It’s no secret we all love the Adirondacks. Rightfully so. Here, a stunning patchwork of public and private land reveals a unique place where humans and nature coexist. This is especially relevant in the Adirondack Hub. Communities exist, but so does an abundance of wild nature. The allure of these wild spaces is irresistible to many, and this has become increasingly noticeable with the uptick in hikers seen around the entire Adirondacks. When we think about hiking in the Adirondacks, a lot of us subconsciously head right toward the High Peaks. With their unparalleled beauty and challenging terrain, it’s not hard to see why these mountains are the pinnacle of hiking in this region. That being said, don’t let the smaller mountains escape your itineraries. These mountains and hikes may not have the same elevation as the High Peaks, but we promise you, they are entirely worth every step.

The Adirondack Hub is packed full of hiking opportunities for whatever your goal is. Looking to just take a relaxing stroll through the forest? We’ve got you covered. Fire towers? We have those, too! Wilderness Areas with miles and miles of trails? There are actually three designated Wilderness Areas in the Hub. If you’re ready to start exploring areas outside the High Peaks this summer or fall, there is no better place to start than here!

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Relaxing and scenic

Not every hike needs to be 20 miles long or gain thousands of feet in elevation. That level of hike might not interest you, and that’s totally fine. Nestled in the town of Newcomb, the Adirondack Interpretive Center has 3.6 miles of trails that gently wind through a variety of habitats, showcasing old-growth hemlock stands, wetlands, lakes, streams, mountain views, and so much more. This nature center is a perfect place for kids and adults to take a break to learn more about the natural world, all while adding a few steps to those step-counters on our smartphones.

Down the road is the recently opened Boreas Ponds Tract. A moderate walk down a gravel road will take hikers to a lovely opening on the shore of the Boreas Ponds, where one can really appreciate the natural beauty and ruggedness of the towering High Peaks. Another accessible option is the Roosevelt Truck Trail, which runs over the brook and through the woods between Route 28N and Blue Ridge Road. You have the option of parking on either side and with a Motorized Access Permit for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD) permit from the Department of Environmental Conservation, visitors can access accessible camping sites with picnic tables and privies. (Note: high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles are HIGHLY recommended for this.) For the most part, the Roosevelt Truck Trail is mellow and offers a scenic snapshot of a boreal forest. Plus, the birding here is excellent!

For a beginner mountain, hikers should consider Mount Severance, conveniently located near the necessities: gas, food, and lodging. This mountain is a great “bang for your buck” hike at just over 1-mile long. 

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Outdoor museums

The system of fire towers that once stood large across all of New York State has mostly been re-imagined. In the early-to-mid 1900s, large forest fires swept through the Adirondacks, leading to the creation of a network of fire towers and observers who carefully watched over the land to alert officials if a fire were to spark. The 1990 fire season officially marked the end of this tradition, but today some towers still stand as monuments to a rich history and as out-of-doors museums. There are three towers in the Adirondack Hub: Goodnow, Vanderwhacker, and Mount Adams. All can be hiked to, but have varying levels of difficulty. Goodnow is the “easiest” of the three, clocking in at just under 4-miles round trip. It is a mountain, so there is elevation gain, but that gain is moderate compared to the other two. Vanderwhacker is closer to 5.5-miles round trip, but gains around 700 more feet in elevation and is considerably more challenging, especially after the first mile. Right in the shadows of the tallest mountains in New York, Mount Adams is around the same distance as Vanderwhacker, but its rugged trail gains slightly more elevation. All three towers afford breathtaking views of the High Peaks from a distance, giving you a more holistic panorama.

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Into the wild(erness)

Truly, the Wilderness Areas in the Adirondacks make this 6-million-acre corner of the world special. The High Peaks Wilderness Area is great, but so is the Hoffman Notch Wilderness and Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. Hoffman Notch Wilderness in its entity is 38,488 acres, but only features 15-miles worth of trails. This is wilderness at its finest! For those looking for solitude, this is the place. The hike to Big Pond is one of the best for a “quick” ramble.

Larger in acreage than Hoffman Notch, the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness is a whopping 46,283 acres and has over 70 miles of trails. Visitors have a lot to choose from here. One of the great mountains within the Wilderness boundary is Treadway, with its sweeping vista over the wilderness and over into Vermont. The easiest way to access this mountain is through the Putnam Pond DEC Campground, which may require a day-use fee in summer. Pharaoh Lake, Pharaoh Mountain, Grizzle Ocean, and Crane Pond are also popular destinations within the Wilderness. And all are incredibly scenic.

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Happy little hikers

These hikes just scratch the surface. There is so much more to discover in the Adirondack Hub! The communities here all embrace the wildness outside their doors. We hope that wherever you choose to hike, you opt to Love Your ADK and practice responsible hiking. The big mountains are great, but don’t forget to give these smaller hikes love, too.

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Having grown up in the Adirondacks you would think I would have done some winter hiking in my 31 years of life. But, I’ve spent much of my time in the winter in an ice rink, as a competitive skater, and now as a coach. I love hiking in the summer and fall, but I’ve never done a winter hike. I’ve seen the many gorgeous images throughout Instagram of snow covered peaks, but, to be honest, I don’t like being cold (I know, it doesn’t make sense) so a winter hike was something that never really crossed my mind. But I’ll try anything once. With that in mind, I set off for Mount Severance.

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I drove to Schroon Lake from Lake Placid on a beautiful, sunny day. I stopped into 9 Mile Coffee Co. and grabbed a coffee and walked over to the lake to enjoy the view for a few minutes before heading out for my first winter hike. There were people on the lake ice fishing, snowmobiles parked by the gazebo, and others walking around Main Street checking out the shops and restaurants. The trailhead is on the outskirts of the town, and it only took a few minutes to get there from the center of town. I brought snowshoes, but it didn’t look like I would need them, so I strapped them onto a backpack and put my microspikes on. 

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The trail starts with a series of two tunnels to walk through that go under the highway. I thought that was really cool and something I’ve never seen on any of my other hikes so I was feeling really optimistic about my first winter trek. The trail starts fairly flat with a gradual incline, and as I was surrounded by snow-covered trees with the sunlight peeking through, I couldn’t help but wonder how I had never tried this before. As the incline started to increase and I was realizing that hiking in the snow is a lot more of a leg workout, I remembered why I had never tried this before. I started to take off layers as I continued to climb closer to the summit. I knew I needed to wear layers going into this because, with the sun out that day, I knew I would get warm. 

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I started approaching what I assumed to be close to the summit. I could start to see through the trees a bit more, and it appeared that the end was near. I couldn’t have been happier. As I approached the summit, I got that feeling of excitement as I always do on any hike in anticipation of an awesome view. Mount Severance does not disappoint. It’s a great view overlooking Schroon Lake. To my right, I could see those tiny people ice fishing, and little snowmobilers going across the ice. If you keep going straight on the trail past the first overlook you end up on another side of the mountain overlooking Paradox and the mountains of Vermont. I enjoyed both views, but went back to the side overlooking Schroon Lake. I only came across one other hiker the whole time. Winter hikes are typically less crowded, but this was a surprise to me with the accessibility of this hike and the great view. My only complaint is that towards the bottom you can hear the traffic from the highway. But the view from the top makes up for it! 

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I hiked late afternoon, and was just a bit too early for sunset, but I imagine the alpenglow over the Vermont mountains would have been beautiful. I put all my layers back on for my descent. The way down, as always, was much faster and easier, and by the time I made it back to my car I could tell there was a beautiful sunset over Schroon Lake. Happy with my first winter hiking experience, I took my spikes off, and hopped back in my car. Severance was a great little hike, and I would like to try it in the summer and/or fall for a different perspective. It’s only 2.4 miles round trip so I think it was the perfect distance for a first timer. I think this would be a great family hike in the summer or fall. If you plan on trying it out, make sure to be prepared and Leave No Trace. And don’t forget to stop by some of the local dining options in town to refuel, or find a cozy lodging accommodation to rest your head on after a day of adventuring in the Adirondack Hub.

When you're looking for winter adventure opportunities in the central Adirondacks, there's a region that encompasses five towns, lakes and ponds, hills and mountains, waterfalls, and frankly a ton of natural beauty. The Five Towns area (aka the Upper Hudson Recreation Hub) is welcoming, friendly, and ready for you to safely visit. Conveniently, a few major roads make it possible to visit all five towns in a fun-filled day, weekend, or even week. Here are some of our recommendations for great things to do and places to visit in the Five Towns. You can make this loop in either direction, but FYI: if you end in North Hudson you can reward yourself with beer!

Minerva

I have a soft spot for Minerva. With more than half of the town made up of state-protected wilderness, Minerva is incredibly picturesque, rich in history, and abundant with wildlife, all year long. For an opportunity to get outside in peaceful, quiet fresh air, Minerva is ideal.

Do: Go Birding!

Ask an Adirondack birder for a hot place to see cool birds and they'll likely place Minerva near the top of the list. The scenic woods of the Minerva area are home to a number of beloved boreal birds and there are beautiful trails that make birding a fun winter activity. The southern entrance to the Roosevelt Truck Trail is a popular destination, home to ruffed grouse, black-backed woodpecker, red crossbill, boreal chickadee, and many other species that are fun to spot and hear. For an easier birding outing, we've heard that people have good luck simply cruising Route 28 and pulling off at scenic spots, including at the bridge which crosses the Boreas River.

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Eat: Maple Knoll Farm

Okay, I admit, this stop isn’t a restaurant, snack bar, or even an ice cream stand. No, it’s better than all of that: it’s a sugar house. At Maple Knoll Farm, the amazing sap of the sugar maple is magically (truly) turned into flavorful maple syrup by owner and operator Eric Klippel in his handcrafted sugar house. Pick up maple cream, jelly, and the all-important syrup to make your next stack of pancakes the best ever.

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Indian Lake

Indian Lake — named in honor of Sabael Benedict, an Abenaki man who is said to be the area's first permanent settler, and his descendants — is a beautiful town with fascinating history, is known for awesome whitewater on the Hudson River, and sparkling lakes that combine to a length of over 12 miles. With so much water, one of our suggestions as to what to do here in winter should be no surprise...

Do: Ice fish!

In the heart of Indian Lake lies beautiful Adirondack Lake. On it's southern shore you'll find Byron Park, a public park perfect for your ice fishing home base. The local chamber of commerce has a log visitor center close to shore where not only can you find info about what's biting, you can also purchase your fishing license (you have to have one)! The views from the ice are great, but it's also fun to be close to town and all of the gear and sweets you'll need.

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Shop: Pine's Country Store

Where can you browse for books, mittens, winter boots, scented candles, cards, souvenir t-shirts, windshield washer fluid, and more, all under one roof? At a classic Adirondack country store, of course! We love stopping at Pine's in Indian Lake, because it has a little bit of everything, from things you know you want to things you didn't know you needed but now have to have. Your cousin who collects magnets? There are plenty here. Jigsaw puzzles for those cozy winter nights at home? Tons of them. You'll even find treasures crafted by hand by talented locals. You can't miss Pine's: it's the place with the gondola out front!

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Long Lake

A truly long — 14 miles — lake to play on, a cool town to play in. That's Long Lake. It's the sort of town where you might see a moose crossing the road in front of the ice cream stand the same day you spot a celebrity or two at the bar. It's been known to happen. It's an awesome place to play, full of winter adventures for all ages and abilities, from sledding to ice fishing, snowmobiling to snowshoeing. With so much to do, it's hard to choose one activity, but the great news is that you don't have to!

Do: Play at Mt. Sabattis Recreation Area

For snowy fun for all ages, the Mt. Sabattis Recreation Area overlooking Long Lake has awesome views and even better fun. Grab your sled or plastic tub and speed down the sledding hill or ice skate at the outdoor rink, which is conveniently right next to the hill. Don't worry, sledders and skaters don't collide, we promise! Get really serious about winter by building a snowman with the kids. You'll have so much fun it will be hard to leave! For the best views, make your way to the top of the hill. You'll love sliding down and if you need a sled or tube, nearby Hoss's Country Corner can help you out.

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Newcomb

For a small, attractive town, Newcomb has a lot going on! Newcomb has beautiful views of the High Peaks, rich history, even a nearby ghost town! The town is also home to the Adirondack Interpretive Center, an expansive, 200-plus acre area with trails of varying lengths and educational opportunities, a mountain with a historic, hike-able fire tower, and so much more, offering activities year-round.

Do: Ski to Great Camp Santanoni

Part of the history of Adirondacks is how the area came to be a much-adored place to vacation. In the 1800s, people started to spend time away from the crowded heat of the cities in summer, escaping to the cool, fresh air of the Adirondacks. Among the vacationers were wealthy families who built elaborate second (or third) homes on secluded lakes. Great Camp Santanoni is an example of such a home. The camp complex is now owned by the state of New York and is accessible in winter by cross-country skis (or snowshoes) on the original gravel carriage road. Enjoy the 5-mile road (each way) through snowy woods, past the farm complex, and to the lodge on the shore of Newcomb Lake.

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Eat: Lake Harris Lodge

Hungry for great food? Eager to take in wonderful Adirondack views? You can do both at the Lake Harris Lodge, and in spectacular fashion. Lake Harris Lodge is a newly built lodge with a mouth-watering menu of Italian-inspired food with an Adirondack twist, fireside dining, and views of Lake Harris. From dinners for two to pizza for the whole family, the food at Lake Harris Lodge is scrumptious and the views are even better.

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North Hudson

For a time, North Hudson was known as the home of Frontier Town, a Wild West-themed children's amusement park. Frontier Town may be no longer, but North Hudson is still known for fun and adventure outdoors. Amazing winter hiking and snowshoeing is all around, including access to some of the state's highest peaks, plus more relaxed activities such as visiting a buffalo farm (really!). On the ride from Newcomb, be sure to stop at Blue Ridge Falls, a gorgeous spot on the river that can be viewed from the roadside parking area.

Drink: Paradox Brewery

For some, a tasty treat isn't a cupcake, or even a dish of poutine: it's a cold craft brew. If you're one of those people, then Paradox Brewery is the stop for you and a great way to wind up your day or weekend road trip! This local brewery has been successful thanks to great flavors and innovation that lures in dedicated customers. Try a New England-style IPA, a malty pilsner, or a tasting flight at Paradox's indoor and heated outdoor tasting rooms. Find something you like? Take a growler or two to enjoy at home! Even non-beer lovers will have fun here, thanks to games and a dog-friendly atmosphere perfect for relaxing.

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Hopefully, by now you've decided to plan a visit to the Upper Hudson Recreation Hub, where there are plenty of great outdoor activities for visitors of all ages and abilities, plus flavorful dining options. Whether you visit this winter or next, you'll find snowy fun. If you're looking to take on part or even all of this itinerary, check out the matching Adirondack Wayfinder trail! We've mapped everything out for you; all you have to do is get ready for adventure.

When the first snowflakes fall, many of us start thinking about skiing, sledding, and ice skating. But have you considered birding? Sure, the songs and activity of spring and summer are exciting, and species diversity is also at an all-time high, but now, with a blanket of snow on the ground and chillier temperatures, birding is still just as much fun. Let me assure you, there are birds out there in winter. And some unique species can be found in the Adirondack Hub year-round!

Location, location, location

With so much wild land in the Adirondack Hub, there is plenty of room for birds to find a place to eat, roost, and spend their winters. You don’t even have to travel deep into the woods to find these species. There are many excellent roadside birding spots across the entire Adirondack Hub, especially in Minerva and Newcomb.

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The reason the Adirondack Hub is such a fine place to bird is that it sits in some of the greatest boreal habitat in the Adirondacks. Boreal means “northern;” species found in boreal habitat are more frequently found in places like Canada. There is a holy boreal-trinity of species that birders often gravitate towards: Canada Jay, Boreal Chickadee, and Black-backed Woodpecker. On this day, our goal was to find all three. You’ll have to read on to see if we were successful.

Walking in TR’s shoes

I actually don’t know if this path is related to Teddy Roosevelt beyond a name, but the Roosevelt Truck Trail is a fantastic place to go for a hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski. Coincidentally, TR loved the outdoors and has deep history in the Adirondacks, so I’d like to think he would have enjoyed this trail. We decided to combine a winter walk with some Roosevelt Truck Trail birding on this day.

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Our group consisted of myself, two others, and one energetic dog. We opted to begin our walk at the southern entrance of the Truck Trail, off Route 28N, in the town of Minerva. The entire trail spans the gap betweenst Route 28N and Blue Ridge Road. Coming from the direction of Newcomb, there is a small gravel road just beyond the railroad tracks; we located it by an American Flag hanging near the entrance and coordinates are available on the DEC website. (A word of caution: this road may not be plowed in winter. It wasn’t on this day.)

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Within minutes of passing the gate and starting the trail, we heard our first bird: a Black-backed Woodpecker. These birds are bigger than Downy Woodpeckers and maybe a little smaller than Hairy Woodpeckers. Black-backed Woodpeckers typically spend a lot of time in one spot, so listen for their drumming as you make your way through boreal forests. Chances are you’ll get a look at one if you hear the drumming. Since they stay in one spot for longer than most woodpeckers, it makes them a little easier to photograph, if they aren’t obscured by branches or other trees. We ended up seeing three Black-backed Woodpeckers on this trip.

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However, the further we went along the trail, the less birds we saw. Soon, we stopped hearing them entirely and only tracks from Ruffed Grouse and snowshoe hare could be found. All three of us were a little surprised by the lack of bird activity since the following day had a snow storm prediction. Before a big storm, birds generally tend to quiet down, but we figured with so much advanced notice, they’d all be out foraging pre-storm. 

Our focus then became finding Ruffed Grouse since there were tracks everywhere. We thought maybe, if we were quiet enough, we could sneak up on one in a tree and get a good photo. In total, we flushed 5 different grouse.

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We walked about 1.5 miles of the trail before deciding to head back. The birds weren’t very active and our dog was showing some signs of slowing down. (Of course, he had probably run 10-miles at this point, circling back and forth between us.) Birding in winter is not about finding a high diversity of species; it’s about quietly searching for the hardy residents who call the Adirondack forests home for the season. Unfortunately, we didn’t see or hear any Boreal Chickadees or Canada Jays. But in addition to the Black-backed Woodpeckers and Ruffed Grouse, we located Black-capped Chickadees, a Common Raven, and one Downy Woodpecker. 

The walk out was just as smooth as the walk in. The trail has some ups and downs, but nothing incredibly steep or challenging. We didn’t ski in today, but I’d like to return sometime this winter to ski the entire length (and hopefully find the bird species we missed!). We drove through all Adirondack Hub towns and noted that Common Redpolls were, well, common at a lot of feeders this year! If you’re looking for other birding spots in the Hub, check out the Town Beach in Schroon Lake, the Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb, any of the roadside pull-offs in Minerva, or even the Frontier Town Campground in North Hudson. Keep a watchful eye for Common Redpolls, Red Crossbills, and Evening Grosbeaks. It's a big year for "winter finches."

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While you’re out birding in the Adirondack Hub, check out some local dining options for take-out or dine-in, or shop local at one of the many stores in the area. Grab your binoculars and get out there today!

Let’s face it, we know this ski season is looking different. But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy it! There’s nothing better than getting outside and enjoying something you love right now. However, we want you to be prepared for what you can expect before heading to Gore Mountain this year. So, here’s a list of what you need to know before you go so that you can have the best possible experience.

Advance ticketing & season passes

All lift tickets, lessons, and rentals must be purchased online. If the date you’re looking for is booked, please check back as more availability may be added as it becomes available. Consider mid-week to avoid crowds and enjoy shorter lines and more skiing and riding. And don’t worry if you’re a season passholder: you don’t need to make any reservations. 

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Arrive ready!

Indoor space is currently limited so try to get as much of your gear on and ready as possible in your car and try to leave as many of your personal belongings as you can in your car. This will limit any unnecessary time indoors for everyone. 

Mask on & keep 6 feet apart

For the safety of yourself and others you must wear a double layer face mask at all times, with the exception of when you are actively skiing or riding, or if you are seated for dining. They’ll help keep your face a little bit warmer if anything! 

Ride with your crew

Skiers and riders that arrived together can ride the lifts together. If you are a single skier or rider, you’re welcome to take a lift solo. Don’t forget to keep your face covering on while you wait in lift lines and for the duration of your ride. Gondola windows must remain open during the ride, but that’s okay because you’ll get to enjoy the fresh mountain air. 

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Limited capacity & takeout food

Indoor space will be limited and tables inside are spaced 6 feet apart and can only be occupied for up to 30 minutes. Try some of Gore Mountain’s new grab and go takeout food options or bring your own food in your own personal pack and enjoy it outside. If you do need to sit down and eat inside, try to avoid the busier lunch hour of approximately noon. 

Follow NYS’s travel advisory

With ever changing guidelines, it is important to stay up to date with New York state’s travel advisory. For more information on what is happening in our region, please take a look at our travel updates page. We will keep it updated with what’s open, what restrictions there are, and any other important information we think you might want/need to know. 

As always, remember to socially distance when possible, wash your hands, wear your mask, and stay kind. Gore Mountain will continue to update their operational information as necessary and ensure that everyone has a safe experience at the mountain. 

Submitted by guest blogger David Hughes

Newcomb sets the bar for snowmobiling in the Adirondacks. We are THE snowmobiling destination inside the Park. Premium experiences including trail riding, vintage snowmobile races on Lake Harris, home cooked/quality food, non-ethanol gasoline, and Adirondack lodging are automatic when you come to town. The quality of everything here is unmatched, including the fun. Here are some of our favorite trails around the region that we love to ride on!

1. Newcomb - Indian Lake (C8A) 

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Recently opened up and widened, this 25-mile trail traveling on old logging roads is well maintained with gorgeous views, including Goodnow Mountain and the small but pretty Fishing Brook Range. It is groomed every other day during the week and on the weekends. This trail is over land with no water crossings. It does, however, pass several beautiful lakes and ponds, so the scenery is excellent. The trail has clear and visible signage to ensure rider safety. Information kiosks are located strategically at major junctions/intersections along this trail. Food, gas, lodging, parking, and medical services are all accessible in both directions on this trail.

2. Newcomb - Long Lake (C8A to C7B)  

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Recently opened up and widened, this 22-mile trail traveling on old logging roads is well maintained with plenty of winter wonderland views. It is groomed every other day during the week and on the weekends. This trail is mostly over land with some water crossings. After circling Goodnow Mountain, change to C7B en route to expansive Long Lake. The trail has clear and visible signage to ensure rider safety and maximize fun. Information kiosks are located strategically at major junctions/intersections along this trail. Food, gas, lodging, and parking are all accessible in both directions on this trail.

3. Olmstead Trail 

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A 3.5-mile narrow technical trail from the Gate House at Great Camp Santanoni to the NYS Lake Harris Campground. It is a local bypass, on land, around Lake Harris. It is well maintained and groomed every other day during the week and on weekends. The Gate House at Great Camp Santanoni is a unique spot that is a must see.

4. Indian Trail 

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A 1.5-mile scenic trail along the Hudson River, through the High Peaks Golf Course to Overlook Park. On a clear day, Overlook Park offers exceptional views of the High Peaks. Two separate medical services (the Newcomb Health Center and the Newcomb Emergency Squad) can be accessed from Overlook Park. There is no outlet on this trail. 

Where to refuel

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After a day on the trails, you'll need to refuel your sled and your stomach. The Newcomb Cafe & Campground has a gas pump and a delicious diner for breakfast and lunch serving up homestyle classics that will warm your belly. Head just down the road to the Lake Harris Lodge and enjoy a hot meal in front of one of their large stone fireplaces. They also have a bar with local brews where you can grab a drink and warm up in front of the fire or overlooking the lake.

Whether you're making your first trip to Newcomb or your twentieth, you'll find the trails to be well groomed, spacious, and full of beautiful scenery. Local riders are friendly and full of good tips on where to go next, so if you happen to see fellow riders at the Cafe or Lake Harris Lodge, don't be afraid to stop and say hi. Start planning your next adventure today and have a great, snowy winter!

**Crossing frozen water bodies is dangerous and is not recommended.

**The reason you may see media of people not wearing masks on our website is because all footage is from prior years. More than ever we all need to be vigilant about maintaining social distance of 6 feet or more and wearing masks when we cannot social distance.

The Adirondack Hub is full of unique shopping opportunities where you’ll surely find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. You won’t find chain stores here, but rather the cutest mom and pop shops full of uniquely crafted gifts and treasures. 

Pine Cone Mercantile 

The Pine Cone Mercantile is a wonderful space in Schroon Lake where you’ll find plenty of beautiful decor for your home or camp. The store is packed full of artwork, furniture, decor, and more. You’ll definitely find a wonderful gift here for someone special on your list, or maybe just for yourself! Northwoods Bread Co. is in the back for fresh bakery goods, and there is a small market space within the store as well for fresh produce from local farms. 

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Pine Haven Cottage

Owner Jayne handcrafts many of the items in this cute shop in Newcomb. This little gift shop is full of camp, cottage, and woodsy decor, baby items, cards, florals, vintage items and more, with an eye for retro camp style decorating. If you're shopping for the person who has everything, and you need to find a truly unique piece, this is the place. 

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Cloud-Splitter Outfitters 

Cloud-Splitter Outfitters, located in Newcomb, is the perfect place to buy someone the gift of experience. Snowshoeing, hiking, whitewater rafting, whatever it may be, Cloud-Splitter Outfitters' experienced guides will take you on amazing Adirondack adventures in the great outdoors. 

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The Towne Store 

This 6,500 square foot anchor store offers a wide array of items including unique gifts, jewelry, souvenirs, Adirondack books, women’s boutique clothing and accessories, Adirondack decor, linens, bath and kitchen accessories, camping equipment and supplies, sporting goods, toys, and brand name footwear. Pretty much whatever you need, you can find it at the Towne Store in Schroon Lake. 

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Bark Eater Outfitters

Bark Eater Outfitters is full of unique and custom apparel for the Adirondack lover who probably already has too many t-shirts, but one more couldn’t hurt to remember their favorite trip. The store has an entire line of mens, womens, and childrens Adirondack apparel, but they also have a special Schroon Lake and Paradox line. You can find them online or right in downtown Schroon Lake. 

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Paradox Brewery

Located in North Hudson, Paradox Brewery is the area’s beloved brewery. They recently opened their new location down the road from the new Frontier Town Campground with a brand-new indoor tasting room. They’re serving up delicious beers, but you can take some home too, and grab a piece of their merchandise to pair with it for the beer lover in your life.

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I recently had the chance to meet 9 Mile Coffee's owner, Andrew Gushee, this past summer and see the shop's newly renovated building. The renovation that has been made to this space is absolutely incredible. The interior is trendy and welcoming, and the exterior stands out on Schroon Lake's Main Street. It's definitely a space worth spending time in with a cup of coffee or a latte. 9 Mile Coffee Co. used to be across the street from the space it is in now. I wanted to know the story behind this business with all of its recent and exciting changes and upgrades. I asked Andrew some of the questions I had, and the story is a true testimony to setting a goal and achieving it. Even during a pandemic. 

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Where are you from? If you are not originally from the area, what made you decide to move here? 

I am a native of Schroon Lake. I spent the first 19 years of my life in Schroon Lake. My parents were always pretty active in the community. My dad was the captain of the emergency squad for many years. My mother worked as the receptionist at the doctor's office for a long time. Many, many people knew my family. My parents moved from Schroon Lake in 2009 because of my dad’s cancer. In 2013 my family and I moved back to the area. We actually live in the house that I grew up in. When we moved back, I spent two seasons working for a construction company out of Troy. After two years I decided it was time to start my own caretaking and construction business. Small business ownership was the best choice I could have made but it also is the most stressful. 

What made you want to open a business in Schroon Lake? 

In late fall of 2017 the owner of the previous coffee shop in Schroon Lake, a friend, came to me and said that he wasn’t going to reopen. After 15 years he was ready to be done. He offered to sell the business and the building or some combination of it to me. I am not the coffee geek sort of guy. I do like quality things but I have never been a coffee guru. I have always been extremely passionate about Schroon Lake. I realized that Schroon Lake needs a place, a place to hang out and chill, a safe inviting place where community can happen. I longed for that place. The previous coffee shop owner near the end was only open for 2-3 weeks out of the summer and that was it.

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What made you decide to open a coffee shop? 

I teamed up with a friend, a friend who was much more the coffee geek. That is where the idea of 9 Mile was formed. We wanted a cool inviting place where community and camraderie can happen. We asked the previous owner if we could rent his space and some of his kitchen equipment. That is how we started. In June of 2018 we opened up 9 Mile. In case you don’t know, 9 miles is the length of Schroon Lake. We rented the space from the original owner in hopes of building one of the buildings on Main Street and moving into it.

At that time, not much had happened on Main Street. Lisa Hess at the Pine Cone Mercantile was the only one who did anything to a building on Main Street. I would say that Lisa is the pioneer. She started the trend whether she believes it or not. 

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I was sick of everyone talking about revitalization but no one ever did anything. All through the years it has been all talk, but no one other than Lisa had done anything. I decided it was time to put my money where my mouth was and do something about the revitalization of Schroon Lake. After 9 Mile was opened and rolling, we went looking for a building. It was Lisa’s contact with the owner of the old Red Horse Antiques business that let us know the building was an option to buy because it wasn’t even on the market. We looked at another building, but really liked the option to be directly next to Lisa. I believed that the pairing of both businesses side by side would maybe spur on a movement in Schroon Lake. 

In September or 2018 we bought the building. The renovations began right away. Shortly after we started in the fall, Stewart's began their store redo. I was excited that more life was being given to the town through some new cool things.

Where do you get your beans?

All of our coffee comes from Kru Coffee in Saratoga Springs. It is roasted right there in their Saratoga location. This year we worked with them on creating our own 9 Mile Coffee Co. blend, which we introduced early this last summer.

What makes 9 Mile Coffee special?

We bring the upscale big city coffee shop feel into a small town environment. Great customer service is a very high priority. From the first experience of entering our shop to the drinks you leave with, quality drives all that we do. For us, it’s more than just a business exchange; we exist to serve the community. #servepeoplemakecoffee is our motto.

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What is your favorite part of operating a business in the Adirondacks?

We love watching the seasons change and being able to adjust to each one by varying our offerings. The small town feel in Schroon Lake is a fun environment to be able to participate in as well.

What do you offer besides a regular cup of coffee?

We offer lattes, Americanos, cortados, breves, nitro drinks, and just about any type of coffee you would find at an upscale coffee shop.  We make all of our flavored syrups from scratch. We also carry loose leaf teas and chai for the non coffee drinkers as well as hot chocolate. We offer a variety of pastries baked in house each morning. We also offer breakfast sandwiches and a few different lunch options. To deal with the heat of the summer we offer frozen lemonades, frozen coffees, and our most popular summer option: cold brew.

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How has the community response been since you opened two years ago?

The response has been encouraging. It is fun to see a diehard Stewart’s coffee drinker come in for the first time and to watch their reaction to the first few sips of our coffee. Summer brings a boom to the business but it is the locals who help us keep the doors open throughout the rest of the year. We are grateful for our community’s support.

How long did your renovation take and what was your inspiration for it?

I quickly realized that this building renovation was going to be far more involved than it seemed. We now had the oldest standing building on Main Street. What that means from those that told me is, it wasn’t the oldest building still in existence, but it was the oldest one still standing that had not been rebuilt after a fire. The building was built in the 1860’s. 

Our renovation quickly turned very extensive. We removed one of the old additions completely off the back of the building including the foundation. We found major structural problems in multiple areas of the walls. Looking back, I should have torn the entire building down and started fresh. It would have saved me time and money in the end, but we wouldn’t have maintained some of the cool old character. 

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We essentially have a brand new building. What was left of the original structure was stripped clean to the wall studs. None of the existing mechanicals were kept. The entire exterior was rebuilt. The attic and roof structure is all new. I could have cut some corners and saved some money. That philosophy goes against every fiber of my being. I would rather take the time to fix or build something correct the first time, or not do it at all. 

In the end of September of last year, our lease was up for 9 Mile. We had to close because the new space was not completed yet. January of 2020 saw some major changes in business ownership. I essentially took over ownership of 9 Mile and the building entity entirely. In the end of April of this year we finally opened in our new space. Throughout the renovation process, we faced every single surprise and challenge you can imagine. The process almost killed me. We found every problem that you could find in a very old building minus mold thankfully. There were times where I wondered about how the building didn’t collapse on its own over the years. We faced massive renovation issues. We faced financial issues. We faced business philosophy differences leading to great turmoil. Then right before we were ready to reopen 9 Mile after a 7 month hiatus, a global pandemic hits. We laughed at that point. Seriously, my wife Taylor, who is our manager, and I just laughed. We had been through every other challenge and overcome them, what was a global pandemic anyway but just another challenge. 

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We now have been open for almost an entire season in the new space. 9 Mile is becoming that space we envisioned for it. There has been a lot more new and exciting things happening since we started our project. I had hoped that the trend in town would begin by our being inspired by Lisa Hess at the Pine Cone Mercantile to do our own thing. In turn, I had hoped it would encourage others to continue that trend.

Do you work with other local producers, such as artists, farmers, or bakers? 

Once the virus stuff passes, we are looking forward to doing some fun things with our neighbors Pine Cone Mercantile and Northwoods Bread. We have a few collaborations with other local groups and businesses in the works.

What is your favorite off-work activity?

Spending time hanging with the family, mountain biking, and snowmobiling.

Plan a trip to the Adirondack Hub by exploring great outdoor adventures and of course, great food to go along with the great coffee.

 

 

There are many ways to enjoy fall in the Adirondacks. The outdoor opportunities are endless. We’ve picked our top five ways to enjoy the foliage in some of our favorite Adirondack communities. Try one, or try them all. 

1. Have a picnic by Schroon Lake

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The Schroon Lake Beach is a favorite among locals and visitors alike in the summer, but the area surrounding the beach is absolutely beautiful. Maple trees change from green to red, orange, and yellow. Benches on the grass provide a spot to sit and enjoy the view of the lake. Grab takeout from one of your favorite restaurants and walk over to the beach area for a picnic. Enjoy the fresh fall air, the view of the lake, and fall foliage. 

2. Take a scenic drive down Blue Ridge Road

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Blue Ridge Road is a long, scenic stretch of road connecting North Hudson and Newcomb. The road is just over 19 miles long and is lined with trees and hiking trailheads. Pick a day when the sun is out, grab a coffee, and get in your car to enjoy a wonderful display of fall foliage. When you make it to Newcomb, make sure you grab lunch at the Lake Harris Lodge or the Newcomb Cafe. You can eat there, or take your meal to go.

3. Go for a hike in Minerva

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Vanderwhacker Mountain is a great fall hike with a fire tower for the ultimate fall foliage viewing vantage point. It’s about a six mile hike past several wetlands, leading you up to the fire tower overlooking the High Peaks. This is a moderate hike with an elevation of 3,386 feet. Remember to recreate responsibly and respect the outdoors. 

4. Have a beer at Paradox Brewery

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Fall and beer go hand-in-hand. Paradox Brewery is North Hudson’s beloved brewery. Located near the Frontier Town Campground, this brewery recently moved and upgraded their facilities. Their beers are award-winning, and so are the views. The wrap around deck off of the building has a beautiful view. Pair your beer with a view, and you’ve got the ultimate fall experience.

5. Go glamping at the Lake Harris Lodge

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The Lake Harris Lodge is a beautiful new restaurant located in Newcomb, NY, but there are also glamping tents on site. There is currently only one, but there are plans to add three more in the future. The tents are decorated with an Adirondack flair and each comes with its own restroom. The tent that is currently there sits right on the shores of Lake Harris. Picture waking up overlooking the lake and the fall foliage, with the crisp mountain air, and the call of the loons.

As you can see, fall in the Adirondacks is spectacular. There are a number of ways to get out and enjoy the fresh air, and some really unique experiences to try this fall. 

 

The Adirondack Hub is a lot of things: scenic, beautiful, a great destination for fun, and also pretty big. The Hub, an ideal basecamp for adventure, is massively full of mountains, pristine wilderness areas, sparkling lakes, attractions, farm to table restaurants, and so much more. With so much to explore, you might want a little help navigating, right? Well, look no further, your Hub helpers are here!

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Experience Newcomb Smartphone App

Known as the "Heart of the Park," the town of Newcomb is picturesque, family-friendly, and full of small-town charm and activities. Recently, the Town of Newcomb worked with zCivic, an app development company, to create a unique, tourism-focused app to support visitors to the community. The result, the Experience Newcomb smartphone app, is an exciting new guide to discovering Newcomb!

The app includes directories of local businesses, such as food and lodging options, destinations including museums, an events listing, and interactive GPS mapping. Looking for a challenge? Use the app to learn more about the town's unique Experience Newcomb adventure patch program. App users can find detailed information about how to earn each patch along with a form for users to "check-in" to start earning patches right away. Four different patches are awarded for accomplishing designated activities throughout Newcomb. Activities include hiking, paddling, visiting an historic Adirondack Great Camp, and more!

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History aficionados can even use the app to partake in one of Newcomb's most exciting events: Teddy Roosevelt Weekend! Learn all about Teddy Roosevelt’s special connection to Newcomb, NY (the starting point of Roosevelt's midnight ride to the presidency). During TR Weekend, users can use the app to navigate to events with fun things to see and do for the whole family.

Users can download the Experience Newcomb app today on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store and receive push notifications of upcoming events, weather conditions, and more. Visitors to the Town of Newcomb that do not have a smart phone can access the Experience Newcomb app at touch-screen kiosks located strategically throughout the town. There is currently one kiosk inside the café at the Newcomb Café & Campground. The town will be installing five more kiosks throughout Newcomb.

With the app, planning adventures in the Newcomb area has never been easier. The Town of Newcomb continues to deliver small-town hospitality to outdoor enthusiasts near or far.

Adirondack Wayfinder

Adirondack Wayfinder is a tool to help travelers be inspired, dream, and plan. With Wayfinder, explore themed trails highlighting scenic views, breweries, motorcycle tours, farm to table dining, history, family-favorite attractions, and so much more. The Wayfinder is a unique way to learn more about cultural and recreation opportunities throughout the Adirondack Hub, linking communities and exceptional wilderness areas, including Newcomb, North Hudson, and Schroon Lake.

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Looking for a great route for a weekend of leaf peeping? Wayfinder can lead you to the Newcomb overlook on a family-oriented adventure that will help you make memories to last a lifetime. Wayfinder has multiple trails that focus on activities, lodging options, and adventures that kids of all ages will love, from square dancing in Schroon Lake to hiking a historic fire tower. From alpine slopes to the coolest retro dining options, general stores to serene lakes, the Wayfinder is a great tool for personalizing your Hub adventures.

Start from any address and share the trail to your smartphone. All trails are customizable, with options to add lodging and dining, even ice cream! Whether you decide to explore an entire trail or just use the site to get inspired, the curated trails on Adirondack Wayfinder bring the dream of Adirondack travel to you.

Adirondacks, USA Snowmobile app

The 6-million acre Adirondack Park does winter like no where else. When it comes to firing up the sled, the trails in and around the Adirondacks make up one of the biggest trail systems in New York state. Both groomed and backcountry trails provide the heart-pounding exhilaration of smooth cruising through a winter wonderland on some of the finest and most enjoyable trails in the northeast. With so many trails, and plenty of trailside stops to enjoy, deciding where to go and what to do first can be a little overwhelming. To the rescue: the Adirondacks, USA Snowmobile app!

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The app allows snowmobilers to plan amazing adventures throughout the Adirondacks and includes an interactive map and all of the information you need to know about trails, gas stations, stores, restaurants, and lodging properties throughout. From restaurants that cater to sledders to cozy cabins in the woods, the app helps you learn more about local favorites and can't-miss stops. Explore lakeside trails in Schroon Lake or even the trail across frozen, scenic Brant Lake. The snowmobile app will help you find the winter wonderland ride of your dreams!

Download today on the App Store or get it on Google Play.