Whether seeking solitude in nature, or embarking on an adventure-filled exploration, the Adirondacks beckon with timeless allure and a promise of an unforgettable experience. Peruse these must-read books from Bookstore Plus to learn about its raw, unspoiled beauty, breathtaking landscapes, sanctuary for wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, only found in this part of the world.
1. Day Hikes
Start with an easy day hike to get familiar with the territory. Adirondack native, Lisa Densmore Ballard has compiled a list of twenty-two hikes, each under six miles long in her book, Best Easy Day Hikes Adirondacks. Each hike details the trailhead entrance, gives GPS coordinates, and has a drawing showing elevation and distances. Advice on weather conditions, historical facts, and points of interest are also included. The book is broken down into sections to help you choose your hike: the best hikes for kids, hikes with views of high peaks, where to hike with your dog, and the best wildflower viewing, to name a few. A freelance writer and photographer, Ballard’s work has appeared in hundreds of magazines.
2. Dog Friendly
If you’ve got a best friend you like to hike with, Doghiker will be your Adirondack go-to guide. Well-researched with engaging descriptions, Alan Via’s book is one of the best out there. Not only does he offer training advice and how to keep your dog safe on the trail, he also discusses dog hiking gear, water sources, first aid in the wilderness, leash requirements, and what to do if your dog encounters a porcupine. Snippets of natural history are intertwined with topographic maps, rating categories, and GPS coordinates. With forty plus years of hiking experience, Via believes in responsible dog ownership and shares his wisdom for keeping dogs fit and healthy on the trails.
ADK-9 is also a great resource for dog safety on the trails. Check out their ADK-9 Challenge to hike nine peaks and receive a badge for your efforts!
3. Recreational Bests
Exploring the Adirondack wilderness can be daunting. After all, there are 9,375 square miles to consider, along with 2,000 miles of marked trails. Mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and hiking trails dot the landscape at every turn so it’s good to have a plan. But where to begin?
This easy-to-use guide, Discover the Adirondacks, takes you from hiking and biking in the High Peaks, to remarkable lake and river paddles. Featuring 50 of the best recreational activities in the Adirondacks, the day trips included here reveal perfect wilderness experiences for locals and first-time explorers alike.
In the Old Forge area, hike the Cascade Lake loop and falls, a six-mile scenic trip with a stunning 40-foot waterfall about half-way through. The trail climbs and descends at a gentle pace and foot bridges allow easy passage over wet areas.
An easy 1.8-mile out-and-back trail out of Eagle Bay leads to Bub Lake and Sis Lake, a family and dog-friendly hike. Take your fishing pole and a pair of binoculars for bird watching.
Dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks, the Ausable Chasm is one of nature’s most beautiful displays of rock formations, cliff walks, and waterfalls and you can choose your adventure. Raft through the deepest region of the chasm between the towering cliffs of the Grand Flume. Hike the cable bridges, traverse edge walks, rappel, or rock climb. Believe it or not, it’s all family-friendly!
4. Seasonal Activities
If you’re planning a winter trip, Map LP and SL Winter Trail Map will lead you in the right direction. Trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, biking, and snow shoeing will take you to favorite spots in the Lake Placid and Saranac Lake regions. Discover Moose Pond Trail. An easy 3.1 mile perfect for seasonal fishing, hiking, and paddle sports in the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Area near the Saranac River. A variety of short trails abound on the Brewster Peninsula Trails, ready for many kinds of recreation. This is also a part of the New York State birding trail for all you birdwatchers!
5. Water Sports
Phil Brown shares his favorite spots for canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding in Adirondack Paddling 65 Great Flatwater Adventure. One recommended trip to explore is Black Stillwater, an easy paddle, although you will need to portage in. Part of the Essex Chain Lakes Tract, Black Stillwater is home to beaver dams, swallows, and peak views. It is a relatively mellow stretch of the Hudson’s upper River. Boreas Ponds, part of the High Peaks Wilderness, is a 320-acre cluster of ponds, bordered by forest preserves. Pristine views encompassed by low wetlands also offer recreational opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing.
The St. Regis Canoe Area covers over 18,000 acres and 58 bodies of water. It is New York State’s only designated canoe area where no motorized watercrafts are allowed. The Seven Carries, originally created as a transport route between the Saranac Inn and Paul Smith’s Hotel. It takes paddlers through three lakes and seven ponds. Definitely for the more adventurous, the wildlife habitat viewing and serenity is well-worth the effort.
The Adirondacks’ vast network of trails and waterways invite the curious and daring to embark on journeys of discovery. As a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, the Adirondacks offers recreation for everyone from hiking and biking to paddling and bird-watching. Bookstore Plus’ extensive library of resources in this captivating region are must-read books. These can help you tailor your activities and deliver an unparalleled and timeless experience of a lifetime.