Where to Go Ziplining in Lake Placid | Top Courses, Tips & Scenic Views
Let’s talk about something important: flying.
Not in a plane. Not on a broomstick (sorry, Hogwarts hopefuls). I’m talking about the kind of flying you do when you’re harnessed into a zipline, screaming like a joyful maniac as you soar above the trees in the stunning Adirondack wilderness.
Welcome to Lake Placid, New York—a town famous for Olympic history, Mirror Lake views, and, yes, some seriously fun ziplining adventures.
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a bird (but with more snacks and less flapping), you’re in the right place. I’ve tried ziplining all over—from rainforests to canyons—and let me tell you, Lake Placid brings the views, the thrills, and the “Wheeee!” moments in full force.
So let’s dive into the best places to zipline around this magical mountain town, plus some tips from someone who’s zipped, slipped, and once screamed louder than a 6-year-old.
Why Ziplining in Lake Placid is a Big Deal
Lake Placid isn’t just a quiet mountain town—it’s an adventure hub. Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, this place is postcard perfect. Trees stretch for miles, the air smells like pine and possibility, and the views from above? Unreal.
And here’s the best part: You don’t need to be a pro athlete to enjoy it. All you need is a sense of adventure (and maybe a helmet that fits snugly).
The Top Ziplining Spots in & Around Lake Placid
1. Experience Outdoors Adventure Center (Right in Lake Placid!)
If you want to zip without leaving town, this is the spot. It’s beginner-friendly, pro-approved, and surrounded by gorgeous hardwood forests and mountain views that’ll make your camera cry with joy.
What to expect:
- Modern gear (so you won’t be using something from 1993)
- Super friendly guides who double as therapists for nervous zipliners
- Ziplines long enough to give you butterflies but short enough to not make you question your life choices
Pro tip: Book ahead, especially in summer. This place fills up fast, and you don’t want to be stuck watching others fly while you sulk in your flip-flops (which, by the way, are not zipline-approved).
2. High Falls Gorge (Wilmington – Just 15 Minutes Away)
If you’ve ever wanted to fly over a waterfall, this is your moment.
High Falls Gorge combines the peaceful power of nature with the ungraceful sounds of people ziplining above it. It’s beautiful, it’s family-friendly, and the zipline is part of a larger trail system that includes wooden bridges, gushing waterfalls, and a whole lot of wow.
Perfect for:
- First-timers
- Families with brave little adventurers
- Anyone who wants to scream in joy while mist hits their face like nature’s spa
3. Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course (Bolton Landing – 1.5 Hours, But Worth It!)
Okay, this one’s not exactly in Lake Placid, but it’s the real-deal adventure park for folks who want more than just a couple of ziplines.
This place is part aerial obstacle course, part zipline playground, part ninja warrior test.
They’ve got:
- Multiple levels of challenges
- Dozens of ziplines hidden in the trees
- Balance beams, tightropes, swinging logs, and other things you never knew you could conquer
Warning: You will work up a sweat. And you will high-five a stranger when you finish. Possibly while dangling from a rope.
BONUS: The Wild Center’s Wild Walk (Tupper Lake – 1 Hour Away)
So this isn’t technically ziplining. It’s more like ziplining’s slower, wiser cousin. But it’s incredible.
Picture a wooden pathway that winds through the treetops, with hanging bridges, massive bird nests, and sky-high platforms.
Perfect for:
- Kids who aren’t quite ready to zip
- Adults who like to walk among the trees instead of fly over them
- Anyone who wants tree-top views without the harness wedgie
What Ziplining Really Feels Like
People always ask me, “What’s ziplining like?”
Imagine:
- Getting strapped into a harness tighter than your high school jeans
- Standing on a tiny platform 30 feet up
- Looking down and thinking, “Wait… I PAID for this??”
- Taking the leap anyway—and suddenly, you’re FLYING
- Screaming, laughing, forgetting your own name, and feeling ridiculously alive
It’s like rollercoaster meets nature. With better air and no cotton candy.
Best Time to Zipline in Lake Placid
Let’s break it down:
- Summer = Green, glorious, and everything’s open
- Fall = Pure magic (seriously, ziplining through fall foliage is like gliding through a Bob Ross painting)
- Spring = Quiet, cooler, but some spots may still be closed
- Winter = Most ziplines nap during winter—hit the slopes instead!
What to Bring (and What to Ditch)
Yes, bring:
- Closed-toe shoes (flip-flops are a no-go unless you want to donate them mid-air)
- Comfortable clothes (leggings or shorts you can move in)
- A GoPro (if you want to capture your glory)
- A sense of humor
Nope, leave behind:
- Dangly earrings (unless you’re into zipline piercings)
- Big bags
- Your fear (it won’t survive the first launch anyway)
Which Spots Are Best for You?
| Type | Best Spot |
|---|---|
| First-timers / Families | High Falls Gorge, Wild Walk |
| All-around fun | Experience Outdoors |
| Hardcore thrill seekers | Adirondack Extreme |
Each location has age and weight limits, so check their websites before planning a surprise adrenaline rush for Grandma.
Make a Day of It!
Lake Placid is packed with outdoor fun. Once you’ve zipped to your heart’s content, check out:
- Cascade Mountain Hike: Short, sweet, and summit-worthy
- Mirror Lake: Rent a kayak or paddleboard, or just chill lakeside
- Olympic Jumping Complex: For when ziplining isn’t quite extreme enough
Real Talk: FAQs
Q: Is it scary?
A: Only for the first 3 seconds. After that, it’s pure joy and maybe some high-pitched giggles.
Q: Can I go ziplining alone?
A: Absolutely! Solo ziplining = solo victory dance at the bottom.
Q: Will I look cool?
A: Define cool. You’ll have a helmet on, possibly screaming. But yes—100% cool.
Final Thoughts: You Were Built for This
Listen, ziplining isn’t just for adrenaline junkies or outdoorsy influencers with perfect hair. It’s for everyone—especially you.
Whether you’re flying over waterfalls, screaming over tree canopies, or just nervously laughing your way off the platform, ziplining in Lake Placid is one of those experiences you’ll never forget.
So grab your gear, leave your fear, and let Lake Placid show you the ropes (literally). You were made for this.
Now go fly, you wild adventurer.
