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Adventures in the Adirondacks
Destination: Adirondacks State Park, NY
| Activities: Hiking and Kayaking
Adirondack State Park in northern New York is unique. At over 6 million acres of both private and public land, half of it wilderness, it's larger than Yellowstone and Yosemite combined. Diverse ecosystems exist here: alpine and sub-alpine zones, boreal forest, and lowland lake systems, providing suitable habitat for black bears, deer, bobcats, beaver, fishers, and numerous bird species - even moose are returning to the region. The human history is no less fascinating. Over the years it has been the home of farmers who struggled to scratch a living from thin soil and harsh winters, miners and loggers who participated in the exploitation of its natural resources, Adirondack guides renowned for their skills in the woods, and wealthy industrialists, builders of the famous Adirondack Great Camps. In autumn, after the summer crowds have departed, the invigorating weather and brilliant foliage make the Park an ideal location for a vacation that is both active and relaxing. Maximum group size: 12
Highlights
- Kayaking on the Moose River and Raquette Lake
- Climbing several Adirondacks Peaks, including Blue Mt and Cascade Mt, one of the Adirondack High Peaks
- Learning about the unique private/public partnership that keeps this area "Forever Wild"
- Enjoying crisp fall air and changing foliage
- Listening to the haunting call of the loon
Departures and Prices
| September 14 to September 21, 2025 |
| $3795.00 - Available |
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Inclusions
- 1 - 2 experienced AGC guides based on group size
- Seven nights lodging in double occupancy rooms, most of which do not have en suite bathrooms
- All activities on the itinerary, including kayak rental and shuttles and a visit to the Adirondack Experience Museum
- All meals from dinner Sunday to breakfast the following Sunday
- Transportation once you arrive in the Albany, NY airport (ALB)
What's not included: Travel to and from Albany, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities, and travel insurance.
Trip Documents
Trip Info
Each day includes 3 to 5 hours of activity and the variety of activities (e.g. hiking and kayaking) require a good all around fitness level, so this trip requires being in good physical condition. As the hiking trails in the Adirondacks tend to be quite challenging because of their footing and steepness, the difficulty may be greater than the mileage would indicate. The trip is rated 3. Prior to beginning the trip, participants should be engaging in aerobic conditioning, such as walking vigorously up hills, jogging, cross country skiing or stair stepping for 30 - 45 minutes at least 3 - 4 times a week.Rating: 1 2 [3] 4 5.
On this trip we will be primarily kayaking and hiking, with visits to the Blue Mountain Museum and time to explore the historic town of Lake Placid. No experience in kayaking or hiking is required. However the trails in the Adirondacks usually have both rocks and roots and can be both steep and challenging.
We will be staying at three very different places during this trip. The first two nights will be spent at comfortable cabins on Big Moose Lake. We will then stay at Great Camp Sagamore, one of the original Adirondack Great Camps, in one of the 9 bedroom lodges that we will have to ourselves. We will finish the trip with three nights at Trails End Inn. Please Note: These are locally owned Inns and Camps, very indicative of the Adirondacks. There will be a mixture of single and double occupancy rooms, and a mixture of rooms with bathrooms ensuite, and bathrooms available in shared hallways. Aside from roommate requests, the rooms will be randomly assigned. On this trip we can offer 2 single supplements which will guarantee a private room throughout. A single supplement will not, however, guarantee you a private ensuite bathroom. We can accommodate a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions but, depending on your specific circumstances, we may ask you to bring supplemental food. Please call the office if you would like help planning.
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
DAY 1
Our trip begins today at the Albany, NY airport where we'll pick you up at 2PM. After loading our gear into the vans we'll drive 2.5 hours to the west central part of the Adirondack State Park. This State Park is unique: bigger than Yellowstone and Yosemite combined, it is a mix of publicly and privately owned land, and over half of it is wilderness. We'll only see a small section on our way to Big Moose Lake, just outside the town of Old Forge, NY. Big Moose Lake is big on peace and quiet and incredible Adirondack scenery. After getting settled into our comfortable cabins in the woods, we will go out to dinner, watch our first sunset over the lake, and listen for our first loon calls of the trip. (D)
DAY 2
Wake up to the haunting call of the loon and the mist slowly rising off the lake, and then take your morning drink down by the dock and relax in a traditional Adirondack chair. We will enjoy a hearty and delicious breakfast prepared by the guides, just what we need to get ready for a day of kayaking on the Moose River. The Moose is a slow-moving flatwater river that winds through beautiful, classic Adirondack landscape. You will be surrounded by towering pine trees, low shrubs, and kingfishers darting back and forth across the river. We'll start our paddle with some instruction on the basics of kayaking to help make your trip more enjoyable. We find that even experienced kayakers often benefit from reviewing the correct way to paddle so that you use more of your core muscles and less of your arms. The Moose River is an excellent kayaking river, whether you're a first-time paddler or have years of experience. We'll be on the beautiful North Branch of the Moose River, exploring the Adirondack wilderness, and enjoying the splendid scenery as we paddle along with the gently moving current. Our paddle will be about three hours total and along the way we'll stop to enjoy a picnic lunch.
Depending on our time and energy, on the way back to our cabins we can hike up to the fire tower on top of Bald Mountain. Although only 2 miles round trip, it's a steep hike and leads to stunning views of the Fulton Chain. Fire towers were originally built for the purpose of spotting new fires, a task that is now largely accomplished by aerial surveillance. Many are still open to hikers, however, and their location always assures great views. As the guides cook another delicious dinner, you can relax at our lake side cabin. (B, L, D)
DAY 3
After another morning breakfast by the lake, we pack up our things and drive north to Blue Mountain Lake for some more hiking. Blue Mountain also has a fire tower on the summit, this one with a 360-degree view of the lakes, forests, hills and mountains - including some of the High Peaks, the area where we'll be in a couple of days. This is a 4-mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of 1550 feet, with some steep areas and a beautiful path that traverses bare rock, large roots, and wet soil. We will hike through spruce, balsam fir, paper birch, mountain ash, and maple, before coming to the clearing and the tower, where a picnic lunch will reward our efforts. We will then drive back to Raquette Lake where we will be staying at the Great Camp Sagamore. Sagamore was the private wilderness estate of the Vanderbilt family from 1901 to 1954. Like all of the Adirondack Great Camps, it was designed by William West Durant, a fascinating character in his own right. Although his success as a businessman was up and down, he was known for his ability to design wilderness estates for wealthy families that integrated luxury (for the time) with a rustic feel, a magic that is still apparent today. Tonight, we'll have dinner at Sagamore. Overnight Great Camp Sagamore (B, L, D)
DAY 4
We'll spend today kayaking on Raquette Lake, the second largest lake in the Adirondacks. Our paddle will offer some shore line cruising, history of the lake, and the camps that grace it. Raquette Lake is known for having 99 miles of shoreline and after you see some of its many bays, inlets, and islands, you'll know it's true. Along the way we'll stop for a picnic lunch and to stretch our legs. Returning to the Sagamore in the afternoon, we'll have time for a tour - with 27 buildings on the National Historic Register, it is a fascinating place. We'll make sure to have some free time to enjoy the wonderful surroundings. After dinner, we'll have a campfire and relax in a traditional Adirondack Lean-to, the perfect setting for telling stories. Overnight Great Camp Sagamore (B, L, D)
DAY 5
After breakfast we leave Sagamore and head north. Our first stop is the Adirondack Museum, widely regarded as one of the best regional museums in the country. It showcases how humans have interacted with the mountains over the years. After spending a few hours there we'll continue to our afternoon hike, Coney Mountain. At 2.2 miles and a relatively gradual incline, this is one of those trails where you are amply rewarded for relatively little effort, including 360-degree views of Tupper Lake and the High Peaks. Tonight, we'll have dinner at a restaurant before continuing on to Keene Valley and our new home for the next three nights. Overnight at the Trails End Inn. (B, L, D)
DAY 6
We've now arrived at the part of the Adirondacks with the highest peaks. You may have heard of the High Peaks Wilderness area - this is where most of the higher peaks, including New York's highest, Mt Marcy, are located. To be considered a "high peak", the summit has to be over 4,000 feet - and Cascade Mountain is one of those peaks. This is a 4.8-mile round trip hike that will take about 4.5-5 hours, gaining 1940 feet in elevation before reaching the summit at 4098. If it's a clear day the view goes on forever. We'll relax with a picnic lunch on top. If that isn't appealing, another excellent choice is Baxter Mountain, which also offers outstanding views. It's a mostly moderate, 1.2-mile hike to the first summit, beginning at a moderate grade then climbing over switchbacks with a few steep steps to the first open rock. It's an out and back hike, 2.4 miles total with 770 feet elevation gain.
Whichever climb you choose, you will have some free time in Lake Placid. You can check out some of the shops on Main Street, visit the Olympic Museum and see the famous rink where the "Miracle on Ice" hockey game took place, or simply enjoy a walk around Mirror Lake. Tonight we'll have dinner in town before returning to Trails End Inn. Overnight at Trails End. (B, L, D)
DAY 7
This is our final full day in the Adirondacks and Rooster Comb Mountain is a fitting finale. A 5-mile round trip hike, it gains 1750 feet of elevation on its way to the summit at 2788 feet so we will feel quite accomplished. Like most of the mountains in the Adirondacks, the hike includes some steep sections, traverses, and a (very) few flat sections with rewarding views at the summit.
Tonight, we'll have a final farewell dinner back at Trails End Inn, celebrating our accomplishments and camaraderie of the past week. Overnight at Trails End. (B, L, D)
DAY 8
We hope by the end of the week you have fallen in love with the Adirondacks as much as we have, and you won't be ready to leave. But unfortunately, it's time, and after breakfast we'll pack up for the 2- hour drive back to Albany. We'll have you back by 10:45 a.m. and you can plan to fly out any time after 12 p.m. (B)
4.7
(63 reviews)
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*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
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Mary S.
1 month ago
The people on the trip were great! Having the option to not participate in a couple of the activities made the trip even better for me because I felt overwhelmed by the amount of activity and number of people.
Susan D.
2 months ago
Everything about this trip was fantastic: the guides (Carrie and Liz), the other participants, the accommodations (which were all cabin style allowing for lots of togetherness before and after the days' activities), and the region (the hiking and kayaking were beautiful, and the history of this area is fascinating).
Darby E.
3 months ago
The Cascade hike & the women on the trip
Sarah P.
3 months ago
The guides worked well together, the scenery was gorgeous, the itinerary was well organized, varied, and fun, we had great weather, and the women were compatible.
Cathy V.
3 months ago
The people were great and the scenery was beautiful!
Ashley B.
1 year ago
Mary K.
1 year ago
The guides, Carrie, Inger and Ann, were very good. Staying at Sagamore Great Camp was really special.
Tracy H.
1 year ago
The hiking, kayaking and camaraderie were excellent. Staying at The Great Camp Sagamore was very special.
Christine H.
1 year ago
The camaraderie of the group, and Carrie's extensive knowledge of the Adirondacks
Rita A.
1 year ago
Adventuring in a part of the US I was not familiar with and doing so with ladies who enjoy the outdoors.
Karen S.
1 year ago
Wonderful balance of activities: kayaking, hiking, and exploring Adirondack history, culture and towns. Excellent guides who shared their knowledge of the area, and trekking tips. Sunrise paddling at Camp Sagamore was enchanting. Enjoyed every moment with a fantastic group of adventurers!
Lori J.
1 year ago
The hikes were challenging but the mountain top views made it so worth it.
Andrea B.
1 year ago
Staying at the Great Camp Sagamore was the highlight of the trip for me. The camp is a magical place and we had special times there watching the sunrise, viewing the night sky, bowling, games, lovely accommodations and great food. And of course we had a fantastic group of women who supported one another all through the week. This was the perfect time to enjoy Adirondack Park with a wonderful group of women.
Jennifer K.
2 years ago
New location and new activities made the trip special. The guides as always with AGC were terrific and make every effort to make each day special.
Anita B.
2 years ago
Game night at the Sagamore Lodge
Brenda S.
2 years ago
I was only able to attend 2 days of the adventure before I tested positive for Co-vid. Our group was in a remote location with very little wifi or phone coverage. Both guides (Carrie and Inger) were supportive and took great measures to insure my privacy but also to assist me to a quarantine location back in Albany NY.
Francine M.
2 years ago
Always the women and the guides
Juluia L.
2 years ago
Brenda K.
2 years ago
Sharing the Adventure with two people I knew and also meeting and sharing it with other women. The area was beautiful and I loved it.
Denese W.
2 years ago
Great leaders and company
Janet D.
3 years ago
Everything! The hiking trips were the perfect level for me - challenging and fun but I was ready to be done when we finished. And interspersing the hikes with awesome kayaking trips had me ready to hike again the next time. Anne and Carrie were both so interesting, knowledgeable, supportive yet confident in us - I could not ask for better guides. They made us delicious meals and took us to enjoyable restaurants too. The Adirondacks were beautiful and so much fun to explore.
Loretta G.
3 years ago
This trip was my replacement trip. I was initially signed up for Hut To Hut in British Columbia but was unable to travel due to border closures and COVID. The Adirondack Mountains were beautiful, Carrie and Anne love the area and know the history, plants and animals and our accommodations very comfortable.
Christine H.
3 years ago
The group was just the right size and the hikes were challenging but not too difficult to enjoy.
Beth M.
3 years ago
As a first time traveler with AGC and with the world just coming out of COVID (sorta), 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.
Susan J.
3 years ago
Pamela G.
3 years ago
the combo of kayaking and hiking, the camaraderie of the women, the knowledge and passion of the guides for the area and activities
Patti F.
3 years ago
Variety of activity and location. I always like & appreciate including a cultural component..in this case , the visit to the Adirondack Experience and some time in Saranac Lake and Lake Placid
Kathy E.
3 years ago
The itinerary was well-organized and the guides were experts in knowing the area. The weather was also perfect!
Ford B.
3 years ago
The Scenery and lakes in the Adirondacks….and our extraordinary guides!
Barbara P.
3 years ago
Our guides
Shari B.
4 years ago
YES!! I had an amazing time! So much so that I signed up for 3 trips this year! And who knew that the weather would be so great. It was picture perfect every day!
Lois H.
5 years ago
Fun hikes and kayaking
Susan M.
5 years ago
Loved the hikes and the order they were done. I have never kayaked before and everyone was very patient and it was really doable. I loved how history of the area was weaved into the trip. Please the weather was glorious! The food was great. Nice split of going out, dinner cooked by the guides and dinner cooked by the camps. It was exciting to be at the Sagamore.
Carolyn W.
5 years ago
My first trip with AGC and it was better than expected!
Elaine E.
5 years ago
The beauty and history of the Adirondacks
Jill W.
5 years ago
Carol F.
5 years ago
Kayaking on the Moose River and Raquette lake in a SINGLE kayak! The beautiful weather, scenery in the mountains and changing leaves.
Joann S.
5 years ago
great to have local historians as our guides; added so much more to the total enjoyment of the area
Bonnie V.
6 years ago
Group dynamic was fantastic. Hiking gave me great confidence to challenge myself more here at home in western Pa. Improved my kayaking strokes and technique. Accommodation were excellent. Local folks were very friendly and welcoming.
Kathleen O.
6 years ago
Highlights-Climbing a high peak; visiting a camp; “low water” moose river kayaking; meeting great people; great, knowledgeable guides!
Kristin K.
6 years ago
Kayaking on still lakes.
Bonnie F.
6 years ago
Janet O.
6 years ago
Love the combination of exercise and learning history. The fact that our guides were living where they were guiding was an unexpected plus.
Gail S.
6 years ago
Feeling of accomplishment hiking some really challenging mountains.
Nancy A.
6 years ago
It is beautiful country and I enjoyed the hiking, kayaking and where we stayed.
Amy F.
6 years ago
This was one of the best trips I've ever been on and while I expected it to be a great trip, it was even better than I'd hoped. It's hard to pick just a few highlights. The guides were amazing, the group was a ton of fun, and the hikes were spectacular. I still can't get over how cool it was to stay at Camp Sagamore. I'd been expecting just another lodge and really didn't know anything about the great camps. What a surprise! It felt like staying in a museum and I learned so much. The rooms were cozy, the beds were comfortable, the food was good, and the staff here was great. It was also very cool that we had the unique opportunity to paddle to Bluff Point to check out another camp. This helped me understand just how remarkable it is that Sagamore has been preserved the way it has and is open to groups like ours.
Sarah K.
7 years ago
Audrey Z.
7 years ago
The scenery, the guides, and the other women were all highlights
Maya L.
7 years ago
I loved the kayaking, because it's something I don't usually do at home. I also loved the tour of Great Camp Sagamore and the Museum of the Adirondacks, both activities which I was skeptical about and ended up enjoying very much. Also, Anne and Carrie are so passionate about the Adirondacks, and their enthusiasm is infectious!
Susan R.
7 years ago
The Adirondacks hold a very special place in my heart, so it was wonderful to be "back home". Anne
Sharon C.
7 years ago
Guides were fantastic - laid back, yet very organized
Christine C.
7 years ago
I had never been to the Adirondacks and found it to be beautiful in so many ways. (even though we saw just a small portion of the entire area). 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.
Cindy C.
7 years ago
Seeing a variety of areas in the Adironacks with excellent guides.
Luise M.
8 years ago
Francine S.
8 years ago
Just being at the fabulous locations
Francine S.
8 years ago
Kim C.
8 years ago
Deborah M.
8 years ago
Kayaking turned out to be the best part for me. I go locally a few times a week, but enjoyed the differences. It's a beautiful area - more so than I anticipated. The great camps were definitely a huge factor.
Barbara R.
8 years ago
I went primarily to explore the Adirondacks in the hopes of being able to offer my English hiking companion a new area of the States to travel to that would be easy for her to reach. The trip itinerary provided a very good introduction to the Adirondacks, so that I feel comfortable in inviting my friend to spend some time there. The hiking piece of the trip was more difficult than I thought it would be, but a couple of the shorter, less strenuous options offered were welcome and very enjoyable. From a personal perspective, I didn't feel my fellow travelers "jelled" as well as on some of the other AGC trips I've taken. This obviously happens sometimes, and there is nothing for it.
Mary U.
8 years ago
Wonderful restaurants, lodge meals and great meals by our guides. Super friendly and patient guides. Unique and varied lodging facilities.
Susan H.
8 years ago
Linda V.
8 years ago
Loved the combination of hiking and paddling, and the opportunity to hike one of the 46 high peaks!!
Melissa R.
8 years ago
Being able to summit a high peak and paddleboard at the Sagamore at sunrise.
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Where do we eat?
Your guides will prepare some of the meals and others will be either at your lodging or at restaurants where you can order off the menu. Before you leave in the morning you the guides will put out lunch 'fixings' and you'll take a packed lunch. -
What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
If we know well in advance, we can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-sensitive diets. We cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free diet and we cannot provide a kitchen guaranteed to be free of cross-contamination. If you are vegan, we ask that you bring some additional protein bars; and if you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register. - I have never kayaked before, is this the right trip for me?
This is a great trip for both new and more experienced kayakers. The first day there will be instruction on safety and basic kayaking strokes. The boats are stable and the guides are experienced kayak instructors. -
I will be coming by myself. Do I need to pay a single supplement?
You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we'll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging. - Can you tell me more about the trail conditions and fitness required for this trip?
The hiking trails in the Adirondacks tend to be quite challenging because of their footing and steepness, the difficulty may be greater than the mileage would indicate. We will paddle on both lakes and a slow-moving flat-water river.
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