The Whiteface Region is close to everything; nature, high peaks, restaurants, rivers, wildlife and so much more. Check out this list and enjoy nature and all it has to offer!
1. Take a gondola ride
All you need is a fifteen minute ride up to the summit of Little Whiteface to clear your head. The eight person Cloudsplitter Gondola will take you there! Enjoy the ride to the top as you soar over streams and ski trails. When you reach the top, take in the views of Lake Placid and the High Peaks Region from the observation deck and picnic area. You can take your time here; there is no rush to get back down the mountain and you can even bring a picnic lunch to enjoy. Just have some moments with your family and enjoy the forest and it's surroundings from one of the high peaks, and you didn't even have to hike for that amazing view!
2. Have a picnic
Speaking of picnics, this could be their year. Grab a sandwich from your favorite restaurant or take out spot and head to a shady spot for a family lunch or dinner. The views around the region are breathtaking and there are so many locations to enjoy a meal in the fresh air. Grab a spot by the Ausable River, near the Jay Covered Bridge, find a mountain view, or simply sit outside on a blanket near the beach. Whatever you decide, it will be nice to take your time and enjoy the sounds of nature while dining. By the way, if you are loving the Ausable River, maybe you should try fly fishing. It's the diversity of the Ausable River that lures many anglers to explore its famous waters. You can experience this here whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned veteran.
3. Take a hike
Get some peace and quiet by heading to the woods. The High Peaks are a great escape. Break away from the crowds by tackling some of these lesser visited mountains and woods in the Whiteface Region. The views from the top will always be worth the hike. Whether you are looking to hike all afternoon or for a quick hour, you can find a great trail in the Whiteface Region. Take a deep breath, the air is all yours.
4. Check out the views
Speaking of views, they are everywhere in the Whiteface Region. Every turn on every road and every stop along the way offers scenic perfection. Route 86, which travels through the region, is lined with beautiful places to pull over and enjoy river and mountain views. Another option is to take a drive up the Whiteface Mountain Memorial Highway for more amazing photos ops and views. The view from the fifth highest peak in New York state is breathtaking. When you are up here you can take your time enjoying the view from 4,867 feet. The Cloudsplitter Gondola ride mentioned earlier has amazing stationary binoculars at the top that will take you so close to the boats on Lake Placid that you will almost feel like you could hop on.
5. Grab your bike
Wilmington is now known for its biking. From mountain biking and road cycling to festivals and races, it is all here. There is even a jump park right in the middle of town where riders of all levels can enjoy jumps, hills, ramps, and more. The Dirt Jump Park was built and designed by Kyle Ebbett, former World Cup downhill mountain bike racer, dirt jump professional, and course designer for multiple pro-level mountain bike events. The construction of the park was a collaborative effort between the Town of Wilmington and local supporters. This park can get busy during certain hours, but if you time it right (usually early in the day), you can still keep your distance from other riders and enjoy a few hours perfecting your skills. There are many other trails in the region from Poorman's Downhill to Quaker Mountain. The trails are maintained by BETA, The Barkeater Trails Alliance, and other volunteers. Please remember to wear your helmet, and Leave No Trace while you enjoy the ride.
6. Enjoy the mountain air
Simply breathe in the fresh mountain air. There is something so wonderful about the air in the Adirondacks; crisp, clean, and revitalizing. Whether you are camping, enjoying s'mores, taking in the view, recovering from a hike or a bike ride, or just relaxing, the Adirondacks are the place to breathe, and the Whiteface Region will help you get away from the crowds while being close to so much.
