How long is the Adirondack High Peaks & Lakes Loop from Lake George route?

This route takes 6 days taking in 7 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Lake George, New York to Lake George, New York in Adirondack Park, New York, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is June to October, peak foliage early October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Classic road trip, Adventure, Culture.

Adirondack High Peaks & Lakes Loop from Lake George

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The route · 7 stops

3 overnight bases · 1 day trip · 3 stops on the way

Lake George

2 nights

The Adirondacks' busy southern gateway, a Victorian resort village at the foot of a 32-mile lake. Use two nights to ride a paddle steamer, swim from Million Dollar Beach, walk the ramparts of Fort William Henry, and browse the lakeside shops before the quieter north begins.The Adirondacks' busy southern gateway, a Victorian resort village at the foot of a 32-mile lake. Use two nights to ride a paddle steamer, swim from Million Dollar Beach, walk the ramparts of Fort William Henry, and browse the lakeside shops before the quieter north begins.

Recommendations

On to Lake Placid

Lake Placid

2 nights

Twice an Olympic host town, set between Mirror Lake and the High Peaks. Two nights gives time for the 1980 rink and ski-jump complex, a drive up Whiteface Mountain, and a hike up Mount Jo or Cobble Hill. Main Street has the best dining and lodging on the route.Twice an Olympic host town, set between Mirror Lake and the High Peaks. Two nights gives time for the 1980 rink and ski-jump complex, a drive up Whiteface Mountain, and a hike up Mount Jo or Cobble Hill. Main Street has the best dining and lodging on the route.

Recommendations

Day trip from Lake Placid

3
Saranac Lake
A day trip from Lake Placid: A relaxed working village wrapped around three lakes, once a famous tuberculosis cure resort. Paddle or boat the Saranac chain, wander the historic downtown and old cure cottages, and use it as the quiet counterpoint to Lake Placid next door. A few relaxed hours are enough before heading west.A day trip from Lake Placid: A relaxed working village wrapped around three lakes, once a famous tuberculosis cure resort. Paddle or boat the Saranac chain, wander the historic downtown and old cure cottages, and use it as the quiet counterpoint to Lake Placid next door. A few relaxed hours are enough before heading west.
Recommendations

On the way

Tupper Lake
Quick stop
Worth a stop on the drive: A laid-back lake town and home of the Wild Center, the Adirondacks' standout natural history museum, whose Wild Walk climbs into the treetops. After dark the Adirondack Sky Center observatory uses some of the East's darkest skies. Climb the Mount Arab fire tower for a wide forest view.Worth a stop on the drive: A laid-back lake town and home of the Wild Center, the Adirondacks' standout natural history museum, whose Wild Walk climbs into the treetops. After dark the Adirondack Sky Center observatory uses some of the East's darkest skies. Climb the Mount Arab fire tower for a wide forest view.
Recommendations

On to Blue Mountain Lake

Blue Mountain Lake

1 night

A tiny hamlet on a classic island-dotted Adirondack lake, in the wild heart of the park. The draw is the Adirondack Experience, the open-air museum tracing Great Camp life, guideboats and logging across a lakeside campus. Hike Blue Mountain for the view, then settle in for a genuinely dark, quiet night.A tiny hamlet on a classic island-dotted Adirondack lake, in the wild heart of the park. The draw is the Adirondack Experience, the open-air museum tracing Great Camp life, guideboats and logging across a lakeside campus. Hike Blue Mountain for the view, then settle in for a genuinely dark, quiet night.

Recommendations

On the way

Old Forge
Quick stop
Worth a stop on the drive: The park's western gateway and self-styled Adirondack base camp, strung along the Fulton Chain of Lakes. Ride the McCauley Mountain chairlift or hike Bald Mountain's fire tower for the lake panorama, paddle the chain, and enjoy the family attractions and diners before the long drive back east.Worth a stop on the drive: The park's western gateway and self-styled Adirondack base camp, strung along the Fulton Chain of Lakes. Ride the McCauley Mountain chairlift or hike Bald Mountain's fire tower for the lake panorama, paddle the chain, and enjoy the family attractions and diners before the long drive back east.
Recommendations
Lake George
Quick stop
Close the loop with the long, scenic run east on Route 28 through the southern Adirondacks and back to Lake George to finish. Allow most of a day, with a stop at Indian Lake or for a last lake swim, before leaving the park.Close the loop with the long, scenic run east on Route 28 through the southern Adirondacks and back to Lake George to finish. Allow most of a day, with a stop at Indian Lake or for a last lake swim, before leaving the park.
Recommendations

Adirondack High Peaks & Lakes Loop from Lake George