Spring on the Adirondack Coast of New York State is marked by longer, warmer days and the smell of apple blossoms in the air.
This time of year, it’s all about being outdoors. So bring the family to get some last turns in at the mountain, hike or bike local routes, established trail systems or the nearby Adirondack Park, or kick off the maple season by visiting one of the area’s producers for a variety of fresh maple products.
FAST FACTS ABOUT THE ADIRONDACKS
•The Adirondack Park is the largest park in the mainland United States with more than six million acres – about the same size as the state of Vermont.
•The park features more than 3,000 lakes and ponds, 48,000 kilometres of brooks and streams.
•The Adirondack Park contains 85 per cent of all wilderness in the Eastern United States.
•It’s the only park in the U.S. where large populations live within the park’s boundaries – with more than 137,000 year-round residents.
•The Adirondacks have the largest trail system
in the U.S., with more than 3,200 kilometres of hiking trails.
•There are 2,000 mountains in the park, 100 of which are more than 900 metres (3,000 feet)
•An estimated 7-10 million tourists visit the
region annually.
Family-friendly attractions:
The Wild Centre
Young curious minds can observe nature closely at this state-of-the-art science centre, located on a 31-acre site in the town of Tupper Lake, NY near the geographic centre of the Adirondack Park.
The centre’s mandate is to promote understanding of the Adirondacks and how man and the rest of the natural world find better ways to coexist.
The Wild Centre is science-based and its experiences, exhibits and programs are designed to open new ways to look into latest discoveries made by natural scientists.
wildcenter.org
Family fun skiing in Lake Placid
Whiteface Mountain is the place to be for the ultimate family skiing experience.
This majestic Adirondack high peak is a short drive from the village of Lake Placid, and offers world-class skiing and riding trails.
Lake Placid is one of the USA’s most beloved après ski scenes. Mingle with the locals or sip cocoa by a fireplace. Warm up and recount the day with friends and family over dinner at a Lake Placid restaurants. Lake Placid – America’s first winter resort – will allow your family to enjoy the thrill of skiing at your own pace.
With nearly 300 skiable acres, this Lake Placid ski resort offers:
• Two terrain parks
• A high-flying halfpipe
• A beginner’s park for kids and novices
• Glades for tree skiing
If you’re interested in family fun, be sure to check out the Kids Kampus and daycare at the Bear’s Den Nursery at Whiteface. There are also after-school skiing programs and lessons through the Lake Placid Ski Club for children.
www.lakeplacid.com
High Falls Gorge
High Falls Gorge is especially spectacular in the winter and early spring. Take a nature walk and gasp at the spectacular
ice formations on the frozen waterfalls. Later, roast marshmallows over a warm campfire and enjoy free hot beverages. It is a truly unforgettable part of the Adirondack experience.
• Allow at least 45 minutes for your walk through
this living lesson in natural history
• Self-guided tours
• Close to Whiteface Mountain and Lake Placid
The 800 metre round trip walk over groomed paths, steel bridges and walkways offer visitors safe access and spectacular views of the stunning ice formations. The trail is cleared daily, ice cleats are provided and the bridges and walkways have safety fencing.
www.highfallsgorge.com
Olympic Centre
Some of the most memorable moments in winter sports happened at the Olympic Centre.
It was at the Olympic Centre in 1980 that the U.S. men’s hockey team toppled the Soviet Union on its way to winning the gold medal. This is where 16-year-old figure skater Sonja Henie won a gold medal in 1932 and charmed the world.
And every year, the 7,700-seat 1980 Rink Herb Brooks Arena hosts national and international figure skating competitions and other special events.
National and international skaters such as Johnny Weir and Rachael Flatt are regulars and you never know when a legend like Scott Hamilton or Jim Craig might pop in.
The centre has four ice surfaces (three indoor, one outdoor) for public skating and athlete training.
Get a glimpse into the training regimen of champions as you visit the Olympic Museum, go on a guided tour of the Olympic Centre, or head out to the Olympic Jumping Complex.
www.whiteface.com/facilities
www.goadirondack.com
Photo: © ORDA/Dave Schmidt