A Day Trip Driving Through The Adirondacks

New York

June 2025

A Scenic Drive Through the Adirondacks

After several days of walking, running, and hiking, we also took a scenic drive through the vast Adirondack Mountains to get a glimpse of this fantastic park.

We left just after 9am. For hours, we drove through the immense forest without hardly any traffic. Only a truck with logs was in front of us, but apparently the driver was familiar with the area because his speed was relatively fast for these winding and up-and-down roads. En route, we stopped a few times to take scenic pictures of the Branch, for a potty break at Rest Station on the Adirondack Highway, and to enjoy the panoramic view of the High Peaks.

John Brown, A Man of Conviction

Our first real visit was to the John Brown Farm State Historic Site in North Elba, New York, the home and burial site of abolitionist John Brown. Before this visit, we had never even heard of John Brown. However, we quickly discovered why he is remembered as “A Man of Conviction.”

Born in 1800, Brown grew up believing slavery was a sin against God. Though he tried several trades, his life became devoted to fighting slavery. In 1855, he left his New York farm to join his sons in Kansas, where his efforts contributed to the fight against the spread of slavery.

On October 16, 1859, Brown led a raid on the U.S. Arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. The plan failed, and he was captured by forces led by Colonel Robert E. Lee. His trial and execution as a traitor transformed him into a martyr, fueling the abolitionist cause.

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Though controversial for using violence, Brown’s actions forced the nation to confront the moral crisis of slavery. Without him, America might have looked entirely different; his conviction and sacrifice helped shape history and intensified the conflict that led to the Civil War.

Lake Placid, A Glimpse of Olympic History

As part of this round trip, we also visited Lake Placid. From a distance, we had already seen the two main ski jumps and wanted to explore the complex up close. Unfortunately, the road to the Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex, used in the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, was closed.

Instead, we headed downtown for a walk and some lunch. Remembering that Eric Heiden and several Dutch skaters had won medals here during the 1980 Games, we went in search of the Olympic ice-skating venue. At the spot where we expected to find a large indoor arena, we were surprised to see only an outdoor skating rink. Strange how both of our memories had pictured the skating events from that time differently.

We had also hoped to visit High Falls Gorge, just north of Lake Placid, but the admission fee seemed too high for a quick stop. After taking a few photos of the Ausable River, we decided to call it a day and drove back home. This trip really confirmed how vast, wild, and untamed the Adirondacks truly are.