If you haven't already noticed, I'm a huge advocate for outdoor adventure in Lake Placid, which is in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. While these mountains aren't as rugged-looking as the younger Rockies, they still have peaks that range from 1200ft to over 5000 ft. Of these peaks, 46 of them are over 4000 feet (the highest is Mount Marcy at 5344 ft).Diehard hikers in the area strive to become a "46er", which means they have climbed all of the 46 peaks - quite a feat. In my 5 months there, I managed to climb 34 of them (I did some of my favorites multiple times), and I'm going back to finish the rest off some day.

The trail systems are quite extensive and challenging - especially when you venture off the less-than-beaten path. If you like to keep things challenging, 20 of the 46 peaks are un-maintained or trail-less (overgrown with fallen trees and debris from avalanches and are lacking markers). I did quite a few of these peaks, but be forewarned - the bushwhacking slows your pace considerably.

I really need to book some time off work to get back there!

Kim Bowerman,
Nomadik Personal Fitness Expert