The journey is the destination in Hamilton County
Experience winter the Adirondack way, as you wind your way through the small towns of Hamilton County, stopping along the route for good eats, grand views, and great fun! Whether you're traveling as a family, a couple, or your spirit is yearning for a solo adventure, you'll love the two sample tours we've put together! Plan each as its own outing, or link them together for a grand winter tour through Hamilton County.
Tour 1 Itinerary: Blue Mountain Lake – Indian Lake – Speculator
Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast at Chef Darrell's Mountain Diner in Blue Mountain Lake. An authentic diner experience with classic diner fare (and a few creative twists) makes this one of the best can't-miss experiences in the area! True to diner tradition, Chef Darrell's Mountain Diner serves breakfast all day long, so you can sleep late and still have your favorites for your first meal of the day. The diner also offers a full menu of lunch and dinner specialties with lots of comfort food dishes, perfect for a winter's day.
Next, make your way over to the Route 30 Overlook in Indian Lake. The State Overlook and Rest Area is just one mile south of the Route 28 / Route 30 intersection, and is one of the best spots around to stop and soak up the scenery. This is a beautiful place to stop any time of year, and especially dazzling on a winter's day when the landscape is covered in snow. An interpretive sign has been placed at the overlook, identifying the distant peaks and other points of interest.
A half-hour drive south on Route 30 (approximately 24 miles) will land you in Speculator, proudly known as the "all-season vacationland", where you can spend the day playing in the snow at Oak Mountain Ski Center. If skiing, tubing, or snowshoeing isn't in your plan for the day, explore the area's extensive network of trails by snowmobile. Close out the day with a fun visit to Lemon Tree Brewery, where you'll find craft beers, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, and plenty of comfortable seating near the fireplace.
Tour 2 Itinerary: Long Lake – Raquette Lake – Inlet
Begin the day in Long Lake and visit the Adirondack landmark Hoss's Country Corner. This well-known, much-loved general store in the heart of Hamilton County has been serving customers for more than 40 years and carries just about everything under the sun! Shop for all of your needs – from snacks and drinks to books and maps to winter gear – or find something fun to take home with you to remember your trip.
When you're done shopping and ready for some outdoor fun, take a quick drive just down the road to the Mt. Sabattis Recreation Area for some of the best sledding and ice skating you can find anywhere in the Adirondacks. If your time on the ice just isn't quite enough, head over to Lake Eaton and test out your ice fishing skills!
All of that wintry fun is sure to work up an appetite! Raquette Lake Hotel &Tap Room in Raquette Lake is a great spot for everyone in your group to warm up and fuel up for more outdoor adventure! After lunch, make your way to Fern Park Recreation Area in Inlet for cross-country skiing and classic wintertime fun!
Make your trip a true Adirondack Experience as you explore more in the area, and don't forget to check the events calendar to see what's planned!
