Family Camping

New information published by the Adirondack Park Visitor Interpretive Centers in Paul Smiths and Newcomb opens up a whole world of little known pleasures for visitors to the 6 million-acre park.

"Family Camping Itineraries in the Adirondack Park" offers detailed information on the attractions, scenic roads, fishing, boating, history and New York State campgrounds close to all the fun. Itineraries include a "Lake Champlain Compass of History" tour, the "Tri-Lakes Traverse" tour and the "Adirondack Heydays" tour, with details about canoe and boat launches, garnet mines, swimming and more.

"Adirondack Park Challenge III: Day Hikes and Paddles for Families with Children" outlines 11 outings off the beaten path. The trips are located throughout the park and offer varied destinations suitable for youngsters, including, peaks, ponds and waterfalls.

The "Challenge" program is supported by the Adirondack Park Institute, Inc., friends of the Visitor Interpretive Centers. The Institute will award a colorful patch to anyone hiking a trail at either Visitors Interpretive Center and then completing five of the 11 trips outlined in the new brochure.

Both centers offer daily guided trail walks along their own systems of walking paths. Naturalists explain the flora and fauna found on the trails, as well as discuss such topics as why acid rain remains a problem in the park.

The Huntington Lecture Series in Newcomb offers talks on natural history subjects Thursdays in July and August.

In Paul Smiths, the Adirondack Almanac Series will feature wildlife lectures and live animal presentations every Wednesday during July and August.

The Adirondack Park and Visitor Interpretive Centers are operated by the State of New York Adirondack Park Agency. Both are open daily throughout the year and admission is free.

The Visitor Interpretive Center in Newcomb is located on Route 28N, 14 miles east of Long Lake. The Visitors Interpretive Center in Paul Smiths is located on Route 30, 12 miles north of Saranac Lake. For information or to request brochures, contact the centers at Box 3000, Paul Smiths, NY 12970, 518/327-3000.