The Absolute Best Things to Do in Lake Placid in Summer

Many people think Lake Placid is only a winter destination, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. There are nearly endless things to do in Lake Placid in the summer, too!

We want to make sure everyone knows about all the great things you can do in and around Lake Placid during the summer months because we had so much fun exploring this beautiful corner of the Adirondacks in the summer ourselves.

Some of our favorite East Coast hikes are in the Adirondacks, near Lake Placid. The first thing you should know is that the lake in the center of town is actually Mirror Lake.

Our post highlights all these activities, so you can also take advantage of what this beautiful area offers. We’ll also include information even if you visit for just a few days so you know how to make the most of your trip!

Best Things to Do Near Lake Placid, NY in Summer

Summer is a great time to visit Lake Placid. The winter sports draw many travelers, but when the snow melts, it’s time for fun in the sun!

There are many things to do and see here during summer-from relaxing in a lakeside café with some live music outside under stringed lights to exploring a new trail. Whatever you want, we have suggestions for every kind of traveler!

Lake Placid is a beautiful place for hiking, biking, fishing, paddle boarding, and more! Here’s a list of some of the best things to do around Lake Placid in the summer:

Check out the Lake Placid Olympic Sites

There are a few spots near the town where you can learn about the history and feel the excitement of the Olympic Games. Lake Placid has hosted on two separate occasions!

There are five separate locations with even more attractions spread around the town, Whiteface Mountain, and Mount Van Hoevenburg. Here is the rundown:

Olympic Jumping Complex

Both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics were hosted in Lake Placid, and the most memorable event of that time was downhill skiing at Whiteface Mountain.

The Olympic Jumping Complex has 90- and 120-meter jumps for distance jumping, an aerial and mogul hill, and summer training facilities. If you’re lucky, you might visit when athletes are participating in a summer training session on the hill or on one of the small sidehills. The athletes jump into a water-filled pool in their gear to perfect and learn new tricks before attempting on a snow-covered mountain.

Some days, you can take the gondolas to the top of the hill. On other days, you may need to catch a ride on a shuttle. Both ways, you end up at an elevator that takes you up to the top of the 120-meter ski jump tower. From the top of the jump, you can experience the view that Olympic ski jumpers see just before launching off the ramp to take home the gold!

Bobsled Experience at Mount Van Hoevenberg

The bobsled run at Mount Van Hoevenberg was where the world’s best competed in both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Luge and skeleton events were also held here!

The best part is that it is still open to the public! You can ride a 2-person bobsled down this track that winds down a mountain on an 800-meter descent or try out one of the summer sleds at the bobsled track! The mountain coaster runs on wheels right beside the bobsled track during the summer.

This is an excellent activity for families. You can buy your tickets at the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid or at the Mount Van Hoevenberg Visitors’ Center, which is located on Route 73 just before you reach Lake Placid on the right-hand side.

Lake Placid Olympic Center Museum

The Lake Placid Olympic Center is where more than 100 athletes worldwide came to train for the 1980 Winter Olympics. Today, you can enjoy the history and hear stories about the men and women who trained here! The Lake Placid Olympic Museum has artifacts, displays, video presentations, and interactive exhibits.

You’ll get an overall history of the Olympic Games in general and a look at Lake Placid’s unique role in those games. It is located on Main Street in town, and you can’t miss it!

Olympic Speed Skating Oval  

The Olympic Speed Skating Oval was built in 1980 in preparation for the Lake Placid Winter Olympics.

Finnish sprinter “Timo” Hämäläinen set the world record on this icy surface in 2007. (It’s now owned by the International Skating Union.)

You can buy tickets to watch an event on the oval or rent skates and try it yourself.

The “Miracle on Ice” Arena

The Miracle on Ice was one of the most memorable events of the 1980 Olympics, especially for hockey lovers.

The United States hockey team beat the USSR 4-3 after a game that went into quadruple overtime. It is still considered one of the greatest sports moments in US history! This event would not have been possible without Coach Herb Brooks, his “no excuses” attitude, and all the hard work put in by each player on this team.

Now you can relive this moment for yourself at The Olympic Center Museum! They have artifacts from this event and other memorabilia from past Olympics, so you can get an idea of what it was like back then. There are also videos that you can watch on a loop.

This area is located near the Lake Placid Olympic Center Museum and the “Miracle on Ice” Pool. It’s a great place to stop and take photos, reminisce, or just walk around and admire all this area offers.

Hiking, One of the Most Popular Lake Placid Summer Activities

There are plenty of fantastic hiking trails around the town of Lake Placid. Many are located near Mirror Lake or just outside of town.

Some popular hikes include:

• Mount Marcy Summit (strenuous 14.8-mile hike to the tallest summit in New York)
• Algonquin & Wright Peak via Algonquin Trail (strenuous 10-mile, 2nd highest peak)
• Great Falls Loop on AMR land (9-11 miles of hiking, multiple waterfalls)
• Cobble Lookout (2.4-mile out and back, minimal elevation change, quick stop)
• Mount Jo (2 options, 2-3 miles long, great for families)

World-Class Trout and Bass Fishing

Lake Placid is just a short drive from bodies of water that offer great fishing opportunities.

You can fish in a pristine lake in the depths of the majestic Adirondack Mountains, which are famous for their popularity among fishermen and women. Some popular spots include:

• Mirror Lake (trout, brown, and brook, no motorized boats)
• Ausable River (famous for fly fishing)
• Lake Placid (lake trout, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass, motorized boats)
• Upper Saranac Lake (great upstate bass fishing, also various trout species)
• Lower Saranac Lake (northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, rainbow trout, & bass)

If you plan to fish in the area, be sure to have your fishing license current. The town of Lake Placid even offers a one-day license for $10, weeklong permits for $28, or season passes for $50.

Paddleboarding on Mirror Lake …or Another Nearby!

If you want to do something a little different, try paddleboarding while you’re here. Mirror Lake is great for beginners or seasoned paddleboarders.

Rentals are available if you don’t have your own board. Some hotels and guest accommodations along Mirror Lake also have paddleboards, kayaks, and other watercraft available for use free of charge to guests.

In addition to Mirror Lake, many smaller inland lakes to paddle around. Explore more than one if you can transport your board!

Mountain Biking – Bring your Own or Rent Locally

Mountain biking is a popular summer activity around Lake Placid. There are many trails to choose from. If you’re experienced, you can take on some of the area’s steepest and most challenging hills or begin to test your skills on easier terrain.

Beginners should try Henry’s Woods or Heaven Hill. They’re located next to each other and have many easy trails.

Mt. Van Hoevenberg offers various trails and bike rentals for those without or who cannot bring their own bikes.

Stay on trails designated for mountain biking when out riding. Also, be sure to avoid muddy trails — riding them will just cause more trail damage.

Local outfitters offer mountain biking guide services if you need to get more familiar with these trails.

Take a Walk around Mirror Lake

A visit to the village of Lake Placid without a walk around Mirror Lake would be incomplete.  It’s basically located in the center of town. Mirror Lake’s pristine water is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming on hot summer days!

This beautiful 10-acre lake is surrounded by a variety of shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions on one side. On the other side, gorgeous and well-manicured private homes line the shores.

Spend an hour or two wandering along the brick and sidewalk path for 2.7 miles. Be sure to look down at the sidewalk to catch plaques with the names and elevations of each of the 46 high peaks of the Adirondacks in the surrounding areas.

Get out on the Golf Course

During your summertime visit to Lake Placid, try golfing at one of Lake Placid’s award-winning courses.

• Whiteface Club & Resort Golf Course
• Lake Placid Club Links Course
• Lake Placid Club Mountain Course
• Craig Wood Golf course

Each of these courses offers its own perks and challenges. Several well-known golfers have honed their game on these courses, too. Perfect your skills with some of the best here!

Horseback riding for Newbies and Veterans

You’ll find plenty of summer horseback riding opportunities on trails around Van Hoevenburg.

The Blueberry Hill Trails are popular for those with their own horse.

Emerald Springs Ranch is the perfect place to explore if you are new to horseback riding. They offer lessons before heading out on their private trail network on their horses. They also offer boarding services if you need a spot for your horse to stay overnight.

Hike or Drive to the Top of Whiteface Mountain

Whiteface Mountain is a popular winter ski and snowboard mountain near Lake Placid. In the summer, the mountain turns into a different kind of playground. It’s a fun place to hike or take a scenic drive.

There are multiple ways to hike the mountain, with a 10-mile route off Route 431.

You can drive almost all the way up to the castle, where you’ll find an overlook with breathtaking views of Lake Placid and the surrounding mountains. From the overlook, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike 1/5 of a mile up a rocky, railing-lined path to the summit. We recommend you wear good hiking shoes!

If you take this short hike, bring sunscreen and water.  The trail is exposed, so it’s easy to lose track of time taking in the views.

If you’re not feeling super adventurous, drive up the mountain on the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway anyway. Stop at the pull-offs along the way.

You’ll see beautiful passes and vistas that make this a popular destination near Lake Placid in summer. There are signs along the highway to help clue you in about what you’re seeing below.

Note that you’ll need to pay a fee at the toll house before entry on the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway.

Check out the John Brown Farm Historic Site

Are you familiar with John Brown as a historical figure? He was an abolitionist famous for mounting an attack to steal supplies from Harper’s Ferry, planning to take them south to free slaves.

The John Brown Farm is now owned and operated by the National Park Service. Several buildings remain on the property, including barns, root cellars, a blacksmith shop, a gristmill, a carriage house, and other small structures.

If you’re lucky (or quiet), you may see historic reenactors working around the farm.

You can also hike through the woods and visit a small cemetery where John Brown’s family is buried.

If anything, you may be familiar with this line from the battle hymn: “John Brown’s body lies a-mouldering in the grave.”

Explore Main Street in Lake Placid for Shopping and Dining

The main street through Lake Placid is lined with restaurants, gift shops, art studios, and other businesses.

Those looking for a delicious bite to eat surely will not be disappointed! As far as shops go, you’ll find everything from expensive decor to outdoor adventure apparel and gear to popcorn and jerky shops lining the village.

The area is also perfect to find last-minute souvenirs for those on your Lake Placid summer road trip list!

Visit High Falls Gorge Preserve

High Falls Gorge Preserve is a beautiful, natural area outside Lake Placid. It’s a great place to hike along the waterfalls, cliffs, and lush forests.

The preserve is located near Whiteface Mountain and offers about 2 miles of trails for hiking. The waterfall portion includes a 0.5-mile walk to the first spot for a waterfall viewing and then a boardwalk to other viewing areas.

A 1 mile Nature Trail also weaves through the woods behind the river. Here, you’ll find a little quiet and get a taste of what hiking in the Adirondacks is like.

This is private land, so there is an admission fee to gain entry. Pass through the gift shop, pay the fee, and begin exploring. There are also restricted hours. Be sure to check for the most updated information.

Hike the Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails

If you want to actually experience Lake Placid (the lake), exploring these trails will bring you there!

The Brewster Trails are short, easy-to-navigate trails. The hike is typically about 2 miles long. You can walk these trails alone or even find a guided hike.

Keep your eyes open for wildlife as well: beavers, frogs, birds, and more! The Nature Center is a great place to check out exhibits and enjoy a snack or cup of coffee while you’re there.

Swimming near Lake Placid

Long Lake is an excellent spot for swimming. Even though the “downstream” side of the lake is private property, public access points are still available.

The end closest to the Olympic Village has several other places to swim.

There is a public beach along Mirror Lake, and it’s a popular spot for swimming during the summer months.

Copperas Pond is also a popular swimming hole. Pack water shoes to navigate the slippery rocks along the shore.

Go Creek Swimming or Cliff Jumping

There are plenty of spots for swimming and cliff jumping around Lake Placid.

Split Rock Falls is a popular spot located just off Route 9. Another beautiful waterfall, Flume Falls, is a popular destination in Lake Placid for swimming, cliff jumping, or hanging out. Parents bring their kids to play on the rocks and walk along the water.

There are two spots for swimming-one gentle and one more exciting! You can also jump off cliffs into the pools below. Just be careful to choose your place and land accordingly!

The best thing about these two waterfalls is that it’s a very short walk from the road for easy access. You’ll have to arrive early or get lucky enough to secure parking. The parking area is tiny, and other visitors have been known to get tickets when parking along the roadway in both areas.

Disclaimer: You should not attempt this activity if you’re alone or unfamiliar with the area and/or conditions. Water levels can change quickly. Serious injuries or worse are possible.

Get Your Adrenaline Pumping by Going Rock Climbing

There are many climbing places in Lake Placid, and you don’t have to be an experienced climber to try out the sport.

• Henderson Cliff
• Avalanche Pass
• Gothics 
• Noonmark
• Rooster Comb

If you want to hone your skills or become more familiar with the area, go with a guide. They’ll do everything they can to ensure your safety and help explain the best techniques for scaling these cliffs.

Just driving around the area makes it easy to see why rock climbing is popular. Rock climbing is also a great way to gain perspective and a slightly different view of the high peaks of the Adirondacks!

Take a Day Trip to another Lake

Popular day trips from Lake Placid include visiting some other lakes in the area. These include Saranac Lake, Lake George, and Tupper Lake.

Saranac Lake is a fantastic place to visit, especially in the summer! There is no shortage of beautiful views: from the water to the mountains, from gardens and green spaces to historic buildings.

Lake George is a beautiful and scenic spot in upstate New York. It’s been used for a few films, too. Lake George was also the site of one of America’s most famous naval battles- the Battle of Lake George, an important battle in the French and Indian War. A little more accessible and also more on the touristy side, it’s still a beautiful destination lake.

Tupper Lake is also great for outdoor enthusiasts, with many things to do nearby. You’ll find trails for hiking and biking -perfect for all abilities. The lake also offers some great fishing opportunities; just be sure to get a license first because it’s strictly enforced by the state. If water sports are more your style, such as swimming or kayaking, Tupper Lake is the place for you.

…or a Day Trip to Explore the Ausable Chasm

Ausable Chasm is located in Newcomb, NY. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Adirondacks, only about an hour from Lake Placid! It’s also a national historic landmark. The Ausable Chasm is a gorge or cleft between high cliffs with waterfalls located on both sides. The gorge gets its name from a stream called Nauagatare Creek that flows through it.

The Ausable River has many rapids and waterfalls that span about 15 miles. It drops about 400 feet in elevation at some points. The depth of the chasm reaches depths of over 200 feet!

You can hike around the gorge on nature trails and boardwalks or see the views from below on a tube or raft. There is an entrance fee even for exploring, but this is a great day trip from Lake Placid. It’s a great spot to cool off in the water on hot days!

Best Places to Eat in Lake Placid

While exploring some of the best things to do in Lake Placid in the summer, you will need to eat! Here are some of our favorite spots for food in Lake Placid:

• Smoke Signals: BBQ on Main Street, delicious food and views! Reservations recommended.
• Big Slide Brewery: Just south of town, there is great food and different brews brews, with indoor and outdoor seating options.
• Lisa G’s: Casual menu with a bit of flair. Reservations recommended.
• Salt of the Earth Bistro: Cozy joint with excellent service. Reservations required.
• Generations Restaurant: Golden Arrow Resort restaurant, has a locally sourced menu.
• Big Mountain Deli & Creperie: Incredible sandwiches named after the 46 high peaks.
• Emma’s Creamery: An old-fashioned ice cream shop on Main Street, so be prepared for a wait during the summer months. Try the maple creme soft serve!

**This is not an all-inclusive list, but a few spots we have really enjoyed!**

Where to Stay near Lake Placid

We had a great experience booking a private apartment. We recommend checking out VRBO! There are a ton of great little apartments for 2 or whole houses for large groups! We think this is the best way to be immersed in the local scene.

If you’re looking for hotel options, there are local and chain hotels in the area. Our recommendations include:

• Budget ($): The Town House Lodge
• Midrange ($$): Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort
• Upscale ($$$): Mirror Lake Inn or Crown Plaza Lake Placid

Campgrounds and backcountry campsites are also plentiful in the area.

What is Lake Placid known for?

Lake Placid is a gateway to the Adirondack Park, a protected wilderness area with 46 “high peaks” near or over 4,000 feet and countless waterfalls, all within a 90-minute drive from Lake Placid. The Adirondacks are home to some of the oldest mountain ranges in North America.

Lake Placid is also home to the Olympic Regional Development Authority.

Are you traveling to Lake Placid between June and September? In that case, there are things for you to do all along the Adirondacks’ 3,000-mile network of hiking trails.

You can choose from various activities, including backpacking, hiking, paddling (like kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding on Mirror Lake), mountain biking, and fishing.

You can also enjoy swimming or fantastic views from one of the many waterfalls in summer. There are so many for you to choose from!

Is Lake Placid Worth Visiting in Summer?

The presence of the lakes is a big draw for people who like to spend time outdoors. Who wouldn’t want a getaway near these beautiful bodies of water?

Whether you like to hike, paddle, fish, or just take a leisurely stroll around the lake in your free time, Lake Placid has something for everyone!

It’s not limited to winter sports either; there are plenty of ways to enjoy this beautiful body of water all year round.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy Lake Placid? Have you visited during the summer months?