Two Takes on Winter in Hamilton County

The journey is the destination in Hamilton County

Experience winter the Adirondack way, as you wind your way through the small towns of Hamilton County, stopping along the route for good eats, grand views, and great fun! Whether you're traveling as a family, a couple, or your spirit is yearning for a solo adventure, you'll love the two sample tours we've put together! Plan each as its own outing, or link them together for a grand winter tour through Hamilton County.

Tour 1 Itinerary: Blue Mountain Lake – Indian Lake – Speculator

Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast at Chef Darrell's Mountain Diner in Blue Mountain Lake. An authentic diner experience with classic diner fare (and a few creative twists) makes this one of the best can't-miss experiences in the area! True to diner tradition, Chef Darrell's Mountain Diner serves breakfast all day long, so you can sleep late and still have your favorites for your first meal of the day. The diner also offers a full menu of lunch and dinner specialties with lots of comfort food dishes, perfect for a winter's day.

A couple sits at a diner booth at Chef Darrell's Mountain Diner in Blue Mountain Lake

Next, make your way over to the Route 30 Overlook in Indian Lake. The State Overlook and Rest Area is just one mile south of the Route 28 / Route 30 intersection, and is one of the best spots around to stop and soak up the scenery. This is a beautiful place to stop any time of year, and especially dazzling on a winter's day when the landscape is covered in snow. An interpretive sign has been placed at the overlook, identifying the distant peaks and other points of interest.

A couple wearing winter clothing looks toward snow covered mountains in the distance at the Route 30 Overlook in Indian Lake

A half-hour drive south on Route 30 (approximately 24 miles) will land you in Speculator, proudly known as the "all-season vacationland", where you can spend the day playing in the snow at Oak Mountain Ski Center. If skiing, tubing, or snowshoeing isn't in your plan for the day, explore the area's extensive network of trails by snowmobile. Close out the day with a fun visit to Lemon Tree Brewery, where you'll find craft beers, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, and plenty of comfortable seating near the fireplace.

Two people ski down a downhill slope at Oak Mountain Ski Center

A couple toast glasses of beer near a fireplace indoors at The Lemon Tree brewery in Speculator

Tour 2 Itinerary: Long Lake – Raquette Lake – Inlet

Begin the day in Long Lake and visit the Adirondack landmark Hoss's Country Corner. This well-known, much-loved general store in the heart of Hamilton County has been serving customers for more than 40 years and carries just about everything under the sun! Shop for all of your needs – from snacks and drinks to books and maps to winter gear – or find something fun to take home with you to remember your trip.

The front of Hoss's Country Corner in Long Lake NY

When you're done shopping and ready for some outdoor fun, take a quick drive just down the road to the Mt. Sabattis Recreation Area for some of the best sledding and ice skating you can find anywhere in the Adirondacks. If your time on the ice just isn't quite enough, head over to Lake Eaton and test out your ice fishing skills!

Two younger kids hold hands with an older kid as they all skate on the outdoor ice rink at Mt Sabattis Recreation Area in Long Lake

A man and two children crowd onto a sled on a snowy slope

All of that wintry fun is sure to work up an appetite! Raquette Lake Hotel &Tap Room in Raquette Lake is a great spot for everyone in your group to warm up and fuel up for more outdoor adventure! After lunch, make your way to Fern Park Recreation Area in Inlet for cross-country skiing and classic wintertime fun!