Paul Smiths offers peaceful Adirondack adventures with miles of hiking, paddling, and cross-country skiing trails. Its remote lakes and forests make it perfect for outdoor lovers seeking a quiet wilderness escape.
Paul Smiths offers peaceful Adirondack adventures with miles of hiking, paddling, and cross-country skiing trails. Its remote lakes and forests make it perfect for outdoor lovers seeking a quiet wilderness escape.
Outdoor Adventure in Paul Smiths, New York
Paul Smiths is a small town in the heart of the Adirondack Park known for its pristine lakes, extensive trails, and quiet wilderness. It’s an ideal destination for travelers seeking year-round outdoor recreation including hiking, paddling, skiing, and fishing.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make Paul Smiths, New York special.
★ 7.8⌖ 7.90 milesExperience peaceful fly fishing at Lake Colby in Lake Placid, New York. Best visited in spring and fall, this serene lake offers trout and bass fishing with mountain views. Suitable for families, with drive-in access and quiet year-round.
⌖ 9.65 milesEasyExplore cross-country skiing at Dewey Mountain near Lake Placid, NY. This easy trail system is ideal for beginners, featuring serene forest routes and a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy skiing under lit trails for a magical nighttime experience. Rentals and lessons available.
★ 7.5⌖ 9.71 milesExplore the Saranac Lake Islands in Adirondack Park. Accessible only by boat, these campsites offer unique opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Ideal for backcountry explorers, the area is busy in summer, offering an 8/10 photography rating and lively wildlife encounters.
★ 7.8⌖ 9.71 milesKayak on Upper, Middle, and Lower Saranac Lakes in New York's Adirondacks. Ideal for paddlers of all skill levels, these interconnected lakes offer wildlife viewing and serene paddling from late spring to early fall.
★ 7.3⌖ 12.01 milesExplore the bouldering spots at McKenzie Pond near Lake Placid, NY. Suitable for beginner and experienced climbers alike, with challenges ranging from V2 to V5. Drive-in access, quiet atmosphere, and best visited in spring or fall.
★ 7.2⌖ 13.24 milesExplore the scenic Saranac Chain of Lakes near Lake Placid, NY. Enjoy fishing in tranquil surroundings with options for camping. Ideal for family outings, this peaceful area is best visited in spring and fall.
★ 7.5⌖ 13.68 milesModerateExplore paddling on the Saranac River near Lake Placid, featuring tranquil waters and Class II-III rapids. Suitable for various skill levels, with activities like kayaking and canoeing in a moderate difficulty setting. Perfect for adventure seekers.
★ 7.5⌖ 14.45 milesModerateExplore Azure Mountain's moderate hike featuring the historic fire tower, offering panoramic views of the Adirondacks. Ideal for a family outing, spot wildlife in a peaceful setting. Best visited in spring and fall.
★ 7.5⌖ 15.95 milesEnjoy a 2.3-mile trail run on the Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails in Lake Placid. The scenic paths offer forest and lake views, making it perfect for runners seeking a peaceful outdoor experience.
★ 7.5⌖ 16.92 milesEasyExperience the serene beauty of Mirror Lake in Lake Placid, New York. Easy access makes sunset viewing spectacular year-round. Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or a leisurely 2.7-mile walk around the lake. Ideal for photographers and families, especially vibrant in autumn.
★ 7.5⌖ 16.92 milesEasyExplore the 2.7-mile Mirror Lake Drive Loop in Lake Placid, NY. This easy and scenic route offers stunning lake views perfect for running and relaxation. Best visited in spring and fall, it provides amenities like restrooms and benches. Ideal for runners of all levels.
★ 7.5⌖ 16.92 milesEasyExperience stand-up paddleboarding on Mirror Lake in Lake Placid, New York. Perfect for beginners, this activity is surrounded by Adirondack Park's tranquil beauty. Expect easy access and crowded summers, while enjoying kayaking and views of scenic mountains.
Discover the top adventure activities and curated experiences in Paul Smiths, New York, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your trip.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in Paul Smiths, New York.
⌖ 3.5 miA combined UTV and zipline outing that pairs a 45‑minute off‑road UTV run in Gabriels with a two‑hour, six‑zipline course above Lake Placid—this guide explains what to expect and how to book.
⌖ 3.5 miA 1.5-hour guided snowmobile tour that begins and ends on farm fields and runs across old logging roads, state snowmobile trails and heavily wooded routes.
A 2-hour midday cruise operated by Raquette Lake Navigation Company that pairs lakeside scenery with a full buffet—this guide lays out the schedule, menu, and practical details for planning the outing.
⌖ 9.5 miGuided 8–12 hour hikes run from Saranac Lake by Upstate Hiking, with licensed guides who handle logistics so you can focus on the climb and the view.
⌖ 9.6 miSix calendar days of canoe and kayak rentals from St. Regis Canoe Outfitters — boats, paddles, PFDs and cartopping gear provided; this guide helps you pick the right craft for Adirondack portages and moving water.
⌖ 9.6 miA guided, 2.5–3 hour canoe trip that takes you from St. Regis Canoe Outfitters to Axton Landing for a sunset-and-full-moon paddle through Stony Creek Ponds.
⌖ 9.6 miA 1.5-hour voyageur-canoe outing on Lower Saranac Lake that brings you to the shores of Bluff Island to watch the sunset—paddling is optional, and the trip is a good fit for travelers with limited mobility.
⌖ 9.6 miA seven-day rental program that supplies boats, PFDs, paddles and cartopping equipment and pairs expert safety briefings with a selection of canoe and kayak types suited to Adirondack lake-to-lake travel.
⌖ 9.6 miA complete, multi-day canoe outfitting from St. Regis Canoe Outfitters that supplies canoes, tents, food and lightweight camp gear so two people can move from plan to paddle with minimal fuss.
⌖ 9.6 miA three-day rental that supplies boats, paddling gear and cartopping equipment for lake-to-lake outings and overnight routes in the Adirondacks.
⌖ 9.6 miA multi-day canoe outfitting on Saranac Lake that supplies a Kevlar canoe, paddles, food and lightweight camping gear—this guide lays out exactly what’s included and how the package is organized.
⌖ 9.6 miEverything you need is included: a Nova Craft or Wenonah canoe, PFDs, paddles and a complete set of camping and cooking gear — useful if you’re planning a multi-day paddling trip in Saranac Lake.
⌖ 9.6 miA 5-day rental program from St. Regis Canoe Outfitters offering touring and recreational canoe and kayak options with PFDs, paddles and cartopping gear included—essential reading for choosing the right boat for Adirondack routes.
⌖ 9.7 miA guided, 2–2.5 hour canoe outing that combines a calm paddle toward the Lower Locks with an expert-led introduction to local constellations.
⌖ 9.7 miOne‑hour SUP rentals on Mirror Lake let you learn from staff tips, choose a relaxed cruise or a vigorous workout, and bring your dog along for the outing.
Make the most of your visit to Paul Smiths, New York with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected lands.
Paul Smiths, New York hosts celebrated events throughout the year showcasing the region's culture, outdoor lifestyle, and community spirit.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Paul Smiths, New York during the iconic Paul Smiths Winter Carnival. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Paul Smiths, New York during the iconic Adirondack Canoe Classic (nearby). Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Paul Smiths, New York during the iconic Saint Regis Run Fishing Derby. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Paul Smiths, New York is surrounded by incredible protected natural lands offering pristine trails, wildlife habitats, and wilderness conservation.
Adirondack Park in New York is a vast area of protected wilderness, offering a blend of stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and endless recreational opportunities.
Mount Mansfield State Forest offers diverse outdoor experiences and the chance to explore Vermont's highest peak, Mount Mansfield. Visitors can enjoy hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching in a serene natural environment.
Smugglers' Notch State Park offers stunning mountain views and rich recreational activities set amid the rugged terrain of Vermont's Green Mountains.
Green Mountain National Forest is a prominent outdoor haven in Vermont known for its vast landscapes offering diverse recreational opportunities, including spectacular hiking trails and scenic vistas.
Bring insect repellent during summer for black flies and mosquitoes.
Reserve campsites and lodging early during peak seasons.
Check trail and weather conditions before winter excursions.
The Paul Smith’s College VIC is a great resource for trail maps and current conditions.
Access to some paddling areas may require boating permits.
Fuel up in Saranac Lake or Lake Placid for more dining and supply options.
Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out on any adventure in Paul Smiths, New York. Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow adventurers by following Leave No Trace principles.