Adirondacks "To-Go"

[simdream]

Hi,

I'm planning a 3 day Buffalo-to-NYC roadtrip (late June)
And I need some help with "tackling" the Adirondacks.

I'm not sure which route to take through the park and which places are worth spending time at (searching the forum has been very helpful but I need more info).

My planned route is:
Buffalo - Old Forge - Blue Mountain Lake - Lake Placid - Ausable Chasm - Lake George - NYC

I've prepared a Google Maps route which you can view

Additional relevant info:
- Not from USA
- Travelling single
- Car is a rental


Any input would be greatly appreciated!


Thanks,
Gideon

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

Well, Gideon, I'm not sure what you're looking for. Your route is certainly one that will get you to the Adirondacks and on to New York in good order, and the spots you list as intermediate destinations are certainly reasonable. The Adirondacks are basically a forest preserve, so it's not like there are a lot of 'attractions' in the usual sense. My own experiences there were mostly canoeing through pristine back country for days at a time without seeing another soul. You might want to take a swing through Lake Placid, the site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, but it won't be winter. Other than that and what you've already got planned, have a look here and here for natural wonders as well as here and here for ideas on commercial attractions

AZBuck

[simdream]

Thank you AZBuck for the very helpful links.

I'm mainly looking for scenic roads and short, moderate hikes.

The "Central Adirondacks Trail" looks great but seems a bit too short for 3 days driving (is it?)
That's why I thought about heading north at Blue Mountain towards Ausable Chasm.
However, I wonder if that's not too much for 3 days.
(I'd like to only drive during daylight and no more than 5 hours per day)

I also read that Lakes Placid and George are very popular summer vacation resorts and I'd like to avoid the crowds as much as possible.
I'm looking for "alternate" places along the route which are less crowded.

Basically I'm wondering how to continue after visiting the "Adirondacks Museum" at Blue Mountain.


Thanks,
Gideon

[AZBuck]

OK, Your whole trip is only about 656 miles over three days, so you'll have lots of time for those scenic drives and hikes. All of the places you list are well worth seeing. After Blue Mountain Lake, I think my preferred plan of attack would be to hike Ausable Chasm and then take a scenic drive generally along the Lakes to Locks Passage down the Hudson River Valley stopping at some of the old pre-Revolutionary forts on the way, such as Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point.

AZBuck