Discover the Great Outdoors: A Day Trip to the Adirondacks from Saratoga Springs
Plan a perfect day trip to the Adirondacks with a scenic drive from Saratoga Springs, NY. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure or a peaceful escape, here are our top picks for things to do in the Adirondack Park.
About the Adirondacks
The Adirondack Park is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States—bigger than Yellowstone, the Everglades, Glacier, and the Grand Canyon National Park combined.
This six-million-acre tract includes over 3,000 ponds and lakes, 2,000 miles of hiking trails, and 46 high peaks to discover. Activities, museums, and more will make each visit unique for day-trippers.
Explore the Adirondacks from the Treetops with Adirondack Extreme
Located about an hour north of Saratoga Springs, Adirondack Extreme is an exceptional place to enjoy a thrill within the Adirondacks.
The ropes course and zipline park features obstacles suspended in the treetops that expand for over two miles. With various course difficulties designed for kids or those looking for a challenge, there is something for the whole family.
For an experience that combines the beauty of the region with the fun of adventure, look nowhere else other than Adirondack Extreme.
Adventure by Water at Adirondack Adventure Center
Only 25 minutes from Saratoga Springs, Adirondack Adventure Center in Lake Luzerne is a convenient source of water-based adventures.
For a chill day, take advantage of their lazy river tubing. Float down the river on calm waters for guaranteed relaxation.
If you’re interested in something more thrilling, their rafting trips will be your pick. Join a tour guide through the class II - III rapids down the Sacandaga River. The trip lasts about two hours and is available for anyone over the age of five.
Or, mix up your adventure and head to the treetop adventure ropes course, which is suspended over 63 feet in the air! You can finish your day by stopping at the next-door Harris Grocery for snacks, sandwiches, souvenirs, and much more.
Many families have described Adirondack Adventure Center as a must-do in the area and said it was a great way to spend time together outdoors.
Witness the Natural Wonders of Ausable Chasm
Natural wonders can be some of the most beautiful places in the world. Ausable Chasm lives up to that standard, with gorgeous cliffs, canyons, and trails.
About an hour and a half north of Saratoga, Ausable Chasm is well worth the trip. Not only do you get unbeatable landscapes, but you also have several ways to explore them.
Take a raft float tour through the chasm, strap on a harness to navigate the adventure trail, go rappelling, or enjoy a river walk beneath the towering 150-foot chasm walls.
With even more ways to interact with the area than just that, there is an adventure no matter where you turn at Ausable Chasm.
See a Waterfall Up Close at High Falls Gorge
Take a trip about two hours north of Saratoga to find High Falls Gorge, a nearly 115-foot-high waterfall.
High Falls Gorge is known for its “nature trail,” which consists of a wooden walkway that winds through the gorge, ultimately ending at the waterfall. The trail leads to an observation deck that overlooks the waterfall, a perfect place to learn more about the gorge or to take photos. Part of the walkway even contains glass floors, giving you breathtaking waterfall views.
Head to High Falls Gorge to walk the renowned nature trail for yourself!
Visit Adirondack River Outfitters, the One-Stop Shop for Adventure
Want to try rock climbing, test your aim in paintball, or swing from the treetops? All of these are a possibility at Adirondack River Outfitters: Adventure Center. Located in North River, only an hour north of Saratoga, it's easy to get your adventure started.
The aerial zipline and ropes course enables anyone ages 9 and up to swing from tree to tree while navigating obstacles and invigorating challenges. For a more natural challenge, test your strength at rock climbing. With beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels available, everyone can experience the joy of climbing.
If you’re not a fan of heights, hop into a game of paintball on their wooded paintball field, known for getting the adrenaline pumping. You could also expand your adventure to include rafting, canoeing, paddling, camping, or hiking.
Adventure awaits you at Adirondack River Outfitters!
Become a Nature Expert at The Wild Center
Making learning fun can typically be a challenge, but not at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake. A two-hour drive from Saratoga will provide an interactive journey detailing the Adirondacks' ins and outs.
The museum features interactive exhibits, live animals, nature walks, and an elevated walkway among the treetops, allowing visitors to explore the Adirondacks in their own way.
One reviewer on Tripadvisor called The Wild Center a “must-visit” and highlighted how the exhibits use humor to keep visitors engaged as they dive into the different activities.
Make the drive to The Wild Center for an engaging lesson that will teach you and your family something new about this amazing region.
Learn the Extensive History of the Adirondacks
As such a large area, it is no surprise that the Adirondack region has a rich history to uncover. The best way to learn that history is to spend the day at the Adirondack Experience, a museum on Blue Mountain Lake only an hour and a half from Saratoga.
This massive museum is spread over 120 acres and 20 buildings. In addition to exploring the museum, visitors can row an authentic guide boat, climb an Adirondack fire tower, hike to a minnow pond, or see live demonstrations.
Past visitors highlighted how much they enjoyed the interactive exhibits and commented on how well the museum captured the region's culture and history.
For those seeking a family-friendly day trip where you can learn something fun, a day at the Adirondack Experience is the trip for you.
Hike Some of the State's Tallest Mountains
Don’t be afraid to journey out into the Adirondacks for some of the best hiking in the area. Whether you are an avid hiker looking for a high peak or a casual hiker searching for a pretty view, there are countless trails to traverse throughout the Adirondacks’ six-million-acre range.
For an extreme challenge, consider hiking Mount Haystack. The trail is a 16.5-mile round-trip adventure, and the summit is at an elevation of 4,960 feet. As the third-highest peak in New York State, it is one of the most demanding and offers a significant test for experienced hikers.
For something milder and more family-friendly, check out Mount Arab. With an easy, one-mile hike to the summit that leads to a fire tower and a museum, this is a great hike for families. You get the joy of a scenic view and cool discoveries without a difficult climb.
No matter what you are looking for, you will likely find it in the Adirondacks.
Traverse Trails on Mountain Bikes at the Garnet Hill Outdoor Center
Travel a little over an hour north of Saratoga to ride the Garnet Hill Outdoor Center trails on a mountain bike. Whether you have experience or not, there are trails for everyone.
Explore dirt and gravel roads on your own or with the accompaniment of a guide. If you aren’t skilled enough for that yet, lessons can be scheduled beforehand. Feel free to rent a bike from the fleet of mountain bikes available for both children and adults.
Garnet Hill ensures you have an adventure to enjoy regardless of your skill level. Begin your mountain biking journey today by visiting Garnet Hill Outdoor Center in North River.
End Your Day Trip With Good Food and Drink
After a day of adventuring, you will need a great bite to eat to end the day. Good thing there is no shortage of good food in the Adirondack area!
The Log House Restaurant at Garnet Hill Lodge is a great place to stop, especially if you take a day trip to the Garnet Hill Outdoor Center. The restaurant specializes in classic American dishes with Adirondack-inspired twists.
If you head farther north into the Adirondacks, the Campfire Adirondack Grill + Bar at Hotel Saranac is another fantastic option. The restaurant has a sophisticated atmosphere and a deep appreciation for the Adirondack heritage.
There are even more places to visit all throughout the park, from Lake Placid Pub & Brewery to Noon Mark Diner in Keene Valley, to barVino in North Creek.
No matter where you end up, these choices will be a great way to conclude your day of adventure.
Explore great dining options in the Saratoga area »
« Back to the Saratoga Day Trip Guide
