We do winter differently

It's no secret that Hamilton County keeps busy year-round, especially in winter. When our many lakes freeze over and beloved hiking trails are blanketed in snow, you know it's time to bring out the snowshoes and rev up the snowmobiles! Outdoor adventures aside, the region is primed with cozy lodges and restaurants to tuck into and escape the cold, with authentically Adirondack flavors that will have you asking for seconds. Discover how our towns do winter!

Long Lake 

If you’re looking for an authentically Adirondack winter surrounded by frozen lakes, sprawling trails, and cozy corners to tuck into out of the weather, you’ve come to the right town. Winter birding here is an unforgettable experience, with chances to spot species like the Red Crossbill, along with Winter Finches, White-winged Crossbills, Pine Siskins, and more amid the serene beauty of the Adirondacks. For family fun, Mt. Sabattis offers classic winter activities like sledding and ice skating, with a warming hut to warm your mitts and sip on some hot cocoa! What's more, the rink offers completely free skates to use, in any size you need. 

Curious about the region’s rich natural history and wildlife? Just nearby resides The Wild Center, a state-of-the-art, outdoor and indoor experience on 81-acres that lets visitors of all ages get closer to the natural world. During the holiday season, walk through the Wild Lights, where thousands of lights transform the campus into a twinkling, family-friendly experience that is sure to become a holiday tradition for all. 

The Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) in Newcomb offers 236 acres of environmental education, along with over 3.5 miles of scenic, surfaced trails complemented by indoor exhibits, lectures, films, and naturalist-led guided walks. 

Get in on the action

Long Lake’s dining scene is connected to its rich roots in the Adirondacks, from local sandwich shops like the ADK Trading Post, to the Long View Lodge bringing cozy, locally-sourced dining experiences to your table. Start the day with a classic diner breakfast; the perfect preamble before a day out in the snow. Speaking of snow, don’t miss the Long Lake Winter Carnival, where games, fireworks, and the annual "Ladies Frying Pan Toss" bring the whole community together for a weekend of laughter and excitement. 

The Speculator and Lake Pleasant area live up to their reputation as an “all-season vacationland," especially in winter. Oak Mountain is a fantastic place to start your winter getaway, offering skiing, snowboarding, and tubing that cater to all ages and skill levels, with friendly prices and an easy-going atmosphere. Beyond the slopes, the Sacandaga Pathway and nearby fire tower hikes reward you with serene winter landscapes, while Route 66, a whimsical stretch with vintage signs, adds a nostalgic touch to your journey.

If you’re looking for a more Scandinavian-inspired trip, visit Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center. Ski through peaceful, snow-covered woods straight out of a storybook, assured to keep you on the trails all day long. Rentals are available, and even cozy lodges on the property for days of prime skiing. 

After a day of play, tuck into local pubs and breweries to unwind. Lemon Tree Brewery in Speculator is perfect for weary adventurers. Offering twelve taps, eight wines, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks, you’ll be unwinding in their spacious barroom in no time. While you’re there, take advantage of the stone fireplace!

If you’re spending the day at Oak Mountain, you have to visit their Acorn Pub and Eatery. The casually-creative menu hails to the mountain’s rich history, with specials’ nights and rotating themed Saturdays, keeping the vibes going on and off the slopes. 

A thrillingly outdoor winter escape can be found in Indian Lake and Blue Mountain Lake this season, where outdoorsmen and women have hailed every year for idyllic conditions for outdoor recreation. 

Snowmobiling is king here, with an extensive network of groomed trails winding through breathtaking winter forests and connecting to nearby towns, making it an adventure lover's dream. You’ll find locals and visitors alike take advantage of the fresh powder and groomed trails; and you'll find many of your trail buddies in the local restaurants and pubs after! 

Prime ice fishing can be found here as well, with plenty of ponds and lakes dotting the region, stocked with fish. Shanty towns dot the lakes during the colder months, look out from the road and you’ll see a wide variety of tents and set ups, from years of fishing tradition passed down for generations. Trout, perch, and northern pike can be found in these waters, the key is patience! 

Snowshoeing offers a slower-paced, yet equally rewarding, way to experience the pristine snow-covered wilderness, with trails that lead to hidden viewpoints and quiet stretches of forest. 

Dubbed "the little town that could," Inlet shows again and again why it's the perfect place to spend your winters. At Fern Park, you'll find the perfect spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Meticulously maintained and groomed, this cross-country ski and snowshoe trail system offers something for everyone from beginners to seasoned backcountry adventurers. In the mood for some night skiing? There are 1.2-miles of lit trails waiting to be explored! A bonus: an ice skating rink also lives here; perfect for practicing your spins. 

In need of some new gear before your next adventure? Pedals and Petals in town offers convenient rentals for everything winter, from cross-country skis and snowshoes, to ice skates and winter apparel. Snowmobiling is a major draw here, with easy access to the extensive Old Forge Trail System, one of the region's top snowmobiling networks. Explore miles of scenic trails that connect you to nearby towns and scenic lookouts. If you're looking for some lowkey downhill skiing, just a short drive away, McCauley Mountain Ski Area offers downhill action with incredible mountain views, 21 trails, and a 633-ft vertical, making it perfect for thrill-seekers. 

Of course you're hungry by now! Luckily, like its neighbors, Inlet knows how to pamper itself after a day out in the snowy tundra. The Ole Barn is a mainstay for snowmobilers due to its ease of access, and its selection of incredible comfort food and drinks. The Screamen Eagle just down the road is home to mouth watering pizzas with an extensive wing collection (our personal favorite being the peanut butter wings).

See you out there!

With winter just getting started, we're hoping for snowy trails and many days spent on the icy lake. From town to town, you'll see how each one gets up to their own unique wintry fun this season.