Forever Begins in the Adirondacks

I fell in love in the Adirondacks.

The beginning of our romance was marked by short walks and long hikes - adventures big and small. It was a time of discovery. He had spent his whole life in the Carolinas, having moved north at the beginning of the pandemic. I was a long-ago transplant from New York City. We spent the first months of our relationship on a journey of discovery. We explored hills and dales, glades and thickets, mountain peaks and river bends. Even the trails well-worn by my own boots felt new and exciting. That is love, yes, but that is especially love in the Adirondacks.

There is something about the calm of the forest, the serenity of the lakes. The high peaks stand tall and still while the trails teem with a murmuring symphony of life. Like love, the mountains are a study in contrasts. The world feels both expansive and intimate, unconstricted and private. It's the perfect place to start something new and the ideal backdrop as you take the next big step into your future.

If you’re thinking about asking a life-changing question, there may be no better place to do it than here. The Adirondacks offer a thousand ways to say yes, each one unforgettable. Here are a few of our favorites.

Peninsula Nature Trails

A short drive from High Peaks Resort, the Lake Shore Trail winds through a lush summer wood. The trail is alive with birdsong and the glint of sunshine on verdant leaves. It is quiet and peaceful, ending on a secluded shoreline of Lake Placid. The lake stretches wide, and the mountains rise in the distance.

Why It’s Romantic:

There’s a quiet kind of wonder here. The kind that doesn’t ask for grand gestures. For a moment, your world is a deep breath, a hand held tight, and a moment by the water that feels like it belongs only to you.

Accessibility / Activity Level:

Very easy and beginner-friendly. The trails are flat and shaded, with loops ranging from under a mile to just over two. Ideal for couples seeking a peaceful walk without the steep climb.

Pro Tips / Local Tie-Ins:

Stick to the Lake Shore Trail for the best water access. The Lake Placid shoreline is the perfect spot for a bite to eat, a quiet conversation, and a view that lingers. Stop by Simply Gourmet on your way; their gourmet sandwiches (and 46 choices!) are legendary in Lake Placid and make for a perfect picnic along the lake. It’s a local favorite and an effortless way to make the moment feel thoughtful and deeply personal.

Cobble Hill

An easy walk from High Peaks Resort, Cobble Hill offers one of the best views for the least effort. The trail climbs steadily, winding through trees and up switchbacks. At the summit, the forest opens up and Lake Placid seems to stretch out before you. Mirror Lake and High Peaks Resort below, the high peaks in the distance, and the sky above it all.

Why It’s Romantic:

It’s the kind of place that catches you off guard in the best way. One minute you’re in the woods, and the next you’re above the village, the mountains unfolding like a promise. It’s quiet, a little wild, and just far enough removed to feel like your own private celebration.

Accessibility / Activity Level:

Moderate. This is an active hike with good elevation gain. There’s no parking at the trailhead, but if you're staying nearby, it's an easy walk from town.

Pro Tips / Local Tie-Ins:

For the most romantic light, aim for early morning or before sunset. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes—though short, the trail does climb. And because it’s so close to town, you can celebrate with a post-hike toast or dinner minutes after saying yes.

Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway

Few places in the Adirondacks deliver scale and splendor quite like Whiteface Mountain. The drive up the Veterans Memorial Highway twists through forest ecosystems. Dotted with lookout points, the drive is perfect for taking photos or enjoying a picnic lunch. Although you'll park your car at an elevation of 4,610 feet, your journey is not yet over. You can either take a gentle elevator through the depression era hewn rock or traverse the steep climb to the summit.

Why It’s Romantic:

Standing at the summit, the world stretches out in every direction. Peaks and valleys, lakes and sky, all laid out like a map of your future. There’s something about that kind of openness that invites big questions. A proposal here feels infinite, like the start of a lifetime’s worth of shared adventures.

Accessibility / Activity Level:

Low to moderate, if you're going to drive, more experienced hikers may wish to conquer the mountain on foot. For drivers, most of the ascent is by car. You can do the final stretch either on foot (20–30 minutes over steep, uneven rock) or by elevator. It’s one of the most accessible ways to reach a major Adirondack summit and is perfect for couples who want sweeping views without a full-day hike.

Pro Tips / Local Tie-Ins:

While the summit is a broad, rocky plateau with plenty of room to roam, proposals are exciting. Hearts race, hands shake—so stay closer to the center when it’s time to ask the big question. Don't know which way to summit the mountain? If you think you might be a little lightheaded after hearing yes! Or you may want to experience both the hike and the elevator. Our favorite way to get the best of both worlds is to climb up and ride down.

Indian Head

You've seen it before. A photo of someone standing on a ledge high above a mirror-blue lake framed by steep mountain walls. It is the kind of view that comes out of fairytales and fantasy. And it is Indian Head Mountain. This iconic viewpoint is one of the most photographed spots in the Adirondack Park.

Why It’s Romantic:

Some proposals are about the moment. This one is about the journey. Indian Head is for couples who want to earn their view and who don’t mind a long hike. By the end, you'll be standing together in a place that takes your breath away, both for its beauty and for what it means to arrive there side by side.

Accessibility / Activity Level:

Challenging. This is an all-day hike, typically 10–12 miles round-trip depending on your route. The trail is well-maintained but long. The first three miles is flat road, but has steady elevation gain once the hike begins. Dogs are not permitted, and all hikers must make a free reservation at hikeamr.org.

Pro Tips / Local Tie-Ins:

For novice hikers, we recommend hiring a licensed Adirondack Guide to help plan and lead your trip safely. Start early, pack plenty of water and snacks, and give yourself time to enjoy the summit; it’s a view you won’t want to rush. And don’t forget your camera! This is one for the photo album.

Moose Pond

Moose Pond feels like a quiet Adirondack secret. A broad, gently sloping trail winds through the forest. It leads to a quiet shoreline with sweeping views of distant mountains. The trail itself tells part of the story. It was first cleared for carriages in the 1920s, when developers began building a lakeside resort. Although the plans fell through with the Great Depression, the vision made sense then, and still does today. Moose Pond is a beautiful spot, tucked just far enough away to feel like it belongs only to you.

Why It’s Romantic:

This is a place that invites stillness. There’s no dramatic overlook or long climb, just a quiet shoreline, the scent of pine, and a view that stretches. It's easy to see why they once called it Bel-Lago—Beautiful Lake. Proposing here feels simple, natural, and deeply personal. It’s not about spectacle. It’s about connection.

Accessibility / Activity Level:

Easy. The wide, level trail makes for a relaxed walk, with only gradual elevation changes. It’s ideal for couples seeking a peaceful and low-effort experience. It's more of a meander than a hike.

Pro Tips / Local Tie-Ins:

Visit early or midweek for the best chance of having the pond to yourselves. A blanket and a picnic go a long way here. The view is calm, the air is quiet. The trail itself carries a kind of quiet romance once meant for horse-drawn carriages bound for a lakeside resort that never came to be. It’s a place made for dreaming.

Love takes root in wild places. It grows quietly, like moss on stone, like sunlight stretching across still water. In the Adirondacks, it deepens with every step. It walks with you through pine-scented trails, across wide lakes, and along the winding paths that lead us to one another.

If you're ready to begin the next chapter of your story, let it begin here, with the mountains as your witness and the lakes as your chorus. Our Adirondack Romance Retreat is more than a getaway; it’s a chance to celebrate where you’ve been and dream about where you're going.