The serene shoreline of Mirror Lake is a haven for birdwatchers and easily accessible on the 2.7-mile Mirror Lake Loop trail in the heart of town. The paved trail boasts water views for much of the route with opportunities to spot loons and ospreys diving for rainbow trout, migrating waterfowl, Canadian Geese nesting on the shoreline, and winter bald eagles above the open waters. The Mirror Lake Loop trail is popular with walkers, joggers, dog walkers, and bikers – but it’s easy to find a quiet spot for birding on Mirror Lake.
Heaven Hill Trails is a scenic trail system situated in the foothills of the High Peaks Wilderness just outside the village of Lake Placid. Situated on 940 acres, Heaven Hills offers 5-miles of easy, multi-use, and dog-friendly trails through diverse habitats of hardwood forests, open meadows, and freshwater wetlands abounding in beautiful bird life. The trail system is open year-round for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, winter snowshoeing, and some of the best birdwatching in Lake Placid, NY.
Whiteface Mountain is a hot spot for birding in the Adirondack High Peaks with magnificent high-elevation habitats thriving with both wildlife and birdlife. The upper reaches of Whiteface Mountain are a prime habitat for boreal and a nesting ground for our only endemic species, the extraordinary and elusive Bicknell’s Thrush. Confident Adirondack 46ers can hike to the summit or take a scenic drive along the historic Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway from Wilmington (open from May to October) with views reaching as far as Vermont and Canada and easy high-elevation birding without the hike!