EXPLORE: Seasons and blog
Whether you enjoy mountain or road biking, water sports and boating, hiking or fishing, summer in the Adirondacks is unlike summer anywhere else. In the winter Old Forge becomes the snowmobile capital of the northeast, with trails stretching for hundreds of miles in every direction. Great Pines is conveniently located directly on the main Trail 5 and on Fourth Lake, providing for easy access to the extensive trail network. There is also renowned downhill skiing at local McCauley Mountain, and cross country ski and snowshoe trails throughout the area.
What do you like to do when you explore someplace new? Whatever it is that intrigues and excites you, everyone needs a home base for their exploration. Make Great Pines your base camp for Adirondack exploration and relaxation!
Winter
The immediate towns and surrounding areas of Great Pines are world class winter destinations! Old Forge NY is the snowmobiling capital of NYS and one of the three largest snowmobiling destinations in the country! Known as the town with record low temperatures Old Forge becomes a winter wonderland. Great Pines is centrally located off of Trail 5 the main artery for snowmobiling with access to Fourth Lake. The resort is a few short miles from McCauley Mountain ski hill home to some of our favorite glades and mogul trails on the East Coast. McCauley Mountain also has hundreds of miles of perfectly groomed cross-country ski trails. Inlet has night time cross country trails and indoor ice skating located at Fern park just a few miles up the road! Town is vibrant in the winter with so much to offer from gift stores to a local brewery there is something for everyone!
Spring
Spring is a lovely time to visit the park, get ahead of the summer crowd and explore all that the area has to offer from thousands of miles of wilderness hiking and biking trails to boating and fishing. If you like the sense of adventure and solitude of the forest then Spring is for you! Please note our rates will be lower this time of year as some of our amenities and restaurants are closed in April and May so plan ahead!
Summer
Summer is our favorite time of year at Great Pines. The lakes are warm enough to swim in, the forest is abundant with wildlife and the cool evenings around the bonfire cannot be beat. Great Pines provides you and your family access to biking, hiking, boating, swimming, and fishing right outside our door! IF it is the classic all American summer you are looking for than look no further than Great Pines!
Fall
Fall is a magical time of year at Great Pines. The leaves change and light up the mountains, reflecting in the lakes their vibrant colors. With over 18 miles of panoramic views Great Pines offers top notch leaf viewing without even having to leave the porch. The quaint towns nearby offer all kinds of activities in the fall like festivals and cook offs, check the town calendars for events and do not miss this seasonal change! Please note our rates will be lower this time of year as some of our amenities and restaurants are closed the end of October through most of December!
Welcoming Summer 2021
So, Summer is almost here.....how do I know? I can tell you. This past Sunday I woke up and took the boys into Inlet, we rode our bikes and it was so beautiful and warm. We passed dandelions, and lilies and saw a few chipmunks who crossed our path. We grabbed lattes...
Get to know the 2021 “Best Of The Adirondacks” Winner for Best Hotels, Motels & Resorts: Great Pines!
We’re thrilled to have received so many reader nominations and votes for our special spot on Fourth Lake. But if you haven’t stopped by yet or have just found us, here’s a little bit about the "Best" Adirondack hotel! AN AUTHENTIC ADIRONDACK Hotel EXPERIENCE We like...
2021 mud season
There are a million and one ways to feel about mud season in the Adirondacks. Some people fly south, soaking in some sunshine and warmth to skip it all together. Other people view this time of year as opportunistic; no bugs, no maxed out trails just the area to...
Thank you for your 2020 support
A Letter From Our Owners: Happy 2021 to all of our friends of Great Pines! 2020 launched one of the most challenging years many of us have ever experienced. We started this past summer without a clue regarding operating in a pandemic. There was practically no...
Great Pines is Runner-Up for Best Adirondack Fine Dining
Nestled among the thousands of miles of mountain ranges, trails, and expansive forests lies something a bit unexpected given the scenery- fine dining. Server of fine food and recipient of Adirondack Life Magazine’s runner-up for Best Adirondack Fine Dining is our...
Best Outdoor Dining in the Adirondacks: The Lean-To
While the Adirondacks offer many exceptional views, nothing is more satisfying than pairing it with a delicious meal. At the Lean-To, Adirondack Life Magazine‘s Runner-Up for Best Outdoor Dining in the Adirondacks our cozy, massive outdoor deck, is perfect for sitting...
Best Adirondack Hotel as Named by Adirondack Life
As well as being named Adirondack Life Magazine’s Best Adirondack Resort in 2019, Great Pines was also named Best Adirondack Hotel in June. Great Pines offers the most stunning views, certainly on Fourth Lake, and perhaps in the entire Adirondacks....
Great Pines Named Best Adirondack Resort
Having previously existed as the North Woods Inn, a popular stay for Adirondack travelers, for over 100 years in Old Forge, our newly reopened Great Pines Resort still has the old charm of our predecessor as well as many exciting new features. We are proud to have...