Upstate New York

September 16th - September 29th, 2024

The Adirondack Mountains and Niagara Falls

We once again came back to New York (we had been there 2 months previously in New York City and Kingston), but this time we stayed higher north in the Adirondack Mountains.

We stayed for 2 weeks in Lake Placid, which is right in the heart of the high peaks wilderness area. It was also the site of the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Games. We loved our time here and consider it one of our favorite places we’ve been to.

High Falls Gorge

High Falls Gorge is a loop hike featuring an amazing waterfall and a beautiful gorge.

High Falls Gorge

Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake, which is at the center of the town of Lake Placid, is a stunning glassy lake that we paddle boarded on and had an amazing time.

Mirror Lake in Lake Placid

Our Airbnb in Lake Placid. One of our favorites!

Lake Placid

We hiked around Lake Placid (which is what the town is named after), which is a really nice lake.

The Brewster Peninsula trail along Lake Placid

Mount Marcy

Mount Marcy is New York state’s highest point. It’s an epic hike, 15 miles long and 3,500 feet of elevation gain. It provides amazing views of the Adirondack mountains once you reach the top.

Nearing the summit of Mount Marcy

Plaque at the top of Mount Marcy

View from the top of Mount Marcy

Whiteface Mountain

Whiteface Mountain is a nice mountain resort that provides great views of Lake Placid below. When we were there, they put on an Ocktoberfest that we went to which was pretty fun.

View from the top of Whiteface Mountain

Whiteface Mountain summit

Stairs to the Whiteface Mountain summit

Lodge at the top of Whiteface Mountain

Whiteface Mountain

Whiteface Mountain from a lower vantage point

Oktoberfest at Whiteface Mountain

Whiteface Mountain

Oktoberfest at Whiteface Mountain

Whiteface Mountain

Riding the gondola at Whiteface Mountain

Olympic Facilities

The 1932 and 1980 Olympics were hosted in Lake Placid, so they have all the Olympic facilities that you can tour through.

Bobsled at the Olympic facilities

Bobsled track at the Olympic facilities

Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex

View from the top of the Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex

Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex

Ice rink at the Olympic facilities, which is a roller skating rink in the summer

Bobsled track at the Olympic facilities

Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex

Olympic Facilities

Niagara Falls

We went to both the US and Canadian side of the falls, both were amazing. We stayed the night on the Canadian side and did a few different tours/excursions that got you up close and personal with the falls. Niagara Falls definitely live up to the hype in our opinion!