Hi all. We have been thinking about buying (second home) in the southern Adirondacks for years. In the area near(ish) to Gore. We’d love to be near a lake. We’ve seen some nice property listed and are wondering whether it’s possible to have a home built affordably. I realize that is a relative concept. For us, that would mean under $550k land and home. We would also rent out when we’re not there. Anyone have experience with home builders? Is it a crazy idea? Especially for people who work full time?

Hi all - looking for a private chef for 8 person family dinner post Christmas. Not a ton of results searching online so thought I'd tap into the pulse here

Thanks for any help

(Photo from this fall on Placid)

This is the summer after the trail through Avalanche Pass was reopened after Hurricane Floyd triggered the slide. We did 6 days on and one day off at Colden from Memorial Day through Labor Day…. So big pack ins.

My dad and I are planning to do Giant sometime this december. Ive read reviews saying its icy and there are bare faces but idk if I should bring our mountaineering crampons. We have microspikes, snowshoe crampons, and mountain crampons all available. Im just not sure about the conditions so Im asking here

P.S we have experience in the high peaks in winter and we have done mountains much harder than Giant like Cotopaxi

Hi friends, I’m hoping to get your feedback on what it’s like living in Saranac Lake; specifically, what the experience is like renting here. Do you feel like you get much bang for your buck? How are landlords/property managers? Is it difficult to find space?

My family of four will be coming to lake placid and be there Sunday and Monday night! We have a 13 year old and 9 year old. We’re staying in an air bnb nearby. What are so must do/see things in the area??(bonus if it’s holiday related since it’s close to Christmas!). The research I’ve done so far is showing that the dog sledding doesn’t start until after Christmas. Thank you so much in advance! Want to make some memories with the kids.

My wife and I have been to the Adirondacks a few times and we love it. Since it’s always been just the two of us, we usually stay in a hotel or airbnb in or around Lake Placid.

Around Summer 2025, we thought it’d be cool to do a large group trip (10+ people, mostly family). Has anyone done this that could offer some planning advice? Particularly lodging and places to stay. Thank you in advance!

Hiya gang!

Me and my buddy are planning to summit mount Marcy in mid december. We were in the High Peaks last year attempting the same, however we both had the wrong gear for the job, and had to turn back early. We are coming back, with better gear and more experience. We're going to hike in from the Garden Parking area just west of Keene, and hike west to Mount Marcy, over Marcy to the other side, head south and into up the valley between Haystack and Basin, and then hike out. Going to be 3 nights planned, with contingencies of course. We are planning on sleeping in the Sno-lo's and have bivys and a rain tarp for our backup. Got a Garmin inreach for emergencies, snowshoes, microspikes, winter sleeping bags, white gas stove and planning on bring 2-3 days extra food in case of white out conditions. Anything else y'all think we need?

Hello everyone! I rented a place for few nights in a camp in the Adirondacks.

Near Cabins at Dillon Hill is where I’m staying. Is there any active road advisory to travel? I’m traveling from Rochester. I do not see any signs of heavy traffic. Just wondering if anyone lives there and if there was anything I needed to be aware of.

Thank you.

Friends and I are planning our first winter summit for this Friday and we’re unsure what to expect. We’re all experienced hikers but have always ended our season in August each year, never attempting something this cold. Any advice, recommendations or descriptions/pictures of the conditions for any mountain in the Adirondacks for this week would be great.

Are there any mountaintops accessible by car in the Adirondacks? Currently in Saranac Lake. Would love to explore the mountains but currently suffering from mobility problems. Thanks in advance.

Yes the Adirondacks get snow. Yes you need snowshoes when there is snow. If you are questioning if you need snowshoes, then you need them. Bring them and not need them rather than need them and not have them. Do research the DEC has backcountry reports (https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hiking/adirondack-backcountry). Plan ahead and prepare properly, I’ve seen a dozen posts asking if you need snowshoes, if you are questioning it bring the snowshoes. You can rent them at the Mountaineer in Keene valley, you can also buy them there. Don’t put rescue personnel in danger because of your irresponsible decisions.

Can I hike the ASRC trail without snow shoes? I can’t see how much snow there is and I’m trying to decide which mountain to hike on Wednesday. If this mountain isn’t good are there any others you guys recommend. First time hiking in New York I’m prepared for the cold just never got around to getting snowshoes.

UPDATE: Got snowshoes and made it to the top!!!!! Somehow my friend and I made it up there and I’m sooooo happy guys thanks for all of the advice. Very very sore though and I think I underestimated the difficulty of the hike lol but i persevered

Me and my SO are planning on going up to lake placid the weekend after Thanksgiving, we'd love to do some hiking but don't have any crampons or snowshoes. Any recommendations for easier trails that wont need them?

Hi everyone, when I was younger my uncle had these wooden trolls in his home. they were probably a foot tall and quite creepy. I tried to find them but my dad said he used to get them at some hardware store either in inlet or old forge. Does anyone remember these? I spent a lot of time at his place when I was little (where my love of godzilla came from) and hes the one that got me into hiking moutains.

if anyone remembers these or knows if they still exist please let me know!

I'm considering a hike to Indian Head on Monday. All in our party have microspikes, but not all have snowshoes. Is there currently enough snow on that trail to require snowshoes?

Hello, anyone can share their opinion about Paul Smiths college? My son is applying to schools and he got direct admissions. We live in San Diego but he is not a typical California kid. Thanks!

Hello, I’ve seen a couple posts on here over the past few years about recommendations on winter hiking boots, but figured I’d make my own now since the seasons coming. I’ve been doing the 46ers over the past couple months (currently 32/46) in Keen Targhee IV’s, and have loved them. Planning to do mainly shorter hikes maybe around LG primarily over the winter, but I did want to do a few more 46ers (and repeat some of my favorites) in the snow, so I figured I’m going to need boots that will get me through that, but I’m not really sure what’s best.

Thank you so much for any advice/input!!

I have some free time to bag a peak this coming week, and am looking into Allen Mountain. Are you 100% guaranteed to get wet when crossing Allen Brook, or is there a way to get across?