📸 Best Nature & Photo Spots in the Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Wilmington & Keene Region
The Adirondacks are a dream for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers alike. Whether you're searching for the perfect Instagram shot or just want to experience jaw-dropping vistas, these must-see spots around Lake Placid, Wilmington, Keene, and Saranac Lake should be at the top of your list.
🌄 Indian Head & Rainbow Falls (Keene, NY)
📍 Location: Ausable Club, 137 Ausable Road, Keene Valley, NY 12943
🚶♂️ Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (10.8-mile round trip)
🕒 Best Time to Visit: September–October for fall foliage; sunrise for best light
📷 Why Go: This is one of the most iconic views in the Adirondacks. From the summit of Indian Head, you’ll get sweeping views of Lower Ausable Lake nestled between steep cliffs. Rainbow Falls is a stunning waterfall along the same trail.
🚗 Tip: Parking is at St. Huberts Parking Area. A free day pass is required via the AMR reservation system.
🌁 Jay Covered Bridge (Jay, NY)
📍 Location: County Route 9N, Jay, NY 12941
🚶♂️ Difficulty: Easy, accessible by car
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Autumn for colorful foliage and late afternoon for golden-hour lighting
📷 Why Go: This historic covered bridge spans the Ausable River and is one of the few in the region. A nearby park makes it a great spot for a picnic and riverside photos.
🌿 Fun Fact: Built in 1857, it's one of the last remaining covered bridges in the Adirondacks.
🏞️ Whiteface Mountain & Veterans’ Memorial Highway (Wilmington, NY)
📍 Location: Veterans Memorial Highway Entrance, 5021 NY-86, Wilmington, NY 12997
🚶♂️ Difficulty: Easy (drive-up), or moderate if hiking the trail to the summit
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Late summer to early fall; mornings for fewer crowds
📷 Why Go: You can drive almost to the summit of Whiteface Mountain, the fifth-highest peak in NY. The 360° panoramic views of the Adirondacks, Vermont, and Canada are unmatched.
💡 Tip: Check the Whiteface website for seasonal road openings and fees.
🌊 High Falls Gorge (Wilmington, NY)
📍 Location: 4761 NY-86, Wilmington, NY 12997
🚶♂️ Difficulty: Easy, well-maintained boardwalk
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Spring (for water volume) or fall (for color)
📷 Why Go: Explore waterfalls and rugged Adirondack scenery via suspended bridges and walkways. A family-friendly stop with short trails and epic photo ops.
🎟️ Admission Required: Visit High Falls Gorge
🌲 Paul Smith's VIC & Heron Marsh (Saranac Lake, NY)
📍 Location: 8023 NY-30, Paul Smiths, NY 12970
🚶♂️ Difficulty: Easy to moderate trails
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for migratory birds and changing foliage
📷 Why Go: Nature trails wind through wetlands, marshes, and forest, offering prime opportunities to photograph wildlife, birds, and peaceful landscapes.
🌿 Educational Center: Paul Smith’s VIC
🗺️ Plan Your Adirondack Photo Adventure
From mountain-top views to covered bridges and waterfalls, the Lake Placid, Keene, Wilmington, and Saranac Lake areas offer a wealth of natural beauty. These destinations aren’t just scenic—they’re iconic.
👉 Don’t forget to bring your camera, your sense of adventure, and maybe a few extra memory cards.