Central Adirondacks
The launchpad to the best of the Adirondack Park.
The Central Adirondacks is a phenomenal jumping-off point to enjoy the many pleasures of the Adirondack region. North of the spectacular Lake George Area, this area has long been a playground for those seeking the ultimate in outdoor recreation.
Most villages in the Central Adirondacks are situated on substantial bodies of water. This is no accident; the earliest tourists to this area in the 19th and early 20th centuries gained access to the region's delights via its plentiful waterways. Visitors to the Central ADK come to experience whitewater rafting on the Hudson River, freshwater fishing, snowmobiling trails, backcountry camping and hiking in the Adirondack Park’s constitutionally protected forest preserves. Towns in the Central Adirondacks include:
Long Lake
Blue Mountain Lake
Indian Lake
Raquette Lake
Speculator
Wells
Among the Central Adirondacks' treasures is the Adirondack Experience at Blue Mountain Lake, which some have deemed the Smithsonian of the Adirondacks. Great Camp Sagamore is also a must-see in the area. This 27-building complex is a National Historic Landmark and allows visitors to immerse themselves in daily life in the Great Camps of the Gilded Age.
Our hand-picked recommendations on where to stay, eat, shop and things to do in the Central Adirondacks.
Search for Anything in the Central Adirondacks
Explore our top recommendations for events from January 29, 2026, and beyond.
Blue Line Coffee House in Old Forge, NY, is a must-visit Adirondack coffee shop.
Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation hosts Loon Zooms provide a lens into the life of the common loon.
Jeff Berry and Elena Lumby from Search and Rescue of the Northern Adirondacks share essentials for winter hiking.
Nick Mir, Co-Owner of Snow Ridge in Turin, NY, joins the ADK Talks podcast to talk about the joys of running an indie ski resort.
The 2025–2026 ski season is poised to keep skiers checking checking snow reports before their morning coffee.
A rare chance to experience an Adirondack great camp in its quietest, most magical season.
Looking for a fresh start that doesn’t involve a gym signup, a juice cleanse, or swearing off carbs until February?
In this episode of ADK Talks, we climb aboard what we’re calling the Holiday Express and take you on a whirlwind tour of the Adirondacks in the holiday season.
If you’ve ever wanted to see the Adirondacks put on a celestial fireworks show, the Geminids are your ticket.
In this episode, we explore what it really means to eat locally in the Adirondacks — all year long
Thanksgiving weekend in the Adirondacks marks the true beginning of the holiday season.
In this episode, we crack open the ADK Talks mailbag — and our listeners did not hold back.
Your guide to the best 2025 Adirondack Turkey Trots—find the top 5Ks, fun runs, and festive races across the Park.
Weekender Hotels is rewriting the script on where (and how) we stay in the Adirondacks.
Discover a gem on the Fulton chain in Inlet, NY.
The Rough Rider rides again—right through the heart of the High Peaks.
A culinary gem south-west of Old Forge that is worth discovering.
In this Halloween-inspired episode, we share more Adirondack ghost stories and paranormal activity.
Fall is rutting season in the Adirondacks, when deer and moose are most active — and most likely to cross your path.
There are still a few great spots for leaf peeping in the Adirondacks, but you'd better act fast.
Lowville’s Cream Cheese Festival — a north country original.
In this episode of the ADK Talks podcast, get the insider intel on the best things to do in the Adirondacks this fall.
The Adirondacks are a treasure trove of naming quirks—charming contradictions where towns, lakes, and landmarks don’t always match up.
In this episode of the ADK Talks podcast, learn about Adirondack conservation hero Paul Schaefer.
To experience the Adirondacks beyond the well-trodden trails and popular overlooks, you need a trusted guide.
In this episode of the ADK Talks podcast, we talk with a legit Adirondack Guide, Matt Burnett, whose work in the wild and in the studio captures both the wild beauty and the human stories of the region.
Step back in time—and into the future of preservation with Erin Tobin from Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH),
Old Forge Hardware has earned a reputation as the quintessential general store of the Adirondacks.
Stay at an authentic Adirondack Great Camp.