Curator’s statement
Lake Placid is one of those places that has something to offer in every season, which is rare. I grew up in upstate New York with a grandfather who kept the 1980 Winter Olympics flag displayed in his home, so the Adirondacks have always felt like mine in some way. Tucked inside six million acres of protected land, Lake Placid draws serious athletes and weekend hikers alike, and it's close enough to NYC and the Northeast corridor that there's no excuse not to go. If you want the outdoors without the flight, this is the place.
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Things to do in Lake Placid
Mount Jo summit
Adirondack Rail Trail
A 34-mile converted rail corridor that's perfect for biking or walking through classic Adirondack scenery. It runs along the western shore of Lake Placid and connects to Saranac and Tupper Lake. We opted for the hour-long ride to the town of Saranac Lake and were lucky enough to spot a bald eagle on our way.
Paddling on Mirror Lake
Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and get out on Mirror Lake, one of the clearest and most scenic lakes in the region. It's right in the middle of town, making it easy to do. I love how quiet the lake is because no gas-powered boats are allowed.
Mount Jo hike
One of the best introductory High Peaks hikes, with a summit view that punches well above its difficulty level. It's a moderate out-and-back for anyone with reasonable fitness. Talk to the ranger at the Adirondack Loj center (where you park) before heading out for a less strenuous option that skips the vertical rock scramble.
Whiteface Mountain Drive
Drive to the summit of the fifth-highest peak in the Adirondacks without breaking a sweat. The views from the top are unreal, and, in the fall, the foliage from that elevation is picture-perfect. Go midday for the best light, and check ahead, since the toll road closes by early evening and sometimes closes entirely for weather.
Walking & shopping in town
Lake Placid's main street is compact, walkable, and charming. It offers a variety of shops, including wilderness outfitters, bookstores, and local gift stores. For historical context, visit the Olympic Center to learn about the "Miracle on Ice" and how this small town became famous.
The Wild Center, Tupper Lake
Worth the short drive from Lake Placid, this natural history museum has incredible indoor and outdoor exhibits, including elevated Wild Walk trails through the forest canopy. Highly recommend for families or a rainy day.
Ski jump complex
Even if you're not visiting in winter, the Olympic ski jump complex is worth a stop just to understand the scale of what athletes do here. We took the glass elevator up for the athlete’s-eye view from the top. In winter, you can catch training sessions and events.
Toboggan chute on Mirror Lake
A classic Lake Placid winter experience: a 30-foot-high wooden toboggan chute that sends you flying across the frozen lake. It's equal parts terrifying and delightful, and, if you can believe it, it has been there since the 1960s.
Downhill skiing at Whiteface Mountain
The only Olympic downhill ski mountain in the eastern U.S., Whiteface has terrain for all levels. It's the real deal without the hefty price tag and only 30 minutes from Lake Placid center. Get there early; the lift lines are shortest right at opening, and the Wilmington-side trails tend to stay quieter than the summit runs.
Cross-country skiing at Mt. Van Hoevenberg
An Olympic venue with groomed trails through the Adirondack backcountry, this is one of the best Nordic skiing setups in the Northeast. I can also confirm that it’s beginner-friendly. Rentals are available on site, but book ahead on weekends.
Places to eat & drink in Lake Placid
Lake Placid Pub & Brewery
Grab a table on the second-floor deck overlooking the lake if one’s open. I order the fried pickles, the vegan smash burger, and a 46er Pale Ale, named for the High Peaks “46ers” who’ve summited all the 4,000-footers. I’m not one of them, but #personalgoals.
Emma's Creamery
Get the maple creme soft serve. That's it.
Origin Coffee
The morning stop for an elevated brew before hitting the trails. They nail the Americano, which makes this millennial coffee snob oh-so-happy. Saranac Lake hosts a second location.
Salt of the Earth Bistro
The most thoughtful menu in town in a century-old house. Their vegan Moroccan vegetable stew was a delightfully rich surprise of flavors you won’t find elsewhere in LP. There are only nine tables, so call a week ahead for a reservation if you’re set on going.
The Breakfast Club
Classic American breakfast spot. Expect a wait on weekends. The veggie egg sandwich is the move; meat eaters should go for the waffle breakfast sandwich because gluttony for the first meal of the day is what vacation is all about.
Big Slide Brewery
A newer addition to the scene with a large, Latin-inspired menu and solid gluten-free and vegan options. Their Sunday brunch is worth planning around, especially for the pastries from their in-house bakery, Bake Placid.
Green Goddess Cafe
A solid pick for health-conscious, plant-forward eaters, perfect for grabbing provisions before or after a hike. I’ve stopped post-hike for the vegan Reuben made with tempeh twice, and I’d go back again.
Need to know
Parking in town can be difficult on weekends and during events like Ironman. There's a free and accessible trolley that runs through town in summer, but a car is non-negotiable for anything outside the village. Hiking trailheads, Whiteface, Mt. Van Hoevenberg, and the Wild Center all require one.
To see fall foliage in the High Peaks, plan for late September to early October. Winter weekends at Whiteface get busy; mid-week visits are quieter and usually cheaper. Before you book, check the local events calendar as athletic events draw big crowds.
Once you get into the mountains, cell service gets spotty. Download offline maps, or take a trail map before you head out on a hike.
Travel Advisor
The Detour Dept.
Meghan Sansivero
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