A Winter Trip to Tackle the Tupper Lake Triad
Tupper Lake is a town fit for a winter wilderness escape. Pairing the town’s famous Tupper Lake Triad with a few of its cozy coffee shops and engaging indoor and outdoor activities makes for an amazing extended winter weekend. The Tupper Lake Triad is ideal for beginner snowshoers, blending short trails with spectacular summit views. Learn how you can tackle three different mountains—Coney, Goodman, and Mount Arab—all while ensuring you have plenty of time each day to sample the unique hospitality, food, and fun Tupper Lake has to offer.
Day 1: Coney Mountain, Coffee, and The Wild Center
Start your exploration with Coney Mountain, an easier hike than its High Peaks neighbors, at 2 miles round-trip. Snowshoeing Coney Mountain rewards you with an open, exposed summit and panoramic views for a more-than-reasonable effort. While short, the exposed summit means a windy day is a chilly day, so coming prepared for all winter conditions is important! Before hitting the trail, fuel up at Perk and Pine, where you can enjoy a creamy latte and house-made breakfast treats that feature local, fresh flavors in a cozy, eco-conscious atmosphere. And since the Coney hike is a quick one, take the rest of your day to visit The Wild Center, which remains open in the winter and offers fascinating interactive exhibits focused on Adirondack ecosystems. Donning complimentary snowshoes, The Wild Center guests can explore the grounds, walk through the indoor museum, and enjoy the elevated Wild Walk, which offers a unique bird's-eye view of the snow-covered forest canopy and the frozen river below. As a bonus, go in the evening and take part in Wild Lights, you won’t be disappointed.
Day 2: Goodman Mountain and Lakeview Lanes
For your second day, go up Goodman Mountain (the mountain made famous by its no-longer-resident moose), a 3-mile round-trip hike named for civil rights activist Andrew Goodman. The trail climbs steadily, gaining 600 feet in elevation through classic Adirondack forest to another open summit with excellent views of the area's wilderness and frozen waterways. This trail is well-suited for winter travel but requires appropriate gear, such as snowshoes and microspikes, depending on the snowpack. After gaining those rewarding views, trade your snowshoes for bowling shoes and head to Lakeview Lanes and the Foul Line Sports Bar for a lively evening. Here, you can unwind with a few rounds of bowling, challenge your crew at the extensive arcade games, and settle into the Sports Bar for satisfying comfort food like burgers, pizza, and wings—the perfect, relaxed atmosphere to recharge after a rewarding day on the mountain. You’ve earned it, and you’re also ⅔ of the way to earning your Triad patch!
Day 3: Mount Arab and Raquette River Brewing
Top off your Tupper Lake Triad adventure with the historic Mount Arab, a classic 2-mile round-trip trail that rewards snowshoers with a stunning 360-degree view from its restored fire tower. The trail is a bit steep and steady, but manageable, making it a satisfying final peak for the challenge. While the climb is straightforward, remember that fire tower summits can be incredibly exposed and windy in the winter, so bring plenty of warm layers. Following your final descent, celebrate your accomplishment at Raquette River Brewing, a true Tupper Lake icon. Here, you can sample a flight of their acclaimed local brews, relax around the fire, and order dinner from the on-site Food Truck Alley, which features hearty options ranging from wood-fired pizza to savory BBQ—a fantastic, communal way to conclude your snowshoeing challenge. Don’t forget to register your ascents and get your patch!
Your successful Triad weekend in Tupper Lake is only the beginning of your discovery. In addition to the great snowshoeing and dining, you can explore the Adirondack Rail Trail via snowshoe or snowmobile, marvel at the dark skies from the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory, or browse the welcoming shops downtown. Tupper Lake truly offers the perfect mix of high-quality adventure and small-town charm, ensuring you'll be planning your next stay before the snow even melts.