​Otis Mountain Recreation Area is a 1940’s ski hill that has evolved into a challenging mountain bike, ski, and trail running destination, and is the home of the Otis Mountain Get Down music festival.  

The Noblewood nature and birding trail is open year round. Off-season admission (by foot) is free.

Crane Pond is a beautiful gem in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. 

How to get there

Take Route 74 from Ticonderoga to Route 9. Follow Route 9 south, toward Schroon Lake. In just over a half mile, take a left onto Alder Meadow Road, follow it for about 2.2 miles, then turn onto Crane Pond Road. Follow that for 1.5 miles to the large parking area at the end of the road. Crane Pond Road is typically not in very good condition so be prepared for a longer walk or ski if it is not drivable. 

The Blueberry Hill Trails are located in the Town of Elizabethtown and were built for hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross country skiing. There are several other viewing areas within the trail system that are quite rewarding.

This is a great place for hiking, birding, cross- country skiing, and snowshoeing! There is also a wheelchair accessible trail.

How to get there

There are three locations where you can access the trail system.

Route 373 Trailhead: From the intersection of Route 373 and Route 9 north of Keeseville, follow Route 373 for 1.4 miles to the trailhead on the left.

The Woods and Swale Trail gently goes up and down through an old forest, then it continues through a pine plantation, skirts the wet swale, and traverses the side of a hill to the north trailhead on Sherman Road. Return via the trail or road.

How to get there

From Essex, follow Lake Shore Road south for about 12.5 miles to the intersection with Sherman Road, where you'll see the trailhead. 

By the numbers

• An easy 1-mile trail
• Minimal elevation change

This is a birders' paradise! And it's part of the NYS Birding Trail, which features prime birding locations around the state.

How to get there

Take Exit 35 of the Adirondack Northway (I-87). Turn east onto Bear Swamp Road (Route 442) - turn right if coming from the south or turn left if coming from the north. Take Bear Swamp Road approximately 3 miles to State Route 9. Ausable Marsh WMA can be accessed from several points along Route 9.

The historic Crown Point is definitely a "don't miss" stop in the Lake Champlain Region! The grounds are free to explore, but there is an admission fee at museum.

Property owner and artist Ted Cornell has worked with Champlain Area Trails to create a hiking path which shows off some of his outdoor sculptures and artwork.

This lovely trail goes through a forest and a field, then goes along wetlands and a pond before entering a diverse forest with ancient oak trees and unexpected rock outcrops.