23 Best Things to Do in Lake Placid, NY: My Top Picks for Every Season
Lake Placid is a rare mountain town that somehow manages to be charming yet outdoorsy at the same time. It's very authentically itself - a little Olympic history, a little small-town Main Street energy, a lot of epic mountain terrain - it honestly has a great mix of everything. Which is probably why you’re planning to visit in the first place!
I grew up in the Adirondacks and have been coming here my whole life. And at the same time, I definitely took this area for granted as a kid, not realizing just how much there was to offer. That’s not the case anymore, and I’ve made it my goal to try as many cool experiences as possible!
This is my complete list of the best things to do in Lake Placid, New York (and the surrounding area) - which I’ve either personally done and love, or have saved on my “bucket list” for the future. These recommendations are split into two seasons: activities for the warmer months, and then winter activities towards the bottom of the list.
Table of Contents
Introduction
My Experience in Lake Placid
Best Things to Do in Lake Placid
Where to Eat & Drink
Where to Stay
Best Time to Visit
FAQ
Final Thoughts
In a rush? Here are my top hotel picks right in Lake Placid:
The Whiteface Lodge ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Eastwind Hotel ⭐⭐⭐
My Experience in Lake Placid
I absolutely love Lake Placid, which was essentially right in my backyard growing up. Although to be completely honest, I spent way more time in Lake George as a kid. Now as an adult, Lake Placid is my go-to area in the Adirondacks.
Not only are the High Peaks right at its doorstep, but you can also find so many other outdoorsy activities to enjoy that don’t involve hiking 3000 feet of elevation gain (or you know, something like that). Even if that’s simply visiting the local farmers market or popping into the best brewery in town, there is always something fun and enjoyable do.
That’s why this is a place I know well and love deeply. If you’re a hiker like me, you’ll find no shortage of trails to tackle - whether that’s right in the immediate Lake Placid vicinity, or even venturing out closer to Keene Valley, Saranac Lake, etc. My top recommendation is that even with planning excursions around the entire High Peaks area, Lake Placid is a great “hub” to choose as your home base. I’ve included my top hotel recommendations for you in this post, as well. This is the guide I'd give a friend planning their first visit!
>> Read next: 2 Days in Lake Placid, New York: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary (From a Local)
Best Things to Do in Lake Placid, NY
1. Hike the Adirondacks
You might be saying: yeah, obviously! But hear me out. Hiking is the main event in the Lake Placid area, and the options range from a flat walk through the woods to summiting the highest peak in New York State.
The crown jewel of hiking here is the 46 High Peaks - a collection of mountains over 4,000 feet that you can work towards "completing" over years or even decades. Cascade & Porter is considered the best starter High Peak - technically the shortest and most accessible, very well-marked, and a summit view that is totally worth every steep step. Yes, it’s still steep.
For shorter or closer-to-town options: Mount Jo (a personal favorite - incredible Heart Lake views at the summit), Balanced Rocks Trail, Cobble Lookout in Wilmington, and for a literal walk in the park, the Heaven Hills Trails and Henry's Woods right next to town.
Summit of Cascade Mountain
2. Walk & Shop Along Main Street
Downtown Lake Placid is incredibly charming - you can find boutique shops, Adirondack gift shops, bookstores, ice cream spots, outdoor gear shops, and coffee shops all within a few small blocks. My husband’s favorite shop is definitely the Mike Eruzione Team Shop, which is very cool to pop into if you’re a hockey fan! I personally love shops like The Maple Shop, The Bookstore Plus and Pure Placid.
I always say that downtown Lake Placid has a Hallmark-movie-esque vibe, which is totally a compliment. Strolling and browsing is definitely worth an easy hour or two of your time, especially after a morning hike when you want something low-key.
3. Visit the Olympic Sites
Lake Placid hosted two Winter Olympics (1932 and 1980) and the venues are still active and open to visitors - which makes this a really unique immersive experience rather than just a standard museum visit. The Olympic Center houses the Herb Brooks Arena where the “Miracle On Ice” game was won - this was definitely the highlight for me! I think watching the movie “Miracle” approximately 200 times in my life might have something to do with that.
Inside the Olympic Center building, you’ll also find the Olympic Museum which showcases exhibits and artifacts from the 1932 & 1980 Winter Olympic Games. Tickets specifically for the museum are $15 for adults.
Nearby, the Olympic Jumping Complex is another site that’s still used by athletes today in addition to being a must-see spot for visitors to the area. You can take a gondola and an elevator (called the “Skyride Experience”) to the top of the 128-meter ski jump with panoramic views. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, there is even an option to zipline down next to the 100-meter ski jump (yes please!).
Just a short drive away from both of these sites is Mt. Van Hoevenberg, which covers bobsled, luge, and biathlon on the sprawling property. But just like the other spots, even though these are technically athlete training sites, there is a lot of other stuff to do here for visitors! Hiking, rock climbing, winter nordic skiing, etc. More on Mt. Van Hoevenberg below under #11 and #22.
The Herb Brooks Arena
Olympic Center (stock photo)
4. Drive Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway
One of the easiest ways to experience an Adirondack High Peak. The Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway is a paved toll road that climbs almost all the way to the 4,867 foot summit of Whiteface Mountain. I’ve been to this summit over 20 times at this point, and I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of the scenery - it’s completely panoramic and breathtaking, since you get both mountain views and the view of Lake Placid down below.
Pack a picnic for the top, this is a perfect spot to relax and take in the views! And just be aware that the final short hike to the true summit is bouldery, so wear proper footwear. The short hiking trail from the parking lot at the top of the road is the only way to get to the proper summit when the elevator is not operating (which, in my experience, is often).
The road is open seasonally mid-May through mid-October, and I’ve included a graphic below from the Whiteface website with updated toll road rates.
5. Go Paddling
The Lake Placid area has some of the best flatwater paddling around, across a whole variety of very different bodies of water and types of scenery. Mirror Lake is the most easily accessible - calm, beautiful, right in the center of Lake Placid’s downtown. I personally love launching my packraft at Cascade Lakes on Route 73, which puts you directly beneath the High Peaks with some super dramatic mountain views.
Or for something slightly more “wild,” the St. Regis Canoe Area is the only designated canoe wilderness in the entire Northeast - a network of ponds and portages that feel wild and remote. Rent canoes and gear or book guided trips from St. Regis Canoe Outfitters.
Paddlers on Mirror Lake in autumn
Cascade Lakes
6. Visit Some Swimming Spots
Copperas Pond is a beautiful wild swim spot - peaceful, scenic, and a bit of a local secret compared to the more popular options. There is also Flume Falls, which is stunning, but comes with a caveat: high water levels make it very dangerous and conditions change fast. Check before you go and use your judgment.
Wilmington Town Beach on Lake Everest is a more relaxed option - great for chill days, some easy paddling, and a really lovely setting that’s easily accessible. I really love that this spot has its own large parking lot, public restrooms, picnic tables, and even canoe & kayak rentals (more info here under “Lake Everest Beach”).
7. Relax at a Local Brewery
Big Slide Brewery is a Lake Placid essential, and one of my favorite spots in town. The pizza is to die for, I've never once been disappointed by an order here (“the boomer” on gluten free crust is delish). Obviously the beer selection is great too! Plus, the outdoor patio is dog-friendly and the vibe is laid-back - equally good for a post-hike lunch or a proper dinner out.
8. Explore High Falls Gorge
To be honest, I was worried this would feel like a contrived nature experience when I first visited (it's privately owned and ticketed), but I actually really loved it. I went to High Falls Gorge first thing in the morning in summer and the suspended bridges right over the rushing water felt surprisingly adventurous. The waterfalls are huge, and the bridge network makes it an experience unlike anything else in the area. A great way to get outside in nature but in a leisurely, very unique way.
9. Ride the Cloudsplitter Gondola
A completely different way to experience Whiteface! This 15-minute Cloudsplitter Gondola ride takes you from the base of the mountain up to the peak of Little Whiteface at 3,676 feet. Views extend out in front of you for ages, over to Vermont and even Canada on clear days. I've only ridden it in winter so far, but this is a highly loved fall foliage activity as well - and it’s very easy to understand why! Any aerial view of peak Adirondack fall color is pretty much impossible to beat.
>> More fall ideas: Fall in the Adirondacks: 30 Best Things to Do
10. Eat Your Way Through Downtown
This deserves its own activity slot! Especially for my fellow foodies. Smoke Signals - delicious BBQ with a terrace overlooking Mirror Lake. Capisce Coffee - the best coffee in the area, no question. The Breakfast Club, etc for brunch - I always order the röstis. Bluesberry Bakery for a little sweet treat any time of day - I think dessert before dinner is highly underrated. Mirror Lake Inn for a drink with a view that's hard to beat. Lisa G's - right alongside a river, creative “American fare” menu, great vibes. And dog friendly! Big Mountain Deli & Crêperie for an absolutely delicious lunch, with 46 different sandwich combos for all 46 High Peaks. Salt of the Earth Bistro for one of the most highly-rated menus in town. There are so many more, but these are just a few of my favorites.
>> More coffee: 5 Best Coffee Shops in Lake Placid, NY
Outdoor seating at Capisce Coffee
Smoke Signals’ terrace above Mirror Lake
11. Ride the Cliffside Coaster at Mt. Van Hoevenberg
This Cliffside Coaster ride follows the path of the historic 1980 bobsled track - you control your own speed as you hurl yourself down and around the banked curves. Fun!! This one is on my personal to-do list (haven't done it yet) but the concept sounds so cool and adrenaline-inducing. That being said, it’s still a family-friendly activity. And crazy enough, this is also the longest coaster in North America.
PS. If a coaster ride isn’t your speed, simply hiking Mt. Van Hoevenberg itself (via the East Trail) is a perfect short hike to do during summer or fall.
12. Drive the Loj Road for Sunrise or Sunset Photos
Adirondack Loj Road is one of the most scenic spots in the area - a road that begins with open meadows and the mountains rising dramatically ahead of you, then it winds through the dense forest before ending at Heart Lake. I’m on this road constantly because it's the access road to the Mount Jo trailhead, among other trails, as well as the Heart Lake Campground.
You don’t need to drive very far down the road to stop for beautiful photos - the best and most open spot is actually right at the beginning. Sunset is my personal favorite time to pull over here. On a day with the right conditions (not super overcast), you’ll get the most amazing glow lighting up the landscape during golden hour.
13. Day Trip to Ausable Chasm
A 30-minute drive from Lake Placid, Ausable Chasm is sometimes called the "Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks" - a dramatic sandstone gorge with waterfalls, hiking trails, and optional rafting and tubing through the chasm itself. Also, this is a great spontaneous trip since no advance reservations are needed for any of the many on-site activities (except rock climbing and rappelling).
I'm dying to go - and I have a very personal connection to this place: my grandmother was literally born at the chasm (crazy, right?). A whole side of my family is from that area. Because of that, it still blows my mind that I have yet to visit. I’ll report back when that happens!
(Image via Tripadvisor)
Ausable Chasm (stock photo)
14. Take a Lake Placid Boat Tour
Lake Placid - the lake, not the town - is lined with gorgeous historic Great Camps and multi-million dollar properties that are only visible from the water. I went out on a classic wooden boat tour (highly recommend) and it was so peaceful - even when it started raining halfway through. I barely noticed, honestly. I was too focused on how vivid and green the surrounding landscape looked in the rain.
You can also find tour operators with different boat types, like this one, or rent one yourself. Either way, getting out on the water is a lovely way to spend a couple of hours.
15. Go to the Farmers Markets
Lake Placid has its own Wednesday farmers market on Main Street during July and August (a great option if you’re staying right downtown!), but my personal favorite is the Keene Valley Farmers Market on Sunday mornings from May through October at Marcy Field. The setting is hard to beat - a huge open grassy airfield right beneath the mountains with the river running alongside it. Super picturesque, quaint, and local-feeling.
16. Bike the Adirondack Rail Trail
This is a fairly new addition to the Lake Placid area, and one that I’m really excited to check out! The Adirondack Rail Trail is a multi-use trail built on a converted rail corridor with beautiful scenery. See their official trail map for points of interest. You can also hike it, but it’s especially perfect for an easy day of cycling (mountain or gravel biking) since it has a minimal grade. This 34 mile long trail connects Lake Placid to Tupper Lake and is open all year round. In the winter, you can even use it for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
17. Experience Outdoors Zip Lining & Adventure Course
I've photographed elopements on the Experience Outdoors property many times - they have a private mountaintop for ceremonies - and what I can tell you from multiple visits is that the staff is made up of the friendliest people I've encountered anywhere. Seriously.
The zip lining and aerial adventure course are where it's at for most visitors! And the property itself has incredible views. If you’re into adrenaline activities or just a unique type of adventure, I would recommend this spot over and over again.
18. Visit the John Brown Farm Historic Site
The home and burial place of abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor John Brown - an important historical site just 3 miles from downtown Lake Placid. This has sat on my ADK to-visit list for ages - one day I’ll get there!
From May to October it’s open 6 days per week (closed Tuesdays) from 10am - 5pm with tours operating hourly from 10-4. From November to April, it’s open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-3pm, with tours by appointment only. Regardless of season, you can access the grounds on a daily basis from dawn to dusk.
19. Attend a Local Festival
If your trip happens to line up with one of the (many) festivals that happen throughout the year, this is a perfect thing to work into your itinerary for some more local immersion. Oktoberfest at Whiteface Mountain is an awesome one to attend during autumn, taking place in late September when the foliage really starts to emerge.
The neighboring town of Saranac Lake holds their annual Winter Carnival each year, which has been going on since the 1890s. How cool is that?! There are also active events like the annual IRONMAN Lake Placid, which you can attend as a spectator or go big and sign up as a competitor if that’s your thing.
20. Go Skiing at Whiteface Mountain ❄️
The highest vertical drop on the East Coast, 90+ trails, and snowmaking coverage all makes Whiteface one of the most reliable ski mountains in the Northeast. Bonus points for having gorgeous scenery from the slopes, as well! I grew up skiing here (although we frequented nearby Gore Mountain more often) and have skied more runs than I can count.
This is such an awesome spot to add to your northeast winter skiing and snowboarding itinerary. And since Whiteface is owned by the State of New York, they are not subject to the same astronomical price jumps for day passes that many other resorts are currently seeing. More information on passes and opening dates can be found here as winter approaches.
21. Go Ice Skating at the Olympic Oval ❄️
The outdoor Speed Skating Oval in Lake Placid is actually one of the last remaining outdoor rinks like this in the entire country. So this is truly an only-in-Lake-Placid type of experience. Located next to the Olympic Center, this is the same skating oval where Olympic speed skaters have trained and competed. So cool! It’s open to the public for recreational skating in winter, with set hours.
You can check the updated schedule on this page under “outdoor public skating.” Tickets for adults are only $15, and skate rentals are $10 - making this a really well-priced outdoor winter activity.
22. Do the Toboggan Chute on Mirror Lake ❄️
The only thing better than a normal toboggan ride is a 30-foot-high toboggan chute that sends you flying across frozen Mirror Lake at speed! This one is very much on my personal bucket list for Lake Placid after seeing it all over Instagram last winter.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students, and make sure to bring a card for payment! Cash is not accepted. Updates on ice conditions and opening times can be found on their Facebook page.
23. Go Nordic Skiing or Snowshoeing at Mt. Van Hoevenberg ❄️
This is one of the premier Nordic skiing venues in the entire country, and the same trails used for Olympic biathlon and cross-country competitions. Lake Placid is such an amazing hub for winter sports! They have over 40km of groomed nordic ski trails with varying terrain (options for all skill levels), as well as snowshoe-specific trails.
Where to Eat & Drink
Capisce Coffee - the best coffee in the area. I cannot rave about this place enough.
The Breakfast Club, etc - great brunch spot right in town
Smoke Signals - BBQ with a Mirror Lake terrace view that’s 10/10
Big Slide Brewery - craft beer and the best pizza in Lake Placid!
Lisa G's - creative comfort food with some nice outdoor seating
Salt of the Earth Bistro - a very highly rated dinner option
Big Mountain Deli - great spot for lunch, with a menu of 46 sandwiches for the 46 High Peaks
Bluesberry Bakery - small downtown bakery with delicious sweet treats
Mirror Lake Inn - for drinks with an unbeatable lake view
>> Read next: 5 Best Coffee Shops in Lake Placid, NY
Where to Stay in Lake Placid
There are a lot of accommodations in Lake Placid, and then factoring in the surrounding area? Limitless options. To help narrow it down, here’s my curated list of hotels and lodges that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the area. I’ve either personally stayed at these spots, or have spent time on the property for my job as a photographer.
My top picks:
Mirror Lake Inn - an iconic lakeside resort right in downtown Lake Placid ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Eastwind Hotel - gorgeous design-focused boutique hotel and cabins ⭐⭐⭐
The Boha Hotel - great downtown location, newly updated (I've stayed here many times!) ⭐⭐
The Whiteface Lodge - full Adirondack great camp resort experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
>> Read next: Where to Stay in Lake Placid, NY: My Top 9 Hotels & Lodges
All available options in the area:
Best Time to Visit Lake Placid
Summer (June - August) - Peak hiking season! All trails, venues, and activities running. Mirror Lake is gorgeous this time of year for paddling and swimming. Essentially, it’s prime time for visiting and for nice weather.
Fall (September - October) - My personal top recommendation. But I’m very much a fall weather type of person. The crowds will thin out after Labor Day for a bit, which is quite nice to be able to experience the area like a local. Then, peak foliage season hits in early October. This is an absolutely magical time to visit the Adirondacks - the fall colors here honestly rival all of New England.
>>Fall in the Adirondacks: 30 Best Things to Do
Winter (December - March) - Perfect for anyone who loves winter sports and snowy activities. Or, anyone who simply loves the cozy apres ski vibes of the colder months. Think skiing (both alpine and nordic), tobogganing, ice skating, and so much more. Lake Placid is really one of the best winter towns on the East Coast.
Spring (April - May) - This is the only time of year that I would caution against. Unless you have no desire to hit the hiking trails - and in that case, it’s a nice and quiet time to visit. But this is mud season. The trails are wet from the snow melting, and many activities are still closed. If this is your only option, it’s definitely a budget-friendly time of year to visit, but the options for things to do will be more limited.
Summer
Autumn
FAQ
Q: What is Lake Placid most famous for?
A: The 1980 Winter Olympics and the "Miracle on Ice" is probably Lake Placid’s largest claim to fame! And besides that, the 46 Adirondack High Peaks. Lake Placid also has one of the most charming small-town downtowns in all of New York State, plus it’s surrounded by some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in the Northeast. Yeah, there’s a lot to love!
Q: How many days do you need in Lake Placid?
A: Two days is a good bare minimum. Three days is better if you want to hike and explore without rushing. But honestly, a week is quite common so you can hike some High Peaks (or smaller summits, whatever floats your boat), take time to relax, and fully soak in the natural beauty of the area.
Q: Is Lake Placid worth visiting in winter?
A: Very much yes! It's a completely different type of destination in winter, in the best way. Whiteface is one of the best mountains for skiing and snowboarding on the East Coast. Plus, there are heaps of other winter activities if you’re not a skier / snowboarder: the toboggan chute on Mirror Lake, public ice skating at the Olympic Oval, and more.
Q: What is the best hike near Lake Placid for beginners?
A: Mount Jo is probably my top choice - really manageable, well-marked, and the summit view over Heart Lake is impossibly beautiful. Cobble Lookout in Wilmington is another great option with a lovely “summit” view for very minimal effort. For more of a walk in the park (literally), the Heaven Hills Trails and Henry's Woods are right next to town.
Final Thoughts
I can think of so many mountain towns that have expanded and shifted over time to adapt to growing visitation…but Lake Placid is one of those rare places that has stayed exactly itself. If that makes any sense?
It’s a small, charming lakeside town that hosted two Winter Olympics, is surrounded by the highest peaks in New York State, yet feels very authentic and local. There is so much to do here, mainly due to all of the incredible natural beauty of the area. I hope this guide helps you plan the perfect trip there, no matter the season!
More Lake Placid & Adirondacks guides:
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23 Best Things to Do in Lake Placid, NY: My Top Picks for Every Season
