We are all very disappointed with the cancellation not only of IMLP and the IMLP 70.3, but the season as a whole. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t anyway to still get out and enjoy the Lake Placid area. In fact, taking some time to explore the area without the race pressures may be even better for some people. Here are a few reasons to visit the area, and a few potentially new things to try out.
Trail running on Cobble Hill, Heaven Hill and the Peninsula Trails. All three areas are runable from town although Heaven Hill is pushing 4 miles each way, plus the loops. All three also offer some great views for the work done, and may also be a good option for family hikes. One person runs ahead while the rest enjoy the walk and scenery. Be sure to find the Lake Placid dam on the Peninsula trails and take the Big Field loop for a great vista in Heaven Hill. For a more challenging out and back check out Haystack Mountain just out of town on 86. A large trailhead for parking, hard to get lost, with a tough last mile to the summit. (About 6.6 miles round trip run. Feels like 7)
Stand Up paddleboarding on Mirror Lake. Put in behind the clamshell at Mid’s Park or down at the beach and take your time going up and down the lake with plenty of chances to jump off in the middle. One training cheat we like to do is the family paddles while I swim behind them. This way we all get to spend time together, it is a bit safer if I get into trouble, and everyone gets something out of it. There are rentals at EMS and toward the beach but they fill up fast. Instead of renting we bring our own; here is a link to the SUP we use on the lake. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CX991PJ/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=floatspingwal-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07CX991PJ&linkId=6c7ada6a41439507aa39d262775826dd
Pavement porn on 86 from the top of Papa Bear down to the Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway. You might only have to pedal once after you reach Papa Bear now that the road has been repaved. A nice and easy downhill ride. Meet the family at the base of the mountain before you head up for some great views on the top of Whiteface. Either ride back into town or put the bike in the car and take the easy way back.
Check out the waterfalls that the bike course passes. High Falls Gorge is out of town on 86, and is a nice river walk along graded trails with a stairway that takes you down and into the gorge that the falls are in. The kids love this, especially the clear platform that juts out from the cliff. If you follow 86 a bit further than the gorge, over the bridge, where there is a pull over on the right and left sides of the road. The right side has a short hike down to the river with nice views and rock hopping for the kids. Take the other side to hike up the river and towards Whiteface. This is a fun area for mountain biking as well. Don’t forget the water and bug spray.
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Float. Spin. Walk. 