Summer in the Adironack High Peaks
Hiking | Biking | Waterfalls | Olympic Attractions | Family Fun | Scenic Adventures
Summer Guide to the Adirondack High Peaks
Experience the best of summer in Lake Placid, Wilmington, Jay, and the surrounding High Peaks region. From scenic mountain drives and waterfalls to kayaking, swimming, hiking, biking, Olympic attractions, and family adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during your Adirondack getaway.
Spend a day at one of our Beaches and go Swimming, Canoeing, Kayaking
Lake Everest, Wilmington, NY
A beautiful swimmable beach in Wilmington featuring kayak launches, picnic areas, BBQ grills, a playground, and dog-friendly grassy areas.
Mirror Lake, Lake Placid, NY
Enjoy swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding with beautiful mountain views surrounding the lake. Public access areas and rentals nearby make it easy to spend a relaxing afternoon on the water, and one end of the lake is dog friendly for guests traveling with pets.
Jay Covered Bridge, Jay, NY
A scenic local favorite with swimming access and historic charm.
Enjoy Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort for scenic hikes, rides, or mountain biking
Hiking
Whiteface Mountain offers incredible hiking opportunities with breathtaking views of the Adirondack High Peaks. Visitors can explore scenic mountain trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging summit hikes, all surrounded by alpine scenery, fresh mountain air, and panoramic vistas. Adventurous hikers can ride the gondola or drive the Whiteface Memorial Highway before continuing on foot to the summit for unforgettable 360-degree views. During the summer and fall seasons, Whiteface is one of the Adirondacks’ premier destinations for outdoor adventure and mountain exploration.
Whiteface Mountain Race on 4 July, 2026
Cheer on the runners in the Whiteface Mountain Race. Held at Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, the Whiteface Mountain Race challenges runners with steep climbs, rugged descents, and incredible elevation gain through the heart of the Adirondack High Peaks. Known for its demanding terrain and breathtaking mountain scenery, this event attracts endurance athletes seeking one of the East Coast’s most unforgettable mountain racing experiences. Surrounded by panoramic views and Olympic history, participants push themselves on one of the Adirondacks’ most iconic peaks.
Scenic Highway
Drive the scenic Whiteface Memorial Highway and experience some of the most spectacular panoramic views in the Adirondacks. This unforgettable mountain drive climbs toward the summit of Whiteface Mountain, offering breathtaking overlooks, dramatic High Peaks scenery, and incredible photo opportunities along the way. At the top, visitors can hike the remaining distance to the summit or take the mountain elevator to the observation area for stunning 360-degree views stretching across New York, Vermont, and even into Canada on clear days.
Mountain Biking
Whiteface Mountain is a popular destination for mountain biking in the Adirondacks, offering scenic terrain, fresh mountain air, and incredible High Peaks views. Riders can explore nearby biking trails ranging from beginner-friendly paths to more adventurous routes through forests, rolling terrain, and mountain landscapes.
Scenic Views
Enjoy swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding with beautiful mountain views surrounding the lake. Public access areas and rentals nearby make it easy to spend a relaxing afternoon on the water, and one end of the lake is dog friendly for guests traveling with pets.
Explore Lake Placid for the day
Concerts at the Park in Mirror Lake
Summer evenings in Lake Placid come alive with free outdoor concerts overlooking beautiful Mirror Lake. Visitors can enjoy everything from live rock, blues, folk, and jazz performances during the popular Songs at Mirror Lake series at Mid’s Park to lakeside classical performances by the renowned Lake Placid Sinfonietta. Bring a chair or blanket, stroll Main Street, and enjoy live music surrounded by stunning Adirondack mountain scenery and fresh summer air.
Figure Skating Championships at the Olympic Center on 25 to 27 June, 2026
Enjoy swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding with beautiful mountain views surrounding the lake. Public access areas and rentals nearby make it easy to spend a relaxing afternoon on the water, and one end of the lake is dog friendly for guests traveling with pets.