Adirondack Mud Season has gotten a bad name. Generally consisting of April and May, it’s the period when snow is melting in the High Peaks, there’s a fair amount of rain in the forecast, and plenty of mud on the trails. The visual image of getting covered in mud doesn’t sound appealing, but it’s really not that bad. People seem to want to avoid mud season in the Adirondacks, but it’s one of my favorite times.

Pure maple syrup is a favorite local treat in the ADK. In fact, New York State is the second-largest producer of maple syrup in the U.S. What I hadn’t fully appreciated before living in the Adirondacks is the different grades and types of maple syrup — from light to dark. Spring is the perfect time for a taste testing trip when sugar shacks are producing in full force. Here are my favorite stops for tasting and buying pure maple syrup.

Just like chicken noodle soup, a walk through the woods to a pond is good for the soul. It’s different from hiking to a mountain top. Not only are these hikes less strenuous, but having a lakeside destination is often much more serene and peaceful. Generally less human traffic. Low key. Usually forested walks. Great in summer if you’re looking to take a dip in the water. Good in the spring mud season when we need to avoid higher elevations — but be prepared with bug spray in black fly season. Ideally, try these trails in autumn to catch reflections of fall color in a crystal clear pond.

I post a lot about hiking and paddling, but recently I went biking for the first time in the Adirondacks. It was excellent! A new favorite activity for sure. While there’s a ton of downhill mountain biking trails in this area, I’m going to focus on road and gravel biking. I’m a newbie, so my experience and recommendations are geared toward entry-level cycling, and family-friendly.

While farmers’ markets are fun, there’s nothing quite like picking up fresh products right on the farm. Going straight to the source. Here’s my favorite driving circuit for picking up delicious goodies in the Adirondacks.

We get plenty of Airbnb guests up for a long weekend in Lake Placid. Sometimes two nights and often three nights. So here’s a suggested itinerary designed for first time visitors with 72 hours in town. This is good for May through October.

Like many, when we first started paddling we rented tandem 2-person canoes. My husband now jokingly refers to them as “divorce boats” because different paddling styles and techniques can sometimes (ahem) result in disputes. Once we tried paddling solo canoes, we never looked back. Here’s why you should try it and what you need to know.

When it comes to packing for your Lake Placid vacay, the biggest tip to remember is you’ll want to dress in layers. It can be warm in the sun, but cold at the top of the mountain, in the shade, and after dark. Avoid cotton clothes (more on that below). And be prepared for afternoon showers. Obviously, packing lists will vary depending on what activities you prefer and how long you plan to stay. Here are a few guidelines based on what we pack.

Three of our favorite hikes with less than 2,000 feet of elevation gain (but more than 1,500 feet of gain). These mountain hikes may not be as difficult as the 46 High Peaks, but they are plenty challenging for many hikers and offer great views. The designation of easy, moderate or hard is completely in the eye of the individual hiker. HYOH! Hike your own hike.

For families traveling with little ones, sometimes a good park is all you need to get some energy out. We got you! Here’s our list of four parks and amusements for kids visiting Lake Placid.

When you hit a few days of cold, wet and rainy weather — it happens — and are on the verge of cabin fever, you can likely find a class, workshop or lecture to change your perspective. Even if it’s an outdoor class, at least you’re having fun while sporting your rain gear. There’s literally something for everyone. We sign up for several each year to break up the hiking/paddling days and meet new people. Here’s a list of activity calendars we check for classes.

There are many reasons why you might be looking for a hike with less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Maybe you’re hiking with kids, dogs, or your parents. Maybe you’re a 46er looking for a nice sunset hike with some friends. Or, maybe you’re a novice and not quite ready to tackle the High Peaks. We all have to start somewhere. HYOH (hike your own hike). Here’s a list of nice hikes under 1,000 feet elevation gain.