Record Holder Alyssa Godesky’s Must-See List for the Adirondacks!
Alyssa Godesky is an Endurance Sports Coach, Professional Triathlete, and Ultrarunner who currently holds the record for the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on Vermont’s 273-mile Long Trail and now holds the Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the 46 High Peaks in the Adirondacks.
I spent a lot of time hiking and running the trails in the Adirondack Wilderness leading up to my running of the Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the 46 High Peaks—but there is so much more to the area than the High Peaks. Here are my top 5 recommendations to check out if you are making a trip to the Adirondacks:
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Take a Dip in Mirror Lake! It’s one of those ironic things that Ironman Lake Placid is set in the town of Lake Placid, but the swim is notin Lake Placid - it’s in Mirror Lake! Mirror Lake is a beauty of an open water swim destination — my favorite time to be there is late summer when the air is warm and the water is cool, but just right, for a no-wetsuit-needed swim. Its location right in town makes it convenient to hop in for a shakeout swim after a day on the trails!
2. Eat Some Pie! If there was something other than Nuun Sport that has fueled my summer, it would be pie from the Noonmark Diner in Keene Valley. I’m definitely not the first person to discover how good this pie is, but I am happy to spread the good word. The strawberry rhubarb crumb pie is my favorite if you’re wondering what to start with!
3. Explore LOTS of Towns! Many of us triathletes fall victim to sticking to Lake Placid as our destination of choice, but I’ve been able to explore some of the other towns in the area and I’d give them all the thumbs up! Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake are two gems I wouldn’t miss. Grabbing some coffee and walking around Saranac Lake will make for a peaceful morning, and I have become more partial to cycling the roads around Tupper Lake than those on the Ironman course around Lake Placid. Definitely check them out.
4. Discover Local History! Did you know that abolitionist John Brown’s farm is in Lake Placid? This is a must-see site while you are in the area. It allows for a self-guided tour so it is a good spot allowing for social distancing during COVID. I also really appreciated the trails throughout the farm - many runners or snowshoers use these as they are soft, well groomed trails, but they also offer a quiet spot for self-reflection after touring the farm.
5. Hike a High Peak! Surely you didn’t think that I’d send you up to the Adirondacks without suggesting that, right!? If you have a day to spend and want a challenge, you can head into the woods for my favorite peak: Haystack! If you are a bit tighter on time, but still want a beautiful peak, head to Giant of the Valley. For anyone not quite ready to hit a high peak, the Adirondacks offer countless other hikes to help you build up. I’d suggest checking out the “Saranac 6” as a great starting point. Always remember to have a back-up hike in case the parking is full where you go, and please follow the Leave No Trace principles while on the trail.
Rumor has it the leaves are turning already up in the North Country. It would be a beautiful spot to explore in the Fall - let me know if you go and what your favorite parts of the Adirondacks are!
