With Solitude and Untouched Nature, the Quieter Corners of the Adirondacks Beckon

At six million acres, New York’s Adirondack Park is the size of Vermont, and larger than all of New Jersey. A unique mix of state and private property that encompasses mountains, wilderness areas and lakes, the park draws more than 12 million visitors annually who want to hike, paddle, explore and more.

I’m one of them. I’ve vacationed in the park for the past 16 years, appreciating its wild beauty more each time I visit. But as much as I love notching climbs to the top of the park’s “High Peaks” — the 46 mountains, near the popular town of Lake Placid, that rise above 4,000 feet — I have experienced crowds, trail erosion and the need for parking reservations. Even with the park’s size — 10 distinct regions and 20 wilderness areas lie within its borders — many visitors don’t venture far from the park’s population centers.

In my travels, I’ve come to discover that seeking out some of less-known spots in the Adirondacks is both a treat and an assist to the park’s sustainability. There’s nothing more authentic than paddling an under-the-radar waterway, or hiking up a little-known mountain to enjoy unfettered views at the top without having to share the granite.

“The quieter parts of the park are untouched,” said Jane Hooper, communications manager for the area’s Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism. “You can find solitude and a real connection with nature. That’s why we love it.”

If you are Adirondacks curious, I recommend you try my quieter approach to the experience, by visiting one of the park’s less-visited counties.

Hamilton County

The state’s least populated county is full of serene beauty, outdoor activities and one-of-a-kind attractions. A jumping-off point could be Blue Mountain Lake, offering both a mountain at an attainable 3,750 feet, and a lake, complete with a boat livery, which has rented boats since 1908. If you’re looking for lodging, there’s Prospect Point, the modern-day version of the first hotel in the world to provide electricity to every room. Weeklong stays in the resort’s 13 cottages begin at $1,600.