Upstate Summer 2023 Recap
- Shauna Plath
- Aug 31, 2023
- 6 min read
Another Upstate New York summer comes to a close and I am once again so grateful for all the outdoorsy opportunities this state has to offer. Even after living here for five summers, I still get to experience new places and new activities for the first time, such as outdoor rock climbing, island camping, and conquering the state’s highest peak. The Adirondack region is one of the most underrated parts of the country for outdoor enthusiasts. I hope my 2023 adventures inspire you to get outside and begin planning your own adventure next year. Here’s what I did…
1. Outdoor Rock Climbing at King Philips Spring Wall
Where: New Russia, NY (take exit 30 on the Northway, turn left onto route 9, parking lot is on the left immediately after you turn onto route 9)
What We Did: My partner and I connected with the AMGA Single Pitch Instructors via a Facebook Group called Adirondack Rock Climbing. They were looking for volunteer "mock clients" who were interested in helping their climbing instructors become certified. We jumped on the incredible opportunity and spent the day climbing in the Adirondacks. The day included detailed instructions and supervision from the guides who set up the ropes. Climbers had the opportunity to climb, belay, and rappel, on routes suited for beginners and intermediate climbers with the difficulty ranging from 5.6 to 5.8. I had a wonderful experience with AMGA and would recommend their services to other rock climbers interested in learning the ins and outs of climbing outdoors. Links to AMGA and Vitti Mountain Guides are listed below if you are interested in hiring a guide.
What You'll Need: Your own gear (climbing shoes, harness, helmet, etc.) and a guide if you are not an experienced outdoor climber.
Links:
2. Island Camping at Follensby Clear Pond
Where: NY-30, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
What We Did: My partner and I did our first island camping trip this summer on one of the island campsites on Follensby Clear Pond. It was a perfect trip given it was our first time camping with our paddleboards and I can't wait to go back. There is a decent sized parking lot off of NY-30 that allows over night parking for campers. Sites are free and are first come first serve. We were fortunate enough to find a campsite on the large island that has 4 campsites total. Our site was west facing so we were able to have a spectacular sunset view in the evening. There is a link below that indicates the other campsites in the area. Despite the thunderstorm that occurred shortly after we set up, the trip was pretty great overall. Our site had plenty of space for multiple tents, a firepit, and small man-made table which was great for preparing food. This is the perfect place to spend a few days to just hang out and decompress since it's pretty quiet despite that almost all of the sites were occupied. We only stayed one night and left the following late afternoon after we paddled around the lake. Water was clear with a ton of loons and a few beavers. I was hoping I would get some swimming in, but unfortunately it never warmed up enough.
What You'll Need: A kayak, canoe, or paddle board that is able to carry all of your camping gear.
Links:
3. Lake Placid Camping Trip
Where: 1174 NY-86, Ray Brook, NY 12977
What We Did: I have been to Lake Placid, NY in just about every season and nothing beats summer. Although the town is most notable for it's winter activities, summer has its seat at the table as well. This year, me and my friend camped two nights at Meadowbrook Campground, a state campground a few minutes outside of the town of Lake Placid. Very convenient if you're looking for a cheap place to stay nearby. We initially planned on doing a high peak hike the following morning, but unfortunately an unprecedented rainy summer altered our plans. So we decided to do a shorter hike closer to town called, Cobble Hill Trail, that was fairly easy and had great mountain views as well as views of the ski jumping complex. After that we spent the whole afternoon paddle boarding and swimming on Mirror Lake. On the way home we stopped off at a popular locally know swimming hole called Split Rock Falls for a quick dip. The Lake Placid area is one of the most beautiful towns in upstate with plenty of attractions and activities. I've been here a countless number of times and it never gets old.
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4. Mount Marcy
Where: 1002 Adirondack Loj Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946
What We Did: I have been eagerly anticipating this hike for the last year or so and it finally happened. A group of us tried to hike it last year but our schedules never lined up, so we never got to it. This is a LONG hike, so careful planning is needed to finish it in a timely manner. The parking lot at the ADK Loj fills up very early on the weekend so we made sure to arrive at the lot around 6:00am. We camped the night before at Wilmington Notch Campground, about 30 minutes away from the trailhead, so we didn't have to drive up from the Albany area that morning. Although this trail is easier than most high peak hikes in the Adirondacks, it is still considered difficult. Mount Marcy is the tallest mountain in New York reaching 5,343 ft. with the trail being 16.2 miles long. Be sure to get an early morning start so you don't run out of daylight. The trail is very scenic along the way with breath taking views at the top. I'm so happy I finally checked this off the list.
Links:
5. June Farms
Where: 275 Parker Rd, West Sand Lake, NY 12196
What We Did: This is a farm like no other! The grounds are stunning and beautifully kept. I went in the late afternoon on a weekend for dinner and drinks ordered at their restaurant on site, a super cute barn style eatery with a lovely outdoor patio. I ordered a frozen margarita and shared a flatbread pizza with my boyfriend. There is a long path that loops around the farm where you can see horses, cows, pigs, goats, and ducks. If you're lucky you might run into the barn cat! I would say this farm is geared more towards adults that it is children and families, but children are more than welcome to visit. If you're looking for something to do on a weekend afternoon or evening this is the perfect place to spend a few hours. Be sure to check out their calendar to see what special events are taking place during the week.
Details/What You'll Need: Parking is $20 per vehicle
Links:
6. Saratoga Springs Day Trip
Where: Saratoga Springs, New York
What We Did: I've actually taken multiple day trips up to Saratoga this summer, so this is basically a summary of all of them. There is so much to do and see in this bustling town, especially during track season. Most days we just go up to eat and feel the energy out on the streets, some of the best sidewalks in the country in my opinion. This year I went to Yaddo Gardens (pictured) for the first time, a hidden gem, and was presently surprised at how nice it was. Additionally, I've had so many picnics this summer at either Saratoga Spa State Park or Congress park. Both of those parks are perfect for laying out on a blanket and reading or having a little lunch with some friends. Some of our favorite restaurants and bars downtown are the Cantina, Boca Bistro, Wasabi, Druthers, Karavalli, Uncommon Grounds, Cooperstown Distillery, and the Misfit. Check out the link below to see what's going on in Saratoga when you want to visit.
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7. Exploring NY by Water
Where: New York
What We Did: Last summer I impulse bought a paddleboard and it is one of the best purchases I've ever made! It gives my partner and I a new way of experiencing New York that doesn't involve a long hike. Its the perfect combo of exercise and relaxation. Since we bought our boards at the end of the season last year, we couldn't possibly fit in all of our desired destinations in a month. So this year we were able to check a few more spots off the list. Some of our favorite places we've paddled this year include: Rogers Park in Bolton Landing, DEC Hudson River boat launch in Corinth, Long Lake, Mirror Lake, Chapel Pond, and Moreau Lake. I highly recommend buying a paddleboard to anyone who loves being on the water but doesn't have a boat of any sort. Unlike kayaks, inflatable paddleboards are easy to store, easy to carry, and surprisingly durable. Both of our boards were purchased on Amazon.
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