Garnet Hill Lodge and Vacation Center

Garnet Hill Lodge and Vacation Center is nestled high in New York’s Adirondack Mountains overlooking pristine Thirteenth Lake, a designated trophy fishing lake, and the mountains of the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area, Warren County.  It is easily accessible via the New York State Thruway, Interstate 88, and the Massachusetts Turnpike, all of which connect to Interstate 90 North toward Montreal, more commonly known as the Adirondack Northway.

Garnet Hill Lodge was built in 1936 by the original garnet mine developer in the area, Frank Hooper, whose commitment to the emergent garnet industry transformed the mountain into one of the largest garnet production operations in the world.  While garnet, in its time referred to as the “Adirondack Ruby,” has not been mined at the mountain for many decades, its rich history provides an intriguing backdrop for the Garnet Hill Four-Seasons Family Resort.

The Main Lodge at Garnet Hill is commonly referred to as The Log House reflecting its original Adirondack log construction, with its huge open-face garnet-in-stone fireplace and the welcoming cheer of an inviting ever-burning fire.  The Log House provides the friendly charm of a favorite country inn and wonderful views of magnificent Thirteenth Lake and surrounding mountains.   Today visitors to Garnet Hill enjoy guest room accommodations in The Log House as well as in The Birches and The Tea House.  Among the many amenities enjoyed by visitors to Garnet Hill is a full-scale restaurant in the Log House specializing in a variety of entrees and homemade breads and desserts.  A new addition to the Log House is the Miner’s Pub serving draft beers – including Irish specialties reflecting the new owners’ heritage – and wine and spirits.

            The Garnet Hill area is a natural paradise for those seeking a break from the hectic rush of everyday life.  In spring, summer or autumn, 70 miles of marked and mapped trails provide gentle walks for the nature enthusiast, while the rugged mountain scenery presents the experienced hiker with more vigorous routes and climbs. Snowy, Peaked, Crane, Blue and Chimney Mountains are all nearby, and we are nestled on the upslope of Thirteenth Lake. Fine swimming is offered in the clear waters of Thirteenth Lake, while its beautiful beach will reward those who prefer to just laze in the sun.  Boating, canoeing and fishing can also be enjoyed, with rental canoes, kayaks, and rowboats available.  Preserving the solitude of the lake and region is paramount, as evidenced by the no-motorboat policy on the lake and the fact that the entire lake is protected from any development on its shores.  Garnet Hill also maintains two tennis courts near its ski/bike shop.  Guests can take advantage of organized activities or enjoy the facilities on their own.

In summer and fall, Garnet Hill's 30-plus miles (55 kilometers) of interconnected winter cross-country ski trails are transformed into an extensive network of walking and mountain bike trail system.  In addition to the ski trails, we have developed an impressive interconnecting network of single-track bike trails - the rides are endless.  Whitewater rafting on the nearby Upper Hudson River, just five miles down the mountain, is another great spring, summer, and fall attraction.

Within an easy and scenic drive are many area attractions, from museums and nature centers to natural wonders, historic sites and boat cruises - the area around Garnet Hill has it all.  To appreciate the spectacular palette of fall colors, a gondola ride to the summit of Gore Mountain, less than 10 miles away, is a “must” autumn activity.

As winter pushes autumn aside, our Garnet Hill Cross-Country Ski Center becomes the perfect spot to enjoy every kind of winter sport, with over 55 kilometers (30-plus miles) of trails groomed and tracked daily.  Consistently ranked as one of the top ten premier cross-country ski locations in America, we offer the unique “ski down, ride up” opportunity for cross-country skiers.  It is an ideal experience for the novice or expert alike, with miles of easy, moderate and expert trails.  Because of our mountain-top elevation at over 2,000 feet, seasonal snowfall totals of over 125 inches are common, providing some of the best snow conditions in the East.

The new owners of Garnet Hill Lodge and Cross-Country Ski Center have introduced a rare new winter adventure for outdoor enthusiasts - dogsledding. Visitors are now able to experience Garnet Hill trails like never before on an exhilarating dog sled ride!  This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to ride and train with the 2007 International Bronze medal Sled Dog Racing Champions. The ride of your life will start out with the high-pitched excitement of the dogs during hook-up.  As the dogs move away from the lodge you will enjoy the silence of the sled cutting through the Adirondack mountain snow. Learn how these dogs are trained and the commands that are used to control the team.  Award winner Jerry Mulvey has over 20 years experience in driving, breeding and racing dogsled teams. He has developed his own strain of sled dogs called the "Gorehound" and is currently building a completive sled team for the 2009 world championships.

Regardless of a family’s recreational interest, Garnet Hill Four-Seasons Family Resort has it all in whatever season a family seeks adventure and memories that will last a lifetime.