New York's Stunning Lake Boasts Pristine Water And Adirondack Mountain Views

Imagine yourself in a charming village, with the breathtaking Adirondack Mountains in the background, reflected in a pristine and shimmering lake. The air is crisp and clean, and you're ready to set out for some sightseeing, hiking, and paddling. Forget sweating on a sweltering tropical beach with sand sticking to your body. Here, you can visit a town which was home to the Olympics more than once, has plenty to do, and was even named one of New York's best retirement destinations. Welcome to Lake Placid in Upstate New York. Around 66 miles south of the Canadian border, this spot hosted the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, charming the world with its beauty. Sitting right on the pristine Mirror Lake, with Lake Placid itself off to the side, this pretty village is exactly what you need for a cozy vacation, no matter what time of year you visit.

To begin your Adirondack adventure, you can fly into Adirondack Regional Airport, which is less than 20 miles away; Plattsburgh International Airport, which is 48 miles away; or Burlington International Airport, which is 62 miles away. You'll need a car to get around, but it's worth it to visit this lovely place. There are lots of options in terms of where to stay, though you may want to check out the historic yet modern Grand Adirondack Hotel, with its charming guest rooms, mouthwatering Marcy restaurant, and history that dates back to the late 19th century.

Lake Placid is famous for its Olympic past, and The Olympic Center features facilities like the USA Practice Rink, the James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval, and the Lake Placid Olympic Museum. You can actually skate in the rinks, one of which was where the "Miracle on Ice" game was played between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Take ice skating lessons, go on a tour of the facility, and even try curling. The Olympic Museum has the second-largest Winter Olympic artifact collection on the continent, with exhibits on how the village came to host in the first place, what it takes to be an Olympic athlete, each of the games it hosted, the legacy that the events left behind, and more. Admission is $15 for adults at the time of this writing, with separate pricing for kids, groups, and seniors. You can also pay a visit to the Olympic Jumping Complex, where you can take a gondola up to the top of the ski jumps for a gorgeous mountain view, or zipline along the path of the HS 100-meter jump.

In the spring and summer, hit Mirror Lake Boat Rental on Main Street to rent sailboats, paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and more from the time the ice melts through mid-October. Drifting quietly around the beautiful lake (with no gas-powered boats allowed) is a recipe for relaxation. Mirror Lake is also great for a swim.

Make sure to get in some shopping during your visit. The Adirondack Mountain Club, located at the High Peaks Information Center, has everything you need for your outdoor adventures, while The Maple Shop has all sorts of gifts centered around maple syrup, as well as teas, cheeses, and drinks. You can also hit Lake Placid Comics and Games in case you get snowed in during the winter.

The Lake Placid area is perfect for hiking, particularly on nearby Mount Van Hoevenberg. The eponymous trail is 4.2 miles out-and-back with an 885-foot elevation gain. It's popular and boasts incredible views, though it's considered moderately challenging. You can hike with your dog and even do some cross-country skiing in the area. Also check out the well-marked Mount Van Hoevenberg East Trail, which is 3.7 miles out-and-back with a 974-foot elevation gain.

It's also worth visiting Whiteface Mountain. In the winter, you can do some skiing and snowboarding on the slopes where Olympic skiers competed in 1980 (and on the longest single intermediate run in the Northeast), try bobsledding on an Olympic track, attempt Nordic skiing, and more. You can ride up the mountain on the Cloudsplitter Gondola (and visit the Maple Smoke BBQ Food Truck afterward) as well. In the summer, do yoga on the mountain or play disc golf under the sun. It's also the best time to rent a bike in town and ride around the area or do some mountain biking, as Lake Placid has some fantastic trails for it. Some of the best include the Lussi and Logger Trails and the Craig Woods Trails.

While you're in the area, you should definitely check out the nearby Ausable Chasm, aka the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks. This outdoor adventure area is less than an hour away from Lake Placid and has everything you need for a family outing. There is a family-friendly via ferrata-style trail that features cable bridges, a cargo net climb, rock climbing, and other challenges. (You have to be at least 8 years old to participate.) There is seasonal rappelling to try out for everyone from beginners to experienced climbers, rock climbing, raft floating tours, trails, and more. Tickets do tend to sell out, so get there early.