Adirondak Loj and Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake

If you're looking for a great place to stay while in the Adirondacks that is close to one of the major trailheads for the High Peaks, the Adirondak Loj and Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake are convenient places to stay. Hikers start here for many mountains, such as Marcy, Algonquin, Wright, Colden, and others, as well as some interesting places such as Marcy Dam and Avalanche Pass. The Loj and Campground are located a few miles south of Lake Placid so it is an easy drive into town. The area is owned and run by the Adirondack Mountain Club.

The Adirondak Loj was built in 1927 and has room for 40 guests per night. A variety of room types are available including private rooms, family bunk rooms, and a co-ed loft. A private room costs $159.00 per night. The four or six-person bunkrooms are $64.00 per person per night. A person will pay $54.00 to stay in the twelve-person loft. Homemade meals are served in the dining room and cost $8 for breakfast and lunch and $18.50 for dinner. There is a large living room with comfortable chairs and a fireplace where guests tend to gather in evening.

The Wilderness Campground is near the Loj and on the shore of Heart Lake. Tent sites hold up to six people and cost $35 per night in the summer and $17.50 per night in the winter. Lean-tos, canvas cabins, and cabins are available on-site as well. There are 37 tent sites and 23 lean-tos available. If you are planning to stay here during the summer, especially on the weekends, it is a good idea to make reservations well in advance because the campground fills up quickly.

Staying here is very convenient if you plan to hike because there is no drive to the trailhead. You will also avoid the $9 per day parking fee because you can simply leave your car at your campsite.

Heart Lake is a great place for swimming and canoeing in the summertime. Children are often found splashing in the water here, even though it is usually quite cold. There is a small, roped-off beach area and an area to launch canoes and kayaks.

Workshops and guided hikes are often held in the Heart Lake area. Skills such as map and compass reading, snowshoeing, and wilderness conservation are taught here. Many workshops are held especially for children. There are hikes for people of all ability levels starting here. The trailhead is the most popular in New York State. People can take a flat, relaxing walk around Heart Lake or climb up the tallest mountain in the state, Mt. Marcy.