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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesEast USANew YorkThe Adirondacks Panoramic Road
Adirondacks

The Adirondacks Panoramic Road

Caroga Lake - Speculator - Blue Mountain Lake - Saranac Lake - Lake Placid - Elizabethtown

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Road conditions Road conditions
Comfort Comfort
Wildlife Wildlife
Beach Beach
Urban life Urban life
The Adirondacks Panoramic Road ACTIVATE MAP Stages5 km257 h/stage0.7

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a The Adirondacks Panoramic Road in New York?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 45EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 187EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 232EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 54EUR drive & more 50EUR sleep & more 121EUR eat & more 108EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 279EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 333EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 63EUR sleep & more 198EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 405EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 495EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 75EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 202EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 427EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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The Adirondacks Panoramic Road Itinerary

The Adirondacks Panoramic Road is a 257km journey through the heart of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, starting in Caroga Lake and ending in Elizabethtown. Along the way, you'll drive through the small towns of Speculator and Saranac Lake, with plenty of opportunities to explore the local attractions. The best time to make the drive is during late spring or early summer when the foliage is at its peak, offering stunning views of the mountains and forests. The road is in excellent condition, so you can focus on enjoying the journey. It's a great experience for drivers of all levels, and can be done on a moderate budget. Whether you're looking for a day trip or a longer adventure, The Adirondacks Panoramic Road will leave you with memories and experiences to last a lifetime.
number of days 1 number of days
route length 257 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Caroga Lake

Distance 257 km Driving time 3.7 h Pace: fast 77.2 kWh Airports ALB
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Caroga Lake, located in the northeast corner of New York's Adirondacks, is a great starting point for the Adirondacks Panoramic Road. It is a small town, but it has a lot to offer for those wanting to explore its beautiful countryside and attractions. The town itself is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and swimming. In the winter, Caroga Lake offers great snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The town also boasts a variety of historical sites, such as the Caroga Historical Museum, the Caroga Lake Railroad Station, and the Caroga Beach Museum. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Albany International Airport (ALB). The airport offers car rental services, allowing visitors to explore Caroga Lake and the Adirondack region at their own pace. Caroga Lake has a variety of attractions that are worth checking out. For nature lovers, there are several trails to explore, such as the Caroga Creek Trail, the Northville-Placid Trail, and the East Branch Trail. There are also several parks and nature preserves to explore, such as the Caroga Lake Nature Preserve and the Caroga State Park. For those seeking a bit of culture, Caroga Lake has several cultural attractions, including the Caroga Arts Center, the Caroga Historical Museum, and the Caroga Beach Museum. There are also several restaurants and shops in the area, perfect for a quick bite or some souvenir shopping. Caroga Lake is a great starting point for the Adirondacks Panoramic Road, offering a variety of outdoor activities and cultural attractions. Whether you are looking for a quick getaway or a more extended trip, Caroga Lake is a great place to start.

1 Caroga Lake - Speculator

Distance 57 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: fast 17.1 kWh View map Itinerary
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Welcome to the road trip stage starting in Caroga Lake, United States and ending in Speculator! This stage of the tour is only 35 miles long and takes less than an hour to complete, so you can easily enjoy the scenery and attractions along the way. In Caroga Lake, you can visit the historic Caroga Lake Hotel and the beautiful Caroga Lake State Park. The hotel is a great place to stay and the park offers plenty of outdoor activities. As you continue your journey, you'll come across the charming village of Pine Lake, home to many interesting shops and restaurants. You can also explore the nearby Pine Lake State Park, which is a great spot for fishing and camping. Your final destination is Speculator, a small town located on the shores of Lake Pleasant. Here you can visit the Speculator Historic District, which has a variety of historic buildings and monuments. You can also enjoy a relaxing stroll along the lakefront. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along this route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

2 Speculator - Blue Mountain Lake

Distance 58 km Driving time 0.8 h Pace: fast 17.5 kWh View map Itinerary
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Embark on a thrilling road trip from Speculator to Blue Mountain Lake, a journey of 36 miles that can be completed in less than an hour. Start your adventure in Speculator, a small hamlet in the Adirondack Mountains that's a great place to explore the outdoors. From there, you'll be able to visit the beautiful Sacandaga Lake, where you can go fishing, boating, and swimming. Next, you'll make your way to Blue Mountain Lake, a picturesque village with a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, and biking. Here, you can also visit the Adirondack Museum, a great place to learn about the area's history and culture. Finally, you can end your day by exploring the nearby Adirondack Park, home to over six million acres of protected land. If you're looking for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, you can find it in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and start your exciting road trip from Speculator to Blue Mountain Lake!

3 Blue Mountain Lake - Saranac Lake

Distance 84 km Driving time 1.1 h Pace: fast 25.2 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Take a road trip from Blue Mountain Lake to Saranac Lake, a journey of 52 miles that will take you less than an hour. Start your journey in Blue Mountain Lake, a beautiful mountain town in the Adirondacks, where you can explore the Adirondack Museum, the Wild Center and Blue Mountain Lake. Then, you can head to Saranac Lake, a picturesque village with plenty of recreational activities. Here, you can enjoy the Saranac Lake Waterfront Park, the Saranac Lake Fish Hatchery, and the Saranac Lake Golf Club. If you're looking for a more leisurely activity, you can take a leisurely stroll along the Saranac River. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

4 Saranac Lake - Lake Placid

Distance 15 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: modest 3.9 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip? Start your journey in Saranac Lake, United States and explore the beauty of Lake Placid, located only 9mi away. The drive will take you less than an hour, and you will be amazed by the breathtaking views of the Adirondack Mountains. Your first stop should be the Saranac Lake Fish Hatchery, where you can learn about the local fish species and their conservation. Then, you can take a stroll around the Saranac Lake Village, a charming village with unique shops, galleries and eateries. When you reach Lake Placid, the breathtaking view of the lake is sure to take your breath away. Take a boat tour on the lake and explore the hidden gems of the Adirondack Mountains from a different perspective. You can also visit the Lake Placid Olympic Museum and learn about the history of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games. To make the most of your road trip, you can find more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

5 Lake Placid - Elizabethtown

Distance 43 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: fast 13.0 kWh View map Itinerary
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Welcome to the Lake Placid to Elizabethtown road trip stage! Get ready for an exciting journey of 27 miles that will take you less than an hour to complete. Start your trip in Lake Placid, home of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Olympic Center and take a tour of the Olympic venues. If you are looking for outdoor activities, the Adirondack Mountains offer plenty of hiking trails and stunning views. Continue your journey to Elizabethtown and visit the Adirondack History Museum. Here you can learn about the region's rich history and explore the many artifacts and exhibits. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Elizabethtown, such as fishing, kayaking, and camping. At the end of your trip, make sure to check out the Ausable Chasm, a stunning natural wonder located just outside of Elizabethtown. Here you can explore the chasm's unique rock formations, take a scenic hike, or even go whitewater rafting. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

  Elizabethtown

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Elizabethtown, situated in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State, is the perfect ending point of the road trip named "The Adirondacks Panoramic Road". The town offers plenty of interesting places to visit. The Adirondack History Museum has an impressive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that accurately narrate the town's history. It is a great place to learn more about the development of the area. The Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts is another attraction, with its art galleries, theater, and educational classes. There are also a number of outdoor activities available, such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Elizabethtown is also home to the Adirondack Regional Airport, with IATA code SLK, which is the closest international airport to the town. Traveling from the airport to the town is easy, as the route is well-marked and many rental car companies are available. The Adirondacks Panoramic Road is a great way to experience the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains. Elizabethtown is the perfect ending point to this road trip, with its amazing attractions and activities for both culture and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Adirondacks Panoramic Road at a glance

Before you set off

The Adirondacks Panoramic Road offers a breathtaking 257-kilometer journey through the heart of the Adirondack Park, a protected area larger than Yellowstone and Yosemite combined. Starting from Caroga Lake and winding your way to Elizabethtown, this scenic route showcases the splendor of upstate New York's mountainous terrain, with chances to explore charming towns such as Speculator and Saranac Lake.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

  • Caroga Lake: Begin your adventure with a variety of water activities or simply enjoy the serene lake scenery. It's a haven for kayakers, anglers, and those looking to unwind surrounded by nature.
  • Speculator: Nestled within the Adirondack Mountains, Speculator is a quaint village that serves as a hub for year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and snowmobiling on well-established trails.
  • Saranac Lake: This community, rich in artistic heritage, not only offers a stunning lakeside view but also holds the title of the `Capital of the Adirondacks.` It hosts cultural events like the annual Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, drawing visitors since the late 19th century.

Best Time to Go:

The prime time to drive the Adirondacks Panoramic Road is during late spring or early summer when the mountain foliage is in full bloom and the vibrant colors create a photographer's paradise. Autumn also presents a spectacular array of fall colors that shouldn't be missed.

Potential Risks:

The route is well-maintained, but visitors should remain vigilant for unexpected weather shifts that can bring about fog, rain, or snow, even in the warmer months. Wildlife is abundant, so be on the lookout for deer and other animals that may enter the Roadway.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

  • The Adirondack Mountains are home to over 3,000 lakes and ponds and 2,000 miles of hiking trails.
  • The Road is accessible to drivers of varying experience, with clear signage and safe viewpoints to enjoy the stunning vistas.
  • The Trip is budget-friendly, with numerous camping sites, affordable accommodations, and free natural attractions along the way.
  • Enthusiasts for outdoor pursuits will find ample opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and discovering the rich local culture and history of the Adirondack region.

A good choice for:

Embarking on the Adirondacks Panoramic Road Trip is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the unparalleled natural beauty and cultural richness of upstate New York. This journey is perfect for those seeking a blend of adventure, tranquility, and the chance to create unforgettable memories amidst the majestic Adirondack Mountains.

Facts for safer driving in New York

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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