North Creek

Off Route 28 midway between Indian Lake [1] and Warrensburg in the southeastern Adirondacks [2] lies North Creek, a small town wedged between mountains and the Hudson River Gorge. Towering over North Creek to the south is Gore Mountain; to the north flows the Hudson River and a 16-mile stretch of white-water that’s considered the finest rafting run in the east.

The Hudson River Gorge begins east of Indian Lake, just beyond the confluence of the Indian and Hudson Rivers. During the spring, when the water runs high, the gorge should be tackled only by experts; the river offers near continuous Class III and IV rapids, and a number of deaths have occurred here over the years.

Gore Mountain

The second-largest ski resort in New York, state-owned Gore Mountain (Peaceful Valley Rd., off Rte. 28, 518/251-2411, www.goremountain.com [3]) particularly attracts intermediate skiers. Featured are 44 trails, a vertical drop of 2,100 feet, and eight ski lifts, including the state’s only gondola ride and a quad-chairlift. From July 4 to Columbus Day, the gondola ride (adults $9, seniors and kids under 12 $7) operates to the summit, offering bird’s-eye views of the countryside.

Barton Garnet Mines

On the back side of Gore Mountain lies Barton Mines (Barton Mines Rd., North River, just north of North Creek, off Rte. 28, 518/251-2706, http://garnetminetours.com [4], 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon.–Sat. and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun. July–Aug., Sat. 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Sept.–Oct., adults $10, seniors $9, children $7), a sprawling operation that produces 90 percent of the world’s industrial garnet; garnets are also New York State’s stone. During the summer, visitors can tour the open-pit mines with guides who explain the area’s geology and history.

Outfitters and Guides

One of the oldest rafting outfitters in the state, the Hudson River Rafting Company (1 Main St., 518/251-3215, www.hudsonriverrafting.com [5]) offers guided trips down the Hudson River Gorge and along the Moose, Black, and Sacandaga Rivers.

Accommodations and Food

At the Copperfield Inn (307 Main St., 518/251-2500, www.copperfieldinn.com [6], $159–285) you’ll find 24 spacious rooms with plenty of amenities, a heated pool, health club, hot tub, and tennis courts. Also on the premises is Trappers Tavern, serving casual meals like pizza and chili, and Gardens (average entrée $16), a spiffy restaurant serving contemporary American dishes such as grilled tuna and rack of lamb.