Surrounded by towering mountains and pristine wilderness, this charming resort town has long been a favorite destination for outdoor adventure. While best known for winter sports, it offers spectacular scenery and year-round activities for visitors of all kinds.
Lake Placid lies in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains and gained international fame after hosting the 1932 Winter Olympics and the 1980 Winter Olympics. Many of the town’s Olympic venues and training facilities remain active today and can still be visited.
Beyond skiing, skating, and bobsledding, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and exploring the surrounding mountain landscapes during the warmer months. Museums and historic attractions also add depth to the experience, showcasing the town’s unique sporting heritage and local history.
With its blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and Olympic legacy, Lake Placid remains one of the most appealing getaway destinations in the Adirondacks.
Whiteface Mountain
Rising dramatically in the distance, Whiteface Mountain is one of the highest peaks in both the Adirondacks and state of New York. Set just half an hour’s drive northeast of town, it has a splendid ski resort to check out with countless outdoor activities that can be enjoyed during the summer months.
In winter, both locals and tourists alike flock to the massive mountain which towers to 4,865 feet in height and has over ninety trails for visitors to ski. Aside from enjoying its soft powdery snow, six terrain parks and incredible Olympic sites, guests can also take an unforgettable ride up to its summit on the Cloudsplitter Gondola.
The rest of the year you can hike or bike about the mountainside, enjoy a fun game of disc golf or drive to its lofty peak along the epic Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway.
Lake Placid Olympic Museum
As the history and identity of the town is so entwined with both winter sports and the Olympics, no visit is complete without stopping by the Lake Placid Olympic Museum. Packed with interesting artifacts, exhibits and memorabilia, it is well worth visiting alongside the city’s other Olympic sites.
Located in the Olympic Center, the museum offers a fascinating look at the 1932 and 1980 Winter Games and their lasting legacy and impact on Lake Placid – one of the few places in the world to have hosted two Olympics. On top of educational exhibits and video highlights from the games, you can also see old Olympic torches, uniforms and equipment, among many other amazing artifacts.
Highlights include a ‘Fram III’ bobsled from the 1930s and photos and displays that document the heroic 1980 US men’s ice hockey team’s ‘Miracle on Ice’.
Canoe or Kayak on Mirror Lake
Lake Placid has canoeing and kayaking to enjoy out on Mirror Lake. Its calm waters act as a focal point for the community which is strung out along its scenic shores.
Aptly named, Mirror Lake’s shimmering waters beautifully reflect the soaring Adirondack High Peaks and verdant forests that lie around it. While out on the serene surface of the lake, visitors can enjoy phenomenal views of the little lakeside town and its picture-perfect surroundings.
As no motor boats are allowed on the lake, it is always very calm and quiet to paddle about. Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent from various points along its shores.
Ausable Chasm
Another fantastic place to visit if you want to enjoy the great outdoors is the awe-inspiring Ausable Chasm, forty-five minutes drive to the northeast of Lake Placid. Besides boasting incredible scenery, the gigantic gorge also offers all kinds of fun outdoor activities.
Formed over millennia, its craggy sandstone cliffs make for a striking sight as they rise dramatically above the rushing Ausable River. Impressively, the gaping chasm is the oldest natural attraction in the States, having astounded tourists since the 1870s.
Aside from basking in its breathtaking beauty and snapping photos of the wonderful falls and rock formations, visitors can hike along its scenic banks, raft along the river or scale its steep cliffs.
Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails
Closer to the center of town are the picturesque Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails. Located just ten minutes drive northwest of downtown, the series of shortish trails takes you through lush forests and over gently rolling hills, with divine views over Lake Placid also on offer.
In total, there are four trails to hike, run or bike along with the longest, Boundary Trail, only reaching one mile in length. Flat and well-marked, it takes you through pretty woodland, and also connects you to the other scenic trails.
While both the Corridor and Ridge trails attract people with their diverse landscapes and nature, the Lake Shore Trail is certainly the most popular due its phenomenal vistas over the reflective waters of the lake.
High Falls Gorge
Yet another of the spectacular natural sights to be found in the area is High Falls Gorge, which lies a ten minute drive northeast of town. Nestled at the foot of massive Whiteface Mountain, the captivating gorge and its series of four waterfalls are a treat to explore with spellbinding scenery and views wherever you look.
One of the most beautiful places in all the Adirondacks, the deep, dramatic-looking gorge cuts its way sharply through the surrounding rocks and forests. Standing out delightfully against its dark and craggy crevice are the white rushing waters of the Ausable River that tumble their way majestically down the mountainside.
Taking you alongside both the river and ravine is a terrific trail to hike along that offers fabulous views and photos of the falls.