Adirondak Loj & Heart Lake Program Center in Lake Placid
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Lake Placid, Essex County, New York, US
Beautiful, thematic, throwback lodging in the heart of the Adirondack Park. Ive been coming here since I was too young to actually remember the earliest trips, and theyve done a wonderful job of keeping things feeling comfortable and modern without giving up the classic, woodsy, Adirondack feeling. The meals are hearty, not particularly fancy, but are always delicious and great fuel before a day of hiking. There are shared showers and bathrooms available. A wonderful experience Id recommend to anyone visiting the Adirondacks.
The Campground Cabin cost is $179.00 a night. For that price it was a total disappointment! First of all, it’s tiny! You can’t even open the fridge without bumping into the dining room table. It comes complete with a broken toaster, coffee pot with no filters, no linens (which we expected, but still, for that price linens would be nice) and the location is terrible. It is right next to a campsite. It doesn’t even have a view! The picnic table and fire pit are right behind the cabin next to the propane tank for ambiance. The lake is nice, but the beach area is very small and there is no dock as pictured above. You could book a much nicer accommodation for this price. It was a huge rip off. Also- it was incredibly loud! There was a group of about 10 boys in the campsite next to ours and they were loud all night. We were exhausted when we left.
Great place to stay if youre hiking in the area, and hankering for a bed and someone else cooking over staying in a tent. Awesome friendly staff, and a great community of people visiting from all over the world. Definitely a rustic option, for backpackers and hikers. With communal rooms and some private rooms as well. Was a really good break from camping for several weeks. Like a vacation from a vacation. It was great having someone else cook breakfast before I finished off my 46 by hiking up Mt. Marcy the next day.
Good place to set off on a hike to a few of the high peaks. Fresh water provided on site at no cost, rangers on site to answer questions and provide guidance. Parking fills up quickly so arrive early or you risk having to park farther away on a seasonal road which requires a ~1 mile walk to get to the Loj.
Just what I needed. I felt like a kid in camp again only with mature and often highly educated adults. Some of the best mountain sunrise and sunset pictures I have ever taken. Loved its proximity to Placid too. Booked next years visit as I paid for this year.
I adore the ADK Loj so much so for a variety of wonderful memories. So much so in fact that I had my wedding there. I have camped there (little overpriced, but a great way to introduce children to lean-to sleeping), stayed in private rooms, and stayed in the loft. The food is excellent- particularly after a long winter hike; though I would like to request that as a place with communal sleeping arrangements sauerkraut be removed from the menu. The staff is super laid back and friendly. You cannot beat the location for jaunts in the HP region.
Big parking lot, nice general store. The trail snack bar was closed when we were there (Nov 6) but a nice stop along the high peaks with 24 hour bathrooms and perfect access for day hikers.
When you stay here you wont be disappointed. The camp store has everything you need to survive. Plus, it is close enough to town that you can grab anything else your heart desires there. Wonderful hikes close by. Great staff and clean restrooms.
Visited on August 25, 2019. This is a nice place to access different mountains, including Mt. Marcy and Algonquin. We chose one a lot less daunting on the day we vistied- Mt. Jo. The Loj has an adequate shop where one can purchase camping and hiking gear and apparel. Theres also food available. I found the employees to be helpful. A word of caution: get there early because the parking lots can fill up quickly. Also, there is a fee to park. The accompanying pictures are from the summit of Mt. Jo, which is a fun little hike.
Nice campground with direct access to several of the high peaks. I camp here a couple times a year with a large group of friends. The information center sells most camping equipment that might be needed in case you forgot to bring something. They also serve burgers and sandwiches including gluten free buns. A full serve cafe is being built now which will be a great addition.
The campground is very nice with clean showers. Theres a hikers restaurant and an information center at the nearby trailhead. High country hiking in the Adirondack Mountains is excellent! Join the Adirondack Mountain Club to feel good and get a camping discount too!
Great home base for hiking around the Adirondacks. Stayed in the campground for two nights during a cold, snowy weekend in February. We were welcome to warm by the fireplace in the main lodge and were able to rent snow shoes from there as well. Staff were very knowledgeable about local hikes and conditions.
I visited here several times through the 1990s and early 2000s but always found it far too crowded for my tastes. If I survive healthy to retirement I plan to come back in winter with snowshoes and crampons. It is a great facility that has just become too popular in the summer. The last time I came through was August 25, 2010, when my wife dropped off my dog Nixie and I. We tried to climb up Wright Peak but there was a steady downpour all that afternoon and we made up to the last steep pitch before the summit.
Beautiful place here in the Adirondack Mountains just love the state of New York in this area
Lovely area, strayed in cabin and campsite. Definitely prefer campsite as it was beautiful, very chilly at night, and very dark. The cabin was nice however the walls were really thin and you could hear people snoring and talking in the next room. Housekeeping knocked on our door 4 times in the span of 1.5 hours between 7.30 am and 9 am (checkout is at 11). Told her every time to please just leave as we will checkout soon yet no budge. She started vacuuming loudly at around 8 am so we decided not to sleep in and just leave.
All the staff was very helpful and friendly. They were very knowledgeable about the area and resources available to you. I believe the meals left a lot to be desired. It it a small buffet where I got a cold rubbery hambuger Patty and some pasta salad for 20 bucks. The bathrooms were nice and even attended a nice lecture about how the mountains got their names.
Weve stayed in lean-tos 2ce and once in a king bed room .. its a bit of heaven, absolutely beautiful. One of the coolest places ever. Truly healing. Heart Lake is gorgeous.The Loj is spectacular, Adirondack style at its best; they used to have family style dinners that were amazing, and it was so fun to talk with the fellow hikers but due to Covid they stopped dinner and expanded the Hungry Hiker hours ..The composting toilets are poop-covered. The employees are pretty lackadaisical ..The camp sites are generously distanced and mostly quite private, glamping at its best .. everything is natural and beautiful, and perfectly done.
Went on a beautiful later afternoon hike up mt jo. There are many nice walks and hikes from this spot besides high peaks. I especially like the trail to Marcy Dam. Place was empty which was great as it can be crazy on weekends. I recommend avoiding on weekends and holidays.
Ive stayed at the campsite several times so far. Ive never had a bad experience. I love the accessibility of the hiking trails from out of the tent flap. The amenities are the best one could ask for in regards to camping. They have two of everything so there might be a line every once in a while. If one books early enough, the ADK site will ask if theres a site wanted. Its truly a place to stay if a group were looking to stay fairly deep in the woods living on old-style life. The Loj rents out boats by the hour for Heart Lake, and there are easy hikes extremely close by. There are also big named hikes right out the backdoor. I think sometimes it can get kind of loud at the site. They say quiet hours are from 10pm to 7am, but Ive been awoken several times with barking dogs, people chopping wood, and loud talking at all hours. Mind you, its nominal the trade off if one were to consider the alternative (read my review about Whispering Pines Campground across the street). This is definitely a location that should be explored at least once.
Stunning scenery everywhere you look! Adirondack Mountain Club are stars in maintaining the trails and infrastructure. I has a breakfast there at the Loj. It was filling, plentiful and very tasty. The campground is amazing and well maintained. Staff were friendly and helpful
My first time there. Campground is fantastic. Great place to put up a tent or rent a cabin. Centrally located for many of our hikes. We highly recommend and will be returning!
Check in was easy, staff were knowledgeable and helpful. The lean to we stayed in was far more comfortable and cosy than expected. In particular I thought I would be woken up by sunlight in the morning but the shelter kept us sleeping longer than normal. Good facilities for washing up and showering too.
Recently spent a weekend camping at the wilderness campground and hiking during the day. The facilities were clean, staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. There is tons of great hiking. The site fees are a little higher than some of the other campgrounds in the area but I would say its worth it for the atmosphere and walking distance to a lot of the trailheads.
Place was kept in great shape and every plot was nicely shaded. Maybe update the camp fire rings though cant grill to well off of them. Other than that host/staff was great and very informative. Close too plenty of foot trails to the peaks
Perfect place to park to hike many mountains. They have bathrooms and limited food options at the loj. Its $10 to park, and normally there is none, so get there early. If they are out, you need to park way up the road.
I stayed at the campground associated with the Adirondack Loj and Heart Lake Program Centered l Center. The campsites had plenty of room, nice fire pits, and plenty of water sources nearby. The proximity to the trail head cant be beaten. The lake was also a welcome spot and we were able to rent a canoe for $10. I really enjoyed my stay.
Did not take advantage of the rooms but was a great place to get ready for the best hike of all time. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff, including the summit stewards, who even gave us interesting info about the local fauna!
Good central location for hiking out into many of the high peaks. Avalanche lake is one of my favorite winter hikes at around 10 miles. Ski rentals and such are available at the site. This place will be too busy to park at in peak season, so dont bother.
I came to the lodge as a tired, cold, and hungry mountaineer who needed a warm bed for the night. To begin, the lodge is a beautiful old cabin in an even prettier location; the Adirondack High Peaks. The service is great and the place is spotless. Stayed there two nights with breakfast buffet included, would most certainly recommend it to a friend.
I love this region and hope to return to hike agin after being away for a bit. Was passing through the high peaks region and felt compelled to drive up.The beautiful mountain vistas reminded me of why the Adirondack High Peaks region was one of my favorite destinations. My achy knee reminded me why I’ve been absent for so long. I miss the good old days.The store was well stocked and the clerks wonderful. I bought a map (that folds) with trail details that may help me locate the trails I hiked on once upon a time. There was a beautiful lean to that was set right on the bank of a lake. It’s still waters reflecting the mountain bookends in the distance (maybe Marcy Lake). It was a fascinating view that has imprinted on my mind. I must return to find it.
Nice camping, well kept, quiet, with hot water
Me and my oldest did a spur of the moment trip to hike mt marcy. We got in late 4pmish and found parking in lot pretty easy. The reception center was very nice and had a good assortment of things you would need. Small stove, water tablets ect. Can rent bear case for about 12 dollars. The hungry hiker right next door limited food choises but do have some vegetarian options food was awesome. Everyone was super nice and hlepful.
As an avid hiker, the Loj wasnt what I was expecting. I stayed in one of their large bunk rooms, and there was 1 power outlet for the entire room with more than 12 bunks in it, and there was no power strip. Additionally, while they offer wifi in the Loj, you have to sit in the living/fireplace room to get enough signal to load a browser window. Their breakfast time was much later than I expected; Im used to places that operate on hiker time, which tends to mean breakfast around or before sunrise - particularly in the winter when light is such a previous commodity.
How could some place be so serene! We could sit in heart lake for hours, but there were only so much time. We would surely go back.
Don’t get their breakfast !It’s an ok place.Eggs were over cooked and try, sausage tasted like sugar dumped on it , were out of regular coffee and 20$ for two people for this??? Food was no good.The camp ground was ok, kinda packed in too close together. Showers need to be updated for what they charge here- showers and bathroom were built in like the 30 s ???Anthony the volunteer was awesome tho!Get all your stuff in the city cause they sell stuff here but they gonna price gouge u.
Friendly staff. Good camping site. We had an area to park the car, three flat spots to choose from on our one campsite (You can go in groups) A solid but very wet picnic table and a fire pit with a grill on a swivel. The website could be better by having more information about pricing, sleeping options and maps.
Attended as part of an overnight rock climbing camp through RPI freshman experience. The camp sites were well marked and well maintained, and I have no complaints about any of the other facilities. It was close to our climbing sites and I also enjoyed swimming in the nearby lake and also chapel pond.
Starting point for many of most exciting trails for the High Peaks. Parking is 5 per car but you can park along the roading before the parking lot. Staff are very nice and knowledgeable, you may see rangers during your hike providing important information during the summer.
This is a very unique place, poised at the base (or as close as one can drive ones car to the base) of Mount Marcy, for nature enthusiasts only.The service is enthusiastic, chipper, young and healthy. The facilities (with shared hallway bathrooms [with showers], a dining hall, a large lounge) are very clean. The services are thoughtful - including healthy breakfasts, options to buy dinners, as well as packed lunches, a stack of tiny bars of soap near the shower stalls, a cozy lounge.Just a few tips for the potentially unwary: (1) There really are no locks on the guest room doors. This is not a place to bring luggage - or anything of value. Not that anyone is likely to enter your room. Just that theres no assurance that they cant/wont. (2) If your upstairs neighbors (immediately above) move about at night, you will hear every loud creaky step that they take. (3) If you stay for two nights (or more), your room will not be made up after the first - at least ours was not. Even towels were not replaced. We respect energy conservation and understand that this is a hiking lodge somewhat far from the beaten path (or, town), so this isnt a disparaging statement - just a reminder to treat your towel with care. (4) There are so many bugs! Yes, this is the great outdoors, the woods, even, so this should not be surprising. Just a tip, though - do not underestimate how quickly you will sweat away your insect repellent. Also - do not underestimate how many insect bites can penetrate your clothing.On the whole, this is a charming loj (so named because of Melvil Deweys penchant for simplifying English language spellings) and a great benefit for hikers seeking an early morning launching pad for the long slog up Mt. Marcy. The Center on the whole is an impressive operation, with a well-stocked information center and knowledgeable guides everywhere.
Its a gorgeous place to hike the high peaks or just spend the day at heart lake. There is also a gorgeous pull off spot where you can walk down by the stream and fish. We had a nice afternoon and we didnt even go hiking that day!
It’s really a great spot both for serious backpackers and for the family. There are options to get outfitted and on your way to he back country or ways to make a nice family stay out of it. Either way, give a trek up Mt Jo to find some great views of the High Peaks
This is a nice quiet campground allowing easy access to trails. They have canvas cabins, tent sides and lean tos. Bathhouse with flushing toilets, running water and showers. Canvas tents have bunk beds with thin mattresses. There is a restaurant located near the trailheads. Reasonable prices.
I only visited briefly because I was there for a day hike. The property is beautiful and well maintained. A great place from which to launch many different outdoor adventures! The location is a bit off the beaten path but thats why its such a great spot to visit. I cant comment on the rooms or services as I didnt stay overnight.
This place is a welcome and necessary base camp for the wonders in the surrounding High Peaks region. Heart Lake is right there, they let you use their dock for swimming, paddleboards, canoes, kayaks. Meals for a decent rate, and rooms to bunk in. Staff are friendly and pleasant, lodge is an inviting and homely as grandpas cabin.
Great experience overall. The lodge its self is rustic, kinda a blast from the past. The beds in the bunkrooms are comfortable (so long as your not over 6 feet). The trail lunches they prepare are huge, the dinner and breakfest are equaly great.
The Log is a really special places and has been so for decades. The staff and rangers who work nearby truly care about educating patrons about the environment of the High Peaks and greater Adirondacks. If you visit here please take the pledge of Leaving No Trace seriously. The local flora/fauna and trails really are delicate and the vistas not as grand if its spoiled by carelessness. This is a jumping off point for some of the greatest hiking on the East Coast.
Staff is super friendly and helpful. The grounds are beautiful. Couldnt help but think how much Id love to work here. Such a great place. Camped for two nights and didnt want to leave. Trails are unbeatable.
The people at the Loj are fantastic, helpful and knowledgeable. We all had a terrific time. The weather was also perfect and the hiking was phenomenal, the guides were incredible. Would definitely recommend it to my friends and I would do it again.
I was at the Adirondack loj going to hike mount jo with friends. The experienced staff members were personable and very helpful. They didnt try to sell anything extra that wasnt needed and gave tips for a safe and awesome hike. They even had patches for mountains in the area. I bought a few for the ones the kids and i hiked.
Staff at front desk were very rude and talked down to us. Refused to let us take a picture of large map and insisted we buy a map. The same map was outside at the trail head. The trails were well maintained and the conservation officer on the mountain was knowledgeable and nice.
Its under construction at the moment but it was great. They have supplies for those backpacking through the Adirondacks. They are very knowledgeable about all the trails and kind. They give a lot of information, and show videos on what to do in certain situations and conditions when out on the mountains. I highly recommend visiting this, especially since the Adirondacks are a little difficult to navigate through.
The Mount Jo trail was worth the two hour round trip! Great views, and the peak has a fantastic breeze. The Adirondak Club naturalist who was at the summit was very informative and helpful. The short trail is definitely shorter, but strenuous and vertical. Would recommend going up short trail and down long trail if youre in good enough shape to climb boulders.
Amazing. The place is gorgeous. Staff is fantastic. Our bunks and breakfast were perfect and a hot shower at 1 am after climbing Marcy for sunset was wonderful♥️
The Loj has a great number of amenities available but you still feel like youre in the great outdoors. Trails right off the campground are well maintained. Theres a nice mixture of easy medium and hard trails. The loj has the staff and information to help you select a route that meets your needs. Bring more water than you think you need and pack food!
Great spot to start your hike from. You can either pay for parking here ($10 a day for non-members) to access the trail heads, or stay at the lodge or lodge campsites. Dont forget to rent you required bear box at the lodge ($25 I believe).
Great place to start your adventure. They have bathrooms open 24/7, camp sites, an information center with knowledgable staff members. I rented snow shoes here for a winter hike.
One of the best places to start a hike in the adk, lots of trails of various difficulties, there is litteraly anything for everyone, rocky or flat, steep or mild, lake or summits. parking is big but get there early on weekends, past 9 it is likely to be full. if you want to enjoy some quietness, go during the week
Great place to camp and go on some high peak trails. Only problem was that if you just wanna hike the high peaks, we had to park a mile away from the start of the train because their parking lot gets full really early.
I stayed at the ADK Loj for three days during the 2017 Christmas break. I booked a room with two beds, and that was excellent! Unlike a motel (or a hotel), they don’t change the bed sheets every day, and that’s understandable – you are in the wilderness! I was particularly impressed with the bathrooms; those were super clean with plenty of hot water, although you are expected not to WASTE the water. The main sitting room is my favorite; its very peaceful and you can spend your time resting, reading, or playing various board games, or play the piano if you know that (or even if you don’t – you are always welcome!). Moreover, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are available 24 hours, and that’s a treat. The trailhead from the Loj leads to many high-peaks, including the Mount Marcy; I wouldn’t go into this detail. I would encourage everyone to visit the place. Its worth spending your time!!
Excellent place to start or end a hike in the ADKs. Bear cannister rentals and a bunch of available equipment for purchase if you forgot anything. The newly expanded Loj is quite nice. Restrooms and filtered water available free of charge. Parking is a little tight and can fill up quickly, and overflow parking is roadside about a mile and change away, so plan accordingly and get there early.
Nice spot that gives you access to several trails. We hiked Mt Colden and a day parking pass was $12. Theres toilets and a shop at the Loj and ample parking.
The scenery and hiking options are perfect for the weekender, novice and also the enthusiast. what it lacks in challenge it makes up for in what you see. this is a stop that everyone who is coming to the Lake Placid area must stop and see. late September into October is arguably the most beautiful foliage scenes that you will take in here in upstate NY. if you have ever had the notion to travel and see the leaves turn this is one of the top 10 places in the U.S. some people say Vermont for the Foliage. Others like it for the snow, either way this is an area that boasts hosting the Olympics twice. this is in the heart of the Adirondacks and centrally located between all of the sightseeing. this is a must see.
Just went for hiking Phelps, didnt actually stay here. But the current facilities are very nice and they look like they are building more and expanding their parking, which will be nice. Overall a very scenic area
Love this place as a beginning to hiking in the high peaks region. The parking is very convenient, the breakfast is delicious, and theres always a ton of people who are very knowledgeable about the trails.
Just an awesome experience! Been there several times. Get up, have breakfast, then walk out the door and start hiking to spectacular peaks. Or drive just a short distance to others. Come back to dinner at the end of the day and great camaraderie with like-minded people recounting the days adventures. Repeat!
We did a day hike to the summit of Mount Marcy from here. Staff was very informative. Parking lot was half full and we got there at 6 am so make sure you get an early start if you want to be close to trailhead.
Beautiful site with parking campsites, shared rooms and more. A wonderful beach and trailhead to hike to Mount Marcy. They offer a served dinner as well via registration. Will certainly return!
While dining can feel rushed for the price, the Loj is a lovely place with friendly staff. It feels very warn and welcoming, and is well kept. One thing to note is that the bathrooms are shared, and the mens room is on the second floor, so keep that in mind if stairs are a challenge for you or someone else. Also, the WiFi is very slow. While browsing the web should be slow but doable. However, downloading is a nightmare. It takes 20 minutes to download a 10 mb. file, so download before you arrive! Also, streaming is impossible. But hey, maybe thats a good thing. Get off that phone and take a hike! If you are in a shared room, make sure to bring some earplugs: there will be snoring! If you dont have any, they are provided at the front desk 24/7. For as little as $30 a night, the Loj is a great place to stay for those who love the outdoors. Some corners are cut, but it shouldnt be a bother. I would definitely recommend!
Went there for the primary trailhead leading to Mt.Marcy. Very well organized by the ADK with parking attendants, visitor info center with bathrooms and guides to give you advice about the trail conditions. It is $10 to park there but get there as early as you can because it fills up very quickly. We arrived around 8am on a Sunday and the parking lot was already very full.
Absolutely love it here!!! This fall will be my 4th time staying at Heart Lake ADK LOJ !!!! Perfect to set as a base camp for major hikes, or great to spend your time around the campground as well great views from Mt JO right onsite!!! Clean and well kept!!! I plan on making it up there at least once annually!!! Pristine nature for miles and miles!!!!
A worthwhile stop to check out for last minute incidentals. Has great maps, bear canister rentals (required) and gear you may have forgotten. Best of all, you can pay for parking with a credit card in case you forgot cash for the self registration!
I dont care for camping or hiking. But this is one special place. Lots of activities for all ages.
Great campground with convieient facilities and good trail access. It can be a bit noisy though especially if there are groups present - sometimes the quiet hours are not policed. Otherwise a great experience 👍
Comfortable place to stay and start multiple hikes from here. They offer a great hot breakfast in the morning and a bagged lunch for the trail if youre interested. Very rustic as well.
The tents are well built and the amenities are clean and working well. They dont provide sleeping bags or blankets, so one should bring that. And they provide space for campfire but you are supposed to bring your firewood
At one time this was the home of the ADK Winter Mountaineering Program. It happened between Christmas and the New Year. This is a beautiful place to visit in the winter as Mount Jo is a very easy winter climb. Of course Mt. Marcy is more challenging but well worth the climb in the winter. I was never at the lodge in any season but the winter but it is considered the gateway to the Adirondack Mountains. Also the lake is so beautiful in the winter when covered with snow.
Ive camped in the wilderness campground 3 times since September 2017.The grounds are always well kept and the staff very friendly and helpful. I look forward to camping there again as I continue to climb more peaks.
My husband and I married each other at Heart Lake. Our unconventional union was made even cooler by the incredible multi-course dinners made by the chef there. The communal dining hall also created a wonderful opportunity to meet and dine with such interesting, adventurous people. We luv the Loj !
If it just had a few more parking spots it would be perfect. I highly suggest getting here before 7am else you get to add extra distance to your hike. Love the area around here. The hiking options from here are endless!
Weve been enjoying the campground and its amenities for several years now. Plenty of spots in the winter at a great price. Weve never stayed in the Loj but it looks really nice. The HPIC is a good info center. Knowledgeable people. Since its remodeling, the HPIC has lost a bit of its old school flavor. Weve also really missed showering the past two seasons BUT new facilities are in the works. In all, this place is the bomb!
Parked here to go hiking in the Adirondacks. Lots of parking, but it fills up very quickly. We did not spend the night here but several camp grounds are available. The parking gives access to several high peaks for people doing the ADK46.
If you want accommodations, especially in the form of outdoor camping in the Adirondack High Peaks region this is the place to do so, Ive frequented several years now and have always enjoyed my stay. Great home made food, wilderness programs and access to major trails.
The Three Seasons of Heart Lake is an amazing program! Love these adults who put some hard time, effort, and love into their jobs!
Went here to start my hike to summit of Mt. Marcy. Very helpful and knowledgeable guides. Parking lot was small though. Was there 745 am on a Saturday and lot was already full.
Discussed by how they treat the people that support them and donate to them. I will never go back and I will not support this camping area again.
One of the best places in The Dacks to start a hike from. The facilities are always clean and well stocked, the staff is amazing and helpful and they have ice cream when your done hiking.
The place could use some new management. Theyre taking forever to build the new visitor center which seems to be getting endlessly delayed and with that comes the issue of rest rooms. Good luck using the portable ones outside. The staff inside the loj will not let you use the rest room, even though its their fault that the visitors center is getting a renovation. Hopefully their improve this year.But besides the mismanagement, the hikes are amazing. Mt marcy and Algonquin are highly recommended in any season.
After many years of coming to hike, we were part of a wedding party here and it was an amazing experience. The staff is so accommodating and the scenic venue is hard to beat.
Ive never actually stayed in the lodge, only the campgrounds. The staff are friendly and the facilities and campgrounds are well maintained. The new info center has all your last minute hiking needs and the guides are helpful.
Climb Mt. Jo. Its an easy but rewarding climb for those of us who are not serious climbers. It takes a bit longer than you think, but its worth the effort. The top is awesome and everyone who will be there is friendly. I like to climb it best in spring or fall, personally.
Stayed in a lean-to, but ate and showered in the loj (for an extra fee). The lean-to was cozy and provided dry fire wood which was very convenient for a rainy weekend. Breakfast and the pack lunch was delicious and more than I could eat. Overall, cant wait to go back!
A friend and I were up from PA to hike Marcy. We were directed towards the loj by the people at the mountaineer in Keene valley. I was very happy with the recommendation, it was a great place to start our hike.
Gotta love the LoJ! Awesome accomodations, friendly staff, fantastic food... And its one of the best spot to start your Adirondack hike in any direction and finish thing off with a dip in the lake. The Winterfest buffet dinner is also a must!
Such a amazing place! It has everything: trailheads for easy to hard hikes, camping, lodging, food, showers, swimming. I will always go back.
So many different trails to choose from. Awesome, friendly and quite organized. Just wished they sold back packs. We had an issue with ours and couldve used another one.
Lovely park. Tyler cabin is mostly cozy but needs a new roll out couch, sheets and newer blankets that arent moth eaten! Beds were hard.
We didnt stay at the center, but hiked. Algonquin peak is visually stunning but a very hard hike. It was extremely enjoyable and well worth it.
Great place to Camp and Hike , Close to Mt Marcy and the center of the High Peaks. Home of the Adirondack Mountain Club with Paid Parking lot, Adirondack Loj and Heart Lake. Beautiful year round, just be prepared for sudden Weather Changes.
The Loj campground is my home away from home when Im winter camping. Cant beat the High Peaks for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is my church, a true religious experience.
My 12 year old and I participated in a Beginner Backpacking course that started at the Loj. The facility was beautiful and immaculately clean, the staff was warm, helpful and friendly. The program was phenomenal.
Mosquitos to a horror level movie. I know that’s how it is when you go into the wild but when you get to your room minimum you expect is to be sheltered from outside, in this place the wild had occupied the bedrooms too. We had to leave early and loose our payment because we couldn’t take it. We had a toddler with us. Scratched mosquito bites for a week.
They were very polite and knowledge about the different trails. They gave us plenty of useful advice and the hungry hiker grill was a life saver at the end of everything
Selfishly, I contimplated not writing a review because this place was such an amazing weddding vendor, I dont want anyone else to steal it! In all seriousness, my husband and I (and guests) had an awesome experience from start to finish. We had a small 68 guest wedding at the Loj, and as a lover of the ADKs, the Loj turned out to be the perfect place to elope. The staff constantly went above and beyond, especially the Loj Manager, Rachel. Rachel was so pleasant and easy to work with from the start. After one conversation with her, I knew the Loj was going to be our wedding venue, and our expectations were exceeded. I have nothing but good things to say, as do our guests. We were so fortunate to be taken care of so well on our wedding day. Our guests who stayed the night in the Loj also loved it. The Loj is comes highly recommended from my husband and I, and not just for weddings. Thank you, ADK Loj staff and Rachel!
Stopped here to hike Algonquin. Thought it was crazy that they wouldnt let us take pictures of the hiking trail map because phones die. They also told us there wasnt a map at the trailhead, so wed need to buy theirs if we wanted a map. we decided to pass, and sure enough there was a map right at the trailhead like every other hike! Also, had to park a half mile away because their lot was full and they had no one attending the lot
Very cool place with people who are serious about the Adirondacks. Good prices in the shop as well, but most interesting is this is the kicking off place for a number of fun hikes, including the heart lake loop and Mount Jo.
It is a special place for those going up the High Peaks.Parking is $10 per vehicle and the lot fills up very quickly. Else you may park around the South Meadows Lane 1 mi up and walk back.
For some hikes this is just the best place to park. In this instance we hiked Wright Algonquin Iroquois, but I also park here for Nye Street Phelps Marcy and Tabletop off the top of my head.
We just used the program center, knowledgeable and helpful guides. A helpful array of slightly overpriced snacks, books, and outdoors gear. Nice souvenirs and knick-knacks at more reasonable prices.
We pitch a tent and camp out for 2 days hike Mount Marcy to watch the sunrise, amazing view this place was well-kept clean, loved it cant wait to go back , and do the rest of the 46
A magical place! Campground was in great shape, staff were excellent, the lake was crystal clear with amazing scenic views...will be back again and again.
Trails were not marked very well if you just plan on walking in and hiking but plenty of staff willing to assist. Great trails around heart lake and into Marcy Dam and Avalanche Lake.
My boyscout leader which is an Adirondack 46er took me with him in many if climbs ,my last was street and nye mountain mr.robert Bob white the best the boyscout ever had.a plush is those nice hot shower when you come out of the woods.
Come here to get information on trail conditions, weather and info about hikes. Rent or buy gear, clothing or last minute hiking or camping items. A great resource and a wealth of knowledge from the staff here.
Good place to park. Cost $10, but supports the trail system and parking area. If you are short on cash you can park on the road coming in and hike a bit in.
Stayed at campsite. Bathroom and showers were included, they were in a good location and had hot water. Area was beautiful, and staff was friendly and very helpful.
We only had the buffet style dinner, but the food was excellent and it was very fairly priced. They also rented us a bear canister which presumably kept us safe from bears
This is the 7th year we have stayed at the ADK LOJ and have loved every visit! We stay in the Canvas Cabins each time. Nicely redone wash house this year!
Pretty fair service. Very expensive. Signed out and left the parking lot, however I messed up and didnt realise the trail was on the grounds. So when I re-entered I got charged again to park... not cool
They seem to be under reservation right now, but overall it was fairly clean and had some cute nick nacks and souvenirs. It also has emergency supplies and other belongings.
Nice place. Friendly and helpful. Good place to start a hike
This is a very nice lodge. The campsites are a bit pricey at $40+ per night. But the free campsites do not allow campfires.
Great place for accessing hikes to the High Peaks! If you camp there check ahead its popular.
Not a lot of people, great location near many trailheads. Campsites were well maintained. Staff was helpful and friendly!
Very nice campground and friendly staff. The staff members were very knowledgeable of the area and were helpful. The only down side was the high price.
The venue is gorgeous, the staff are very nice and the lodge and food was fantastic. The event and stay here was perfect, we will be visiting again for sure.
I had a rental snowshoe snap in half while climbing, which wasnt fun, but otherwise the amenities are gorgeous.
Great place for information. Beautiful grounds. Can do lots of hikes out of the trail head.
Beast place to start some of the most breathtaking hikes in the Adirondacks! They have some great souvenirs and food for sale as well.
The Loj is right in the heart of the Adirondacks, and provides easy access to some of the best trails in the region. I love the hiking around here!
I have stayed 9 times at the Loj over the years and will do so again. Loj staff are the best, and the location is perfect for waking up to a great hike.
ADK is the place to be. The LOJ is a great starting point for all things Adirondacks. The staff is helpful and informative. They have gear and supplies available and there are a multitude of trailheads not far from the LOJ.
Always a great idea to check in for trail information, very knowledgeable staff to help you safely set out for your hike.
This review is for the little restaurant they have. The rare hamburger I got was almost unbelievably good, and not just because I had been hiking.
Attended for a wedding reception and got to experience the family style menu. The food was excellent and the service was extremely friendly and accommodating.
Stayed here a few times to hit the trailhead. Nice people, and theres indoor plumbing. All I need after a long hike.
Stayed in a lean-to. Received good advice from the park rangers. Bear canisters and walking sticks available for rent. Will come back for sure!
The location has amazing views and the campsites are clean and have nice access to bathrooms and water.
The campground was great and it was a convenient location for hiking up Mt Phelps. Definitely would recommend.
I took my class of 4th graders to walk the trails. The guides were awesome and the kids loved the program!
Didnt stay overnight but stopped by and had one of my buddies rent micro spikes at the Loj. The staff were helpful enough
Great information center. Shopping. Money spent on parking and shopping supports ADK which manages trails throughout the High Peaks.
Primitive camping is my type of five star site, cheap and easy as long as you dont mind your own smell.
Great camping sites (with tent platforms, cabins and leantos) next to recreational lake and the base of Mount Jo and Algonquin.
I went hiking up Mt. Jo. The hike was very nice and the employees at the loj were helpful. Fantastic trip.
I did not stay at the loj but hiked into the park. One of the most beautiful places Ive ever been.
Very nice looking place with great access to trail heads. Staff are all very pleasant, knowledgeable, and helpful.
Nice place for a pre and post hike stop. Plenty of parking for most times of year.
Nice lake, no white water rafting though. The Adirondack Rafting Company is what youre looking for. Not this place.
Parked here for hiking. $10.00, plenty of spots on a weekday. Will be back later in the week to do it again
Ample parking even on a summer weekend, and the folks there are very eager to help and inform people setting out on their hikes.
The camp sites anf ammenties are great. Staff is there to answer your hiking questions
The Loj was our check-in point for a night of camping in the mountains. The facilities were very nice and the staff were knowledgeable and friendly.
Beautiful! We had a great time camping and will definitely go back!
Shop wit campimg/hike equipment/maps, Food, charger for Electric car, 45min-1 hour hike to top of Mt Jo
Nice, clean campground with great amenities. Some sites are small and noisy though.
The campsite was very clean and all the other people staying were so nice!
Awesome place to stay after a killer hike and no showers for a couple days.Great food too!
Staff was very courteous and helped us with what we needed. The vicinities were very nice but there is a lack of cell reception
Beautiful Place to go highly recommend for anyone looking for an adventure, everyone is very respectful and sites were clean and big
Beautiful place, for day hike or overnight stay. Great educational programs for kids.
Awesome place to be for scenery camping and for easy access to the high peak wilderness for hiking
Went hiking on Mount Jo and it was terrific! Clean place with excellent scenery!
Awesome place to go camping, we hiked Mount Marcy and Skylight from here.
Great campground with a variety of places to stay while you hike the mtns!
ADK offers quite the list of things to do here and has different types of lodging. The Loj itself is beautiful and cozy.
Had the perfect lean-to site, unfortunately broke my leg but the staff were beyond accommodating for the night. Very grateful for their kindness.
Absolutely beautiful place to stay. I didnt stay in the Loj, I did however stay in a canvas cabin twice and a lean-to.
Good landing for any of the high peaks in ADK. Food, shelter and gear rentals.
Its a great place to rest before you set out on a big hike
Had a great trip with four of my friends, stayed only one brief night but would definitely return.
Great place for bathrooms and supplies at the base of many high peaks trails
The campground is setup very well, convenient access and services
Stayed the night and it was great, good food, clean room, bed, and bathroom
The area was beautiful and full of great and challenging hiking trails. The Loj is right in the heart of it all.
Lean tos near mt marcy were perfect for our needs, top of the mont was the best view i ever had
Awesome friendly and knowledgeable staff. Extremely helpful. Renting snowshoes was easy and affordable.
The lean-tos were well built and the sites was beautiful. I definitely hope to go back soon.
Good place to get geared up for trails and knowledgeable staff. Bear canister rentals too.
I walked in for 2 minutes and got asked to leave since I was not a guest. But then Google wants a review done for opinion rewards... So here we are
This is a great place to learn about nearby hiking and stock up for camping trips.
Well matained, plenty of rooms, nice showers, generous facilities, great hiking
Great place to start a hike! Bear cans are available to rent as well!
A great place next to a beautiful little lake. And, the staff are beyond friendly
An absolutely beautiful building, full of very interesting knowledge of the surrounding area. The staff were amazing!
Beautiful scenery and warm, welcoming setup to enter after a hike or climb.
Excellent hike. Moderate pace and the views are excellent.
Beautiful destination at the heart of the Adirondacks. Camping, hiking, and swimming all available.
Perfect place to stay after hiking in the high peaks
Great sites. Enjoyed the canvas cabins. Clean bathrooms.
Total reviews rating 4.7
199 Reviews for Adirondak Loj & Heart Lake Program Center 2023:
Review №1
2022-06-22My husband and I camped outside and it was amazing. Very relaxing and would go back at anytime. They were hiking trail around the lake that was perfect to walk around and it was at our level of hiking that was comfortable for us. We got to canoeing.
Review №2
2022-03-23Gorgeous place! The LOJ is a perfect, no frills, home base for hiking this area. Its less expensive than a place in Lake Placid. I enjoyed the family style meals with strangers. Kyack rentals on Heart Lake are also available for only $10/hour. You can take a gentle walk around the lake or a rigorous one up to a High Peak!
Review №3
2022-05-31Ive only ever used it for parking. The hikes are the best in the northeast, but parking is fairly expensive and fills up fast. If parking is full (sometimes by 8 or 9 am), you have to park at least a mile down the road (unless that option is gone too) and walk, which adds another 2 miles to an already long high peaks hike. The mountains are 10/10, getting to them is a pain. The parking situation is even worse over by the ausable club, and there is no shuttle service or similar from downtown lake placid.
Review №4
2022-06-30The loj requires you to provide medical documents in order to stay at the loj (June 2022)EDIT: when I called and said I didnt have my vaccine passport on me they said I can email them about a religious exception or I can sign some form saying I got the vaccine on arrival. When I arrived they never asked for any medical records. Loj, please remove your requirement of showing proof of vaccine and move forward with life
Review №5
2021-08-14Perfect place to begin a day of hiking and adventuring! This is the trailhead for a number of trails in the High Peaks. Plenty of parking, assuming you get there before 10am. Parking costs $15 which is worth it considering they use the money to help maintain the trails. There is a cute apparel and gear shop, a snack bar, restrooms, and staff who are helpful and knowledgeable about trail conditions.
Review №6
2021-08-26A few friends & I rented the Birch Camp for the weekend - everything was wonderful. We loved that we were so close to the trail heads & that when we finished out 16 mile hike we were able to jump into the lake!We cannot wait to go back next summer!
Review №7
2020-11-28Great place for lots of types of hiking and a nice store with a variety of hiking/outdoorsy products. We took the Mt. Jo hike -- the long route, which was less steep than the shorter route. While the hike was steep it was challenging with lots of spots where we need to scramble over rocks and such. It may be an easier hike in drier conditions but there was lots of mud that we found alternative routes around. Since it was late November we had a number of nice views along the way. We did find the exposed tree roots slippery and I fell at one point. Luckily my knee landed safely in a mud puddle so I wasnt hurt at all. I was grateful it didnt hit one of the many nasty rocks on the path. It was a fun hike that kept you engaged to find the best way forward. We saw lots of family groups and people with dogs along the way.
Review №8
2021-09-01Heart Lake is so great for kids to swim - you can rent a kayak and they have roped off areas for little ones. So many trailheads for all ages - We were the first up Mt Jo yesterday steeper than expected but worth the view!
Review №9
2021-08-28The Loj Heat Like Wilderness Campsite has to be the worst campsite imaginable to try to sleep in. The sites are on top of each other. People arrive all thru the night. Most of these people want to carry on long/loud conversations into the early morning hours. Constantly open and close their doors and trunks. Then Wear the brightest head lamps available and walk around between the sides (shinning a spotlight into your tent) . Then around 3am people start leaving for tail heads. (again making a ton of noise and shinning head lamps in every direction. Dont expect to sleep if you stay here.
Review №10
2020-05-26Great place to start hike. There a multiple trails and summits to choose from when starting at the Loj. As many have said, get here early because they limit the amount of cars allowed in the parking area, we watched the last car they allowed to enter go in front of us. We had to park about a mile down the road which wasn’t terrible but added distance to an already long hike. I highly recommend hiking Marcy, the view from the summit is worth it.