Adirondack

The Adirondack region in northeastern New York is dominated by the Adirondack Mountains and surrounding forests. Its core is protected by Adirondack Park, a vast mix of public and private land created to preserve forests, watersheds, and scenery.

The Adirondack Mountains form a rugged massif that rises from the Hudson Valley. Geologically, they are a dome of ancient rocks uplifted by tectonic forces and later sculpted by glaciers. The region contains numerous lakes and miles of streams, with the High Peaks area housing the highest elevations, including Mount Marcy.

Mount Marcy is the highest point in New York state at about 5,344 feet (1,629 meters). The Adirondacks are known for a network of trails and wilderness areas, including the High Peaks region that has long been a popular hiking goal.

Adirondack Park was established in 1892 and is described as the largest state-protected area in the United States. It covers roughly six million acres and includes both public lands and privately owned lands under planning by the Adirondack Park Agency. The park carries the Forever Wild protection in the New York State Constitution.

The region is a major destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, boating, skiing, and snowmobiling. Towns such as Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Old Forge support tourism and outdoor culture. The area is also known for historic Great Camps and for hosting the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid in 1932 and 1980.