




The 3,000-acre Paul Smith's Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC) includes a variety Adirondack habitats, providing excellent opportunities to see and hear the many different birds that make the Adirondacks their seasonal or year-round home. In fact, every habitat found in the Adirondacks has a spot here, except alpine. Without question, this has made the VIC a birding haven.
The Paul Smith's College VIC is part of the NYS Birding Trail. This trail is not a physical trail, but a "connection" between outstanding birding locations in regions across the state.
Getting there
From the intersection of Routes 3 & 30 in Tupper Lake, follow Route 30 north toward Saranac Lake. After 5.5 miles, turn left to stay on Route 30. Continue for 14 miles. In Lake Clear, take another left to stay on Route 30 and continue for 7.5 miles. Just after Paul Smith's College (about a mile), turn left into the VIC (there's a big sign by the road). Follow the signs for parking, which is just down the road.
Birding
With such diverse habitat, there are opportunities for birding throughout the property! Here are some of the highlights:
- Heron Marsh (which is accessible from the Barnum Brook Trail, the Heron Marsh Trail, the Logger's Loop Trail, the Woods & Waters Trail, and the Jenkins Mountain Trail) is a great place to search for wetland species. American Bittern, Great Blue Heron, Wood Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Common Merganser, and American Black Duck, plus Red-winged Blackbirds can all be found here.
- Barnum Bog (accessible from the boardwalk on the Boreal Life Trail) is an excellent place to find unique boreal species and Adirondack favorites, like Lincoln's Sparrow and Palm Warbler. Canada Jay, Black-backed Woodpecker, and maybe even Boreal Chickadee might also be found here! The Boreal Life Trail also has an overlook tower near the shore of Barnum Pond, where Common Loons can frequently be seen.
- To find species that use early successional forest habitat, check out the Logger's Loop Trail and perhaps find Scarlet Tanager, Chestnut-sided Warbler, and Black-and-white Warbler.
- The parking lot is a surprisingly productive birding location. In spring and summer, a wide variety of warblers can be seen and heard, along with Red-eyed Vireo.
- Common Loons and Bald Eagles, other Adirondack favorites, can be found near Black Pond and Barnum Pond.
Check with front desk staff at the VIC to enquire about upcoming birding events and field trips!




Packages and Promotions
Valid Mar. 31 - Oct. 30
Valid Apr. 14 - Oct. 30
Fish & Stay
Voco Saranac Lake
Enjoy a 2-hour fishing session on Lake Flower for two, guided by expert anglers.
Valid
Valid Jun. 15 - Oct. 15
weekly on Friday until October 17, 2025
$20 Fish Fry Friday
The Clubhouse at TLGC
Get Hooked on Fish Fry Friday at The Clubhouse
Join us every Friday at The Clubhouse at TLGC for a delicious Fish Fry Friday tradition.
Valid
Valid Jun. 15 - Oct. 16
weekly on Tuesday until October 21, 2025
Taco Tuesday at RRB
The Marketplace - Food Truck
Free RRB Margarita with Your Marketplace Food Truck Tacos
Join The Marketplace Food Truck and Raquette River Brewing for the ultimate Taco
Valid Mar. 31 - Oct. 30
Valid Apr. 14 - Oct. 30
Golf & Stay
Voco Saranac Lake
Tee off at one of the Adirondacks' historic golf courses, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.
Valid Jan. 20 - Jan. 20
Valid Jan. 20 - Jan. 20
Stay and Dine
Voco Saranac Lake
Receive a 50 dollar credit per stay to use in our Lakeside Drift. Enjoy an exceptional dining experience with unparalleled views great food and craft beers in a friendly and relaxed environment.
Valid
Valid Jun. 15 - Aug. 30
weekly on Friday until August 31, 2025
2 for 1 Happy Hour Cosmos
P-2's Irish Pub
Cheers to Friday! 2-for-1 Cosmos at P-2’s Irish Pub
Valid
Valid Mar. 31 - Mar. 31
The Wild Center Family Getaway
Voco Saranac Lake
Enjoy 2 adult and 1 child admission tickets to The Wild Center, where nature meets discovery.
Valid Mar. 31 - Jan. 29
Valid Jan. 20 - Jan. 20
Pet Getaway
Voco Saranac Lake
Your dog deserves an Adirondack getaway too. Book our pet friendly hotel near Lake Placid welcomes every member of your crew. Book our Pet Package and enjoy a dog friendly room with pet fees included.
Valid Jun. 17 - Jun. 18
Valid Jun. 15 - Oct. 15
weekly on Wednesday until October 16, 2025
Wing Night Wednesday
The Clubhouse at TLGC
50% off Wings on Wednesdays at The Clubhouse
Dig in and save big!
Valid Jul. 31 - Aug. 2
Valid Mar. 31 - May. 30
BikeADK Loves Canada - Weekender
Canadian Residents can use the code “BikeADKLovesCanada" will receive 15% off their registration!
Valid Mar. 31 - Oct. 30
Valid Apr. 14 - Oct. 30
Bike & Stay
Voco Saranac Lake
Explore the beauty of Saranac Lake and the newly developed Adirondack Rail Trail.