NYC to Lake Placid
Adirondack mountains, lakes and Olympic history.
~5 hours · ~280 miles from New York City
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Lake Placid, deep in the Adirondacks, is about 5 hours from NYC — a true mountain getaway with hiking, paddling, and two-time Winter Olympics history. A car (ideally AWD) is essential for the mountain roads and trailheads.
Trip highlights
- Mirror Lake, High Falls Gorge and High Peaks hikes
- Olympic sites and the village charm
- Kayaking, paddleboarding and camping
- AWD SUV strongly recommended
Driving tips
Fuel up before the mountains
Services thin out in the Adirondacks. Fill the tank and stock snacks before heading into the High Peaks region.
NYC to Lake Placid FAQs
About 5 hours and 280 miles into the Adirondacks. It's a long-weekend trip best done with an AWD SUV for the mountain roads, especially in winter.
Renting a car for the trip
Compare deals for your dates in the search below. For longer hauls, consider an SUV or full-size car, and if you're flying back rather than returning to the city, check out a one-way rental.