Saranac Lake Travel Guide

 
by davecallahan
  •   Saranac Lake
    by davecallahan
  •   Things to Do
    by davecallahan
  • The Agar Camp
      The Agar Camp
    by ExGuyParis
  •   Sports & Outdoors
    by ExGuyParis
  • Tupper Lake, NY
      Tupper Lake, NY
    by ExGuyParis

Explore Saranac Lake

Things to Do  

All Aboard.....

All Aboard....., Saranac Lake

 davecallahan Says:  Adirondack Scenic Railroad.If you like old time trains with steam engines and open-bed cars and fresh air (a bit smoky perhaps) streaming in your face.... then you won't like this at all.These trains are slick modern diesel engines with enclosed cars and picture windows.The... 

Tupper Lake

Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake

 ExGuyParis Says:  A beautiful, unspoiled lake that offers wonderful boating. This summer, we stayed in a small cabin right on the lake. My cousins have several boats on Tupper Lake, and we spent many hours boating, water skiing, tubing, etc. 

See Santa

See Santa, Saranac Lake

 ExGuyParis Says:  Not a lot of people in the world know that the North Pole is located in the Adirondacks, but it is. Santa's Workshop is a tourist attraction located in North Pole, New York.Santa's Workshop was one of the country's first theme parks; it opened in 1949. I have vivid memories... 

On the top of the world looking down on creation

On the top of the world looking down on creation, Saranac Lake

 ExGuyParis Says:  I am one of the little specks at the top of this mountain!There are 46 peaks over 4,000 feet. If you are a hiker, this can become an interesting objective: climb all 46 peaks.The web site below gives information on each of the 46 peaks, the elevations, etc. 

Whiteface Mountain

Whiteface Mountain, Saranac Lake

 ExGuyParis Says:  Hike (or drive) to the top for awe-inspiring views; in the winter, this is a prime skiing site-- the slopes of Whiteface Mountain played a key role in the Lake Placid Winter Olympics (Lake Placid is a short drive from Saranac Lake). In the summer, consider the gondola ride--... 

Hotels  

Adirondack Motel

 86 Opinions

Restaurants  

The Lodge at Lake Clear: Old World Charm

The Lodge at Lake Clear: Old World Charm, Saranac Lake

 ExGuyParis Says:  The Lodge at Lake Clear (Hohmeyer's Lake Clear Lodge)What makes this restaurant special? The beauty of the location-- a 100 year old Adirondack Lodge on a beautiful Lake; the charm of the owners; the quality of the food. The lodge also provides beautiful overnight... 

Howard Johnson's (HoJo's!!): Howard Johnson's (HoJo's!!)

Howard Johnson's (HoJo's!!): Howard Johnson's (HoJo's!!), Saranac Lake

 NBouvier Says:  The menu is extensive but the Food Bar offers up such a high quality of options at such a great price!! Friendly atmoshphere and great service make this one a favorite in my family!! The whole Food Bar!!! Michelob Amber Bach (on tap!!) Hometown brew of Moose Island Ale is... 

Nightlife  

Blue Moon Cafe: Light food , Intimate beer and wine
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Prince1958 1 reviews

We spent the night in Saranac Lake unexpectadley last week and happened upon a great little cafe that just started serving at night. We spoke to the owner and found that they had just gotten their beer and wine permit. It's newly remodeled inside and has a great eclectic menu. The food was excellent and the staff was efficient, but very casual.

Updated Jan 16, 2010

Address: Main Street in Saranac Lake

Related to:
 Food and Dining
 Wine Tasting
 Beer Tasting

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Local Customs  

Winter Carnival

Winter Carnival, Saranac Lake

 davecallahan Says:  The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is a two-week festival of everything that means winter/snow/cold.110 years of recelebrating winter (2007) has not diminshed the excitement that the townsfolk and visitors feel during the festivities. Parades, King/Queen elections, food... 

The Great Camps

The Great Camps, Saranac Lake

 ExGuyParis Says:  Many of the Adirondack "Camps" (rustic private homes built by the wealthy) still stand. Here is a beautiful example. And new construction on the Adirondack lakes often mirrors this classic style. 

Warnings and Dangers  

crime stats
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1.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

davecallahan 2821 reviews
water safety program

The crime statistics for the Saranac Lake show the region to be "below average" for any crime risks. Like many touristy areas, it does have its share of thefts. There is only one sex offender registered for the entire region.
The only real danger here may come from lack of water safety by tourists. Make sure your kids are protected and your boat is well-equipped.

To make sure you have a safe and pleasant time in Saranac Lake, just follow a few simple rules. Lock your doors (car and motel room). Put valuables out of sight in a secure place (like the trunk of your car). Act like a native and not like a silly tourist (being inconspicuous makes you less likely to be a target for a criminal). Go to unfamiliar places in a group or at least during the day when other tourists are likely to be around.

Updated Jan 18, 2009

Related to:
 Road Trip
 Seniors
 Family Travel

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Tourist Traps  

"Hike" to see the Falls
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3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

ExGuyParis 349 reviews
One of the High Falls

Many of the Adirondack’s natural wonders are free. There are scores of waterfalls that you can view if you don’t mind hiking.

High Falls Gorge, like its cousin Ausable Chasm, charges you to see an impressive piece of the Ausable River. Here, a series of three waterfalls are easily accessed via paths, bridges, and walkways. The three falls— Main, Rainbow, and Climax— are all accessible on a half-mile round-trip walk. I list this as a tourist trap, because it has a lot of those trappings, but the falls are worth seeing.

The Summer 2003 fee is $8. The falls are also open in the winter; you can rent snowshoes for walking in a winter wonderland.

High Falls Gorge is 8 miles east of Lake Placid on Route 86, 1/4 mile west of Whiteface Mountain Ski Center.

There is a restaurant, a picnic area, and, of course, a gift shop. Doesn’t everyone need High Falls Gorge bumper sticker?

Unique Suggestions: Visit the web site:

http://highfallsgorge.com/index.shtml

Fun Alternatives: If you have the stamina, hike to Rainbow Falls instead ( see the tip in Off the Beaten Path).

Updated Mar 7, 2003

Related to:
 National/State Park
 Hiking and Walking

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Off The Beaten Path  

Rugged Beauty and Adventure

Rugged Beauty and Adventure, Saranac Lake

 ExGuyParis Says:  This is me, working up the courage to jump at the Gulch. I am fortunate to have dozens of cousings who live in the Adirondacks. All have a deep love and appreciation for the beauty of their environment, and they know of countless "secret" places like this, well off the... 

Fall Into the Gulch

Fall Into the Gulch, Saranac Lake

 ExGuyParis Says:  Way off the beaten path... I can't even remember where. Close to Keene, I believe. This spot, called "The Gulch," was a favorite of mine. A chilly, whirling pool of water, a cliff that gave perfect access from above, and a large dose of courage (and/or a youthful sense of... 

Hike to Rainbow Falls

Hike to Rainbow Falls, Saranac Lake

 ExGuyParis Says:  One of my favorite hikes in the Adirondacks is the trail to Rainbow Falls. Along the way you pass the Ausable Club, an impressive old building, and Ausable Lake, a jewel wedged between two mountains. You pass through a beautiful gate, and walk through deep woods. Eventually... 

John Brown's Body

John Brown's Body, Saranac Lake

 ExGuyParis Says:  John Brown's body lies a-mold'ring in the grave—for real! The actual grave of John Brown can be found on Route 73 in Lake Placid at the John Brown Farm State Historic Site. The grave is located on the farm where the noted abolitionist was working before his Harper’s Ferry... 

Sports & Outdoors  

Saranac Inn Golf

Saranac Inn Golf, Saranac Lake

 davecallahan Says:  This is a nicely manicured course that opens from June to October. The fairways are mostly wide open with a few young trees planted for decoration. The course is very hilly and provides a great deal of exercise for those who do not have a cart.from the ads:" The course was... 

Canoe Forever

Canoe Forever, Saranac Lake

 ExGuyParis Says:  The Adirondacks offer a multitude of choices for canoeing. Here , the scenery we experienced last month on a several hour journey.This trip began at the lower dam at Lows Lake, reached via a dirt road off of Rte. 421 (close to Tupper Lake). The Bog River Flow provides seven... 

Favorites  

Go to the heart of the...

Go to the heart of the..., Saranac Lake

 NBouvier Says:  Go to the heart of the village(Berkley Square) and just park and walk.Lots of great shops to browse. Stop at Little Italy for some great food!!! If you feel like a short drive then the Howard Johnson's in Lake Placid is the best deal for the money. Great food and even better... 

Hike up Mt. Baker! short hike...

Hike up Mt. Baker! short hike..., Saranac Lake

 Sir_Tar Says:  Hike up Mt. Baker! short hike but beautiful views! Walk through the village, there are great walking paths that can be found on a map at the local Chamber. (town hall).Our village is located right next to Lake Flower. Casa del Sol (mexican) is a favorite amoung the locals,... 

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Map of Saranac Lake