Summer in Saranac Lake feels like stepping into a postcard, with clear blue water, green mountains, and a charming downtown that’s lively but not crowded. Whether you’re here for a week or settling in for a longer stay, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your days. Here are ten of the best ways to soak up summer in this corner of the Adirondack Mountains, plus a few local tips along the way.
1. Paddle the Saranac Chain of Lakes
Kayaking or canoeing is practically a rite of passage here. The connected lakes, including Lower Saranac Lake and Middle Saranac, let you paddle for hours, weaving between islands and quiet shorelines.
Try to go early in the morning when the water is glassy, and motorboats are still scarce. It’s peaceful in a timeless way that’s hard to describe.
Tip: (If you’re a serious paddler, then you already know this) The historic Seven Carries paddling route started in the late 19th century as a route between two famous hotels, Paul Smith’s Hotel and the Saranac Inn. Today, paddlers from all over attempt the challenging 12 mile canoe route which includes 7 portages and 6 waterways. It’s not easy, but the remote scenery is breathtaking (so I’ve been told…still on my ADK bucket list)
2. Bike the Adirondack Rail Trail
The Adirondack Rail Trail links Saranac Lake to neighboring towns along a smooth, scenic path that follows old railroad lines. It’s great for casual riders and families.
In winter, parts of this same trail become a snowmobile corridor. Around here, the seasons completely transform how people use the land.
3. Hike a High Peak or warm up by hiking the Saranac Lake 6er’s
You don’t have to tackle one of the famous 46 High Peaks to get a great view. Smaller mountains that are part of the Lake Saranac 6er’s offer big payoffs with shorter climbs.
Be sure to bring layers even in summer as the weather shifts quickly, and breezy summits can feel surprisingly cool.
4. Swim at Lower Lake Saranac, Lake Colby or the sandy beaches of Lake Clear
On hot days, locals head to spots like the beach on Lake Clear or Lake Colby, or the shores of Lower Saranac for a relaxed paddle or swim where the water stays crisp and cool in the summer.
Do you like to kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddle board (SUP)?
These are great options, and when you’re done with paddling, be sure to take a refreshing swim. It’s invigorating!
5. Saranac Lake Village Farmer’s Market
Check out the weekly farmers market on Saturdays (from 9 am-1 pm) for local produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts, as it’s as much a social event as a shopping trip.
Then, continue strolling downtown Saranac Lake for local coffee shops, bookstores, art galleries, and restaurants. It’s easy to spend an afternoon wandering without an agenda.
Tip: Do you like bowling? Romano’s is a fun local bowling alley downtown and a great rainy-day or Summer evening activity. Just make sure it’s not league night!
6. Catch Live Music or a Festival
Saranac Lake has a long creative streak and has been home to artists and writers for generations. Summer weekends here often mean outdoor concerts, art walks, or small-town festivals. Local events pop up frequently, and most are listed here.
Related: Top Winter Activities in Saranac Lake
7. Fish One of the Many Lakes or Rivers
Anglers love this region for its variety, including bass, trout, and more. You can fish from shore, a boat, or even a quiet stretch of river. Here are a few popular spots to fish:
- Ausable River- One of the most famous fly fishing rivers east of the Missippi
- Lower Saranac Lake – A local favorite for smallmouth bass, northern pike, and panfish. Its mix of open water, islands, and weedy bays are popular with anglers who fish from boats or even kayaks.
- Lake Colby – Easily accessible and great for a quick outing, this lake is known for trout and landlocked salmon. Early mornings and evenings tend to be most productive, especially in cooler parts of the season.
- Saranac River (stretches near town) – Flowing water means good opportunities for trout, especially in spring and fall. Look for deeper pools and slower bends where fish like to hold.
Early morning and dusk are prime times, and local bait shops are great sources for fishing advice.
8. Visit Nearby Lake Placid
Just a short drive away, Lake Placid offers Olympic history, shopping, and additional hiking trails. You thought Lake Placid was just a ski town? It’s actually a fun Summer day trip when you want a bit more bustle. During summer months you can:
- Stroll & Paddle on Mirror Lake – Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard right in town and enjoy calm water with mountain views. The walking path around the lake is also perfect for an easy scenic loop.
- Explore the Olympic Sites – Visit places like the Olympic Jumping Complex or the Olympic Center to see where history was made. You can even ride a glass elevator to the top of the ski jumps for a sweeping Adirondack view.
- Hike Mount Jo or Cascade Mountain – Both trails are popular summer hikes offering big views without an all-day commitment. They’re great introductions to Adirondack hiking, especially for first-time visitors.
9. Take a Scenic Drive
Sometimes the best plan is no plan. Winding Adirondack roads reveal lakes, mountain views, and trailheads you didn’t know existed.
A couple of beautiful scenic drives near Saranac Lake include:
- Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway – This seasonal toll road climbs nearly to the summit of Whiteface Mountain, offering sweeping views of lakes, forests, and distant High Peaks along the way. On a clear day, you can see all the way into Vermont and even Canada from the top.
- Route 3 to Tupper Lake – The drive west toward Tupper Lake winds past quiet ponds, rolling hills, and stretches of classic Adirondack forest. It’s especially stunning in early morning or late afternoon when the light hits the water just right.
Definitely keep a picnic blanket and your water bottle in the car, as you’ll almost certainly find a roadside lake or overlook that calls for an unplanned stop.
10. Simply Relax at Your Home Base
After all the paddling, hiking, and exploring, don’t underestimate the joy of a quiet evening. A book on the porch, morning coffee, dinner on the grill, or watching the light fade through the trees can be just as memorable as any big outing.
I mean, you definitely have to spend some time in an Adirondack chair!
If possible, consider staying in Saranac Lake for a while to really experience it as a local. Our cottage is one of many long-term rentals by owner near the downtown.
Saranac Lake Slower Summer Rhythm
Summer in Saranac Lake isn’t about rushing from one attraction to the next. It’s about settling into a slower rhythm, where outdoor adventure and small-town charm go hand in hand. Stay long enough in the Adirondacks, and you might find your favorite moments aren’t the planned activities; they’re the quiet moments in between.