Hiking and canoe heaven. The fishing here isn't as great as it used to be, big game hunting here is very challenging (hence the 4 star rating). Driving around is awesome, some of the best views you will see is on route 86 between Saranac Lake and Paul Smiths, and route 73 from Lake Placid onward to Keene & Keene Valley. Winters here are some of the coldest in the country (not uncommon to see -20 to -30 degree temperatures). I would highly recommend coming up here for peak leaf season near mid-late September!
Not the easiest to find or access, no facilities and no camping allowed here. But Zoar Valley is probably Western New York's best kept secrets. Awesome scenery in the gorge, nice spot to hike and wade in the creek. Didn't get to spend more than a few hours here due to heavy rain, but I would return in a heartbeat! If you are looking to camp, there are free primitive sites in East Otto State forest where you can stay for a couple days without a permit.
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Made last minute reservations here right before the 4th of july, was able to secure a tent site no problem. By far one of my favorite KOAs I have EVER stayed at! Right on the snake river, beautiful scenery, clean sites. I loved every bit of it