The Adirondacks have always held a special place in my heart. When I was in high school, my family spent summers at my uncle’s cabin not far from Lake Placid. Those visits became some of my fondest memories, filled with swimming in cool lakes, wandering through quiet forests, and looking up at crystal clear night skies filled with more stars than I had ever seen before.
Years later, when one of my closest friends announced his wedding in western Massachusetts, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to return. Victor had never been to the Adirondacks, and I wanted to share with him the magic of this corner of upstate New York. We decided to turn the trip into a family gathering as well, with my parents and brothers joining us at my uncle’s cabin. What followed was a journey filled with a few travel hiccups, plenty of exploration, and moments that reminded me why this place has always felt like a second home.
The Journey
Getting to the Adirondacks is rarely straightforward. Victor and I flew from London to Boston, planning to connect on a small plane to Saranac Lake. But our second flight was abruptly cancelled, leaving us stranded at Logan Airport.
After hours of waiting and weighing options, the airline arranged ground transport. Everyone booked on that flight was escorted into two large black SUVs, and we were driven directly to my uncle’s cabin. The ride stretched on for five hours, winding through rural New England and into northern New York. We arrived late at night, tired but relieved to have made it.
The next morning, I woke to a familiar sight: a clear blue sky arching over the Adirondack peaks. The air felt cool and crisp, and the quiet of the forest carried me instantly back to my teenage summers.
High Falls Gorge
Our first outing was to High Falls Gorge, a natural wonder carved by the Ausable River. It is a place where the landscape seems alive, shaped by water over thousands of years. Wooden walkways and bridges guide visitors along the cliffs and across the river, giving you the feeling of being suspended right above the churning water.
High Falls Gorge is not only a spectacle of natural beauty, but also a glimpse into the geological history of the Adirondacks. Signs along the way explained how glaciers and rivers shaped this dramatic landscape over millennia. It made the experience feel even richer, as though we were not just admiring scenery but also travelling back through time.
After our visit, we returned to my uncle’s cabin and spent some time walking around the property. One of the highlights was visiting the small lake on his land, its surface reflecting the surrounding trees and mountains. The quiet water, the chirping of birds, and the gentle rustling of leaves created a perfect contrast to the rushing waterfalls we had just seen, giving us a chance to slow down and soak in the serene beauty of the Adirondacks.
Lake Placid
The next day, we made our way into Lake Placid, a village best known as the site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. There is a unique charm here, part small mountain town and part historic sports hub.
We wandered the main street, dipping into shops filled with Adirondack souvenirs, local crafts, and plenty of maple everything.
After exploring the Olympic grounds, we slowed down and spent some time at Mirror Lake, which sits right at the heart of the village. The lake is small and calm, almost perfectly round, and it lives up to its name with water so still that it reflects the surrounding mountains and sky like a mirror. Canoes and paddleboards drifted lazily across the surface, their ripples breaking the glassy water for just a moment before it settled back into perfect calm.
That evening, we lingered in the village a little longer, enjoying the mix of energy from visitors and the stillness of the mountains surrounding us. Lake Placid struck both of us as a place that manages to feel alive without ever losing its sense of calm.
Ausable Chasm
The following morning, we drove out to Ausable Chasm, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks.” The nickname is not exaggerated. The gorge stretches dramatically, with sandstone cliffs rising above the river below. We explored the trails that wind along the rim, pausing at overlooks where the view opens into vast, jagged rock formations. At times, the river thundered below us, at others, it slowed into calm, emerald pools. There is a rawness to Ausable Chasm, a reminder of the scale and power of nature.
Next, we made our way to the Inner Sanctum, stepping into the heart of the chasm along scenic nature trails set within a primaeval Adirondack forest. The path led us past Rainbow Falls, with water cascading over mossy rocks, Elephant’s Head, a striking rock formation jutting out from the cliffs, and Column Rock, a vertical monolith carved by centuries of river flow. We also passed Hyde’s Cave and the eerie quiet of Mystic Gorge, feeling the ancient presence of the landscape around us.
After walking the trail by the water, we joined a raft float tour that carried us right into the heart of the gorge. The pace was gentle, allowing us to look up at the towering cliffs from below, which gave us an entirely different perspective than the trails above. The guide pointed out rock formations shaped over thousands of years and shared stories about the history of the area. The water sparkled in the sunlight, and now and then we drifted through narrow passages where the canyon walls felt close enough to touch.
We continued exploring Ausable Chasm on foot by taking the Dry Chasm Trail. This trail meanders through two smaller “dry” chasms, narrow rocky passages where the river does not flow, giving a different sense of the gorge’s dramatic geology. Walking these chasms, we admired the towering cliffs, jagged rock formations, and quiet beauty of the forest that surrounds them. Experiencing both the float and the Dry Chasm Trail gave us a full perspective of the gorge, from rushing water to the quiet, rugged rock corridors carved by time.
By midday, we were ready for lunch back in Lake Placid. We stopped at the Dack Shack, a casual spot with hearty food perfect after a morning of hiking and rafting.
Later that afternoon, we treated ourselves to a relaxed drink at the Whiteface Lodge bar, sinking into leather chairs while recalling the day’s adventures. The Lodge has always been special for my family. It was where we would go for special family dinners with my uncle and cousins, celebrating milestones and simply enjoying being together. It was nice to share this place with Victor now, too.
Little Whiteface and Olympic Views
Our last full day began with a ride up the gondola to Little Whiteface Mountain. From the summit, we were greeted with sweeping views of the High Peaks region, layer upon layer of green ridges stretching into the horizon. The air was crisp and cool, even in summer, and we lingered at the top, taking photos and simply breathing it all in.
Back in Lake Placid, we spent some time at the ice rinks at the Olympic Center. Even though it was not during a competition, there were teams actively training on the ice. Watching them practice, focused and precise, gave a sense of the dedication and discipline that have made Lake Placid a world-class Olympic venue. The energy of the place, combined with the echoes of past champions, made it easy to imagine the excitement of the Winter Games.
We then stopped at the Olympic Museum, which turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip. The museum tells the story of how this small mountain village twice became the focus of the world during the Winter Games. Walking through the exhibits, we were surrounded by artefacts from both the 1932 and 1980 Olympics. There were medals and uniforms on display, along with photographs that captured the intensity and excitement of the competitions.
One of the most memorable exhibits centred on the “Miracle on Ice.” Seeing the sticks and skates used during that historic hockey game, and watching footage of the final minutes, gave me chills. Even for Victor, who had not grown up with the story, it was impossible not to feel the energy of that underdog victory.
The museum also highlighted the endurance of athletes in other sports, from ski jumping to figure skating. We marvelled at old equipment, noticing how much smaller and less aerodynamic the gear seemed compared to modern technology. It was fascinating to see how both the sports and the athletes had evolved over time, while the heart of competition remained the same.
What impressed me most was how deeply Lake Placid embraced its Olympic legacy. The museum did not just focus on the competitions but also on the volunteers, organisers, and community members who helped make the games possible. It reminded us that the Olympics are as much about people and place as they are about records and medals.
Victor left the museum, saying he finally understood why Lake Placid is not just another mountain town. It is a place where history was made, where ordinary people witnessed extraordinary moments, and where the spirit of the Adirondacks shone brightly for the world to see.
Fly Fishing
That afternoon, we had arranged something completely new for Victor, a fly fishing lesson. Standing knee-deep in a quiet stretch of river, rod in hand, he quickly discovered that fly fishing is as much about patience and rhythm as it is about catching fish. The sun glinted off the water, dragonflies hovered just above the surface, and time seemed to slow down.
Even though we did not catch much, the experience was unforgettable. It was an immersion into the slower, more meditative side of the Adirondacks.
That evening, we returned to my uncle’s cabin for a bonfire. The flames crackled as we sat together, my family gathered in a circle, sharing stories late into the night. Above us, the Adirondack sky once again revealed its endless canopy of stars.
This was the moment I had been waiting for, to share with Victor the Adirondack skies I had always remembered. Without city lights, the Milky Way stretched vividly across the heavens. We sat in quiet awe, the cool night air on our faces, the warmth of the fire at our feet. It felt like the perfect way to close our time in the mountains.
Farewell, For Now
The next morning came too quickly. At six o’clock, we were back at the tiny Saranac Lake airport, clutching coffee and hoping this flight would actually take off. To our relief, it did, carrying us south to Boston and onward to the next chapter of our journey.
Leaving the Adirondacks is never easy, but this trip reminded me why the mountains remain such a deep part of who I am. Sharing them with Victor made it all the more meaningful. The Adirondacks are not just a destination. They are a feeling—a mix of nostalgia, adventure, and stillness. And no matter how far life takes me, I know I will always find my way back.
The Adirondacks will always be waiting, with clear skies, quiet forests, and stars that never fade.
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