You don't have to travel across the world to find adventure. In the northeast corner of New York is a place that begs you to step inside, explore, and bring those stories home. In fact, if you get lucky enough to go to this place, it might make your jaw drop at how beautiful it is. You will encounter lakes worthy of Simone Cousteau's praise, mountains that call to hikers' souls, and waterfalls that will lull you into total relaxation. You may even see a black bear! If anything gets your heart racing, it's here.
"I had never been to the Adirondacks and found it to be beautiful in so many ways. Thoroughly enjoyed the overall variety of activities on this trip - the varying hikes, bodies of water for kayaking and additional items like the museum, tour of Sagamore, and time in Lake Placid." - Christine C.
Adirondack State Park is unique as it encompasses over 6 million acres of private and public land, and is larger than Yellowstone and Yosemite combined. The diverse ecosystems across the park provide a suitable habitat for black bears, deer, bobcats, beaver, fishers, and many bird species; even moose are returning to the region!
The history is just as fascinating considering the park has been home to farmers who struggled to make a living, miners and loggers who exploited the land's natural resources, well-skilled Adirondack guides, and wealthy industrialists who built The Great Camps of the Adirondack Mountains.
After summer crowds leave, the refreshing weather and foliage make the park an ideal location for an active and relaxing fall vacation. Enter Adventures in Good Company. For 20 years, AGC Guide Anne Brewer has been a resident in the Adirondacks and has been visiting the hidden gem all her life. When her time as a guide and local resident merged, she felt a great pull to share with others how special the Adirondacks are.
“Great to have local historians as our guides; added so much more to the total enjoyment of the area.” - Joann S.
AGC launched its first trip to the Adirondacks over a decade ago and since hosts two adventures a year to the area. With over 3,000 lakes and ponds, and 1,200 miles of rivers, it's a canoeing and kayaking dream, allowing one to paddle through the storybook landscapes. “Some of my favorite memories are sunrise paddles on Sagamore Lake,” Anne shared. “We do a quiet paddle, and everyone just paddles around in silence, watching the sunrise and the day start.”
The mountains here are many and pristine, inspiring generations of hikers to find solitude and rejuvenation. Come fall, the scent of pine needles from the forest and, pink-tinged sunsets over one of the many peaks make it a spectacular place to trek onto the wilderness trails.
When adventuring in the Adirondacks, you'll experience days filled with activities, the camaraderie of fellow travelers, and plenty of moments of rest. Wake up to the call of the loon and the mist rising off the lake, and wander down to the dock to find the perfect Adirondack chair waiting for you. "My favorite part of the Adirondacks trips is sharing the unique and special aspects of the park, as well as the history," says Anne. "I also love when people hear a loon call for the first time."
Wondering if the Adirondacks are calling your name? Here's what you can look forward to on an adventure in the Adirondacks with AGC:
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A day of paddling along the flatwater Moose River, flowing through classic Adirondack landscapes.
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A summit hike to a fire tower in the Blue Mountain Lake area with 360-degree views of the surrounding forests and mountains.
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Lodging at Raquette Lake with an exceptional stay at Great Camp Sagamore—the former private wilderness estate of the Vanderbilt family from 1901 to 1954. Our time at Sagamore also includes a fascinating tour highlighting the dozens of buildings on the National Historic Register and a relaxing campfire in a traditional Adirondack Lean-to.
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A lovely day kayaking on Raquette Lake—one of the largest in the Adirondacks with 99 miles of shoreline—learning about the history of the lake and the camps that grace it, as well as time for ‘shoreline cruising’ along the lakeshore designated as "Forever Wild" by the State of New York.
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A ‘choose your hike day’ to either summit the stunning Cascade Mountain at 4,098 feet, or to journey up Baxter Mountain, a moderate 2.4 mile out and back hike.
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Free time in Lake Placid, a gorgeous town amidst the rolling hills, distant peaks, and glistening water. Lake Placid shopping is where eclectic meets tradition and is home to a host of creative local artisans.
“As a first-time traveler with AGC… this was an incredible trip. Not having the detail of work of planning and the emotional work to carry of "will everyone have a good time" was incredibly precious! The trip truly was a perfect sampler of all the awesome things the ADKs have to offer. I felt the balance between activity and rest was great. Taking a trip with strangers is very far out of of my comfort zone and this was a wonderful experience.” - Beth M.
After years of guiding in the Adirondacks, Anne shares that she enjoys watching participants learn how to challenge themselves in something new. She also notes participants' preference for a single kayak over a tandem, perhaps to embrace further the solitude a quiet paddle brings to the experience.
There's no denying the appeal of the Adirondacks. Its storied history, picturesque farmsteads, and expansive wilderness calls us to hike, paddle, and play! The Adirondacks are a place to relax, connect with nature and experience the spirit of the untouched wilderness. Join us for a lovely fall trip to discover the Adirondacks' beauty, ecology, and history.
“Love the combination of exercise and learning history. The fact that our guides were living where they were guiding was an unexpected plus.” - Janet O.
