Adirondacks Roundtrip
The boundaries of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York correspond generally with those of Adirondack State Park. Because they form a separate circular dome, instead of a mountain ridge, the Adirondacks are considered geologically separate from the Appalachians and other mountain systems. The mountains’ billion-year-old rocks were uplifted some five million years ago and carved by glaciers into the lush forests, more than 10,000 lakes, and 30,000 miles of rivers and streams we see today. The park also contains communities with about 132,000 year-round residents.
The New York State Legislature established the 6.1-million-acre Adirondack Park in 1892, which makes it still the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous U.S. In fact, Adirondack Park is larger in size than Yosemite, Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Canyon, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Parks combined. Mount Marcy, at 5,344 feet, is the highest peak in the park. Summer activities in this outdoors-oriented region include fly-fishing, hiking, and, of course, motorcycling on curvy roads through the stunning landscape.
The roads in Adirondack Park are generally in good condition, considering its northern locale. For the sake of riding safety, you should anticipate wildlife suddenly appearing on the roadway, particularly deer in this fauna-rich region. Owing to the area’s overall popularity with tourists, making room reservations early is highly recommended.
Points of Interest
Lake George
This exceptionally lovely mountain lake was formed when glaciers receded from this area around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. The ice sheet paused at the future lake’s southern and north-ern ends and left behind boulders and sand that formed dams. The departing glacier also left ice behind, which helped fill the carved-out basin with water. Today, the Lake George area is a year-round playground with a long list of nearby attractions.
Lake Placid, NY
When journeying to this famous winter sports venue, you’ll first notice the two ski jumping him that seem much taller and steeper than when viewed on TV. Adirondack Village was the two-time site of the Olympic Winter Games: first in 1932 and then again in 1980. The town offers plentiful outdoor activities, from horse riding and mountain biking to enjoying scenic riding opportunities. The town’s many restaurants and shops will entertain the less sporty visitors.
Whiteface Mountain
Although this 4,865-foot-high Adirondack peak is known primarily as a popular destination for ski enthusiasts, it’s also a worthwhile stop during a summertime motorcycle tour. A gondola car ride up from the base to the peak of Little Whiteface offers spectacular views. An alternative ascension to the peak is to ride up the Veteran’s Memorial Hwy. Other warm weather activities include hiking and mountain biking.
Americade Motorcycle Rally
The annual Americade motorcycle rally is anchored in Lake George, NY, which is located near the southern shores of Lake George. Motorcycle enthusiasts from across the U.S. and Canada make the pilgrimage each year to enjoy backroad riding through the Adirondacks. The multi-day event offers numerous tour routes, demo rides of bikes provided by major motorcycle companies, vendor products, boat cruises on the lake, entertainment, and camaraderie with other like-minded motorcyclists.