas, setting Lake Placid as your central hub. From skiing at Whiteface Mountain to exploring other attractions and winter activities, your trip will be filled with fun things to do outdoors and in.
Lake Placid: Your Home Base for Winter Fun
Lake Placid is the best place to center your Adirondack winter road trips around. This iconic Adirondack destination offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and cozy village charm.
Winter Activities to Enjoy in Lake Placid
- Dog sledding on Mirror Lake - experience the thrill of huskies pulling you across the frozen lake.
- Skating at the Olympic Speed Skating Oval - try skating where world-class athletes have competed.
- Exploring the Olympic Venues and Museum - discover Lake Placid's rich Olympic history through interactive exhibits and memorabilia.
- Skiing at Whiteface Mountain - hit the slopes on one of the tallest mountains in the East.
Where to Stay: Bluebird Lake Placid
For stylish and comfortable accommodations, check out Bluebird Lake Placid. This boutique hotel combines cozy vibes with contemporary design, and the location puts you right in the heart of all the winter excitement in Lake Placid.
Winter Road Trips Drivable From Lake Placid
High Falls Gorge – 8.6 miles from Lake Placid
High Falls Gorge is a winter wonderland, featuring frozen waterfalls, granite cliffs, and a scenic snowshoe trail. Visitors can safely explore icy caverns and enjoy the quiet beauty of the Adirondacks in winter.
Ausable Chasm – 37.5 miles from Lake Placid
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” Ausable Chasm features snowshoe or ice cleat hikes and frozen waterfalls, providing a dramatic winter landscape for exploration and photography.
Natural Stone Bridge and Caves – 58.5 miles from Lake Placid
During winter, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing on trails closed in the summer and marvel at frozen ice flows along Trout Brook at Natural Stone Bridge and Caves, making this geological wonder a striking winter destination.
Garnet Hill Lodge – 80.3 miles from Lake Placid
Garnet Hill Lodge offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking on 55 km of groomed trails, including full moon skiing events. Visitors can rent gear or purchase a day pass if they’re not staying overnight, making it a great place for a day trip or a multi-day winter escape.
Saranac Lake Laboratory Museum – 8.6 miles from Lake Placid
The Saranac Lake Laboratory Museum offers a unique glimpse into Saranac Lake’s history as a tuberculosis treatment destination, showcasing historic artifacts, exhibits, and the region’s fascinating medical past.
From the adrenaline of dog sledding and bobsled rides, to the peaceful beauty of snowshoe trails and frozen waterfalls, and a cozy place to return to at the end of the day, you’ll love making the most of these Adirondack winter road trip ideas.
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