Although I was born in Virginia, I was lucky enough to spend the next seventeen years of my life only about a half hour drive from the southern Adirondacks. I found myself becoming increasingly thankful for living in such close proximity to a region as beautiful as the Adirondacks. As I grew older, and began to explore the deeper parts of the park, I realized how much I had been missing out on my entire life by not escaping the relatively highly-industrialized I-87 corridor. The park varies greatly in terms of accessibility and it seems that the accessibility defines the types of leisure in different areas.

The most accessible region for myself (and any of the countless others who drive up I-87) was Lake George. The largest lake fully surrounded by the park boasts countless towns such as Ticonderoga, Hague, Bolton, and the village of Lake George itself. These towns vary in practicality, from seemingly normal village, to some that bank heavily on tourism. The towns closer to I-87 typically have more tourism-based economies, while other smaller locales often have a great population who only comes to their extravagant, multi-million dollar lakehouse a handful of time each year. The tourist villages have their share of pulls (mini golf, arcades, fireworks, and even more mini golf), but it doesn’t fit what the Adirondacks should be. 150 years ago, people were fighting for their lives, farming and logging to make a living in one of the most unforgiving regions in the United States. It’s a very interesting concept that the same park now hosts millions of visitors, many coming just to experience mini golf and a drive to the top of a mountain.

The park still has endless opportunities in areas not as highly developed like Lake George. I’m ashamed to admit that these regions are not as well traveled by myself, but their inaccessibility adds to their lure. The High Peaks region has tried its best to resist the surrounding sprawl of tourism. The rugged region attracts a handsome number of visitors, although the activities that take place leave a much smaller impact compared to a permanent mini golf course. Exploring is how the the history of the Adirondacks began, and should continue to be a vital part of it. From, hiking to canoeing to skiing, exploration helps the Adirondacks maintain its value as well as its reputation. The High Peaks foster a healthy environment for recreation on state-protected lands, and organizations, such as the Adirondack Mountain Club, have done an exceptional job promoting the region. The creation of the ADK 46er challenge draws countless people to the region yearly, all of them sharing the same passion and respect for the region. What seems to define the park nowadays is the people that visit it, whether it is the secluded High Peaks, or the more accessible Lake George region. As long as most of the Adirondacks stay wild, there is space for recreation as well.