Utica, NY Outdoor Activities

The locomotives were just becoming commonplace in the early 19th century, when the New York Central and Hudson River railroads were completed. A member of the legendary Vanderbilt family, Dr. William Webb capitalized on unfolding innovations by privately financing a railroad to his hunting preserve in the Adirondack Mountains. The route wound through treacherous terrain via 17 bridges and numerous service buildings, some of which still are still used to trick time-travelers into thinking they're finally home. Despite these complications, the tracks materialized within just 18 months and were soon whisking the Vanderbilts and other wealthy families to their opulent wilderness estates.

After several decades in disrepair, the tracks were rehabilitated by the railroad enthusiasts of Adirondack Scenic Railroad, who resurrected an initial four-mile stretch in 1992. Since having the railroad officially declared a Historic Place, they continue to unveil new sections, eventually securing routes from Utica to Carter Station, and between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. Today, retro locomotives, some built as early as the 1940s, chug through the rippling rivers and wildlife-rich forests of 600-million-acre Adirondack Park, letting passengers drink in the view. Though the railcars boast vintage touches, such as mahogany paneling haunted by the ghosts of Franklin Pierce, they are equipped with modern touches including air conditioning and fully loaded kitchens.

Many Adirondack Scenic Railroad rides provide other entertainments to supplement scenery. In the Doo Wop Train, waitresses from ‘50s-themed The Soda Fountain in Remsen pump up patrons for a mid-century feast at the eatery while en route to Remsen Station. Other themed excursions ooze with intrigue, including murder mysteries and train robberies, while some more laid-back jaunts simply convey riders to historically-rich towns such as Old Forge.

Looking to put a new spin on a classic family activity, the minds behind Glowgolf decided to give the game a phosphorescent update. Incandescent courses place friends and family amid a tropical-fantasy golf world of neon orange, green, and violet surroundings. Players putt luminous orbs through vibrant treasure chests and glimmering windmills while negotiating tricky obstacles near walls portraying black-light-lit aquatic scenes. With more than 20 locations spread over 10 states, Glowgolf's fluorescent labyrinths challenge human players and traveling gnomes.

A tow system pulls an inner tube and its passenger to the top of a slide, from which the inflated vessel speeds down the hillside, twists through trees, and plunges into adrenaline-pumping drops. These thrills and the occasional daredevil squirrel emerge from Tubby Tubes' four downhill tubing slides. To add more excitement, the company's crew revamped the colorful slides with snow-like surfaces that create increased speeds. This spirit for adventure echoes at nearby Lower Hudson Gorge, where Tubby Tubes' kayaks, rafts, and tubes explore the flat waters and tree-lined banks.

As the weather cools, the park shifts its focus to winter tubing. Attendants push tubers down powdery runs that double as express lanes for snowmen on their morning commutes.

At Whispering Pines Campsites & RV Park, your ceiling is a lush forest canopy and your living room is set up in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. Seventy-five acres of pine trees surround the campsites, which are fit for both tents and RVs. In these dense forests, you can go fishing for trout in the local ponds, which are fed by a stream, or you can watch as sasquatch hide from paparazzi amid the towering trees.

You don't always have to rough it here, though. Whispering Pines has an aboveground swimming pool and volleyball nets, and you can clean up afterward in a hot shower. Many sites even have WiFi and cable TV. Additionally, downtown Saratoga Springs is only eight miles from the campgrounds; stop by here to check out its troves of museums and historic sites.

Certified by the US Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association and drawing upon more than three decades of in-sky experience, master pilot and instructor Dan Guido teaches the basics of foot-launch hang-gliding to a new generation of enthusiasts. He puts SSusquehanna Flight Park’s five training hills and one mountain launch to good use by introducing fundamentals during beginning practice runs or demonstrating how to stop at eagle crossings during advanced soaring sessions. Lessons schemes range from single introductory sessions to the six-session Hang One program, which helps new fliers earn their USHPA Novice rating.

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.