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Written By Juliana Summers
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Table of Contents:
Introduction to Lake Placid
Remember to Leave No Trace
When to visit Lake Placid, NY
Getting to Lake Placid
Where to Stay in Lake Placid
2 Day Lake Placid Itinerary
Day 1: Sunrise hike, brunch + coffee, Olympic sites + brewery/food
Day 2: The best scenic drive, easy hike, water activities + must-visit restaurants
Tips for Hiking in the Adirondacks
Introduction to Lake Placid
Welcome to the charming village of Lake Placid, nestled right in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. With its pristine lakes, lush surrounding forests and charming main street, Lake Placid is the ultimate destination for an epic outdoor adventure getaway in the Adirondacks.
After growing up in the Adirondack Park, I can say that without a doubt, Lake Placid is my favorite destination for outdoorsy activities in the mountains. There is something for everyone in this region! We often find ourselves hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and more.
In this blog post, I’m guiding you through a perfect 2 day Lake Placid area itinerary that I have both personally done (many times over) and recommended to friends visiting the area. From the best hikes to the best restaurants and top places to stay in Lake Placid, this guide will allow you to make the most of your visit to this beautiful and wild area of upstate New York.
Remember to Leave No Trace
It is so important to follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace when visiting any beautiful destinations, trails, public land, etc.Especially in the greater Adirondack Mountains area, which has seen an uptick in unprepared hikers in recent years.
Plan ahead and prepare.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
Dispose of waste properly.
Leave what you find.
Minimize campfire impacts (be careful with fire).
Respect wildlife.
Be considerate of other visitors.
When to Visit Lake Placid, NY
Lake Placid is a year-round destination, each season offering its own charm. Summer is ideal for outdoor activities, while fall showcases breathtaking foliage (upstate NY rivals New England’s foliage!), and winter turns the town into a snowy wonderland. I’m focusing on a spring through fall visit for this itinerary, but the winter season should absolutely be on your radar!
Typical weather per season:
Spring (March to May):
As the snow begins to melt, the landscape comes to life with vibrant greenery. However, the weather can be quite unpredictable during this time. March can still be chilly with lingering snow, while May brings milder temperatures. Daytime highs range from the 40s to 60s Fahrenheit. It's not the best time for hiking - us locals refer to this (not so fondly) as mud season. But, it is a great time to visit for minimal crowds.
Summer (June to August):
Summer is the peak tourist season in Lake Placid, and for a good reason. The weather is pleasantly warm with daytime highs averaging in the 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. It's a perfect time for outdoor adventures like hiking, mountain biking, swimming in the pristine lakes, and exploring the many, many trails. The evenings are comfortably cool, making it ideal for dining outdoors and enjoying the long daylight hours.
Fall (September to November):
Fall is a spectacular season in Lake Placid when the Adirondack Mountains explode in a riot of colors. The weather gradually cools down, with daytime temperatures ranging from the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit. This is the time to witness the famous fall foliage, go apple picking and take scenic drives through the vibrant forests. September is particularly nice for weather, while early October marks the peak of autumn color.
Winter (December to February):
Lake Placid transforms into a winter wonderland during the cold months. December through February sees snowy conditions, with temperatures typically ranging from the teens to 30s Fahrenheit. Lake Placid is renowned for its winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and so much more. The town comes alive with holiday festivities, and it's an excellent time to cozy up by the fireplace after a day on the slopes.
Getting to Lake Placid
To reach Lake Placid, you can fly into Albany International Airport or Burlington International Airport and drive from there. It's approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour scenic drive from either airport.
One of the highlights of your trip will be the drive itself! Route 73 (the High Peaks Byway) leads into Lake Placid from I-87, and winds through some of the most beautiful parts of the park.
Where to stay in or near Lake Placid
There's a wide range of accommodations available in and around the Lake Placid area, from cozy cabins to luxury resorts. Consider staying in a charming lakeside lodge or wilderness cabin for the full Adirondack experience.
Some great options (of all price ranges) include:
Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn $$$
Mirror Lake Inn $$$
Warner’s Camp (AirBnb in nearby Upper Jay)
Juniper Hill Cabin(AirBnb in nearby Wilmington)
The Good Chalet (AirBnb in Jay)
2 Day Lake Placid Itinerary
Day One
Sunrise hike: Start your day with a breathtaking sunrise hike at Mount Jo. The trailhead is just a short drive from Lake Placid, and the rewarding panoramic mountain and lake views are 100% worth the early wake-up call. Note: this trail can get very crowded, so early morning (i.e. before 6:00am) on weekends is a must.For something a bit more strenuous, check out the Balanced Rocks trail or tackle two High Peaks with Cascade & Porter.
Brunch + coffee: After your hike, head to one of Lake Placid's charming cafes or coffee shops, like Capisce Coffee, for an amazing cup of coffee. This Italian coffee house is a must-visit for any coffee enthusiasts.
Looking for some hearty brunch fare? The Breakfast Club, Etc is widely considered the best in town.Big Mountain Deli & Creperie also offers an awesome breakfast menu. Can you tell I LOVE breakfast?Afterwards, pop into Bluesberry Bakery to grab some to-go sweets for later.
Visit the Olympic sites: Explore Lake Placid's Olympic history by visiting the Olympic Sports Complex and the Olympic Jumping Complex. You can even take a thrilling ride on the bobsled track (during the December and February holiday seasons, only).
Breweries + food: End your day with a visit to a local brewery like Big Slide Brewery, which also has a fantastic food menu. Or, stop by a cozy restaurant like Forty Six in the neighboring town of Keene for an extra tasty farm-to-table dinner experience.
Day Two
The best scenic drive: Take a scenic drive up the Whiteface Veteran’s Memorial Highway to experience the stunning beauty of the High Peaks region. Make sure to climb the extra ½ mile at the top (or take the elevator, if it’s open) to reach the proper summit! You’ll be greeted with jaw-dropping panoramic views.
*The Whiteface Highway costs $20 per person, and it is open from 8:45-5:30pm seasonally (May 19 - October 9 in 2023).
Easy hike: Enjoy a leisurely hike at High Falls Gorge, a super accessible attraction with stunning waterfalls (four of them, to be exact) and unique suspension bridges. For something with mountain views, try the Cobble Lookout trail. This 2.4 miles round-trip trail is an easy trek out to a wide open rocky summit with panoramic mountain views - perfect for a scenic picnic.
Water activities: Spend your afternoon at Mirror Lake, where you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or even go for a swim. Or, rent a kayak from Raquette River Outfitters in nearby Tupper Lake for the opportunity to launch somewhere a bit more “wild” in nature. For an adventurous swim, head over to the Flume Falls swimming hole near Whiteface.
The best food in town: While this is clearly subjective (we all have our own favorites!), I highly recommend wrapping up your day at Smoke Signals, a local favorite known for its mouthwatering barbecue dishes.For an alternative type of cuisine (American/comfort food with a twist), give Lisa G’s a try - you won’t regret it.
Tips for Hiking in the Adirondacks
Do Your Homework: Check out the trail you want to hike—how long it is, how tough, and what the conditions are like. Websites like the Adirondack Mountain Club are super helpful for this.
Pack Smart: Bring the hiking essentials: a map, compass, extra clothes, a headlamp, a first aid kit, something to start a fire, a repair kit, extra snacks, extra water, and something for emergency shelter.
Dress Right: The trails can be rocky and uneven, so wear sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support. Dress in layers so you can adjust to the weather, and go for moisture-wicking clothes instead of cotton.
Bear Safety: The Adirondacks have black bears, so be prepared. Carry bear spray when suggested for particular trails, and secure your food. If you're camping overnight, use of bear canisters is required for your food and scented items.
Stay Hydrated and Snack Up: Bring a lot of water and high-energy snacks. A CamelBak bag or similar hydration system is super handy. If you need to refill water from streams or lakes, bring a way to purify it like purification tablets or a water filter.
Leave No Trace: Keep the trails beautiful by packing out all your trash, sticking to the trails, and not picking plants or bothering wildlife. When hiking with pets, use doggy bags to pack out their business.
Know Your Limits: Be honest about your fitness level and experience. Start with easier trails if you’re new or if it's your first time in the Adirondacks. Take breaks when you need to and don’t be afraid to turn back if you’re too tired or the weather gets bad!
🥾 Looking for more trail ideas? Check out these 7 best short hikes in the Adirondack Mountains!
Enjoy your 2 day trip to Lake Placid!
Lake Placid is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, offering a perfect blend of outdoor exploration, great eats and relaxation. I hope this two day itinerary helps you make the most of your visit to this gem of a town in the Adirondack Mountains!
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Juliana Summershttps://www.julianareneephotography.com
