Lake Placid

OutsideJul 29

I’ve Forecast Extreme Weather for 30 Years. These Are My Top Adventure Towns for Escaping the Heat.

A veteran television meteorologist shares her favorite under-the-radar U.S. towns where summer temperatures stay comfortably under 80 degrees—and are full of outdoor adventure.

24 things in this story

Mirror LakeSightgas-powered boats aren’t allowed, ideal for swimming
High Falls GorgeSightHike for waterfalls and shaded trails
Whiteface Mountain Veterans’ Memorial HighwaySightNew York’s toughest bike ascent
Stairway Ridge TrailTrailshort and steep hike to the summit
Miracle on Ice rinkSightskating on the famed rink
SkyRide at Lake Placid Ski Jumping ComplexSightride the SkyRide
Mt. Van HoevenbergAttractiontake a luge or biathlon lesson
Cliffside CoasterPlaceNorth America’s longest mountain coaster
The Coffee BarCaféStart the day with a latte on the balcony
Bluesberry BakeryBakerygrab a pastry
The Breakfast Club, etc.Restaurantlocal favorite before a hike
Elsewhere
Olympic National ParkSightForks, United Statesmost diverse national park in the USA
Mount WashingtonSightConcord, United Stateshighest peak in the Northeast, infamous for extreme weather
Mount Washington Auto RoadSightConcord, United StatesAmerica's oldest man-made tourist attraction
Mount Washington Cog RailwaySightConcord, United Statesworld's first mountain-climbing cog railway
Jackson FallsSightJackson, United States100-feet-tall falls, series of cascades and pools
Androscoggin RiverSightJackson, United StatesPaddle on a guided wildlife kayaking tour
Great Glen Trails Outdoor CenterPlaceJackson, United Statesoffers guided wildlife kayaking tours
White MountainsSightJackson, United Statesterrain for every mountain biker
YesterdaysRestaurantJackson, United StatesChow down on a Bennie or omelet
Sunrise ShackRestaurantJackson, United StatesGrab a burger
Wildcat TavernGuest houseJackson, United StatesEnjoy country comfort food in rustic post and beam
Moat Mountain Smokehouse and Brewing CompanyRestaurantJackson, United StatesFor barbecue and craft beer
Wildcat Inn and TavernGuest houseJackson, United Stateshistoric, classic New England charm

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I’ve Forecast Extreme Weather for 30 Years. These Are My Top Adventure Towns for Escaping the Heat.