Skip to main content

Go With a Guide! Discover Guided Trips in the Adirondacks for Outdoor Adventures

The Adirondacks offer endless opportunities for adventure, and guided trips are a fantastic way to experience the best of the region’s outdoor activities. Here’s a look at some top options for guided trips in the Adirondacks.

Sleigh Rides: Dash Through the Snow

Adirondack Sleigh Rides at Lake Clear Lodge & Retreat

horse drawn sleigh ride

Located just 25 minutes from Lake Placid and 15 minutes from Saranac Lake, Adirondack Sleigh Rides offers the only lantern-lit sleigh rides in the Adirondacks. These magical rides wind through nature trails to the shores of serene Lake Clear, illuminated by authentic kerosene lanterns.

They have a few options of sleigh ride packages to choose from:

  • Winter Stay, Speakeasy & Sleigh Ride Getaway: Enjoy a full winter getaway with a sleigh ride, a 1920s speakeasy dinner experience, and cozy artisan lodging options.
  • Lantern-Lit Sleigh Ride & Speakeasy Dinner Experience: This package includes the 25-minute group sleigh ride and dinner.
  • Sleigh Ride Only: Choose between a group or private sleigh ride.

Review: “My family and I…did the lantern-lit sleigh ride and speakeasy experience. It was an amazing experience! The staff was friendly, professional, and informative on our ride.”

Country Dreams Farms at John Brown Farm State Historic Site

horse drawn sleigh ride

Experience a horse-drawn sleigh ride with majestic Belgian draft horses at the John Brown Farm State Historic Site in Lake Placid. These powerful horses ensure a memorable ride.

Review: “Wonderful service and friendly folks. An experience not to miss!”

Hiking: Experience a Prime Adirondack Activity

Hike With Jackson (Lake George)

hiker in summer on the left, and in winter on the right

Explore the beauty of the Adirondacks year-round with Jackson as your guide. Perfect for hikers of all ages and skill levels, guided trips range from short 1-hour hikes to full-day adventures. Jackson customizes hikes based on your group and current conditions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience, and he even offers guided winter hikes.

Review: “Jackson is a great guide! He is very attentive and patient.”

Whitewater Rafting: Hit the Rapids

Adirondack Adventures (North River)

guided whitewater rafting trip

Embark on a thrilling whitewater rafting trip through the Hudson River Gorge. Guided trips with Adirondack Adventures last 3-4 hours and feature Class III-V rapids, waterfalls, and stunning cliffs. This adventure is perfect for ages 10 and up, with the convenience of a quick walk to dry clothes at the end of the trip.

Review: "Fantastic day out on the river with our superb river guide. . .the river was just right for our family...a few challenging spots...some stretches of relaxing and enjoying nature."

Adirondac Rafting Company (Indian Lake)

guided whitewater rafting trip

The Adirondac Rafting Company offers top-quality rafting gear and an enthusiastic staff to guide you through the Upper Hudson River Gorge. Their expertly maintained equipment ensures a safe and exciting experience.

Review: “This was an experience of a lifetime. The Hudson River gorge is a gorgeous and scenic route and the company is top notch.”

Canoeing: Paddle Your Way to Scenic Sights

St. Regis Canoe Outfitters (Saranac Lake)

couple canoes

Explore scenic waterways with guided canoe trips with St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, available May through October. Options typically include 4-5 hours of paddling and a lunch break. Specialty trips can include hikes to Long Pond Mountain or visits to historic Great Camps. Bring your own canoe or kayak for these customizable adventures.

Review: “The team took care of us from the trip’s inception…Truly a kind, knowledgeable, helpful crew.”

Hunting & Fishing: Hook, Line, Adventure

Adirondack Mountain & Stream Services (Olmsteadville)

man holds up fish on left, group poses with dead deer on the right

From backcountry fishing trips to fly fishing workshops, Adirondack Mountain & Stream Services offers guided fishing experiences from late April to early October, along with ice fishing options in the winter. They also provide guided canoe and kayak trips, hikes, snowshoe adventures, and hunting trips.

Review: “Jamie and Cody were amazing ice fishing guides! We had a blast!”

Plan your next adventure, and discover the magic of this stunning region with the help of experienced guides!

See more guide services >>

<< Back to Things to Do 

woman in hat poses in front water
About the Author: Erin Nudi Erin is an avid reader, yogi, jogger, and hiker living in Queensbury. When she's not perusing books at Northshire, Owl Pen Books, or Beldame Books, you can find her at a local event or park with her family.