Location: Keene Valley
Top Things to do in Keene Valley
What to do and see in Keene Valley, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Keene is a town in central Essex County, New York, United States. It includes the hamlets of Keene, Keene Valley, and St. Huberts, with a total population of 1,105 as of the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Keene Valley
1. Roaring Brook Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By David K - New York City, New York
A short walk through the woods (.03 miles) leads to a narrow water fall into a small river. The falls are actually quite high but you can't see it all from the base. I'd recommend skipping as a standalone destination and just taking it in as part of the Giant Mountain trek.
2. Giant Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
This spot in the Adirondacks features some rare northeastern old growth forest.
Reviewed By Stephane H - Montreal, Canada
We took the blueberry cobbler trail, so did Rocky Peak Ridge first and then on to Giant Mountain.
It took us 8 hours (including breaks and lunch) to reach the Giant Mountain summit using the blueberry trail.
It was extremely long and difficult. Took us 15 hours round trip including breaks.
Other trailheads were not as difficult as we were advised by other hikers.
The views come out to be the same. So I would recommend avoiding that section if you are not very experience and know you can hike for 15 hours with a walk of 25.3 kms.
But the positive aspect though, the view is magnificient. There are great scenic views. There is also a campground with a poind nearby (perfect if you have a water filter, chemical purification material or a stove)
3. Mount Marcy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Great for hikers, this 5,344 foot mountain has more than 2,000 trails.
Reviewed By NewStart78 - Des Moines, Iowa
I am almost 60, and completed Marcy Mt from the Adirondack LOJ this week. Unless older hikers are both fit and agile (and bull-headed), I wouldn't recommend it.
Sunrise was at 5:15am, and I signed in and started walking at 5:30am (and finished back at the car at 4pm). I parked near the LOJ for $10, and unless there happens to be an attendant at the entry kiosk, you take an envelope at the kiosk, take out the tag for your car dash, fill out the front of the envelope, put the money in it, and then put it in an adjacent lock box. No plastic or change possible with the envelope system, so you need $10 in currency.
The trailhead is at the end of the gravel parking area (there are 3 or 4 adjacent parking areas) directly facing the front of the LOJ. Meaning, from the LOJ front door, walk straight through the parking area, and the trail head is in the adjacent trees. After signing in (you will sign in a second time near Marcy Dam), take a rock from the pile to transport up to a second rock pile up top.
Even with the sun up, the bulk of the long trail is darkish, with muted green and brown, with minimal views beyond typical NE woods. The trail was not crowded (saw approx 40 people all day), and I am a very quiet hiker, but I saw zero wildlife beyond routine birds. Pleasant rushing water sounds do accompany parts of the trail.
It has been a very wet spring and early summer, and there was lots of water puddles and mud to slog through or around on the trail. However, especially if you have good waterproof boots, that was not a problem. Many parts of the muddiest areas are planked, or crisscrossed with logs, however many of these aids are very aged and can be wobbly or decayed (but they still work). Good-condition bridges do exist on all but one higher water spot (the stream that feeds Indian Falls requires careful rock and log hopping).
I would definitely bring a stout hiking pole or staff to aid balance. I wouldn't bring 2 hiking poles. Other than the first (and thus last) 2.3 miles of relatively rockless trail, it is near impossible to find a prolonged striding rhythm where two poles work best. You are zigging and zagging around, and/or climbing over rocks too much.
I agree with others that the trail is pretty well marked (blue circles on trees). That said, I did foolishly mentally zone out once, missed a blue marker, and burned 45 minutes of energy on a very rough ski trail before realizing my error and backtracking. All my fault, not the trail maintainers... As with almost every long trail I have ever been on, I wished there were more signs on the long stretches that gave mileage progress.
The repetitive nature of rock scrambling on this trail is unusually intense and tedious. Especially as an older hiker, my agility was completely taxed. Same with the strength and the flexibility of legs, knees, ankles, and feet. For an all day hike, I can't spryly climb or bounce from rock to rock anymore, or even jump down from a double step rock with full weight on one knee/leg. And coming down all the rock slides was harder (and more fall-dangerous) than going up. You don't need to focus on every step, but you do on many of them.
I took 2.7 liters of water (bladder) and ran out near Indian Falls on the way back. That is normally enough water for me, but I did sweat a lot on the ascent, and for the first time in my hiking life, I got muscle cramps in my legs (and a slight hamstring pull) three quarters of the way up, so I hit the water hard to help with that. I siphoned some "raw" emergency water from the fast moving Indian Falls creek, and then drank very little once I got to the easy return miles from Marcy Dam (and then drank my fill back at the car).
I was definitely tired on the 5 hour descent, but aside from a few short stops to pull food or bug spray from the pack, I trudged away. Bugs weren't bad. No biting flies, and the bug spray worked fine with the mosquito's.
As is usually the case, the people encountered on the trail were universally nice and friendly (and young!).
The view at the top is excellent, but I would never climb Marcy again. Even at 60, I can handle the mileage, and also the altitude gain, but the continual rock scrambling is a buzz-kill. Especially for an older hiker, the constant scrambling also really amps the injury-danger factor on a serious trail. The opportunities to slip, fall, strain, and/or pull are very high on this trail. I am not embarrassed to say that I even scooted down a few massive rock spots--places that I would have been confident bounding down in my younger days.
A couple final thoughts...
I stayed in Lake Placid the night before the hike, and the LOJ and trailhead is approx 15 minutes away on a well marked road that Google Maps or any nav system will aim you too. The road to the LOJ is paved, but the last few miles is really rough and you won't be able to drive it fast. Upon approaching the kiosk, which signals the beginning of the LOJ and trailhead area, you may note cars parked on the entry road (they don't want to pay the $10 parking fee).
I suggest no dawdling on the trail section between the LOJ and Marcy Dam. You need to make good time there, because so many other sections will be slower going.
The sidebar to Indian Falls is worth the time. Very pretty.
I wore neoprene sleeves on my knees on the descent and they helped. They also offered some protection from cuts and scrapes.
I took a stocking hat and light gloves because the summit area is colder, but never took them out of the pack (I didn't stay in the summit area long enough to get chilly).
I printed my map, free, from the web. I also figured out the mileage from cross trail intersections so I had a better sense of distance while walking.
Since you are constantly maneuvering and "dancing" over rocks, you have to quickly get disciplined to the weight and "backwards-pull" of your pack--in other words make sure to lean forward while scrambling.
I had zero cell service at the LOJ, but had it at Marcy Dam, and much of the way up. If you have a worried spouse like I do, the ability to ping every couple of hours is a good thing.
Be sure and sign-out from both trail books on the descent.
My food consisted of various power bars, an apple, carrot sticks, dried pineapple, walnuts, a few beef sticks, and a snickers bar. I ate almost all of it (snickers was the best!).
I encountered on and off pops of rain, but only broke out the rain coat once since my shirt was already so sweaty that a little rain felt good (but made the rocks slicker).
I wore, and appreciated my ultra-light, over-boot gators, and noticed that almost none of the younger hikers were wearing them. I never bought them till older either, but they do an excellent job keeping dirt and debris out of your boots or trail shoes.
I had a mostly healed blister on one heel before the hike and tried ""new skin" spray on it for the first time. Worked great.
Aside from the trail head parking lot and LOJ, I saw only one sign for a latrine on the trail--near Marcy Dam.
I encountered 4 dogs (with owners!) on the trail. All very people friendly.
There are restrooms with toilets, soap, and hot water in the LOJ to enable a quick spruce up before the drive out. The LOJ also sells drinks and a bunch of other stuff. People were very nice there.
4. Mirror Lake
Overall Ratings
5 based on 764 reviews
Reviewed By kristat361 - Massena, New York
Highly recommend visiting Mirror Lake in BOTH winter and summer! It is awesome to walk, ski, skate, dogsled , and toboggan on the lake in the winter! It is just as awesome to swim and boat in the lake in summer. The views of the town from on the lake are amazing. I highly recommend the entire Lake Placid and Saranac Lake areas for any travel enthusiast! You will not be disappointed! We just experienced the best President’s weekend ... so much fun and the weather was perfect!
5. Whiteface Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Whiteface may have made its name in winter, it has the highest vertical drop in the east, after all but it does summer pretty well too. The warmer months make Whiteface a natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels and ages, whether you're looking for an adrenaline rush or just an afternoon of beautiful views with your family. Take a hike along the Stag Brook Falls trail or Bear Den Mountain, play a round of Disc Golf and check out the area's most exhilarating, challenging Mountain Biking terrain. Or gather the family for an afternoon of taking it all in with a Scenic Cloudsplitter Gondola Ride to the summit of Little Whiteface. Drive the Whiteface Veteran's Memorial Highway to the summit, and lean into the Adirondack breeze as you marvel at the world below you.This well-known mountain offers exciting and scenic runs for skiers of all levels: Beginners do well on Easy Acres, which features its own ski school, novices and intermediates enjoy Little Whiteface, while experts head to the heart-pounding summit.
Reviewed By Mary S - Liverpool, New York
We took our sons to the mountain for snowboarding, then decided the 4 older folks would try the gondola ride. Despite being busy with selling lift tickets and helping the skiers and boarders, the staff was all very friendly and accomadating to us. Thankful for a mostly clear day, the views from the top were breathtaking!
6. Adirondack History Centre Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Combination museum and history center, located in a former schoolhouse, offers nature trails, Adirondack mountain fire tower, gardens and sugar house, plus various museum exhibits including horse-drawn vehicles, mining equipment, military artifacts and household items.
Reviewed By Gillylax - Central New Yorker
This is the kind of place that kids love to go. The elementary school I worked at took 5th and 6th graders here on a regular basis. Lots of hands on activities and fascinating information about the past! Loved to watch the kids who needed to see and touch rather than read and write get just as involved as the avid readers and writers!
7. The Birch Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Charming country shop featuring a unique collection of Adirondack and handcrafted furnishings and clothing for camping and outdoor living.
Reviewed By Michelle B - Queensbury, New York
We stopped here as I do every time I pass through Keene. This store has everything and is so amazing. The clothing selection is perfect(the buyer has great taste and items are high quality and current. The soaps are incredible. I can not pass them up. The staff is friendly and this place is just great. Stop at the mountain store up the street and grab lunch in town. I cannot say enough about this little treasure of a store. There is a price point for everyone so look around:)
8. Dartbrook Rustic Goods
Overall Ratings
5 based on 17 reviews
Dartbrook Rustic Goods is the third generation of an Adirondack furniture making business dating back to 1920. The store is located in the old General Store building in beautiful downtown Keene, NY. We offer the largest selection of authentic rustic furniture and home furnishings made in the North Country, together with a wide variety of antiques, rugs and unique Adirondack goods.
Reviewed By HobosDust - NYC
The most amazing adirondack store in the High Peaks/Lake Placid area. Lots of home dec items and furniture. Good to look around for rustic decorating ideas. Unfortunately, most items are really expensive.
9. Lake Placid
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 133 reviews
Reviewed By Towgunner1 - South Jersey
Clean, seemed well maintained. Friendly shop owners and workers. Well patrolled and appeared safe for families. Metered parking with kiosks all over the place. Didn't appear to be night club atmosphere which is a good thing. Lots of choices for eating and small live entertainment in a few of the restaurants. I'd like to see it in the summer as well.
10. Adirondack Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By Jason W - Camillus, New York
Found this off the beaten path of things to do. What a wonderful time. Showed up for the wolf talk and spent about 3 hours wondering the grounds with the animals and talking with the owner and the volunteers. No cost to enter, but donations are encouraged. We gave $20 for 2 adults. Well worth it as these people really care about what they are doing...educating and rehabbing. Would definitely go again.
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