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
A curated list Adirondack events this weekend—from art shows to historic openings across the region.
Between Old Forge and Inlet, Eagle Bay House serves some of the most refined yet relaxed dining in the Adirondacks.
At dawn in the Adirondacks, the forest comes alive.
The call of a loon feels timeless—but it’s more fragile than you think.
What began as art hung on chicken wire in a front yard is now a defining Adirondack tradition.
Discover the best events in the Adirondacks this weekend.
What happens when college students trade Wi-Fi for wilderness?
AARCH is preserving Adirondack stories—one beam, brick, and barn at a time. Learn how you can take part.
Loons don’t just visit Adirondack lakes—they return to the same one year after year.
The story didn’t end at Big Moose Lake…Inside the Herkimer jail, investigators say something still lingers.
Easter in the Adirondacks blends snowy peaks, spring traditions, and family fun.
Meet Margaret Emerson, the matriarch of Great Camp Sagamore.
A rowboat. A promise. A murder in the Adirondacks.
The best lobster roll you’ve ever had in the Adirondacks.
Discover Lake Durant Campground in Blue Mountain Lake, NY.
Before Adirondack tourism took hold, Emma Camp Mead was already building a business in Indian Lake.
Cabin fever meets liquid gold.
Learn about women’s history in the Adirondacks on the ADK Talks podcast.
Six planets align on February 28, followed by a total lunar eclipse on March 3.
A year-round cocktail lounge and polished bar blends history, hospitality, and handcrafted cocktails.
Winter in the ADK: Listener questions answered.
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.