Things to Do in Fort Drum

When the founders of Adirondack River Outfitters first took their raft to the shores of Moose River, they didn't know it was widely renowned as one of the wildest, most intense waterway in the region. The spirited New Yorkers were just looking for adventure, fun, and a means to explore their homeland's natural beauty. After falling in love with the river's tumultuous rapids and scenic surrounding wilderness, the trailblazers began honing their rafting skills with regular trips, eventually bringing their friends and family along for the ride.

More than three decades later, the group of adventurous guides continues to lead tours down Moose River. The guides, however, have since expanded their inventory of trips to include three other major New York rivers, each characterized by unique classes of rapids and magnificent rural backdrops. A cheerful bunch, the guides always end trips with a homemade barbecue, along with thrilling stories, good-hearted jokes, and impressive recitations of the first 34 digits of pi.

Part of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve, the 1000 Islands rest in the shadow of mountains carved by multiple glaciers over millions of years. A diverse biological landscape, the 1864 islands are frequented by a variety of animals as they migrate between Canada and the United States. Lush forests, marshlands, and waterfront architecture help create a setting picturesque enough to prompt involuntary yodelling.

Within this ecologically bountiful area, 1000 Islands Kayaking's certified instructors lead courses that teach fundamental and advanced techniques. Their programs can focus on topics such as exercise or can be geared toward kids and fostering leadership skills. Alternatively, staff members rent out kayaks for self-guided journeys lasting up to a week, equipping adventurers with maps that show detailed routes and the homes of celebrity fish.

Guides also plot more elaborate trips, scheduling luxury camping expeditions complete with private cooks or engineering romantic getaways to Gananoque made all the more memorable by full-day guided tours. Their trips remain engaging no matter the size, luring in everyone from curious couples to business groups, wedding parties, and social clubs.

Snow Ridge Ski Resort offers skiers and snowboarders 130 acres of snowy mountain terrain with 500 feet of vertical drop. Six lifts—including four double chairs, a T-bar, and a bunny tow—usher visitors to the top of 22 different trails. Skiers of all stripes will find terrain suited to their particular skill level, including healthy servings of green, blue, and black-diamond runs. A terrain park features a gauntlet of rails and boxes designed for grinding, jumping, and mid-air wardrobe changes.

The resort is also home to a PSIA-certified ski school, where kids as young as 3 learn the ins and outs of proper downhill technique through instructional games and props. For a snapshot of current conditions at the resort, check out the ski report, which includes information on recent snowfall, the percentage of open terrain, and the number of lifts in operation.