This Adirondack Recreation Hub Is A Thrilling Year-Round Vacation Destination Nestled In Majestic Mountains

Thanks to its status as the largest state park outside of Alaska, Adirondack Park in upstate New York is a region where outdoor enthusiasts can come year-round to experience thousands of lakes, trails, and dramatic peaks. There are many towns throughout the Adirondacks to explore, but if you're looking for a place that is surrounded by majestic mountains and serves as an easy-to-find recreation hub, then you need to visit North Creek.

Technically part of the town of Johnsburg, North Creek established itself as a profitable hamlet during the 19th century thanks to a winning combination of logging, farming, tanning, and mining. Like most 1800s-era industrial hubs, North Creek changed gears during the 20th century to become the "recreation hub" of the town; this character still exists today. While the hamlet itself has a humble population of around 600, those numbers swell throughout the year when outdoor lovers of all stripes and abilities descend North Creek to explore and play.

Like virtually all villages in the Adirondacks, the best — sometimes only — way to access North Creek is to drive. At over four hours from New York City and an hour and a half from Albany, the capital and oldest city in the state, getting to North Creek is simple, but a commitment. On your drive up I-87, be sure to look out your window to catch a glimpse of Lake George, the dazzling "Queen of America's Lakes."

Many of the villages in the Adirondacks have defining natural features and landmarks. The town of Long Lake, for example, is surrounded by lakes and streams that make it a perfect summer destination for anglers, paddlers, and swimmers. North Creek's defining landmark is Gore Mountain. Founded in 1964, Gore Mountain is a conflation of two ski resorts: Gore Mountain itself and the former North Creek Ski Bowl that was popular back in the 1930s.

As New York's largest ski resort, it's going to be most popular during the wintertime with snowboarders and downhill and cross-country skier. 14 lifts provide access to 108 trails, which adds up to around 43 miles of ski slopes; trails vary in difficulty, but the overall Gore Mountain experience is one that all members of the family, from grandparents to grandkids, can enjoy. During the summer and fall, Gore Mountain remains open for hikers and mountain bikers. The ski lifts remain in operation, providing scenic sky rides that privy excellent views of the surrounding country. There's also the Airbender Woods disc golf course that runs through the base of the mountains. Truly, a place for all seasons.

Gore Mountain may be the focal point of North Creek's outdoor recreation, but there is so much more to see and do in this condensed Adirondack gem. Part of the town's history can be experienced uniquely with Revolution Rail Co., an outdoor recreation company that transforms old railways into rail biking trails. Riding along what amounts to a train car with pedals, you can explore Revolution Rail's seven tours in North Creek, which provide a new perspective on the historic railroad. Anyone taking the North Bridge Run can cross over an old trestle bridge on the Hudson River, and maybe catch a glimpse of some rafters.

Speaking of, whitewater rafting on the Hudson and North Rivers in North Creek is another must while you're exploring this area. Numerous outfitters, including Adirondack Adventures and North Creek Rafting Company, are on hand to take you down some world class rapids. Anglers looking for calmer waters to catch the regions abundance of trout would do well to check out Streamside Fly Shop and Outfitters for advice on the best fishing sports. And let's not forget hiking: Numerous trails abound around North Creek, including one up the Balm of Gilead Mountain, which has some of the most stellar views of this amazingly wild area in upstate New York.