Signing up for a guided group hike/paddle or hiring a private guide can add serious value to your ADK experience. Whether you’re experienced and frequent the ADK or it’s your first visit to this area. A guided trip can uncover new, less crowded trails, bolster your existing skills, help you conquer next-level challenges, or teach you about native wildlife and plants. Whether you’re solo, with friends or traveling with kids and dogs, there are many economical options to fit your priorities and budget.

Lately I’ve been talking to a number of guests who are planning their very first visit to the Adirondacks. Since not everyone lives near mountains, a first-time ADK trip sometimes involves investing in some gear. But there’s really no reason to invest in expensive gear unless or until you’re going to be using it on a more regular basis. With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of top budget gear recommendations for newbies.

The Adirondack region is home to a healthy population of nearly 4,000 black bears, The important thing we can all do when out in the wilderness is to make sure we store food properly. Recommendations from the NY DEC with respect to bear canisters in the Adirondacks.

Here’s my list of top 10 best summer activities around Lake Placid. All these recommendations are within 30 miles or 45 minutes from the village, and most are in town.

There are some good eats in Lake Placid! You just have to know where to go. Here’s my list of our favorite spots in and around town.

Let’s be real. Lake Placid is a small village (population 2,245) in a rural area. It’s not the big city; it’s not even a small city. Here are some tips, so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.

We love hosting families at the cottage, and summer is a great time to plan a Lake Placid visit with the kiddos. I’ve put together this list of recommendations for a precious family we know with a 10 year old and an 8 year old. They all love outdoor activities, so family-friendly hikes, paddles and swimming top the list!

Whether I’m trip planning, in Lake Placid, or just wishing I was there, I love to see great photos, activity inspiration and ADK updates in my Instagram feed. Here are 10 accounts to follow.

I already have Adirondack summer events on my mind. Looking ahead to the months of June, July and August, there are a number of great arts and theatre performances worthy of planning a trip around.

The thing about the Adirondacks, is it rains a lot. Often it’s just showers passing through in the morning or afternoon, and is otherwise clear. Anyhow, if you’re in the shopping mood and looking for something to protect you from the rain, here are some jackets, capes and ponchos that I’ve been drooling over.

Adirondack Mud Season has gotten a bad name. Generally consisting of April and May, it’s the period when snow is melting in the High Peaks, there’s a fair amount of rain in the forecast, and plenty of mud on the trails. The visual image of getting covered in mud doesn’t sound appealing, but it’s really not that bad. People seem to want to avoid mud season in the Adirondacks, but it’s one of my favorite times.

As we do a lot more hiking, paddling and camping — outdoor activities in general — I find myself seeking out specialty gear and clothing designed for women, usually by women, for the outdoors. Things like backpacks that better fit a woman’s body. And amenities that enable us to more comfortably pee outdoors. Here are a few of my favorite items and online shops.