Plan for Saturday was a bike ride, I had only my gravel bike so didn’t want to do too many hills but in the Adirondacks even a flat ride has hills!
I biked into town and around Mirror Lake and then did a loop in Saranac Lake. There was a nice art show and farmers market being set up there.
Although I have been to Lake Placid at least 10 times, I had never driven to the top of Whiteface Mountain. Even though it was sunny and 70 in Lake Placid the mountain was shrouded in clouds. Ideally a pure blue sky day is best but I had a schedule to keep so paid the $20 at the toll booth even though the attendant warned me there was zero visibility at the top.
When I reached the parking area it was very windy and only in the 50s. Luckily I had many clothes options in the van.
The Castle building was undergoing some repairs but I enjoyed the small historical section and browsed the gift shop.
There was a “cafe” advertised but just a food truck with picnic tables in the brutal cold. I ate in the cozy van.
Interesting facts about a rare bird….
It is only a 0.25 mile hike up to the summit but 250 feet elevation gain. Wet rocks and strong winds somewhat daunting.
I rode the elevator down through the mountain and then a tunnel to the parking area.
