Legendary Drives

New York #2
The Adirondacks Drive

This 2-1/2 hour drive through the densely forested, six million-acre state parkland of the Adirondack Mountains, with 42 peaks rising more than 4,000 feet, will literally take your breath away. Start your drive at the intersection of Rte. 8 and 30 in the village of Speculator, a popular hunting, fishing and skiing center. This section of road will take you up the base of the mountain through hardwood forests of maple, beech, and birch that explode with color in the fall. Follow Rte. 30 north to Lewey Lake and the Lewey Lake Campgrounds, the first major stopping point.

Indian Lake greets you just down the road and over a stream, which forms part of the Hudson River's headwaters. Views of the distant peaks of the northern Adirondacks open up just down the road, and a scenic turnoff takes in the 3,353-foot Bullhead Mountain and surrounding peaks in the area. Continue on Rte. 30, across the Cedar River, to the small resort town of Blue Mountain Lake and the 3,759-foot summit of Blue Mountain. A 2.2-mile trail leads you to a fire tower at the top of the summit. Stop off at the Adirondack Museum at the base of the trailhead, which features antique guideboats, furniture, mementos of early resort life and a private railroad car.

Descend back down the mountain through the forests to Long Lake. Turn left at the town of Long Lake to stay on Rte. 30 and continue on for a 20-mile forest drive. Cross an arm of Tupper Lake, follow Rte. 30/3, and look ahead for a view of the 4,867-foot Whiteface Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the Adirondacks. Bear right on Rte. 3 and continue along Tupper Lake to the town of Saranac Lake and spectacular views of glistening Lower Saranac Lake. The drive ends at the intersection of Rte. 3 and Rte. 86.

Starting Point:
Speculator, NY

Distance of Drive:
92 miles

Must Eat:
McKenzie's
148 Lake Flower Avenue, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Phone: 518-891-2574
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.

Best Time of Year for Drive:
Late spring to early fall

Points of Interest on Drive:
Adirondack Mountains
Lewey Lake Campgrounds
Bullhead Mountain
Cedar River
Blue Mountain Lake
Adirondack Museum
Whiteface Mountain
Lower Saranac Lake