With kids! 
The Adirondacks is one of very few places that we keep returning to. Why?
First of all, there’s something about the mountains that makes me breathe easier (maybe it’s just the actual oxygen from all of the trees) and feel more centered. Second, it’s hands-down the most accessible outdoor experience we’ve found.
The following is an updated list of our favorite accessible stops, since we’ve been back a few times since our first trip!
The Adirondack Experience
Start your trip here to get a feel for what it’s all about. The Adirondack Experience is categorized as a museum, but it’s an interactive experience designed to introduce you to all the things that make the Adirondack mountains one of the most special places in the world. It lures you into mountain life through art, history, culture, and outdoor play in a way that will make you never want to leave.
Attention to accessibility and inclusion was clear throughout. In addition to the sensory room, there were noise-canceling headphones and visors available at each exhibit where they could be needed. Not only were the museum buildings easily accessible, with alternate access where needed, but the kids’ play cabin, the train pavilion, and most of the historic buildings were ramped for easy access. The only thing our wheelchair user had to skip was the inside of the private pullman car. There’s also a historic trail that takes you down to the boating area. We didn’t try it because we were told it was inaccessible, but we also ran out of time. The main pathways are paved. There is a packed gravel path through the children’s play area, but it was easy to navigate with our manual chair.
The kids enjoyed doing laundry the mountain-way, playing classic historic games, creating their own art, breaking up log jams on the river, blowing holes in the mine with dynamite (pretend, of course, but lots of noise and lights), and learning about what mountain life looks like to different people groups. In fact, their favorite activity was a digital quiz that told them what type of mountaineer they were, and allowed them to put their face into their ideal mountain scene. It was hilarious to see the old fashioned, yet spot on, versions of each of them!
Plan for a full day. We started when they opened and left for dinner and didn’t get to do all that we wanted to. Admission is $23 for adults and $14 for youth 5-17. Wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers are available on a first come, first served basis free of charge. Enjoy lunch on site at the cafe offering quick things like yogurt and sandwiches, or hot foods like homemade soups and chicken nuggets.
The Wild Center
The Wild Center is what drew us to the Adirondacks for our first trip. I saw an Instagram post of a treetop boardwalk through the forest, and added it to my bucket list. The Wild Walk is an accessible trail with a bird’s eye view of the forest. I’ve seen treetop walks before, but never one that we could just roll onto! The trail is a smooth boardwalk path with fun stops and play areas along the way.
The Wild Walk is just a highlight feature of an entire nature center. We played on the natural playground, danced with the otters, designed and built vehicles and homes for better sustainability (toy sized, of course), hung out with wildlife, watched a panoramic film, immersed ourselves in larger than life stick art and sculptures, and walked the indoor living river trail.
New this year is the Raquette River Roll. I’ve never seen anything more motivating to get my kids hiking! You can purchase a ball at the top of the trail, but it’s best to get one while you’re still inside so you can decorate it and tell whose is whose. There are ten ball runs along the trail, leading to the river. The tracks are fun to watch, so leave time for back tracking. The trail is wide and well packed, so it was easy to roll down. Coming back up the .6 mile was a bit harder, but the incline is never more than 3%. Some of the ball tracks are up a couple of stairs, or built into the hill, but they’re working on installing grabbers to access any tracks that may be out of reach from being seated on the trail.
The stick art “maze” ended up being the favorite on this trip. The kids played hide and seek and make believe and would’ve stayed all day, if I’d let them. It’s a quick detour from the boardwalk Wild Walk, but it’s well packed and easy to navigate with wheels.
Don’t make this a quick stop. We played from open to… meltdown. We would’ve enjoyed a second day, but we were short on time.
John Dillon Park
Anyone else struggle to find campgrounds with accessible campsites??
What if there were a campground, deep in the forest, with fully accessible lean-tos (essentially a three-walled cabin, for other camping novices), accessible bathrooms, only accessible paths and trails, and… well, fully accessible everything from adventures like fishing and boating to essentials like sleeping and eating?
I know it sounds like a dream, but John Dillon Park is a real place. It has all of those things. You can read about Jason’s experience camping independently as a quadriplegic. We also got to experience an overnight for ourselves this time, and it was phenomenal. If there’s anything that you can’t do on your own in a wheelchair, ask for help. The staff are amazing and they’ll help as much as they can (including lugging your things to the campsite).
Now it’s starting to sound like one of those luxury camping spots, but it’s actually completely free.
If you’re not into camping, you can also just use a day pass for hiking, fishing, boating, picnicking, or whatever style of outdoor retreat you need! It’s a rare thing for a wheelchair user to be able to get lost in the wilderness – so this was perfect!
Paul Smith’s VIC
The fact that there are multiple destinations with accessible trails through diverse terrains is just icing on the cake. Paul Smith’s VIC takes you through the marsh on boardwalk trails. Their goal is to connect people with nature through outdoor recreation that explores the history and ecology of the Adirondacks. Barnum Brook Trail is the perfect accessible trail with a beautiful overlook of the marsh. The Boreal Trail is a little more rugged with some brief inclines and small tree roots to navigate, but still manageable by most wheelchairs.
Start with the indoor exhibits and bird watching window and you can borrow some binoculars for your hike! Pick up a junior ranger book to earn a badge as you complete tasks during your visit. From there, head to the butterfly house and you can read all about butterflies along the way. It’s a mulch path, but it’s downhill and ends at the paved road near the butterfly house, so it’s an easy transition to the trails from there.
Saranac Lake
A mountain town is an essential part of the mountain vibe, even if your focus is outdoor adventure. I can’t speak for all the small towns in the region, but I was impressed by the accessibility in Saranac Lake.
Saranac Lake is all the charming eateries, organic goods, artisan shops, dive bars, and hometown restaurants you would hope for in a small mountain town. Extra bonus for the carousel with unique, hand carved animals representing local wildlife (entrance is ramped and you can roll right into the lake boat on the carousel). We did the bug crawl through town, which kept it interesting and educational for the kids, and took us through most of town. This is the best downtown scavenger hunt we’ve done… because the maps and clues made it possible for us to actually find everything on the list!
Most of the shops were easily accessible, which surprised me for a location like this! The toy shop is multi-level, but it also has two entrances. You can still see most of what’s inside, but you’ll have to exit and come back in through the other door.
The Trails
The true joy of experiencing the Adirondacks is the ability to immerse yourself in nature. In addition to the accessible trails at the attractions listed above, there are miles and miles of accessible trails – both off-grid and through town.
The Adirondack Rail Trail
This paved trail connects Lake Placid to Tupper Lake, with easy access points along the way in places like Saranac Lake, Ray Brook, and Lake Clear. If you’re staying in Saranac, you can access the trail from the Union Depot. Hotel Saranac also has trail maps and the staff are happy to help you get started.
Bloomington Bog Trail
The Bog trail was recommended as an accessible option, but we didn’t have time to explore. It’s a scenic end-to-end path that follows an old railroad corridor. The entire route is said to be wide, level, and mostly straight.
Where to Eat
I was impressed by how many eateries caught my eye! We enjoyed all of these, but I would love to go back and try more of the quintessential mountain dining options!
Campfire Adirondack Grill and Bar
Campfire brings the mountain vibe up a notch with a nostalgic, yet classy, mountain camping atmosphere. They serve delicious locally sourced comfort fare and a selection of craft beers and signature cocktails.
Ramped entrance from inside the Hotel Saranac. Wide spaces and plenty of lower tables.
Raquette River Brewing
I’ve never been to a brewery that I didn’t like (I don’t even like beer, but they always have the best, locally sourced menu options), but Raquette River Brewing blew me away like no one has before. The brewery brews small batch specialty ales to serve their local communities. They only serve drinks and small appetizers, but their massive outdoor seating area is lined with food trucks. How brilliant is this?!? Each kid ordered from a different truck. Everyone got what they wanted. It’s a laid back space that welcomes kids and pets, with a chill atmosphere to hang out and enjoy the live music. I honestly cannot think of a food option that’s better for the whole family.
Zero entry into the brewery. Packed gravel in front of the food trucks. There is no accessible parking, but if the gravel parking lot is hard to navigate there is also street parking available.
Blue Moon Cafe
Blue Moon is a classy mountain diner with brilliant breakfast options.
Zero entry and roll-up tables, though crowded times could make it harder to navigate.
Mountain Mist Ice Cream
Delicious soft serve and incredible sunset views over the water.
Packed gravel parking lot and outdoor dining.
Origin Coffee Company
Highly recommended by all the locals, but it does have a single large step to enter. We weren’t able to try this one, but the crowds are usually a good sign.
Nori’s Village Market
Great selection of organic goods and freshly made café treats and beverages.
Zero-entry and lovely views of the creek.
Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner
Just around the corner from the Adirondack Experience, Chef Darrell’s is everything you want a mountain diner to be – including cherry pie with breakfast.
Ramped entrance on the right side, directly in front of the accessible parking space.
Early Dawn Confections
Built in an old house, this bakery is one of the cutest breakfasts I’ve ever had. They offer delicious pastries and fresh brewed coffee, which you can enjoy in the home-like dining room or on the front porch. Both have accessible seating options.
Amado Restaurant
The gravel hill to enter was a little tricky, but the ambiance of the indoor/outdoor dining experience combined with the delicious Brazilian food made me glad we came.
Where to Stay
If camping at John Dillon Park is not your style, luxury at Hotel Saranac is the way to go.
Hotel Saranac stood out to me because it’s not often that we can stay in boutique or historic hotels. Hotel Saranac has seen many changes since it opened nearly a hundred years ago. It’s maintained its luxurious architecture, but it’s improved in accessibility.
The key here seems to be in the attitude of the owners and staff. When we arrived on our first visit, we were handed a door stop to make it easier getting bags in and out with a wheelchair. This is a small thing, but it’s never been offered to us before! The staff checked in with us to make sure everything was ok, and asked for our open feedback on how they could improve. The only thing I recommended at the end of our stay was that they keep the shower head in the lower position, so that wheelchair users can reach it independently. I don’t know if this is because of my comment or not, but I was so happy to see the shower head in the lower position on this return trip! Cheers to ever-improving inclusion.
