Things To Do
Garnet Hill Outdoor Center
If on Garnet Hill, visit the Outdoor Center for information on the many hiking, mountain biking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking or fishing options on the Garnet Hill campus and in and around majestic 13th Lake.
Hudson River Tubing
Enjoy a 5 mile lazy river tubing adventure down the Hudson River from North River to North Creek, one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to experience the Adirondacks. (Beaverbrook Outfitters, North Creek; or Adirondack River Outfitters, North River; and both offer terrific whitewater rafting options to consider if you’ve chosen to extend your stay in the Adirondacks).
Revolution Rail Co.
Take an 8 mile out-and-back self-propelled rail-ride through on railroad tracks that hug the Hudson River offering spectacular views the entire way. Now defunct, these tracks have a storied history ferrying old growth timber, garnet from nearby (still active) mines, Gilded Age “campers,” Snow-Train patrons, and the original Rough Rider himself, President Theodore Roosevelt, who learned he had just become President standing on the North Creek Train Depot. (Revolution Rail, North Creek, NY)
Hooper Garnet Mine Tours
Explore the world’s largest garnet mine and learn the history of garnet mining and geology and find your own garnet gemstone to take home with you. Garnet is the gem of the Adirondacks. Barton Mines has the world’s hardest garnet, found only on Gore Mountain. In 1969, Governor Nelson Rockefeller decreed the Barton garnet the New York State Gemstone. (Gore Mountain Gem & Mineral Shop, 1126 Barton Mines Road; 518-251-2706)
Gore Mountain Gondola Ride & Picnic
Ride the Gondola to the summit of Gore Mountain Ski Resort (one of the Adirondack Park’s best kept secrets, (See, “6 Ski Resorts with Smaller Crowds, Lower Prices and Better Snow,”. Washington Post - September 19, 2024). Take a picnic lunch and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the summit. Hike or ride back down. (Gore Mountain, 793 Peaceful Valley Road, North Creek, NY; goremountain.com).
Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake
With more than 20 buildings, nestled across 120 acres overlooking Blue Mountain Lake, step into the rich history of the region as you browse the museum, row an authentic guideboat, break-up a logjam, climb a classic ADK fire tower, or dine at the Lake View Cafe overlooking beautiful Blue Mountain Lake. (30 minute drive from North River; theadkx.org; 9097 State Route 30, Blue Mountain Lake, NY).
Shopping & Lunch
Visit the many boutique antique and other specialty stores and enjoy a casual lunch with Jake at Izzy’s on Main Street.
Great Camp Sagamore
Listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, the Vanderbilt’s Great Camp Sagamore (cir. 1897) is a fascinating experience and classic example of the Gilded Age “Great Camp” era in the Adirondacks. (One hour from North River; Sagamore.org)
Hike a 46'er
If you have a bit more time and are a bit more ambitious on the hiking front, consider tackling one of the Adirondack Park’s 46 peaks that exceed 4000 feet elevation above sea level. Hike them all and become an Adirondack Forty-Sixer, get a patch and add your name to the list of the many hearty-hikers who’ve gone before you. Where to begin? Cascade (56 minutes from North Creek) or Giant (48 minutes from North Creek) would be our suggestions. (See the Adirondack 46ers website at adk46er.org and AllTrails.com for all you need to know).