According to a 2021 survey conducted by EDC Warren County and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), nearly 25% of about 6,775 individuals polled said they plan to move to the Adirondacks within the next five years.
If you’re considering a move to the ADK to be closer to nature and recreational opportunities, you’re in luck – the entire Park has so much to offer year-round! Get a rundown of things to do in the Adirondacks for folks looking to make that move from New York City or other more populated areas. You might be surprised at the festivals and fun you’ll find, in addition to solitude and wilderness.
Outdoor Recreation From Hiking to Rail Biking
With over 2,000 miles of hiking trails and more than 3,000 lakes and ponds (not to mention rivers) in the Adirondacks, outdoor recreational opportunities abound. From beginner- and kid-friendly hiking spots to the High Peaks, guided hikes, and hiking challenges, it’s truly a hiker’s paradise. Plus, there are abundant opportunities for camping (private and state campgrounds plus backcountry camping), mountain biking, fishing, boating, paddling, and more water-based activities.
Photo credit: Alan NudiIn addition, you’ll find multiple, highly rated whitewater rafting outfitters, treetop/zipline adventure parks, and other outdoor fun you might not have thought of: rock climbing, rail biking, hot air ballooning, and even scenic airplane flights from companies like Adirondack Aviation Academy.
Winter Recreation: Much More Than Skiing
Yes, the winters can be long in the Adirondacks, with snow falling as early as October (and September in some of the higher elevations!) and continuing through April. But the outdoor fun continues all year with downhill skiing at major ski resorts like Gore and smaller mountains like Oak Mountain, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding, dog sledding, ice fishing, ice climbing, and more.
Two outdoor winter activities a bit more unique include horse-drawn sleigh rides from businesses like Country Dreams Farm or snowmobiling, which you can experience from organizations that specialize in getting beginners into the activity, like C+C Snowmobile Tours.
Year-Round Carnivals & Events
When it comes to annual events in the Adirondacks, the festivals and fun don’t stop when the temperatures drop. Enjoy winter carnivals in Lake George, Brant Lake, Old Forge, Saranac Lake, and other areas, in addition to Oktoberfests and more in autumn, tours of maple sugar houses in the spring, and summer concert series, food truck festivals, and county fairs when the weather gets warm.
Adirondack towns and villages tend to be community-oriented, putting on smaller, often family-friendly events throughout the year as well: Third Thursday Art Walks in Saranac Lake, guided hikes with Adirondack Experience or Paul Smith’s College, plays and theatrical performances from Pendragon Theatre, fishing and ice fishing derbies in Long Lake and Tupper Lake, just to name a few!
Thinking of a Move? Here Are a Few More Considerations
Additional considerations for a move to the Adirondacks might include looking at how far away you’ll be from a grocery store and how strong your internet connection will be, especially if you’re working from home.
As you narrow down your search and decide on your top priorities from recreation to school districts, let me guide the way and answer your questions when you’re looking at real estate in the Adirondacks. I’m particularly knowledgeable on the southern Adirondack region, including Lake George, Bolton Landing, and Queensbury (where you’ll love the broadband access and proximity to stores, restaurants, and more!).