8 Things to Do in the Adirondacks in Spring Near Garnet Hill Lodge
Posted in General, Spring at Garnet Hill
Spring has officially sprung at Garnet Hill Lodge, much to the delight of Upstate New York’s fishing, rafting, canoeing, and hiking community. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the Adirondack Mountains after a long (albeit fun) winter on the slopes.
With an abundance of activities waiting in the Adirondacks each spring, planning a retreat to Upstate New York might feel overwhelming. Luckily, we’ve narrowed it down to six affordable, family-friendly options, available either at our Lodge or just minutes away.
On-Site Activities
If you don’t feel like leaving the comfort of Garnet Hill, we can definitely understand that! Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, aren’t they? Luckily, our Lodge has some of the best experiences you can find in the Adirondacks without having to leave the property. We have highlighted below some favorites that visitors can experience on-site during their stay.
Give Mountain Biking a Try
Each year starting in May, we offer mountain bike lessons and rentals at the Lodge. Garnet Hill’s mountain bike trails feature beginner, intermediate, and expert terrain. These terrains vary between an extensive network of single-track bike trails, cross-country ski trails suitable for mountain biking, and dirt and gravel roads. Our trails offer wooded scenery and phenomenal views of the High Peaks Region.
With overnight guests receiving 20% off their rentals, there’s no reason not to give this fun activity a try!
Compete in a Game of Disc Golf
Our 9-hole disc golf course opened in 2022 and is perfect for both novices and experienced disc golf enthusiasts. With varying difficulty levels, some course areas include bushes, trees, and elevation changes. If this sounds like great fun to you, check out our course map to get started!
Play a Game of Pickleball
Your stay at Garnet Hill wouldn’t be complete without getting in a game of pickleball! Our property features two courts that overnight guests have free access to. Forget the hassle of packing equipment – we provide paddles and balls for your convenience!
Explore Nearby Hiking Trails
One of the best things about staying at Garnet Hill Lodge is our easy access to hiking trails. Starting right on property, guests can begin their journey to popular trails, like Hooper Mine, Balm of Gilead Mountain, and more. From leisurely walks to difficult, all-day guided climbs, the trail options around our Lodge are endless.
Add On Excursions for Your Stay
If you begin to feel more adventurous or curious about what goes on outside of the Lodge, there are a variety of activities that will keep you busy.
Whether you want to try fishing, whitewater rafting, or see a museum…venture away from the Lodge for an awesome experience. Below, we highlighted some of the excursions and where they take place:
Embark on a Guided Fishing Trip
Garnet Hill Lodge proudly collaborates with Adirondack Mountain & Stream Guide Service to provide our guests with relaxing and exciting fishing trips along the area’s best rivers, lakes, and ponds.
Regardless of your skill level, their professional guides will successfully lead you into lush forestry, searching for native trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. All equipment is provided, except for waders, and guests should book at least seven days in advance.
Try Railbiking in the Adirondacks
If you want to try something truly unique, check out railbiking with Revolution Rail Co.! These railbikes offer seating for two to four people, perfect for anyone who may be staying at Garnet Hill with family or friends! Located just 15 minutes from the Lodge, guests can enjoy an exciting few hours pedaling through the stunning Adirondack canopy.
In the spring, you can choose from two tours: a 7-mile out-and-back ride through the Adirondack forest and over the Hudson River, or an 8-mile round trip ride along the Hudson River. From June through August, you can add on a tubing trip to the end of your railbike excursion to cool off!
Go Whitewater Rafting on the Hudson River
Many travelers don’t realize that Garnet Hill Lodge is less than five miles from the mighty Hudson River. The Hudson River Gorge is one of North America’s top whitewater rafting destinations thanks to its exhilarating rapids and jaw-dropping scenery.
Springtime is arguably the best season to try whitewater rafting as the melted snow and ice gushes into the Hudson River Gorge, creating a one-of-a-kind natural thrill ride! We’ve teamed up with Adirondack Adventures to provide guests with rafting discounts, and half-day rafting trips from their base right here in North River, NY.
The Adirondack Experience
Not all of the top things to do in the Adirondacks are adventure-based! Adirondack Experience, also known as “The Museum of Blue Mountain Lake,” is a 121-acre, open-air campus with a seemingly endless array of exhibits, artifacts, and guided tours.
Spend some time exploring Blue Mountain Lake, a gorgeous body of water littered with uninhabited islands, located approximately 29 miles northwest of Garnet Hill Lodge.
Visitors can walk through galleries, break up a log jam or paddle a vintage canoe on the Museum’s Minnow Pond, while learning the unique history of Upstate New York. The museum typically opens for the season on Memorial Day weekend and tickets start at just $40 for two people!
Plan a Visit to Garnet Hill Lodge
Upstate New York is a dream destination for those who love to explore the outdoors by hiking, backpacking, and paddling.
After trying some of the best things to do in the Adirondacks, including the six above excursions, retreat to Garnet Hill Lodge for a warm bath or shower, a delicious gourmet dinner at the Log House Restaurant, and a breathtaking sunset above the lush mountains.
Book a well-deserved springtime getaway to our rustic yet stylish Upstate New York Lodge today!