“Spectacular scenery unlike any
other in the Northeast.”
| Olympic Speed Skating Oval and Olympic Center |
| Whiteface Ski Center |
| Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway |
| Lake Placid Center for the Arts |
| Lake Everest |
Explore by interest:
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Area Maps
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Plan Your Stay
CARING for our favorite natural and recreational resources - See the new guide
Invasive Species Alert
Ski or Ride Whiteface Mountain near Wilmington and Lake Place or Gore Mountain near North Creek, along the Olympic Trail and the Central Adirondack Trail
Essex County
Essex County, entirely within the Adirondack Park, contains many of the High Peaks, the AuSable River, headwaters of the Hudson River, and a section of the western shore of Lake Champlain.
Essex County is one of two New York State Counties that are entirely within the Adirondack Park. Some outstanding features of Essex County are Mount Marcy, the highest point in New York State; the western shore of Lake Champlain, 110 miles of beauty and history; Lake Tear of the Clouds, source of the mighty Hudson River; and the famous AuSable River trout stream. It was host county to both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic held in the Olympic Village of Lake Placid.
The 170-mile Olympic Scenic Byway starts near Lake Champlain at the village of Keeseville in the east, and near Lake Ontario at Sackets Harbor in the west. Between those two great water bodies, the route travels into the Adirondack Mountains and through the heart of the Adirondack Park.
As you travel along the byway, you'll see ever-changing vistas of rolling farmland, hills and mountains, and pristine waterways. Whether you're an armchair sports fan, or have dreams of Olympic-style challenges, you'll find opportunities in every season.
In communities like Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, and Watertown you'll find a variety of restaurants and accommodations that include national chains, rustic lodges, and luxury resorts. In the hamlets and villages along the byway between these larger communities, learn about the determination of early settlers to succeed in this often-challenging environment. Get to know Adirondack artisans who proudly offer quality goods inspired by the historic traditions and great natural beauty of this region.
Take time to enjoy local events and meet the women and men who live,work, and take great pride in calling the distinctive Olympic Scenic Byway communities home.
Communities:
| Au Sable Forks | Keeseville | Wilmington | |
| Jay | Lake Placid |