Written by Claire Monroe / Edited by Sandy Caligiore
Lake Placid – It’s no wonder that visitors flock to Lake Placid.
Perfectly situated amidst the Adirondack Mountains, every landscape here is picturesque and breathtaking, whether you’re enjoying views of the calm waters, lush forests, and winding trails, or the charming sight of the village itself.
It’s easy to get caught up in dreams of Lake Placid and forget crucial planning details. But knowing how to get to this stunning spot – and how you’ll get around once you’re here – is essential. To help you get the important bits sorted, here are some travel options to consider.
Getting to Lake Placid
There are a number of different ways you can reach this oasis in Upstate New York. Using your own vehicle or taking public transport can be convenient options if you live nearby, but if you’re traveling from overseas, it may be necessary to catch a flight. New York City, Boston and Montreal are the international points of entry.
Directions to Lake Placid are easy to follow. From Albany, it’s a mere 2.5 hours to reach the village, while from Syracuse it’s 3.5 hours, and from Boston it’s 5 hours. Lake Placid is well connected with public transport links, and while it may take a little longer to reach the area by bus or train, these make great eco-friendly, convenient, accessible options.
Exploring locally
Once you’ve arrived in Lake Placid, you have a number of options. Walking or cycling are arguably two of the more popular ones, simply due to the fact that they are an activity in and off themselves. They offer the chance to enjoy some of the area’s most breathtaking scenery at a slower pace.
You could also opt to use a taxi, Uber or the free shuttle service to get around. Again, Lake Placid is largely accessible on foot so it’s rare that you’ll need to use a vehicle or utilize public transport in the area if you’re happy to walk.
Seasonal considerations
No matter the season, a reliable weather app is a must as mountain weather can s0metimes be fickle. It’s good to be an amateur meteorologist when you’re headed to a vacation.
Summer is high season in these parts. Because of this, it’s best to prepare by making dinner reservations a few days in advance; give yourself some extra travel time; and it never hurts to carry water, snacks, and a first aid kit.
In Lake Placid, cellular service is very reliable, but if you’re planning a day trip out of town, phone signals can be spotty. Download any maps ahead of time if you’re concerned about losing service while on route. Similarly, ensure you’re prepared to drive safely at night. If you’re on a quiet country road in the evening, be on the lookout for deer.
Eco-friendly travel tips
If you want to make your Lake Placid trip as planet-friendly as possible, you should:
- Opt for public transport,
- Purchase carbon offsets to reduce your impact,
- Travel on foot or by bike wherever possible, such as when exploring the local area,
- Follow the Leave No Trace principles when exploring – never leave litter on the roadside or in natural spaces
There are lots of ways to get to and around Lake Placid easily and conveniently. Consider your itinerary to choose the right option for you and seek advice from locals – such as the Mirror Lake Inn hotel staff – for transport recommendations.