The 20 Best Things to Do in the Adirondacks

Heron Pond Hideaway is ideally located just minutes from Gore Mountain skiing, making it the perfect base for winter adventures. In every season, our lodge puts you close to family-friendly things to do in the Adirondacks. From exploring hidden lakes and scenic trailheads to hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities, our Adirondack cabin for large groups is designed to be your ultimate home base.

One of the top things to do in the Adirondacks is explore the vast trail network. While there are more choices than you'll have time for, one of our favorite "hidden gems" near our cabin is the Moxham Mountain Trail.

• The Hike: This moderately challenging 5.3-mile round-trip trail takes about 3 hours and rewards you with incredible views throughout.
• The Experience: Unlike many Adirondack hikes that only offer a view at the top, Moxham climbs steadily through beautiful forest with multiple scenic overlooks along the way—including a great vantage point of Gore Mountain.
• The Summit: At the 2,418-foot summit, you'll be treated to sweeping panoramic views of the Hudson River Valley and the southern Adirondack Mountains. It’s the ideal spot to rest, refuel, and take in the natural beauty without the crowds of the High Peaks.
• Host Tip: The Moxham Mountain trailhead is just a 5-minute drive from our front door. Staying this close means you can hit the trail early and enjoy the summit all to yourself before the day-trippers arrive!

Looking for family-friendly things to do in the Adirondacks that are away from the crowds? Minerva Lake and Donnelly Beach offer year-round fun just a 7-minute drive from our cabin.

• Summer Fun: Rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard to explore the lake’s three scenic islands. The beach features a lifeguard-staffed swimming area, playgrounds, basketball courts, seasonal food stands, and picnic tables—perfect for a full day of relaxation.
• Winter "Insider" Tip: Most visitors don't realize you can lace up your skates for free ice skating on the frozen lake or at the outdoor rink under the pavilion. If you call ahead, the town will even turn on the lights for night skating!
• The Heron Pond Perk: Don’t worry about packing heavy gear! When you stay with us, we provide a collection of ice skates in various sizes. If we don’t have your size, the town also offers skates for rent at the beach. In the warmer months, guests are also welcome to use our assortment of beach-day extras, including floats, tubes, noodles, a few life jackets in assorted sizes, and sand toys—perfect for easy, spontaneous beach days with kids.

When it comes to things to do in the Adirondacks in winter, Gore Mountain—New York’s largest ski resort—is the premier destination. As a local host, I always recommend it as a hub for cold-weather adventure--and did we mention it's just 15 minutes from Heron Pond Hideaway? 🙂

Winter at Gore Mountain
Gore Mountain skiing offers a massive variety of terrain that caters to every skill level. Whether you are a beginner or looking for steep glades, you'll find:

• 100+ Trails & 14 Lifts: Plenty of room to explore across four distinct peaks.
• Terrain Parks: Dedicated areas for snowboarding and freestyle skiing.
• Nordic Center: The renowned center at the North Creek Ski Bowl offers world-class cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with many trails lit for evening use.

Summer & Fall Activities
But the fun doesn't stop when the snow melts! In the warmer months, Gore Mountain activities shift to the lush green slopes:

• Scenic Gondola Rides: Take the Northwoods Gondola for breathtaking Adirondack views—perfect for families or photographers.
• Mountain Biking & Hiking: Access over 14 miles of trails. You can even bring your bike up the lift to test your skills on the 1,700-foot vertical descent.
• Family Fun: Enjoy a round of disc golf at the Airbender Woods course or visit during the Mountain Master Craft Series for local crafts and live music.

For a hands-on adventure that's equal parts fun and surprisingly fascinating, the Garnet Mine tour is a great pick for both kids and adults and lets you explore the world’s largest garnet deposit. Discover the history and geology of the area, try your hand at finding your own garnets, and see how these deep red gemstones are cut and polished. You can even create your own souvenir jewelry. It's a very reasonably priced, family-friendly outdoor activity where you may even learn a little history along the way.

If you are looking for the most thrilling things to do in the Adirondacks, whitewater rafting the Hudson River Gorge is a world-class experience. Located right here in the Gore Mountain area, the Hudson is consistently ranked among the top rafting destinations on the East Coast.

• Spring (The Wild Ride): Starting in April, snowmelt creates high-intensity rapids. It is the most thrilling time for Adirondack whitewater rafting, but be prepared for cold water!
• Summer & Fall (Family Fun): For a more relaxed trip with swimming opportunities, the warmer months offer gentler conditions perfect for families (ages 8+).
• Pro Tip: Hudson River releases are dam-controlled and only run on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays so plan ahead!

Exclusive Guest Discount: We highly recommend our local partners at Beaver Brook Outfitters. They are experts in the region and their guides are fantastic. As a bonus, Heron Pond Hideaway guests receive an exclusive $15 per person discount—contact us after booking for your code!

Explore downtown North Creek for a variety of locally made and curated goods, from art and antiques to home goods, chocolates, coffee, and ice cream. Don’t miss the Hudson River Trading Company, a local favorite! When hunger strikes, enjoy several wonderful restaurants, including one led by a talented contestant from Hell's Kitchen. Visit North Creek's website for all of the details.

This is one of our family’s favorite things to do in the Adirondacks regardless of the season! Located just minutes away in North Creek, Revolution Rail Co. offers a one-of-a-kind experience where you pedal a 2- or 4-person rail bike along historic tracks through the Adirondack forest and over the Hudson River.

• Seasonal Highlights: In the fall, the colorful foliage along the river is spectacular. In the summer, you can even pair your ride with a lazy river tubing trip for a full day of "rail and river" fun.
• The Twilight Tour: For a truly special evening, the Twilight Tour is a "can't-miss." Enjoy a sunset ride, a cozy campfire with s’mores at the turnaround point, and a return trip under the stars with lanterns and glow sticks.
• Pro Tip: These tours sell out weeks in advance, especially during the fall. We recommend booking your rail bike tour as soon as you confirm your stay at Heron Pond Hideaway.

In our opinion, the Natural Stone Bridge and Caves is one of the most family-friendly things to do in the Adirondacks. It is equally fascinating for adults and kids, offering a mix of education and adventure just a short drive from the cabin.

• The Cave Trail: Walk the 3/4-mile self-guided nature trail to explore Sawmill Site Waterfalls, Artists' Gorge, and ancient potholes. The highlight is descending into the Stone Bridge, the largest marble cave entrance in the eastern US, where you'll find lighted caves and mysterious pools. (Note: The trail has over 500 stairs and takes about 45–60 minutes).
• Family Fun: Your ticket includes access to a playground, climbing wall, and "Dino Dig." There are also two additional hiking trails on-site with stunning Adirondack views.
• Adventure Seekers: For the true adrenaline seeker, keep an eye on their guided 3-4 hour adventure cave crawl. Note that this is a seasonal "hidden gem" only offered in July and August, and is frequently paused due to water levels or log jams in the caves. It’s a rigorous, wet, and muddy experience—definitely call ahead to see if it’s running during your stay!
• Winter Activities: When the snow falls, explore 14.5 miles of premier snowshoeing trails, or visit for the annual Stone Bridge Caveman Extreme Snowshoe Race.

If your ideal Adirondack day involves a quiet pond, a tackle box, and a decent shot at brook trout, this area delivers some of the best and most under-fished waters in the East, making it a true fisherman’s paradise. Located at the edge of the Siamese Ponds Wilderness and Upper Hudson River, the town of Johnsburg makes a great home base for your Adirondack fishing adventure. Bring your own gear, stop by Crossroads for bait, then head to one of the area’s remote ponds, streams, or rivers for an unforgettable brook trout fishing experience. Popular spots include John Pond, Clear Pond, and Thirteenth Lake, all known for their excellent trout fishing. Just remember, a valid fishing license is required--yes, they really do check.

Originally built in 1893 for the wealthy Pruyn family, Camp Santanoni is a quintessential Adirondack Great Camp and a must-visit for history buffs. Nestled within a nearly 13,000-acre preserve, this National Historic Landmark is one of the earliest and best-preserved examples of the iconic Great Camp architectural style.

• Year-Round Exploration: Whether you are looking for things to do in the Adirondacks in summer or winter, Santanoni is open year-round. Self-guided winter snowshoeing lets visitors explore scenic trails, while guided summer tours provide an in-depth look at the Main Lodge and Farm Complex, perfect for an Adirondack vacation guide itinerary. 
• Getting There: The journey is half the fun! Park at the Gatehouse. The Main Lodge is 5 miles in and no vehicle traffic is permitted. Most visitors choose to cycle the forested trail (bring your own bike or rent from Cloudsplitter Outfitters) or book a relaxing horse-drawn carriage ride.

Special Events: 

• Open House Tours: Buildings at the Main Camp open on select dates throughout the year. These tours give visitors a rare opportunity to explore the historic lodge, farm complex, and supporting buildings. Check the official website for the seasonal schedule and hours.
• Winter Weekends: Held on three weekends in January, February, and March, these events offer rare access to the Main Camp buildings during the winter. The stone Artist’s Studio on Newcomb Lake serves as a cozy Warming Hut, where visitors can enjoy free coffee, tea, or hot chocolate by the woodstove (bring your own cup!). Free snowshoe rentals are available at the Adirondack Interpretive Center (5699 Route 28N, Newcomb) starting at 9 a.m., making it easy to explore the trails.

Our Adirondack vacation guide wouldn't be complete without mentioning Lake George, one of the most popular things to do in the Adirondacks. While the Village is a bit "touristy" for our personal taste, it is a fun destination for a day trip if you are seeking specific events, shopping, or the classic "steamboat" experience.

• Distance: Heron Pond Hideaway is about 45 minutes from Lake George Village.
• Unique Water Experiences: Beyond standard swimming, you can take a historic steamboat cruise on the Minne-Ha-Ha or rent a speedboat to explore the "Narrows"—a section of the lake famous for its high concentration of islands.
• Events & Fireworks: The Village is the area’s hub for major events, like the Adirondack Balloon Festival and the Americade motorcycle rally. During the summer, you can catch spectacular fireworks displays over the water every Thursday night.
• The Strip: This is the place for classic vacation fun: lakefront dining, arcades, local breweries, and "the mini-golf capital of New York."
• Host Tip: Many of our guests use Heron Pond Hideaway as a "Quiet Basecamp." You can enjoy the excitement of Lake George during the day, then escape the traffic to return to the total peace of the cabin in the evening.