Traveling to the Adirondacks With Your Dog: A Complete Guide

By Jillian Locke, Rental Manager & Real Estate Salesperson at Merrill Thomas Vacation Rentals

The Adirondacks are practically built for traveling with your dog. The fact that you can bring your dog (or dogs!) along on an Adirondack vacation is one of the best reasons to choose to visit this incredible area.

This guide covers what to do with your dog once you’re here, plus the quirks that make a pet-friendly Adirondack vacation so unforgettable when properly planned. In this article we’ll cover some of the best trails for pets, the swimming spots your dog will love, the patios (including a spot or two with a dedicated doggy menu), and the practical stuff (leash rules, packing, vet care) that will help make your trip so much more fun for you and your pet. And, if you’re still looking for a place to stay, check out our pet-friendly rental homes. Your perfect pet-friendly Adirondack getaway awaits.

Pet Etiquette & Leash Laws

Because New York State doesn’t have a statewide leash law, individual towns and villages set their own. And it turns out that most Adirondack destinations (but not all) have opted to require one. The truth is that there is a blend of laws throughout the region. The safest approach is just to keep your dog on a leash when out in public unless you’ve verified a particular municipality’s rules.

Lucky for you (and your pup), we looked up the laws for some of the Adirondacks’ most popular pet-friendly towns (accurate as of the date of this post, of course).

In the Village of Lake Placid and the town of Saranac Lake, dogs must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet in any public place. Tupper Lake doesn’t have a leash law per se, but does require a “current and valid New York State Identification tag on its collar” if off leash in a public area (and, obviously, your pet needs to be under control at all times). Finally, the town of Wilmington has a strict leash law stating broadly that “it is a violation of the law for dogs to be running loose.”

Outside of individual towns, on New York State-owned land — which includes much of the surrounding forest and trailheads — there is a requirement that dogs must be leashed and under control at all times. This is a state regulation (6 NYCRR § 51.7), not just a local Adirondack rule, so keep it in mind if you’re headed out of the immediate area for recreation on other NYS land.

In general, it’s always a good idea to carry waste bags for your pup, but in some areas it’s the law. For instance, both Lake Placid and Saranac Lake specifically require owners to clean up after their dogs on any public property, including (and perhaps especially) shorelines.

Also, New York State health code doesn’t allow pets inside restaurants (unless they’re service animals), so keep that in mind when going out to eat or pick up an order. Many restaurants offer patio or outdoor seating — some even year-round — but you’ll want to check ahead to be sure your pet can be accommodated, especially in the colder months. If you’re getting takeout, you may need to order inside while your dog waits out front.

A bit further on, we’ll go over some of the most pet-friendly restaurants in the area, and you’ll notice that all offer patio or outdoor seating, at least seasonally. Just check ahead as always.

Best Dog-Friendly Trails and Hikes

One of the best reasons to bring your dog along is that they’re up for whatever adventure you throw to them.

Lake Placid

Lake Placid‘s Main Street is a welcoming place for leashed pets, with plenty of pet-friendly restaurants (many of which even set out water bowls without being asked). Off the main drag, the hiking, swimming, playing, and paddling options for you and your dog are pretty much endless.

Lake Placid has trail options for every difficulty level. Start with the Mirror Lake Loop, a flat, beautiful 2.7-mile walk through the village, perfect for dogs of any size that don’t mind the distance — browse shops and stop at restaurants for a snack or drink along the way. John Brown Farm State Historic Site, on the outskirts of town, offers easy trails and even cross-country ski routes perfect for any skijorer, though dogs must stay leashed. Peninsula (Brewster) Nature Trails features 133 acres with several short, easy trails (about 0.5–1.3 miles each) — a good option for a quieter walk than Main Street. For something more ambitious, Mt. Van Hoevenberg‘s East Trail is a 4.7-mile route to a 2,940-foot summit, with several shorter, easier options nearby for less ambitious days.

If you and your dog are ready for a real challenge, Cascade Mountain is one of the more accessible High Peaks — a perfect option for a dog and owner ready for a serious climb. Leashes are required.

Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake is built around the Saranac Lake 6er hiking challenge — six small-to-medium peaks within walking distance of the village, each considered manageable for hiking with a dog, with McKenzie Mountain being the one exception.

McKenzie Mountain, the tallest of the six at 3,822 feet, features steep, rugged rock scrambles and slippery surfaces near the summit where you may need to physically lift or carry your dog. Dogs are legally allowed on a leash, but make sure you and your pet are experienced before attempting it.

For an easier introduction, Baker Mountain is a short, popular climb — only 1–2 miles round trip with about 880 feet of elevation gain — with great summit views for relatively little effort. Ampersand Mountain is a step up in difficulty at 5–6 miles round trip, with a steep, rock-scramble final mile that rewards a fit dog with a 360-degree view from a bald summit. The remaining 6er peaks — Haystack, Scarface, and St. Regis — are also dog-friendly, ranging from 6.6 to 6.8 miles round trip with moderate-to-strenuous climbs; St. Regis passes a historic (though currently closed) fire tower along the way.

If you’re looking for something easier that’s not part of the official challenge, Blueberry Trail is a moderate, low-elevation, dog-friendly option between Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake — a good choice for a less-athletic pooch (or owner).

Tupper Lake

Tupper Lake features the Tupper Lake Hiking Triad — Tupper Lake’s answer to the Saranac Lake 6er — three family-friendly, dog-friendly peaks with well-marked, well-graded trails: Coney Mountain, Goodman Mountain, and Mount Arab (which has a fire tower at the summit). Floodwood Mountain is another great option for a first hike with a dog or a family outing: a quick, roughly 3-mile round trip with only about 600 feet of elevation gain.

Wilmington

Wilmington is famous as the home of Whiteface Mountain, but it’s also surrounded by beautiful non-Whiteface terrain. The Cobble Lookout hike is a short, gentle walk through the Wilmington Wild Forest to a wide lookout with High Peaks views, roughly 2.5 miles round trip, while the Double Time Trail Loop offers a mellower, well-marked 2-mile route through pine forest with its own scenic lookout.

Chances are, though, you’re here for the big peak itself. After warming up on the two hikes above, you may want to attempt the Whiteface Mountain Summit Trail — a serious 10-mile out-and-back with real elevation gain. Dogs are welcome on leash, but some sections are rocky and better suited to larger, sure-footed dogs.

For a lower-effort option, the Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway is a toll road that leads most of the way up the mountain, with a parking lot and elevator near the summit. Dogs are welcome on the highway and at the summit, but aren’t allowed on the elevator — they’ll need to take the stairs instead. Tickets are available in person at the tollhouse daily from May 15 through October 12, or online Monday–Friday for the window of June 29–September 4 (weekend and fall tickets must be purchased in person at the tollhouse). Only cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians are allowed on the highway, so check with the mountain ahead of time if you’re unsure about your vehicle. Current ticket prices range from $25 to $85, depending on the number of passengers.

Best Lakes and Beaches for a Swim

Starting with Lake Placid, Mirror Lake has a dog beach area completely separate from the main public swimming beach. This lake features especially clean, calm water since gas-powered motors aren’t allowed (perfect if your puppy is a little jumpy around loud noises).

Middle Saranac Lake Beach is a beautiful, long sandy Adirondack beach perfect for running and digging — reachable via a short half-mile hike in from the trailhead shared with Ampersand Mountain.

Lake Clear is also known locally as a spot where dogs like to cool off in the shallows — it’s an informal, low-key access point rather than a managed beach, so don’t expect facilities, and clean up after your dog as always.

If you want to check out other beaches in the area, keep in mind that state-run swim beaches often prohibit dogs entirely, and town beach rules vary (some allow leashed dogs off-hours, others don’t). It’s always worth a quick check before you go if you’re unsure.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants, Breweries & Patios

Lake Placid has the widest spread of dog-friendly spots in the area. The Dack Shack keeps things casual with a shaded patio, picnic tables, and even a dog menu for your pup to enjoy alongside your own burger or mac and cheese — just note there’s no table service, so you’ll head inside to order while your dog waits for you outside. Lake Placid Pub & Brewery and Prison City Brewing both welcome dogs on their patios (Prison City in the taproom, too), making either a solid stop for a beer after a hike. For something a bit more scenic, The Cottage at Mirror Lake Inn lets you and your dog share a shaded lower-patio table with views of the High Peaks, while Lisa G’s Restaurant & Bar offers a similar setup on its deck. If you’re just after coffee, Capisce Coffee & Espresso Bar and Saranac Sourdough both set out dog-friendly tables — Capisce even has a pup cup on the menu. Delta Blue and Great Adirondack Steak & Seafood round out the walkable options if you’re staying near Main Street.

Saranac Lake’s dog-friendly dining centers on a few local staples. La Bella Ristorante has welcomed dogs onto its covered, seasonal front porch since 1996 — a good option if you want a proper sit-down Italian dinner without leaving your dog behind. RiverTrail Beerworks offers a screened, heated patio, which makes it one of the more comfortable options once the weather turns. Left Bank Cafe‘s deck overlooks the Saranac River and welcomes well-behaved dogs of any size. And if you’re just looking for a treat, Donnelly’s Ice Cream sets out a couple of dog-friendly tables through the summer season.

Tupper Lake’s options are more low-key. Raquette River Brewing has a large outdoor space and often has food trucks on-site, making it an easy stop for a beer and a bite. Skyline Ice Cream is a walk-up-window spot with a few outdoor pet-friendly tables — good for burgers, fries, or a scoop after a hike.

Packing for Your Pet-Friendly Trip

Before you head out, pack smart. Bring a leash — eight feet or shorter, since that’s the requirement in most village limits — along with a sturdy collar or harness and current ID tags. Waste bags are non-negotiable (it’s the law in a few towns), so pack more than you think you’ll need. Keep a water bowl and extra water in the car for hikes, since lake and stream water isn’t always safe for your dog to drink. The Adirondacks has an active tick season, so dog-safe bug spray or a treated bandana is worth adding to the bag. You’ll also want a towel and a blanket or seat cover on hand for the inevitable wet, muddy dog after a swim or a hike. Finally, bring a copy of your dog’s vaccination records — especially if you’ll use a groomer, daycare, or boarding at any point — along with any medications and a printed note of dosages, in case you end up needing a vet who doesn’t already know your dog’s history.

Vet Care While You’re Here

For routine needs, the region has a couple solid options. Lake Placid Animal Hospital (5673 Cascade Rd, Lake Placid; 518-523-7319) is open weekdays (8am–5pm Monday–Thursday, 8am–3pm Friday) and closed weekends. VCA High Peaks Animal Hospital, conveniently located between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake at 1087 Route 86 in Ray Brook (518-891-4410), is currently operating on a reduced schedule, so it’s worth calling ahead to confirm hours before you go.

Worth knowing before you need it: none of the local practices offer after-hours emergency care. If something happens outside business hours, the nearest true 24-hour emergency vets are roughly 1.5–2 hours away — Northway Animal Emergency Clinic in Gansevoort (518-761-2602), Upstate Veterinary Specialties in Latham (518-783-3198), or Burlington Emergency & Veterinary Specialists in Williston, VT (802-863-2387). It’s worth saving one of those numbers, along with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control hotline (888-426-4435), before you head out on a hike or a long day trip.

Where to Stay

A vacation home gives your dog room to actually relax after a day of hiking or swimming — no crate, no hotel hallway anxiety, just a yard or a deck to unwind on. Browse our pet-friendly vacation rentals across Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, and Wilmington, and check out our activities and packages for more ways to fill the week.

Ready to plan your pet-friendly Adirondack getaway? Browse our pet-friendly rentals →