It’s Time To Think Snow!

OK, I know what you're thinking:

No.
Way.

"I haven't even gone trick-or-treating with the kids yet."
"I have 17 relatives coming for Thanksgiving dinner!"

But...YES, WAY!

Now is the time to start planning a snowmobiling getaway deep in the heart of the Adirondacks! This time of year, it's possible for snow coverage to go from zero to two feet in just 24 hours. As soon as that happens, you can be sure everyone will be rushing to book their hotel rooms and reserve their rental snowmobiles — or to get their own sleds ready for the season.

So don't get left in the (snow) dust!

 Snowmobiling on a corridor trail in the Adirondacks.

With its borders completely within the confines of the Adirondacks, Hamilton County has over 750 miles of snowmobile trails. An interconnected web of trails allows you to choose from a variety of adventures: scenic trail rides, snow covered seasonal roads, wide corridor trails, or powder tours through beautiful Adirondack Wild Forest areas.

Picturesque winter scenery, abundant wildlife, snow-covered rivers, ponds, and lakes — what's not to love?

Snowmobiling in Long Lake at sunset.

Snowmobiling in Speculator.

Now, I'm sure you have some questions, such as...

Where should I go?

Hamilton County's trail system has a number of fabulously unique areas:

Of course, you're never limited to just one. Feel free to explore them all!

When should I go?

Why not plan a special family snowmobile getaway for this winter?
There are plenty of lodges, hotels and inns to stay at.
Establish one spot as your base or travel by snowmobile from one establishment to the next!
OR
Have your snowmobile-themed adventure coincide with some annual Adirondack festivals and events:

  • Vintage snowmobile races in Inlet and Long Lake
  • Snocade in Indian Lake
  • Raquette Lake Winter Festival
  • Winter Carnival in Long Lake
  • Frozen Fire and Lights in Inlet

OK, now what?

Well, you'll need a snowmobile, of course!

Snowmobiles at Village Motors in Speculator.

If you have your own, be sure to get it prepped and ready by professionals:
Village Motors in Speculator or Clark's Marina in Inlet are great choices.

Of course, you'll need to make sure you've got your sled registered in New York state.

Tip: By joining a local snowmobile club, you'll get $55 off of your registration fee! Local clubs include: Snowwarriors (Indian Lake), Pleasant Riders (Piseco), D.R.A.G. (Speculator), Barnstsormers (Inlet), Moonlighter Snowmobile Club (Long Lake), and Algonquin Sno-Blazers (Wells).And don't forget gear! Dressing warmly and with the correct equipment, you're sure to have the best experience possible!

First time sledders, fear not! These same establishments also rent out snowmobiles.
Snowmobile rental spots fill up early, especially on the weekends, so be sure to book your stay soon.

Download our handy-dandy Hamilton County snowmobile brochure. Here you'll find helpful information ranging from where to rent to where to find out the current trail conditions.

 Snowmobile helmets at Village Motors in Speculator.

Snowmobile helmets at Village Motors in Speculator.

Snowmobile jackets and helmets at Village Motors in Speculator.

The only question left now is, "Why not?"

Ready..set..SNOW!

But wait — before you head outside remember to book a place to chill out after a fun day on the corridor.

Now, let's hit the trails

Summer Events for 2023

By the time the end of spring starts rolling around, we all start going a little stir crazy. We've been cooped up for a few months, spring cleaning, dodging the rain and mud. If you...

Winter Events 2022-2023

Looking for something to keep you busy in the winter months? We have got some events coming up to keep you entertained! The new year looks promising and there are a lot of exciting...

Winter Bucket List

Winter this year may look a little different than previous years. Regulations have tightened a bit and we may not be able to spend as much time indoors as other years. Why not make...

Adirondack Weddings

As you may have guessed, the timeframe between Thanksgiving and Valentine's days is the most popular time to get engaged. Maybe you've just gotten engaged or are just thinking to...

Short Hikes

Known for its High Peaks and tough trails, hiking in the Adirondacks can seem a little daunting for beginners or those with families. But, I’m here to tell you, while we do have...

5 Reasons to Snowmobile Hamilton County

Winter is most fun when you get outdoors and play in the snow, and this doesn’t change the older we get. A favorite winter pasttime in the Adirondacks is snowmobiling, and the...

Top 4 Ways to Enjoy Winter

You may be thinking “I’m getting the winter blues and I need a vacation,” and I know the first thing that pops into your head is somewhere tropical, but why not try something...

Snowshoeing at Dog-Friendly Fern Park

As we pull into the quiet lot next to the ice skating rink, I can hear the swish of fresh snow under my tires. I step out and take a deep breath. The air is crisp and cold. It...

Skates, Skis or Snowshoes!

Wintertime gear includes so many innovative contraptions to strap onto your feet! And maybe you JUST got those brand new ones and you are DYING to try them out! Well, come on up to...

Your Guide to Holiday Shopping

Summer is now just a tiny speck in the rear view as we fly through fall, headed straight for winter. That means it's time to pack up the Halloween decorations, maybe put up a few...

It’s Time To Think Snow!

OK, I know what you're thinking: No. Way. "I haven't even gone trick-or-treating with the kids yet." "I have 17 relatives coming for Thanksgiving dinner!" But...YES, WAY! Now is the...

Top 4 Scenic Foliage Drives

Indian Lake to Speculator   Trip distance: 34 miles This drive will give you gorgeous scenic views of the fall foliage, as well as views of two beautiful Adirondack lakes. Starting...

Summertime = Beachtime

One of my favorite summertime activities here in the Adirondacks is taking my kids and spending the day at the beach. We love to go to the public beach in Speculator. This is the...

Skis and Snacks

The air is super crisp, cold, and clean as I drop my skis down at the trailhead. A fluffy poof of snow jumps into the air where the skis land. I take a deep breath and look around....

Things To Do Indoors

We are right in the thick of winter here in the Adirondacks and let me tell you what, it has been COLD! There have been many consecutive nights of negative temperatures — some...

A Gift For Everyone

We all know people who are just impossible to shop for. Well, let me break down the perfect Adirondack gifts — by personality! The Adventure Seeker Do you know someone who's an...

Holiday Shopping Ugh

We all know that sometimes holiday shopping can be a real drag. Going to the same stores, shopping for the same people - who seem to have everything ... This year, why not mix it up...

Plan Out Your Adirondack Winter!

C'mon, everyone! Get ready for some winter fun! (And maybe cross a few gift purchases off your list!) When I woke up this morning, it was 4 degrees. There's also a nice 2-inch layer...

Getting Ready for Winter

We are just getting our first official snowfall, so now is the time to get prepared so you are not caught off guard! Snowmobile If you own your own snowmobiles, now is the time to...

Stories of the Adirondacks

A place this full of history needs people to tell its stories, which is why we are fortunate enough to have a rich supply of historians, songwriters, and storytellers.  INLET'S...

Adirondack Oddities

Driving through the Adirondacks, no matter what time of year, is always beautiful. But if you've ever driven though our little towns, you have probably seen a few of our roadside...

Fall Events

We are just as sad as you that summer seems to be coming to an end far too quickly. However, just because summer is almost over, it doesn't mean the fun has to stop! There are tons...

My Favorite Restaurants

The Adirondacks are a great place for many things such as hiking, paddling, and camping. But one of the things done really well here is food! I haven't had the chance to eat at all...

Adirondack Saddle Tours

It was a beautiful day in July when my friend Stephanie and I hopped in the car and headed north. Our end goal was Inlet, or more specifically, Adirondack Saddle Tours. I was going...

Adirondack Fourth of July

One of my favorite times of the year is coming up — and it's coming up fast! I don't know about you, but when I think about summer, I think about camping, s'mores, fireworks, and...

Golfing in the Adirondacks

The following was written by Christy Wilt, the director of tourism and economic development for Hamilton County. Christy has lived in the Adirondacks for over 20 years and has been...

Black Fly Challenge... Accepted!

 Editor's note: The annual Black Fly Challenge will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2017. Not sure what the challenge is or why you would want to take it? Check out this fun blog...

Things to Do Along the Way

Memorial Day is right around the corner, and you know what that means... It's time for the Great Adirondack Garage Sale! With sales from Speculator to Inlet to Indian Lake to Long...

Chasing Waterfalls

When I was younger, my mom and I would always go on different hikes throughout the summer. It had been a while since we had had this opportunity - you know how life is... I've...

Down on one knee in the 'dacks

What is romance? When some people think of romance, they immediately imagine the classics: candlelit dinner, fancy restaurant, picnic in the park... For romantic gifts, they revert...

Cross-Country Skiing in the Adirondacks

So far this year, we have had a fantastic winter. There is certainly no shortage of snow! Storm after storm has dumped plenty of the fluffy white stuff on us.  The fantastic thing...

Valentine's Day Tradition

While this will be mine and my husband's first Valentine's Day as a married couple, it is hardly our first rodeo. This will be our 11th Valentine's Day together. Our first being on...

Ice Skating In The Adirondacks

With temperatures regularly lingering below freezing, don't forget to pack your ice skates this winter for your next Adirondack adventure! While most people come here to go skiing...

Winter Events

This year, I made a resolution to stay home more.  Well, that went out the window fast! There are just way too many great events going on to sit at home. There is a little something...

Fall Festivals

A notable temperature shift has been happening over the last couple of weeks, making many people realize summer is coming to an end! While we may be packing away the beach chairs...

Swimming Holes in the Adirondacks

Take a Swim There are some really great places around the region to take a dip, from public beaches to hidden swimming holes, and they are all worth checking out! Public Beaches...

Bar Hopping

Here in the Adirondacks we know how to enjoy life. We're always up for camping, paddling, fishing, hiking, and more. But we also enjoy relaxing, and what better way to do that than...

Gluten Free on the trail!

Trying to eat gluten free is one of the hardest things I have ever tried to do - I love wheat and wheat products. While being a celiac is not something we have to deal with, Corenne...

Prepping for the 90-Miler

  The Adirondack Canoe Classic (a.k.a The 90-Miler) Adirondack Canoe Classic, Day Two Start - Photo by Alexandra Roalsvig, provided by The Town of Long Lake. The weekend after...

Summer Events

Ready for a Summer Vacation? Its time to pack up the RV and hit the road! Summer is just around the corner and the Adirondacks is the place to be. Whether you prefer to immerse...

Care and storage of winter gear

The end of a long winter season is once again upon us, and even though the conditions weren't all that conducive to what might be called an excellent winter season, our gear did get...

Historical Landmarks

The celebration of Hamilton County's Bicentennial is happening this year, and we have been doing a little delving into our history! While 1816 marks the inception of the county, ...

A memorable wedding getaway in Inlet

Inlet is the perfect place for an Adirondack wedding getaway. My boyfriend Andy and I were invited to a wedding in Inlet last summer, and we decided to make a full weekend escape...

Get ready for camping, Part 2: Sleeping bags and pads

Picking a sleeping bag is not all that difficult once you get a grasp on your personal comfort level. There are numerous companies out there making sleeping bags, and some are...

Birders Flock to the Central Adirondacks!

 Winter Birds in the Central Adirondacks The winter birds of Long Lake, Newcomb, and Minerva have been a magnet for visiting birders this season. In addition to our year-round...

Birding in March: A Transitional Time

In the Adirondacks, March and October are transitional months, with October representing life falling into a slumber, and March a reawakening. The stillness of winter settles in...

Get ready for camping season, Part 1: Tents

Every company that has anything to do with the outdoor retail industry is making a tent and placing it on the market. With different price points, features, colors, weight, and...

Adirondack Ice Bowl

The Annual Adirondack Ice Bowl Pond Hockey Tournament, which has been happening since 2009, will once again be held on 4th Lake in Inlet. Participants and spectators alike look...

5 Destinations to Visit Via Snowmobile

Destination Snowmobile! Got the itch? No, not that kind of itch! I'm talking about the one where you are pacing back in forth in front of your sled, just waiting for enough snow to...

2015-2016 Winter Events

As the cold sets in you may want to bundle up and wait the winter out - but then you would miss out on so many great events going on in the heart of the Adirondacks! From ice...

Avoid the Madness and Shop Local!

Crowded Malls? No thanks! Black Friday shopping is a phenomenon that has taken over the country. People are camping out for days waiting for the hottest, newest merchandise at the...

October events in the southern Adirondacks

October has always been my favorite time of the year. The cool crisp air, the new colorful landscape, and Halloween! There is still so much going on in the Adirondacks! Try Your...