Lake Placid, NY, has always had this magical way of combining Olympic history, Adirondack charm, and breathtaking scenery. On our most recent getaway, we stayed at the Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa, and let me tell you—it’s one of those places that makes you want to pause, breathe, and maybe never leave.
Mirror Lake Inn: History Meets Flower Power
The Mirror Lake Inn has been welcoming guests since the 1920s, and walking through its lobby feels like stepping into a storybook. Warm wood paneling, cozy corners, and a sense of old Adirondack grandeur—like it’s seen more ski boots, hiking packs, and celebratory champagne flutes than it could ever count.
Every room at the inn has window boxes spilling over with purple flowers. It’s like the hotel’s way of saying: “Welcome! Please relax, and also take a hundred photos of me from every angle.” The road leading up to the inn is lined with flowers too, so even before you park, you feel like you’ve entered a postcard.
The lobby is its own character—historic, elegant, and just the right amount of rustic. From there, you can wander down the indoor walkway that connects the main building to other parts of the inn. This means you can get to your room, the restaurants, or the spa without ever stepping outside—convenient if it’s snowing.
Staying at Mirror Lake Inn: Room Options
The inn offers a variety of accommodations, so there’s truly something for every traveler:
- Classic Rooms – Cozy, Adirondack décor, great if you’re planning to spend most of your time outdoors.
- Placid Rooms – Spacious, with updated touches, many offering lake or mountain views.
- Suites – Perfect if you like more space; some even come with fireplaces for après-ski coziness.
- The Cottage – A separate part of the property right on the lake. More private, with a lodge feel.
As for us, our room was in the main inn, and it came with something pretty special: a private sunroom overlooking Mirror Lake. Sitting there in the morning with a cup of coffee and watching the lake slowly wake up was honestly one of my favorite parts of the trip. No need to fight for the best view when it’s right outside your window.
Mirror Lake Reflections
You can’t stay in Lake Placid without spending time at Mirror Lake, and the name is no exaggeration. In the early mornings, the water is so still it’s basically nature’s mirror. I found myself trying to figure out which way was up in my photos—was that the sky, or the water?
We saw a sailboat sitting on the lake, its reflection stretching almost perfectly below it, and I couldn’t resist capturing a panorama of the lake framed by mountains. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Adirondacks at their most peaceful, Mirror Lake at dawn is it.
Biking the Lake Placid Trail: From Rails to Trails
Now, I can’t just sit around and admire flowers all day (though I gave it my best shot). We brought our bikes and decided to explore the Lake Placid to Saranac Lake trail, a converted rail trail that follows the old train tracks.
This was more than just a scenic ride for us—it was a nostalgic trip. Back in 1980, my husband and I actually rode the train into Lake Placid for the Winter Olympics. This bike trail is literally on the old rails we traveled, so pedaling along it felt like rolling through a memory.
The ride itself is gorgeous. Mountains rise in the background, giving you that perfect mix of workout and distraction (“wow, look at that view!” followed by “oops, almost steered into a bush”). Even though it was early September, we started to see hints of fall color—a few reds and oranges peeking through the green like they couldn’t wait for peak foliage.
And yes, my camera came along for the ride—tucked safely in a padded trunk bag I converted into a bike-ready camera case. Photographers will always find a way.
We stopped at the old Lake Placid train station, now the historical museum that looks almost exactly as I remembered it. The difference? This time, instead of carrying Olympic tickets, we carried water bottles and a camera in our bike bags.
Olympic Sites
We’ve visited Lake Placid many times before, and we’ve already checked the Olympic sites off our list more than once. From the ski jumps to the ice arenas, those landmarks are always worth seeing—but this trip wasn’t about chasing medals or revisiting history. This time, we kept things simple: relaxing by the lake, soaking in the flower-filled charm of Mirror Lake Inn, and biking through the Adirondacks at our own pace. Sometimes the best trips aren’t about seeing everything—they’re about slowing down and enjoying what’s right in front of you.
My Travel Camera: Fuji X-T5
This trip was also my first real adventure with my new travel camera, the Fuji X-T5. I made the switch for a couple of big reasons:
- Size – It’s light and compact, which makes it perfect for travel days. Compared to lugging around a full-frame DSLR, the X-T5 feels like freedom.
- Resolution – At 40 megapixels, this camera is a detail lover’s dream. It gives me the flexibility to crop in later without sacrificing sharpness—a lifesaver when that sailboat is just a little farther out than I’d like.
Gear Spotlight: What I Brought to Lake Placid
Why this setup worked:
- Covered everything from wide panoramas to distant details without weighing me down.
- Weather-sealed lenses gave peace of mind in Adirondack unpredictability.
- A perfect balance between image quality and portability—exactly what you want on a weekend trip with bikes, hikes, and lots of coffee stops.
For this trip, I mainly relied on two lenses:
- XF 16-55mm f/2.8 – My go-to for landscapes, flowers, and those wide lake reflections. Sharp, versatile, and fast enough for low light.
- XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 – Perfect for compressing mountain layers in the distance and capturing details like boats out on the lake.
I have other lenses in my bag, but honestly, these two covered 95% of what I needed for a weekend in the Adirondacks. Lightweight, flexible, and capable—that’s exactly what I want in a travel setup. If you are interested in all of my recommended lenses for Fuji X-T5, see The Best Lenses for the Fuji X-T5: My Travel Photography Go-To’s
Packing Tips for Photographers
- Extra Batteries – Cold mountain mornings (and long shooting days) can drain them fast.
- Plenty of Memory Cards – Sunrise + bike ride + reflections = lots of frames.
- Lightweight Tripod – Essential for dawn reflections or low-light lobby shots.
- Lens Cloths – Adirondack mornings = mist, and mist + lenses = frustration.
- Camera Bags That Work – I carried my Oberwerth “The M-Bag” leather photo bag for town and inn wandering. For biking, I used my trunk bag with added padding, turning it into a safe, practical way to haul camera gear.
- Snacks – Not technically gear, but they save the day.
Quick Photographer’s Guide to Lake Placid
- Mirror Lake Inn Flowers – Shoot in soft morning light for vibrant color and gentle shadows.
- Lakeside Sunroom Views – Sunrise with coffee = pastel reflections and dreamy golden light.
- Mirror Lake – Early morning glassy reflections. Wide for panoramas, zoom for sailboats.
- Bike Trail – Long straight stretches make perfect leading lines. September = pops of early fall color.
- Historic Train Station – Black-and-white adds character. Lean your bike against the building for a dynamic shot.
Suggested Weekend Itinerary: Lake Placid Edition
Day 1 – Arrival
- Drive the flower-lined road to Mirror Lake Inn and check in.
- Explore the lobby and indoor walkways.
- Evening: relax in your room’s sunroom with lake views.
Second Day – Reflections + Ride
- Early morning: sunrise reflections on Mirror Lake.
- Mid-morning: bike the Lake Placid–Saranac Lake trail.
- Afternoon: visit the historic train station.
- Evening: dinner in town + lakeside walk.
Day 3 – Slow Morning + Farewell
- Coffee with one last sunrise view of Mirror Lake.
- Final flower photos before checkout.
- Head home with memory cards full.
Final Thoughts: A Lake Placid Weekend to Remember
Our Lake Placid weekend getaway was the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and nostalgia. The Mirror Lake Inn charmed us with flowers, history, and cozy Adirondack style, while Mirror Lake itself offered unforgettable reflections each morning. Add in a ride along the Lake Placid to Saranac Lake bike trail, and you’ve got a trip that blends Olympic history with pure Adirondack beauty.
For photographers, this destination is a dream—changing light, peaceful water, and mountain backdrops around every corner. For travelers, it’s a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the joy of small moments (like that first sip of coffee in a lakeside sunroom).
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway in the Adirondacks, Lake Placid delivers in every season. Just don’t forget your camera. And if you are in the area and want to explore more Northeast USA destinations, my Northeast Region Travel Guide has some suggestions for off-the-beaten-path destinations.
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