I recently came across the blog and Instagram account @wonders_within_reach, and was really inspired by this family’s experience traveling and finding accessible family adventures. This is a darling family of five with a 3rd grader and two kindergartners, one of whom has spina bifida and is in a wheelchair. I especially loved their story — and very positive experience — traveling to the Adirondacks. In addition to the sites mentioned in their blog, it got me thinking about other activities around Lake Placid that are accessible for all.

The more research I’ve done on accessibility in the Adirondacks, the more I’ve found. Here’s what I recommend.

1. Whiteface Mountain tops my list because it’s such a powerful and motivating experience standing on the peak of one of the highest mountains in New York State. Visitors are rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view. For a bit of history, the Veterans Memorial Highway, which goes most of the way to the top, was opened in 1935 and dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who by that time used a wheelchair. Roosevelt also had an elevator — carved inside the mountaintop — constructed to help visitors from the parking lot to the summit. The top parking lot has good views of it’s own, but the elevator goes the additional 250 feet to the summit. Before you go, be sure to check to make sure the highway is open and that the elevator is operating. It’s only open mid-May through mid-October. The toll booth charges $20/person. Kids 6 and younger are free.

2. Another way to see Whiteface Mountain is from the CloudSplitter Gondola ride. During the warm summer and fall months, the wheelchair accessible eight-passenger gondola carries you from the Main Base Lodge to the summit of Little Whiteface Mountain. Soar over streams, ski trails, steep rock faces and thick forests. You won’t reach the summit peak from this ride, but at the top you can soak in the views of Lake Placid and the High Peaks Region from the accessible observation deck and picnic area. Tickets are $25/adults, $20/kids and seniors, and free for children 6 and under.

3. High Fall Gorge is along the road from Lake Placid to Wilmington. It’s a beautiful drive along Route 86. Since the1890s, this privately owned attraction has provided safe trail access for all ages to an otherwise inaccessible narrow granite walled gorge with spectacular waterfalls. Specifically, they offer a wheelchair and stroller accessible gravel-surfaced Easy Path Trail that’s a 1/2 mile roundtrip loop. There are no stairs on this section of the trail, plus benches along the way. The High Falls Gorge is open summer and winter, but closed the months of April and November. Ticket prices are different for the different seasons, but range up to $17.50 for adults in winter, with reduced prices for kids aged 4 - 12, and little ones 3 years and younger are free.

4. The Flume River Trail is also right off Route 86, roughly between the Gorge and the Veterans Memorial Highway. I walked it recently and the River Trail section has a wide, fairly compacted gravel trail that’s pretty flat — and has beautiful views along the Ausable River. It’s also a nice area for those interested in birding. One reason I mention this trail is because it’s not only lovely but also free. So there’s that. Use the parking lot that’s just past the Hungry Trout restaurant.

5. The Olympic Ski Jump is accessible via an ADA-compliant Skyride, an eight-passenger pulse gondola to transport you up to the base of the ski jumping towers. From there, it’s paved to get to the glass elevator, which takes you to the sky deck of the 128 meter ski jump. The elevator ride gives a stunning bird’s-eye view of the Adirondack High Peaks. Tickets for the gondola are $20/adults, $15/kids, and children 6 and younger are free. Check my previous post for more commentary.

6. Another Olympic venue, Mt. Van Hoevenberg Complex boasts the only combined bobsled, luge and skeleton track east of the Rockies. You can watch athletes practice, take a tour of the property, or enjoy a bobsled run down the Olympic track! Both the bobsled and luge have accessible options on a case-by-case basis, but it’s not recommended for people with head, neck or bone injuries, recent surgery, heart trouble, high blood pressure, heart conditions or who are pregnant. Visitors interested in the bobsled or luge offerings should call the office in advance to confirm accessibility arrangements (518-523-2811). The three floors of the property can be accessed via elevator, allowing all visitors to explore the facility, go on tours, and witness athletes as they train. For those who wish to take a tour of the bobsled run, a vehicle is available to transport you as well as any mobility aids or devices to the top and, when your tour is completed, back down. Call before you go. Tours are $15/adults and $10/kids under 13. Experience Bobsled is $125/person. Reservations needed.

7. The Cliffside Coaster at Mt. Van Hoevenberg follows the 1932 Olympic bobsled track. Pretty cool. This scenic ride is accessible to all with a friendly and accommodating staff ready to support your needs. Reservations are needed, and it’s recommended you call in advance to confirm accessibility arrangements (518-523-2811). Similar to Experience Bobsled, it’s not recommended for people with head, neck or bone injuries, recent surgery, heart trouble, high blood pressure, heart conditions or who are pregnant. Tickets are $55/adults and $10 for kids riding with an adult. It’s open summer and fall.

8. While we’re thinking about the Olympics, the Lake Placid Olympic & Paralympic Training Center might often be overlooked, but they offer free tours and are accessible for all.

9. Lake Placid Boat Tours is well known for their narrated 16-mile tour of the lake on a covered pontoon boat. They offer a wooden lamp that enables the boat to be accessible via wheelchair from the dock. Tickets are $20/adults and $15/kids. Available summer and fall.

10. If you head down to Tupper Lake, about 45 minutes from Lake Placid, for a visit to the Wild Center (see below), then you might also want to check out the Adirondack Sky Center after dark. The center’s observing conditions, with their telescopes and dark skies, are some of the best in the country! They have a relatively limited schedule for when they’re open to the public, which is free, but you can also book a private viewing for $150 for groups of up to 20 people.

11. A bit farther afield is the Adirondack Experience Museum, which I always enjoy. The museum on Blue Mountain Lake has lots of classic ADK structures, exhibits and all kinds of old boats and canoes. Wheelchairs, wheeled walkers and strollers are available on a first come, first served basis. Their gravel paths between buildings are wide and mostly flat (excluding their hiking trails). You can access services, including a sighted guide, that are available upon prior request. Heads up: they recommend that you email info@theadkx.org one week in advance to request services. Tickets are $18/adults, $16/seniors and $10/youth. They’re open late May through early October.

    
    

    Since the Wonders Within Reach blog did such a fantastic job covering the places they visited, I won’t go into detail on these. But they’re never the less fantastic and worthy of this list!

12. The Wild Center

13. John Dillon Park

14. Paul Smith’s VIC

15. Adirondack Carousel

More travel tips for Lake Placid and Wilmington, check the Lake Placid visitor website and the Whiteface Region website. Also Saranac Lake and here.

Coming Soon! Last, but not least, the first section of the new Adirondack Rail Trail is expected to open in the fall of 2023 between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. The Rail Trail will have a road-like surface with no more than a 2% grade. People of all ages and physical abilities will be able to enjoy safe, healthful exercise, commune with nature, and soak up Adirondack history in a peaceful, safe, scenic setting along the path.