This Quiet Adirondacks City Is An Underrated Gem For Nature Lovers

Since the 19th century, travelers have recognized the hidden beauty of Saranac Lake. In fact, Theodore Roosevelt himself acknowledged the area as an important place for forestry and wildlife. By the late 1800s, the town had also risen in fame as a health resort, attracting patients who believed the environment could help heal tuberculosis. Today, Saranac Lake’s mountains, boreal forests, and waterfront parks continue to attract travelers eager for a peaceful day in the New York mountainside. If you are looking for an exciting outdoor vacation this year without the crowds, make sure to have Saranac Lake on your radar.

Parks And Green Spaces

The Saranac Lake community takes pride in its green spaces, evident through a team of volunteers who care for the parks. One of the most popular gathering spots in town is Riverside Park along Lake Flower, which was created by combining three smaller parks along River Street with the former site of the Riverside Inn. Stretching along the northern edge of Lake Flower, the park hosts occasional music events and the summer farmers market. However, when there isn’t a music performance or market going on, the park becomes a beloved spot for boaters. While by the water, travelers should make sure to take a stroll along the Riverwalk, a one-mile round trip brick-paved path that offers convenient access to the historic downtown district.

Travelers with children should make sure to visit William Morris Park, home to a playground and the beloved Adirondack Carousel. This carousel features a variety of hand-carved animals, all native to Adirondack Park. Among the whimsical creatures are a largemouth bass, a black bear, a porcupine, and an otter, each carved by a carefully selected artist.

Along the eastern shores of Lake Flower, meanwhile, travelers will find Baldwin Park, which has a bit of everything. Visitors can spend the afternoon playing tennis or shooting hoops, or take advantage of the lakefront location for fishing and boating. For a more laid-back visit, the picnic area is a great spot to enjoy lunch and admire the view.

Hiking And Walking Trails

Due to its location in the Adirondacks, there are several mountain peaks near Saranac Lake that are great for a day hike. One of the most popular places for hiking is Ampersand Mountain, which lies just 10 minutes southwest of downtown Saranac Lake. Round trip, this trail is 5.4 miles long and features an elevation gain of 1,780 feet. The summit is at an elevation of over 3,300 feet, offering a gorgeous, 360 degree view of the surrounding High Peaks Wilderness Area. Although the second half of the trail is steep and challenging, travelers will be glad they made the hike once they reach the top!

Those seeking a shorter hike should add the Baker Mountain hike to their itinerary. This hike, which is 1.6 miles round trip, features an elevation gain of 884 feet, ending at a summit of over 2,400 feet. Upon arriving at the top, hikers will be rewarded with views of Lake Flower, Saranac Lake, and the High Peaks to the mountain’s east.

For those looking for a quick but rewarding hike, Azure Mountain is a great choice. The trail is short and steep, a 1.9-mile round trip, leading to a summit over 2,500 feet high. At the top, hikers can appreciate views of the St. Lawrence Valley and the northern Adirondacks, along with a historic fire tower dating back to 1918.

Water-Based Recreation

From Lake Flower, in downtown Saranac Lake, travelers can access more than 24 miles of Adirondack lakes and waterways. Those wanting to explore this lake can start at Lake Flower Boat Launch, where they can load and unload their motor boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards. Those hoping to rent a boat can do so with HK Waterfront Boat Rentals, on the shores of Lake Flower, which has public rentals for pontoon boats, fishing boats, stand-up paddle boards, and kayaks. For a more guided experience, travelers can book a boat tour through the local outfitter, which offers sunset cruises, half-day fishing trips, and private tours for small groups.

Anglers will find an abundance of fishing spots on the surrounding lakes as well. Lower Saranac Lake is a great place for northern pike, yellow perch, walleye, rainbow trout, and both small and largemouth bass. Largemouth bass is one of the most popular species to fish in the lake, with the season starting in mid-June and ending in late November.

Little Colby Pond is another convenient destination for a laid-back afternoon of fishing. This pond offers both shoreline fishing and canoe or kayak fishing, with some of the possible species anglers can catch including yellow perch, panfish, and landlocked salmon.

Wildlife And Birdwatching

Travelers will find an exciting variety of bird species in the Saranac Lake area, ranging from migrating fowl and winter finches to boreal species. One of the best spots for wildlife activity is Bloomingdale Bog, a biodiverse wetland surrounded by boreal forest. It is home to birds like bald eagles, great blue herons, and American bitterns. Along the trail, visitors might also notice signs of beaver activity, and with a bit of luck, even sight one in the evening.

Make sure to stop by Paul Smith’s College VIC as well, which features ecosystems like northern hardwoods, boreal forests, peatland bogs, marshes, swamps, and ponds. With such a diversity of habitats, there are plenty of bird species to spot here, including osprey, hermit thrushes, northern saw-whet owls, and colorful palm warblers.

Just a 25-minute drive from Saranac Lake, travelers will find The Wild Center, an indoor and outdoor science museum that covers about 115 acres. Along with 54,000 square feet of indoor nature exhibits, the center offers woodland trails, waterways, and treetop bridges for exploring the surrounding landscape. Visitors may spot a variety of species in the reserve, including American kestrels, Eastern screech owls, turtles, snakes, frogs, and toads.

Final Thoughts

Surrounded by calming mountains and lakes, Saranac Lake continues to provide a healing experience for those who visit. Travelers in need of a relaxing vacation can easily immerse themselves in the area’s nature, all while avoiding the crowds that other larger cities may have. Between its riverside parks, hand-carved carousels, and mountain peaks, there is an activity that every type of traveler will enjoy. This year, dare to try somewhere new and discover the quiet beauty waiting in Saranac Lake.