8 days in Adirondacks Itinerary

A playground for America’s wealthy families, Lake George was nicknamed "Queen of the American Lakes." While these families often stayed in private country houses, a tourism industry built up around them in the early 20th century facilitated by two YMCAs.

Change things up with these side-trips from Lake George: Square Eddy Expeditions (in North Creek), Natural Stone Bridge and Caves (in Pottersville) and Ticonderoga (The Hancock House, Star Trek Original Series Set Tour, &more). The adventure continues: contemplate the waterfront views at Lake George, make a splash at The Great Escape & Hurricane Harbor, see the interesting displays at The Sembrich, and learn about winemaking at Adirondack Winery.

To find ratings, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Lake George travel site.

Philadelphia to Lake George is an approximately 5.5-hour car ride. You can also fly; or do a combination of train and bus. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from Philadelphia in September: high temperatures in Lake George hover around 74°F and lows are around 49°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Fri) so you can go by car to Lake Placid.

Lake Placid is a village in the Adirondack Mountains in Essex County, New York, United States. Get out of town with these interesting Lake Placid side-trips: The Wild Center (in Tupper Lake) and Keeseville (Ausable Chasm & Alice Falls). The adventure continues: explore the activities along Mirror Lake, stop by Just Bead It, examine the collection at Lake Placid Olympic Museum, and hit the slopes at Whiteface Mountain.

To see maps, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Lake Placid sightseeing planner.

Getting from Lake George to Lake Placid by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. Plan for a bit cooler nights when traveling from Lake George in September since evenings lows in Lake Placid dip to 41°F. On the 8th (Tue), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive back home.