The Adirondacks region of New York State is home to 6 million acres of protected wilderness, awe-inspiring views from its 46 High Peaks, and over 3,000 lakes and ponds. How much of it is wheelchair accessible? More than you would think! From adorable mountain villages to unique adapted adventures, you’ll find New York’s rugged north a welcoming escape.
FRIDAY
1pm: Start Your Visit on a High at Whiteface Mountain Veteran’s Memorial Highway
At 4,867 feet, Whiteface Mountain is New York State’s fifth-highest peak. Getting to the top would typically involve hiking up rough terrain and ascending 27 flights of steps, but there’s an accessibility hack to get you there totally barrier-free. The Whiteface Mountain Veteran’s Memorial Highway is a pay road that offers a scenic ride to the summit using your own vehicle. Drive all the way up and take the summit elevator inside the Veteran’s Memorial Highway Castle. A few minutes later, you’ll find yourself at the peak of the mountain, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Adirondack Region.
BYO lunch and take advantage of the accessible picnic tables at the summit base or at one of the pull-off points on your drive up the mountain. Note: while the summit is a uniquely accessible experience, the bathrooms on-site are not ADA/wheelchair accessible. A port-a-potty with grab bars is available (view image), but note that toilet paper is not at ADA height, and there is no hand washing basin or sanitizing gel in the port-a-potty. An exterior hand washing station is available, but is foot pedal operated and does not meet ADA standards (view image).
2:30pm: See Waterfalls at High Falls Gorge
This 22-acre park features an accessible waterfall trail that will take you on groomed paths that offer jaw-dropping views of the gorge and its waterfalls. Most of the terrain is hard-packed dirt and some parts may be a little steep for manual wheelchair users, so a power assist or help from a companion may be needed. An indoor cafe and picnic tables are available if you need a snack. There is also a gift shop full of local Adirondack goodies.
A gender-neutral accessible restroom is available in the cafe. Note: while the restroom is large enough to fit a wheelchair, the toilet is equipped with non-standard folding grab bars (view image of bathroom) so the setup may be challenging depending on individual access needs.
5:30pm: Get Settled at the Hotel Saranac
The historic Hotel Saranac blends historic charm with modern amenities. Between its main building and newer annex, the hotel offers a variety of ADA rooms and suites. Both roll-in-shower and accessible bathtub options are available. Public restrooms are also fully accessible, and you can enjoy easy access to the hotel’s house restaurant, Campfire, as well as the bar located in the grand second-floor Great Hall (pictured). There is a wheelchair accessible terrace just off the bar. The hotel’s downtown location puts it within easy rolling and walking distance of shops and restaurants. ADA parking spots are available in an adjacent lot. Note: examples of the hotel’s accessibility features can be viewed on the business listing.
7pm: Indulge in Dinner and Sunset Views at Lakeside Drift
Just a 5-minute drive away from your hotel, you’ll find the lovely Lake Flower. Enjoy international favorites and elevated comfort food like wagyu burgers, poutine, and crab cakes at the aptly named Lakeside Drift at the recently built voco Saranac Lake hotel. The restroom is accessible throughout, including a well-equipped ADA restroom. The move here is to eat on the outdoor terrace, which gets you a true lakeside seat to some truly stunning sunsets.
8:30pm: Scream for Ice Cream at Mountain Mist Ice Cream
Practically next door to the voco, the Mountain Mist Ice Cream stand has been serving up delicious soft serve ice cream for over 76 years! Do as the locals do and layer your flavors for a unique combination – because why choose when you can have it all in one cone? If hard ice cream is more your style, they also serve a selection of Perry’s Ice Cream flavors. There is a lakeside wheelchair accessible seating area behind the stand.
SATURDAY
9am: Breakfast at Early Dawn Confections
A short walk or roll from the Hotel Saranac, traditional “from scratch” bakery, Early Dawn Confections offers magic in every bite! Unique flavor combos drop weekly on the bakery’s social media accounts. Standouts include Dutch Knuckle buns (a cheesy, savory croissant pastry) that are extra delicious when turned into a breakfast sandwich with the bakery’s crustless quiche of the week, apple fritters, breakfast buns, and donuts. A significant number of gluten-free goodies are also available. Coffee drinks also do not disappoint.
In addition to amazing food, you’ll enjoy warm service and a cottagecore aesthetic. Despite its rustic location, the attention to detail in making the space welcoming to all is especially impressive. You’ll be greeted right away with a gently sloping ramp, an easy-to-open door, and a roomy, well-equipped ADA restroom. In addition to accessible tables inside, there is one wheelchair friendly table on the covered porch.
10am: Enjoy downtown Saranac Lake
It’s impossible to visit Saranac Lake and not fall in love with its small mountain town vibes. To make it even better, streets are generally well-paved with good curb ramp availability, and many shops are step-free. If you’re with kids or a kid at heart, you can also ride on the Adirondack Carousel, which has a specially modified Chris-Craft boat chariot equipped with a ramp and wheelchair tie-downs. Saranac Lake’s downtown is hilly in spots, so you may want to use a power assist here if you are a manual wheelchair user.
11am: Stroll Saranac Lake River Walk
Follow a 1-mile round trip brick path for lovely views of the Saranac River and its many bridges. Wheelchair accessible at either end, with a ramp behind the town buildings (take a left at the Main Street light, then the next right to the parking lot) or the other side, along the river at the Tops Market on Church Street, where the sidewalk is flush with the parking lot.
12pm: Go Wild for the Trolls Exhibit at the Wild Center
It’s always a good time to visit the 115-acre Wild Center in Tupper Lake. But from now through October 31, 2026, there’s an even better reason to go – Thomas Dambo’s Trolls: Save the Humans has taken over the forest. Follow well-groomed, accessible trails to discover each of the six larger-than-life troll characters in this impressive world-trotting exhibit. Experience bird’s-eye views from the Wild Walk, an elevated platform that takes you on a gently sloping paved walk through the tippy tops of the forest trees. You can also hike the gamified Raquette River Roll trail, which features a series of ball runs. While some of the runs have steps to reach them, you can play from a chair using a special grabber device available at the lean to stationed at the beginning of the trail. Visit the otters, ducks, and trout in the indoor Museum facility and check out hands-on environmental exhibits. You can enjoy lunch on site at the accessible cafe in the museum building, where you’ll also find ADA bathrooms.
4-6pm: Raquette River Brewing Happy Hour
A short drive from the Wild Center, Raquette River Brewing is a great place to taste local brews in a laid-back, spacious environment. Take advantage of the daily happy hour and grab a snack from one of the on-site food trucks. Choices vary daily and can include BBQ, Mexican food, poutine, and other favorites. An ADA accessible bathroom is available on-site.
OR 6:30pm: Dinner at Little Italy Restaurant
If you’re looking for a more substantial sit-down dinner, Little Italy is a local favorite for traditional Italian food done right. Whether you customize your own pasta dish or get a perfectly fried chicken parm, you’re sure to find something that hits the spot. The restaurant has an accessible side entrance, an accessible outdoor patio, and an accessible restroom that is on the smaller side but is well-equipped with grab bars and workable even with a larger chair. Be sure to bring cash as credit cards are not accepted here.
8:30pm: Spot the Stars at the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory
If you’re lucky enough to be in town for a stargazing night at the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory, you’re in for a one-of-a-kind experience. Cross the barrier-free threshold into the sky center, and you’ll be in another world–well, almost. Once the roll-off roof slides over to reveal clear dark skies, you’ll be able to get a turn looking at the stars and galaxies. Adaptive features include a telescope eye accessible at wheelchair height (available only in certain positions) and stargazing via a tablet-controlled scope.
Note: Openings are dependent on a clear night. Check the Sky Center’s social media or sign up for email blasts to find out about openings. You can also contact the Sky Center to request a private opening for a $150 scheduling fee, as they welcome visitors on demand with an advance reservation if the skies are clear.
SUNDAY
7am: Eat A Quick Hotel Breakfast
You can’t beat the convenience of a hotel breakfast, so fuel up with favorites like Adirondack flapjacks, bagels with lox, or a fluffy omelet made with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms before you get back on the road.
10am: Go sailing with Y-Knot Sailing
Whether this is your first time or you’re a veteran sailor, Y-Knot Sailing (a program of YMCA Camp Chingachgook) offers a fun, supportive experience for sailors of all experience levels. Set off from the eastern shores of Lake George in specially-designed Martin 16 boats that feature stability, adjustable seating, and simplified control systems. One boat even has a power-assist steering system that can be controlled by either an electronic joystick or sip ‘n’ puff. Expert volunteer instructors offer support throughout, and a hoyer lift facilitates transfers.
Available on Sundays throughout the summer, sail days are a full experience. Starting at 10am and ending at 4pm, the day includes a scenic lunch and opportunities to socialize with fellow sailors. Best of all, the program is free! An RSVP is required.
4:45pm Pick up souvenirs at the Adirondacks Welcome Center
On your way out of town, don’t miss the Adirondacks Welcome Center! Shop for everything from I LOVE NY-branded merch to local maple syrup to cheese, and even ice cream, from state-of-the-art vending machines. You can also start planning your next trip to New York State with interactive games and take a memorable photo with the larger-than-life I LOVE NY sculpture outside.
GETTING THERE
By car:
This itinerary is best accomplished with the use of a personal vehicle. Rideshares are not readily available in this area and there is no WAV service.
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From Montreal: 2 hours
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From Albany: 2 hour, 30 minutes
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From New York City: 5 hours
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From Boston: 5 hours
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From Philadelphia: 6 hours
By plane:
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The region is a 2 hour and 30 minute car ride from Albany International Airport, 1 hour and 45 minute car ride from Burlington International Airport in Vermont, and 2 hour car ride from Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.
By bus or train:
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If you do not have your own vehicle or prefer shorter drive times, Amtrak offers regular service to Albany-Rensselaer. You can rent a ramp-equipped minivan from the nearby MobilityWorks in Colonie, NY. As adapted van rental availability is limited, it is recommended to reserve your vehicle well in advance of your trip. Delivery and pick-up to/from the train station is available for an extra fee.
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Direct access by train or bus to the Adirondacks region is limited. The lack of convenient public transportation and reliable rideshare/accessible car service would make this itinerary challenging without a personal vehicle.
Discover even more accessible places to explore and experiences to enjoy on our Accessible Adventures in New York hub!
