2 Days in Lake Placid, New York: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary — Wilder With You (2024)

HikingUnited States TravelDestinationsNew York

Written By Juliana Summers

2 Days in Lake Placid, New York: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary — Wilder With You (1)

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Table of Contents:

  • Introduction to Lake Placid

  • Remember to Leave No Trace

  • When to visit Lake Placid, NY

  • Getting to Lake Placid

  • Where to Stay in Lake Placid

  • 2 Day Lake Placid Itinerary

    Day 1: Sunrise hike, brunch + coffee, Olympic sites + brewery/food

    Day 2: The best scenic drive, easy hike, water activities + must-visit restaurants

  • Tips for Hiking in the Adirondacks

Introduction to Lake Placid

Welcome to the charming village of Lake Placid, nestled right in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. With its pristine lakes, lush surrounding forests and charming main street, Lake Placid is the ultimate destination for an epic outdoor adventure getaway in the Adirondacks.

After growing up in the Adirondack Park, I can say that without a doubt, Lake Placid is my favorite destination for outdoorsy activities in the mountains. There is something for everyone in this region! We often find ourselves hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and more.

In this blog post, I’m guiding you through a perfect 2 day Lake Placid area itinerary that I have both personally done (many times over) and recommended to friends visiting the area. From the best hikes to the best restaurants and top places to stay in Lake Placid, this guide will allow you to make the most of your visit to this beautiful and wild area of upstate New York.

Remember to Leave No Trace

It is so important to follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace when visiting any beautiful destinations, trails, public land, etc.Especially in the greater Adirondack Mountains area, which has seen an uptick in unprepared hikers in recent years.

  • Plan ahead and prepare.

  • Travel and camp on durable surfaces.

  • Dispose of waste properly.

  • Leave what you find.

  • Minimize campfire impacts (be careful with fire).

  • Respect wildlife.

  • Be considerate of other visitors.

2 Days in Lake Placid, New York: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary — Wilder With You (2)


When to Visit Lake Placid, NY

Lake Placid is a year-round destination, each season offering its own charm. Summer is ideal for outdoor activities, while fall showcases breathtaking foliage (upstate NY rivals New England’s foliage!), and winter turns the town into a snowy wonderland. I’m focusing on a spring through fall visit for this itinerary, but the winter season should absolutely be on your radar!


Typical weather per season:

Spring (March to May):

As the snow begins to melt, the landscape comes to life with vibrant greenery. However, the weather can be quite unpredictable during this time. March can still be chilly with lingering snow, while May brings milder temperatures. Daytime highs range from the 40s to 60s Fahrenheit. It's not the best time for hiking - us locals refer to this (not so fondly) as mud season. But, it is a great time to visit for minimal crowds.

Summer (June to August):

Summer is the peak tourist season in Lake Placid, and for a good reason. The weather is pleasantly warm with daytime highs averaging in the 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. It's a perfect time for outdoor adventures like hiking, mountain biking, swimming in the pristine lakes, and exploring the many, many trails. The evenings are comfortably cool, making it ideal for dining outdoors and enjoying the long daylight hours.

Fall (September to November):

Fall is a spectacular season in Lake Placid when the Adirondack Mountains explode in a riot of colors. The weather gradually cools down, with daytime temperatures ranging from the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit. This is the time to witness the famous fall foliage, go apple picking and take scenic drives through the vibrant forests. September is particularly nice for weather, while early October marks the peak of autumn color.

Winter (December to February):

Lake Placid transforms into a winter wonderland during the cold months. December through February sees snowy conditions, with temperatures typically ranging from the teens to 30s Fahrenheit. Lake Placid is renowned for its winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and so much more. The town comes alive with holiday festivities, and it's an excellent time to cozy up by the fireplace after a day on the slopes.

2 Days in Lake Placid, New York: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary — Wilder With You (3)

Getting to Lake Placid

To reach Lake Placid, you can fly into Albany International Airport or Burlington International Airport and drive from there. It's approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour scenic drive from either airport.

One of the highlights of your trip will be the drive itself! Route 73 (the High Peaks Byway) leads into Lake Placid from I-87, and winds through some of the most beautiful parts of the park.

2 Days in Lake Placid, New York: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary — Wilder With You (4)

Where to stay in or near Lake Placid

There's a wide range of accommodations available in and around the Lake Placid area, from cozy cabins to luxury resorts. Consider staying in a charming lakeside lodge or wilderness cabin for the full Adirondack experience.

Some great options (of all price ranges) include:

Eastwind Hotel $$

The Boha Hotel $$

Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn $$$

Mirror Lake Inn $$$

The Whiteface Lodge $$$

Warner’s Camp (AirBnb in nearby Upper Jay)

Juniper Hill Cabin(AirBnb in nearby Wilmington)

The Good Chalet (AirBnb in Jay)

Heart Lake Wilderness Campground $

Wilmington Notch Campground $

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🐾 Traveling with your dogs? Check out these dog-friendly hotels and cabins in the Adirondack Mountains!

2 Day Lake Placid Itinerary

Day One

Sunrise hike: Start your day with a breathtaking sunrise hike at Mount Jo. The trailhead is just a short drive from Lake Placid, and the rewarding panoramic mountain and lake views are 100% worth the early wake-up call. Note: this trail can get very crowded, so early morning (i.e. before 6:00am) on weekends is a must.For something a bit more strenuous, check out the Balanced Rocks trail or tackle two High Peaks with Cascade & Porter.

Brunch + coffee: After your hike, head to one of Lake Placid's charming cafes or coffee shops, like Capisce Coffee, for an amazing cup of coffee. This Italian coffee house is a must-visit for any coffee enthusiasts.

Looking for some hearty brunch fare? The Breakfast Club, Etc is widely considered the best in town.Big Mountain Deli & Creperie also offers an awesome breakfast menu. Can you tell I LOVE breakfast?Afterwards, pop into Bluesberry Bakery to grab some to-go sweets for later.

Visit the Olympic sites: Explore Lake Placid's Olympic history by visiting the Olympic Sports Complex and the Olympic Jumping Complex. You can even take a thrilling ride on the bobsled track (during the December and February holiday seasons, only).

Breweries + food: End your day with a visit to a local brewery like Big Slide Brewery, which also has a fantastic food menu. Or, stop by a cozy restaurant like Forty Six in the neighboring town of Keene for an extra tasty farm-to-table dinner experience.

2 Days in Lake Placid, New York: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary — Wilder With You (8)

2 Days in Lake Placid, New York: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary — Wilder With You (9)

Day Two

The best scenic drive: Take a scenic drive up the Whiteface Veteran’s Memorial Highway to experience the stunning beauty of the High Peaks region. Make sure to climb the extra ½ mile at the top (or take the elevator, if it’s open) to reach the proper summit! You’ll be greeted with jaw-dropping panoramic views.

*The Whiteface Highway costs $20 per person, and it is open from 8:45-5:30pm seasonally (May 19 - October 9 in 2023).

Easy hike: Enjoy a leisurely hike at High Falls Gorge, a super accessible attraction with stunning waterfalls (four of them, to be exact) and unique suspension bridges. For something with mountain views, try the Cobble Lookout trail. This 2.4 miles round-trip trail is an easy trek out to a wide open rocky summit with panoramic mountain views - perfect for a scenic picnic.

Water activities: Spend your afternoon at Mirror Lake, where you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or even go for a swim. Or, rent a kayak from Raquette River Outfitters in nearby Tupper Lake for the opportunity to launch somewhere a bit more “wild” in nature. For an adventurous swim, head over to the Flume Falls swimming hole near Whiteface.

The best food in town: While this is clearly subjective (we all have our own favorites!), I highly recommend wrapping up your day at Smoke Signals, a local favorite known for its mouthwatering barbecue dishes.For an alternative type of cuisine (American/comfort food with a twist), give Lisa G’s a try - you won’t regret it.

2 Days in Lake Placid, New York: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary — Wilder With You (10)

2 Days in Lake Placid, New York: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary — Wilder With You (11)

Tips for Hiking in the Adirondacks

  • Do Your Homework: Check out the trail you want to hike—how long it is, how tough, and what the conditions are like. Websites like the Adirondack Mountain Club are super helpful for this.

  • Pack Smart: Bring the hiking essentials: a map, compass, extra clothes, a headlamp, a first aid kit, something to start a fire, a repair kit, extra snacks, extra water, and something for emergency shelter.

  • Dress Right: The trails can be rocky and uneven, so wear sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support. Dress in layers so you can adjust to the weather, and go for moisture-wicking clothes instead of cotton.

  • Bear Safety: The Adirondacks have black bears, so be prepared. Carry bear spray when suggested for particular trails, and secure your food. If you're camping overnight, use of bear canisters is required for your food and scented items.

  • Stay Hydrated and Snack Up: Bring a lot of water and high-energy snacks. A CamelBak bag or similar hydration system is super handy. If you need to refill water from streams or lakes, bring a way to purify it like purification tablets or a water filter.

  • Leave No Trace: Keep the trails beautiful by packing out all your trash, sticking to the trails, and not picking plants or bothering wildlife. When hiking with pets, use doggy bags to pack out their business.

  • Know Your Limits: Be honest about your fitness level and experience. Start with easier trails if you’re new or if it's your first time in the Adirondacks. Take breaks when you need to and don’t be afraid to turn back if you’re too tired or the weather gets bad!

🥾 Looking for more trail ideas? Check out these 7 best short hikes in the Adirondack Mountains!

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Enjoy your 2 day trip to Lake Placid!

Lake Placid is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, offering a perfect blend of outdoor exploration, great eats and relaxation. I hope this two day itinerary helps you make the most of your visit to this gem of a town in the Adirondack Mountains!

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2 Days in Lake Placid, New York: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

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2 Days in Lake Placid, New York: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary — Wilder With You (2024)

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Lake Placid? ›

There are many great things to do in Lake Placid throughout every season. However, spring is the most affordable time of year to visit. The famous High Peak trails have become a favorite summer and fall destination, but spring is the best time to go hiking there without worrying about large crowds.

Is it worth going to Lake Placid? ›

New York's Lake Placid Has Stunning Wilderness, a New Boutique Hotel, and the Longest Mountain Roller Coaster in North America. With a mix of old Adirondack charm and modern lodging, Lake Placid makes for a perfect upstate escape.

What is the history of Lake Placid NY? ›

The site was settled in 1800 but was abandoned after crop failures. Resettled during the 1840s, it was promoted in 1850 as a summer resort, and Melvil Dewey (creator of the Dewey Decimal Classification system for libraries) founded the exclusive Lake Placid Club there in 1895.

How much is the gondola ride in Lake Placid? ›

Rates
Cloudsplitter GondolaRate
Adult/Teen (Ages 13-64)$25
Junior/Senior (Ages 7-12/65+)$20
Child (Ages 6 & Under)FREE
Military$20
1 more row

How long is the walk around Mirror Lake in Lake Placid? ›

The Mirror Lake loop is a paved trail that takes you for a scenic 2.7 mile walk around Mirror Lake.

Is lake George better than Lake Placid? ›

Lake George may be larger than the five-mile-long Lake Placid, but Lake Placid tends to be a bit more, well, placid. That's because there's no road access other than one public boat launch (whereas the perimeter of Lake George is lined with several).

Why is Lake Placid so popular? ›

Lake Placid hosted both the 1932 and the 1980 Olympic Winter Games and still hosts world-class sporting events every year. The village and the surrounding area are rich in Olympic history. To learn more, be sure to visit the Lake Placid Olympic Museum downtown at the Olympic Center.

What is Lake Placid best known for? ›

Lake Placid gained international fame as host of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games. Even decades after these two epic events, the region honors its Olympic heritage, operating as a training ground for each new generation of athletes.

What movie was filmed in Lake Placid? ›

A Jar Full of Christmas

In Lake Placid, NY Rose inherits her mom's home, reuniting her with her childhood friend Summer. Sparks fly with old pal Everett, and the trio uses Rose's mom's jam recipe to save the town church, blending nostalgia, love, and community.

What is the sister city of Lake Placid NY? ›

Sister Cities–Lake Placid, New York Lake Placid, FL

Lake Placid, Florida is the only non-Olympic Sister City that has a relationship with Lake Placid, NY.

How big is the crocodile in Lake Placid? ›

The 32-foot (9.8 m) long crocodile was created by Stan Winston Studios.

What is the best time to see the fall foliage in the Adirondacks? ›

They usually reach peak foliage by the first or second week of October. In the Tri-Lakes and High Peaks region, towns like Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake and Lake Placid typically reach their peak by the second week of October.

What is the best time to visit the Adirondacks? ›

The best time to visit the Adirondacks is from May to August, when the weather is warm and the top sites are open for longer hours. But the region can get crowded this time of year, so you should book your accommodations at least three months in advance.

What time is quiet hours in Lake Placid? ›

The playing of any radio, phonograph, television set, amplified or un-amplified musical instruments, loudspeaker, tape recorder, or other electronic sound producing devices, in such manner or with such volume between the hours of 9:30pm and 7:00am the following day so as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose ...

What is the coldest month in Lake Placid? ›

The coldest month of the year in Lake Placid is January, with an average low of 6°F and high of 24°F.

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