visitor interpretive center at paul smiths

I thought things would be better with the college's purchase of the property, but was very disappointed. Saw online that on Saturdays there would be crafts and games for kids, so we packed up 3 little ones and headed over. No one greeted us so we had to ask where the activities were, and a lady pointed us to a table with yarn, glue, markers, and colored paper. That was it, no instructor or much else, and no games. We made the best of it, then checked out the "touch table", which had the same stuff on it that was there 20 years ago, and a magnifying glass table with the legs falling of it. So we went out to the playground, which was made out of plywood that badly needed painting, one swing made out of a tire that was falling apart, and a sway bridge with broken boards. So we decided to go back inside to warm up, and my grandson slipped on the ice and hurt himself, right in front of the door, which needed salt or could have been easily chipped away. I would not take kids back again as it was dangerous for little ones, the activities advertised were not happening, and there really isn't much else for them to do.

it was interesting and since we couldn't hike because it was raining it gave us a dry place to spend a few hours.

Beautiful grounds for a walk/hike, and fascinating exhibits in the small museum area. Lots of interesting birds and wildlife.

A great family experience for all ages. Most trails are accessible by a stroller with very large wheels or all-terrain strollers. Will have to check at Visitors Center for trails that are accessible for wheelchairs. The floating bridge trail may not be recommended for those individuals with balance issues, young or old.Opportunities to see varied flora as well as wildlife. So many areas of park as so quiet and tranquil. Excellent opportunites for photography for all ages, just be sure to have your camera on a strap to be sure it doesn't drop while you're hiking. During some weather conditions, trails maybe slippery, wear appropriate footwear. Be aware of weather conditions when you start your hike and dress appropriately. It's better to layer your clothing and take it off, than to have too little clothing and be cold if winds were to come along the waterways in the park. Trails are well marked and groomed, so regular athletic footwear is recommended (sneakers). However, in rainy weather, boots or hiking shoes/boots may be more appropriate, whereas in winter hiking boots or snow boots both with good treads may be best. Bring enough water for each person for 3-4 hours as this is the average time most people will spend on the trails at a regular pace. However, time will be longer for those taking a more leisurely pace for photography or for families with younger children who can't walk at a fast pace. Remember the park doesn't have trash cans, so your trash is take in, take out. We visited the VIC when it first opened and every year until our departure in 1995 when Plattsburgh AFB closed. It was one of our favorite places to visit with our young children (a toddler and infant at the time). Should we ever return to upstate NY again, we will definitely visit the VIC as it holds very fond memories for us. We took so many beautiful photographs of the park.Had to select Oct 2013 as date visited, as with forced choices, you pick what they offer. In actuality, we last visited in May 1995 before our departure from NY in June 1995.

While staying on Osgood Pond we hopped over to the VIC center to home the well labeled and groomed trails. The center is quiet and serene offering a nice nature walk undisturbed by others. Stop in the butterfly house to view native Lepidoptera in all stages. Great for the nature enthusiast.

Every year we make a trip to the VIC. The trails are well marked and well maintained. The views are absolutely amazing. I love the board walk and the lookouts over the marsh. This is by far one of my favorite places to hike with my family. We have been visiting the VIC for over 20 years and look forward to the new trails next year

Helpful volunteers, good trail maps available, good Adirondack exhibits outlining geological origins and history. No fee (donations welcome). Superb marsh and pond views from trails and overlooks

They have a wonderful network of trails. In only a short of hike of 2-3 miles you can see a wide variety of Adirondack ecosystems and habitats. I highly recommend this for anyone looking to hike somewhere that isn't that strenuous and also isn't very crowded.

Super friendly volunteer sent us on our way into the woods. We looped around the well-signed routes and ended up hiking around 5 miles on level and scenic woodlands. Elevated walkways lead you across marshy and bog areas, while wood bridges cross scenic ponds. This is a great hiking area - not too strenuous so perfect for kids and the less experienced hikers. The area is designed to highlight varying woodlands with hiking routes keyed to the unique ecosystems. Great way to spend 2-3 hours.

Friendly and helpful staff await you here. We stopped simply to get some beautiful pictures of the snow covered Adirondacks. People were snowshoeing and cross country skiing on what appeared to be nicely groomed networks of trails. We visited the butterfly exhibit this past summer and the staff was marvelous and thus why we returned on this trip. The beauty of the snow clinging to the trees had us looking for a safe place to stop the car and take photos. Thank you VIC for providing us that safe place. Keep up the good work in providing a place for us to enjoy and get in touch with the wonder of the Adirondacks!

What a difference there is at Paul Smith's VIC under the direction of the college. On our recent visit we were greeted by friendly and knowledgeable staff and a day of fun events awaited us starting with a Chili Competition. The local fare was bountiful and tasty and we greatly enjoyed learning about new local restaurants and trying their chili which was accompanied by fresh bread from the oven and lemonade. There was also a great collection of local art for sale which reflected a variety of media and styles. And then afterwards we took a tour with Brian, a naturalist as we learned about the trees and animals that lived in the forest. The conditions were excellent and the trails were groomed which made for a great experience. Since the school has taken over this facility there seems to be more accent on education and activities to acquaint visitors to the area. We loved it.

My husband and I wanted to learn to cross country ski on our recent trip to the area, and our hosts where we stayed recommended the VIC. We were able to rent all the gear there, and Grace was a fantastic and patient teacher. The property is beautiful and there are lots of trails that seem well suited to a range of experience levels. We spent a few hours out on the trails chatting while we learned, and she peppered in information about the land and the animals that inhabit it. I am a terribly slow learner when it comes to anything athletic, but she was happy to let me set a pace I was comfortable with and was nothing but positive and encouraging. I didn't expect to like cross country much, but I ended up having a fantastic time. Back at the main building after our lesson, we enjoyed live folk music and hot chocolate while we warmed up.

My husband and I stayed in Lake Placid when we decided to xc ski here. The trail conditions were better here so we decided to take the 40 minute drive (beautifully scenic and driving through Saranac Lake was a bonus). The facility is set within the woods and the bird watching is fun and I enjoyed the local art that was on display (and for sale!) My husband and I have xc skied a few times before but decided to take a lesson. Brian is a great instructor who is very attentive. He answered all our questions and was very patient. He even skied back to the ski center to bring us duct tape when my ski malfunctioned! Within our lesson he also gave us some info about the local wildlife:)The ski area offered trails for all levels of expertise, both xc skiing and snow shoeing. There were info boards with trials labeled for skiing and shoeing for all levels. It is great that the college bought this land from NY state and is maintaining these beautiful trails!

The Visitor Interpretive Center is a very special place to my husband and I. We started going there when we first started dating and eventually married there. The scenery is beautiful, varying from ponds, a waterfall, a boadwalk that floats over a bog, bridges that zig-zag above a babbeling stream, and majestic mountains. Nature abounds with wildlife all seasons of the year. In the spring expect to see an abundance of ladyslippers dotting the trail around the backside of the pond. The bog is littered with picture plants and wild iris in the summer. The air smells of earth and the leaves abound with color in the fall. The winter it is a spectacular place to cross country ski. No matter what the season, you are sure to be pleased with the beauty, peace and serenity that surrounds you. A place frequently visited by natives of this area. A must visit for tourists just passing through! Of note, there is a fee of $10.00/day to ski in the winter. There is no fee to hike in the spring, summer or fall.

We were staying in Lake Placid and drove here on a day that was threatening rain. We figured the easier trails would be OK if it rained. It was the perfect place! Very pretty, well-maintained trail system, nicely marked. Pick up a trail map at the center and get recommendations for a route that fits your time and fitness level.