Adirondack Loj and Heart Lake
Gateway to the High Peaks, offering stunning Heart Lake views and rustic lodging for adventurers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Adirondack Loj and Heart Lake
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gateway to the High Peaks, offering stunning Heart Lake views and rustic lodging for adventurers.
"The perfect basecamp for exploring the majestic Adirondack High Peaks."
Pack for all weather 🌨️
Adirondack weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, rain gear, and bug spray.
Book lodging early 📌
The Adirondack Loj is popular. Reserve your spot months in advance, especially for weekends.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Heart Lake
Adirondack Loj
A stunning alpine lake reflecting the surrounding peaks, perfect for serene moments and photography.
High Peaks Wilderness
Trailheads from Adirondack Loj
Gateway to challenging hikes and iconic summits like Marcy and Algonquin. A true Adirondack adventure.
Adirondack Loj
Heart Lake
Historic basecamp offering lodging, meals, and essential services for trekkers exploring the High Peaks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Adirondack Loj
Prepare for Mountain Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for all weather 🌨️
Adirondack weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, rain gear, and bug spray.
Book lodging early 📌
The Adirondack Loj is popular. Reserve your spot months in advance, especially for weekends.
Specific conditions now on trails from Heart Lake Road, Adirondack Loj, and AMR trails from Ausable Club?
Just your typical post asking for help / advice for my stay in lake placid (mid august)
Download offline maps 🗺️
Cell service is spotty. Ensure you have maps downloaded for navigation on trails.
Respect Leave No Trace 🌿
Pack out everything you pack in to preserve the pristine beauty of the High Peaks.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for all weather 🌨️
Adirondack weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, rain gear, and bug spray.
Book lodging early 📌
The Adirondack Loj is popular. Reserve your spot months in advance, especially for weekends.
Download offline maps 🗺️
Cell service is spotty. Ensure you have maps downloaded for navigation on trails.
Respect Leave No Trace 🌿
Pack out everything you pack in to preserve the pristine beauty of the High Peaks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking natural beauty of Heart Lake and the unparalleled access to the High Peaks Wilderness. The Adirondack Loj provides a rustic, communal atmosphere that hikers appreciate. However, some find the booking process competitive and the amenities basic, which is expected for a wilderness lodge.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Adirondack Loj is accessible by car via NY-73. It's about a 4-hour drive from NYC. Parking is available at the Loj, but it fills up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
While there isn't direct public transport to the Loj itself, you can take an Amtrak train to Westport, NY, and then arrange for a taxi or shuttle service.
Many visitors drive from NYC, making it a scenic road trip. Alternatively, you can take an Amtrak train to a nearby station and then use local transport.
During peak season, there might be limited shuttle services to popular trailheads, but it's best to check with the Adirondack Loj for current options.
Winter driving can be challenging due to snow and ice. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with snow tires and be prepared for potential road closures.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While day use is generally permitted, overnight stays at the Loj or nearby campsites require advance reservations. It's wise to book well ahead, especially for weekends and holidays.
The Loj itself has specific hours for check-in and dining. Trail access is generally 24/7, but it's best to confirm the Loj's operational hours for services.
There is typically a per-person fee for day use at Heart Lake, which helps maintain the facilities. Overnight guests are usually covered by their accommodation fees.
Yes, there are designated campsites available for rent near the Loj. These also require advance booking.
Discounts are not commonly advertised for day use. However, members of certain outdoor organizations might receive benefits. Check with the Adirondack Mountain Club.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Heart Lake is ideal for hiking, paddling (kayaks/canoes available for rent), fishing, and enjoying the stunning mountain scenery.
The Adirondack Loj sometimes offers guided hikes or educational programs. Inquire directly with the Loj staff for current offerings.
Trails range from easy walks around Heart Lake to challenging ascents of High Peaks like Mount Marcy and Algonquin Peak.
Swimming is generally permitted in Heart Lake, but always check for any posted advisories or restrictions.
The Loj offers lodging, a dining hall, restrooms, and a small store selling snacks and basic gear.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Loj has a dining hall that serves hearty meals for guests. They also have a small store for snacks and essentials.
Day visitors can purchase snacks and drinks from the Loj's store. For full meals, it's recommended to bring your own picnic or dine at the Loj if space permits.
The closest significant dining options are in Lake Placid, which is about a 20-30 minute drive away.
If you are staying overnight, you can bring your own food. For day use, picnicking is encouraged, but cooking facilities are limited.
The Loj typically serves family-style meals, often including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with options catering to hikers.
📸 📸 Photography
The reflections of the mountains in Heart Lake, especially at sunrise and sunset, are iconic. The Loj itself also offers picturesque views.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing details.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto can capture distant peaks. A tripod is useful for low-light conditions.
Drone usage is often restricted in wilderness areas to protect wildlife and the visitor experience. Check local regulations before flying.
The remote location offers dark skies, making it excellent for astrophotography. Ensure you have a clear night and minimal light pollution.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While summiting the High Peaks might be too challenging for young children, there are many shorter, rewarding hikes accessible from the Loj that offer a sense of accomplishment. Consider trails to Avalanche Lake or Indian Falls. The Loj's dining hall can accommodate families, and packing plenty of snacks is always a good idea. Ensure you pack bug spray and sun protection, as these can be significant factors for children's comfort.
⛰️ Serious Hikers & Peak Baggers
Be prepared for strenuous climbs, rugged terrain, and unpredictable weather. It's crucial to have proper hiking gear, including sturdy boots, layered clothing, and navigation equipment. The Loj staff can offer invaluable advice on current trail conditions and the best routes for your objectives. Remember to plan your hikes meticulously and inform someone of your itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking the High Peaks from Adirondack Loj
Popular routes from the Loj include the direct path to Marcy via the Van Hoevenberg Trail, and the trails leading to Avalanche Lake and Indian Falls, which offer stunning scenery without requiring summit ascents. For those seeking a less intense experience, the Heart Lake trail itself provides a beautiful, relatively flat walk around the lake, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Always check trail conditions and weather forecasts before setting out, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash, staying on marked trails, and respecting wildlife. The Adirondack Loj also offers maps and advice from experienced staff, which can be invaluable for planning your hikes.
Lodging and Amenities at the Adirondack Loj
Beyond accommodation and food, the Loj is a hub of information. Staff are knowledgeable about trail conditions, weather, and local flora and fauna. They can provide maps, advice on routes, and assistance with any concerns. There's also a small store selling essential gear, snacks, and souvenirs. Restrooms and showers are available for guests, contributing to a comfortable stay in a remote wilderness setting.
For those who prefer camping, the Loj also manages nearby campsites, which must also be booked in advance. These sites offer a more immersive wilderness experience while still providing access to the Loj's facilities and services. It’s a great option for those who want to be closer to nature but still have access to amenities.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit