A village in Northeast New York, Saranac Lake has only 5,000 permanent residents. While there are no golf courses directly on Saranac Lake, the village offers numerous opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and fresh air. There are also several sport events in the area, including the Great Adirondack Days' canoe race and Can-Am Rugby, the largest rugby tournament in the United States.
Mountains and Lakes
The Saranac Lake village lies within the Adirondack Park and provides easy access to hiking, biking and other outdoor pursuits. Climbing is also possible in the nearby mountains, and many back country hiking trails can be found by those who want to venture into the wilderness for more than just a short day hike. Mt. Marcy and Algonquin are both within reach; they offer challenging hikes. Saranac Lake is within driving distance of Lake Placid, and visitors who want a more affordable or quieter destination often lodge in Saranac. Boating upstream to Lake Champlain is especially popular in autumn. Opportunities for horseback riding and camping can also be found within the park.
Saranac Area Chamber of Commerce
30 Main St
(518) 891-1990
saranaclake.com
Winter Activities
During winter, Saranac Lake turns into a magical snow village; this is also the busy season. Both downhill and cross-country skiing opportunities abound in the area; visitors may also choose to try snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The 10-day annual winter carnival offers a parade (complete with drums and bagpipes) and a life-size ice palace. Several sporting events are held during the winter carnival, including alpine ski races, snowshoe competitions, snow volleyball, softball on snowshoes and a nordic ski race. There is also a display of traditional logging skills.
Winter Events Information
193 River Street
Saranac Lake, NY 12983
(518) 891-1990
saranaclakewintercarnival.com
Robert Louis Stevenson's Cottage
The famous writer spent the winter of 1888 in Saranac Lake; he stayed in a cottage that has been converted into a museum holding the world's largest collection of Stevenson's possessions. The collection includes handwritten letters, childhood photographs, Stevenson's velvet smoking jacket, furniture and even a lock of his hair. The cottage is located west of Moody Pond and near the lake, and it's a great place for a stroll or a picnic.
Robert Louis Stevenson's Cottage
44 Stevenson Ln
Saranac Lake, NY 12983-1975
(518) 891-1990
adirondacks.com/robertlstevenson.html
About The Author
Sarah Dray has been writing since 1996. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications, including "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.
Photo Credits
Mwanner: commons.wikimedia.org
