November and December are a wonderful time to visit Lake Placid. Festive and bright!

One thing about Lake Placid is there are some great ways to spend a winter day doing activities that you can’t find most other places. At least not quite like this. In the depth of winter — February into early March — when the ice is thick enough on Mirror Lake, you should definitely try out dog sledding and a toboggan ride.

I’m heading up to Lake Placid later this week, and looking forward to a long winter weekend! Temperatures are predicted to range between 15 - 32 degrees, with 4-8” snowfall expected during our stay. This will be a girls trip and we’re not planning to ski, which simplifies things a bit. We’ll certainly be walking around town and could possibly tackle some short winter hikes. Here’s what I’m planning to take.

If you read my previous post on the basic intro to winter hiking and snowshoeing, now you’re excited and ready to try it! Right?! Here are some recommendations to get you out there and moving. Grab some snowshoes and enjoy.

If you’re new to winter hiking, this post is for you. I think there’s some anxiety around hiking or snowshoeing in the winter — the concern of getting cold. But if you prepare well, it can be such a rewarding and peaceful experience. So beautiful to walk softly through the snow covered forest, up to higher ground, looking down on a winter wonderland.

Even in the winter, the mountains are calling. You probably know that Lake Placid hosted past Olympics, but may not realize the vast variety of snow activities you can enjoy in this unique area. Check out these 15 suggestions for fun winter activities in the ADK.

November is here and our cottage is booking up for the holidays! November and December are a wonderful time to visit Lake Placid. Fewer crowds, easy to get a table at your favorite restaurant, holiday shopping deals and plenty of activities.

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.

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.

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.

The Adirondacks and specifically the High Peaks may be hiking nirvana. But sometimes you just want to slow down and wander through the woods. Walk the dog. Let the kids run. Or just go solo and give yourself a chance to breathe in and exhale slowly. Here are seven areas near Lake Placid, NY for a great walk in the woods.