Guidebook for Keene Valley
Food Scene
It's been a valley fixture for decades. The Now under new ownership, it had a few tough years during Covid but seems to be bouncing back. It is frequented by locals, families, hikers and people passing through. They sell newspapers and serve food from 7 a.m to 4 p.m.
30 locals recommend
Noon Mark Diner
1770 NY-73 ScenicIt's been a valley fixture for decades. The Now under new ownership, it had a few tough years during Covid but seems to be bouncing back. It is frequented by locals, families, hikers and people passing through. They sell newspapers and serve food from 7 a.m to 4 p.m.
City-worthy coffee in the mountains. It’s popular all day, but there is actually a scene starting around 8 a.m. The owner is lovely. They serve sandwiches, salads, pastries, and even beer, I believe.
21 locals recommend
Old Mountain Coffee Company
1767 NY-73City-worthy coffee in the mountains. It’s popular all day, but there is actually a scene starting around 8 a.m. The owner is lovely. They serve sandwiches, salads, pastries, and even beer, I believe.
Shopping
The staff at The Mountaineer are the local experts on rock climbing and fishing, and it carries whatever gear you may need for the outdoors. It's a family business that has been around for decades. And they sell patches for most of the area peaks, so be sure to stop by after you climb one.
29 locals recommend
The Mountaineer
1866 NY-73 ScenicThe staff at The Mountaineer are the local experts on rock climbing and fishing, and it carries whatever gear you may need for the outdoors. It's a family business that has been around for decades. And they sell patches for most of the area peaks, so be sure to stop by after you climb one.
Parks & Nature
The Lower Ausable Lake is part of the private Adirondack Mountain Reserve, but most trails are available if you make a reservation in advance and park in the hikers’ lot. Take the West River Trail from the Ausable Club for a moderate day hike to and from the lake. Or walk partway in along the 3-mile Lake Road to the trails for several mountains. Gothics is stunning but steep, Lower Wolf Jaws and Sawteeth are nice climbs, and Indian Head is short but tough, with a gorgeous view of one of the best-preserved tracts of land in the Adirondacks.
Lower Ausable Lake
The Lower Ausable Lake is part of the private Adirondack Mountain Reserve, but most trails are available if you make a reservation in advance and park in the hikers’ lot. Take the West River Trail from the Ausable Club for a moderate day hike to and from the lake. Or walk partway in along the 3-mile Lake Road to the trails for several mountains. Gothics is stunning but steep, Lower Wolf Jaws and Sawteeth are nice climbs, and Indian Head is short but tough, with a gorgeous view of one of the best-preserved tracts of land in the Adirondacks.
The town of Saranac Lake is active, artsy and vibrant. The historic downtown buildings, shops and restaurants make it a great place to walk, browse and eat. It became famous for the “mountain cure” for tuberculosis in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. There is a museum, The Saranac Laboratory, that tells the story of tuberculosis research and treatment in Saranac Lake.
Then there are the actual Saranac lakes (Lower, Middle and Upper), which are great for boating, swimming, and camping. Google to find boat rental shops. When you get out onto the lake, you'ill realize it's worth the effort.
70 locals recommend
Saranac Lake
The town of Saranac Lake is active, artsy and vibrant. The historic downtown buildings, shops and restaurants make it a great place to walk, browse and eat. It became famous for the “mountain cure” for tuberculosis in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. There is a museum, The Saranac Laboratory, that tells the story of tuberculosis research and treatment in Saranac Lake.
Then there are the actual Saranac lakes (Lower, Middle and Upper), which are great for boating, swimming, and camping. Google to find boat rental shops. When you get out onto the lake, you'ill realize it's worth the effort.
Sightseeing
If you have a few days or want to spend one out of the woods, the Olympic facilities (ski jumps, bobsled run, ice rinks) in Lake Placid are worth seeing. The Olympics were held here in 1932 and 1980 (it's the site of the "Miracle on Ice" hockey game), and it hosts major winter sports competitions, as well as the Ironman Race in July. Just walking down the main strip gives you the town's sporty yet historic vibe.
257 locals recommend
Lake Placid
If you have a few days or want to spend one out of the woods, the Olympic facilities (ski jumps, bobsled run, ice rinks) in Lake Placid are worth seeing. The Olympics were held here in 1932 and 1980 (it's the site of the "Miracle on Ice" hockey game), and it hosts major winter sports competitions, as well as the Ironman Race in July. Just walking down the main strip gives you the town's sporty yet historic vibe.