Overlook Lean-to at Adirondack Adventure Base

- 9306 NY-30, Paul Smiths, NY 12970

Introduction / Overview

Are you a New Yorker longing to trade the city's concrete jungle for the majestic, sprawling wilderness of Upstate New York? For those seeking a truly unique and deeply restorative escape, the Overlook Lean-to at Adirondack Adventure Base in Paul Smiths, NY, offers an unparalleled "glamping" experience. Forget overcrowded campgrounds; this is a private, custom-built retreat nestled deep within the northern Adirondacks, designed for those who want to be immersed in nature while maintaining a level of comfort and convenience.

An Adirondack lean-to is a traditional three-sided log structure, originally built by guides for hunting and fishing parties, but the Overlook Lean-to elevates this rustic concept to a luxurious, private getaway. Built by the hosts, Bob and Sheila, with wood sustainably harvested from their own property, the lean-to is a piece of art that allows you to feel completely connected to the outdoors. It serves as the perfect basecamp for adventure or a sanctuary for relaxation, allowing you to truly 'unplug' and experience the famous Adirondack wilderness. Customers rave about the amazing property, the attention to detail in the amenities, and the exceptional hospitality provided by the knowledgeable, on-site hosts. It’s an authentic Adirondack experience that visitors find so special they often return year after year.

The property encompasses 50 acres of beautiful, private pine forest, offering abundant wildlife, diverse habitats, and a meticulously maintained network of private trails for year-round exploration. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful, secluded retreat with an amazing view of the stars, the Overlook Lean-to is an ideal destination.

Location and Accessibility

The Overlook Lean-to is located at the Adirondack Adventure Base in Paul Smiths, New York, a quaint town deep in the heart of the northern Adirondack Park. The specific address is 9306 NY-30, Paul Smiths, NY 12970, USA. While the location is far enough north to feel truly secluded and "off the grid," it remains surprisingly accessible to several major attractions, making it a perfect launchpad for exploring the wider region.

For travelers from the New York City metropolitan area, the drive is substantial, but entirely worth the effort for the seclusion you gain. The journey typically involves driving north through Upstate New York, offering increasingly scenic views as you enter the vast wilderness of the Adirondack Park. The nearest major attractions are:

• Lake Placid: Approximately 35 minutes away, providing access to Olympic venues, upscale dining, and iconic hiking trails.
• Saranac Lake: Approximately 25 minutes away, known for its quaint downtown, art scene, and water sports opportunities.
• Adirondack Park Visitors Interpretive Center (VIC): Only about five miles away, offering wonderful hiking trails and educational programs.
• The Wild Center (Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks): Approximately 40 minutes away in Tupper Lake.

This balance of deep-woods seclusion and convenient access to local attractions is a key feature, as noted by delighted guests who appreciate being "far enough away that you are secluded in nature, but close enough that you are just a short drive to attractions." The hosts, Bob and Sheila, who are a former professional wilderness guide and a life-long local resident, live on site and are available 24/7. Their expertise is invaluable for local-area planning, providing wilderness advice and tourist information that can transform a good trip into a truly "Wow!" experience.

Services Offered (Glamping Comfort)

• Custom-Built Accommodation: A beautiful, three-sided lean-to shelter with an open sleep/hang-out space, designed to be a piece of art and a true Adirondack experience.
• Sleeping Setup: Furnished with a comfortable futon bed (with a bug net), tables, and chairs. The site accommodates up to six guests, with space to pitch additional tents if desired (guests bring their own sleeping bags/pads for all).
• Private Dining Area: Includes a large, screened-in tent with a beautiful log picnic table, providing a bug-free space for meals and relaxation.
• Camp Kitchen Supplies: A small two-burner camp stove (propane), a cooler, and all necessary pots, pans, plates, and utensils are provided.
• Firewood: A complimentary bundle of hardwood is included for your first beautiful evening campfire, with more available for purchase.
• Potable Water: Well water is provided in jugs at the site, with a cold water spigot a short walk away.
• Sanitary Facilities: A private, adorable outhouse, affectionately called a "privy," is next to the lean-to, stocked with toilet paper.
• Outdoor Shower: A private outdoor sun shower (often called a 'rainshower' by guests) is available for a refreshing experience.
• Host Support: Personal greeting at check-in, on-site hosts available 24/7, and complimentary expert advice/planning assistance from the former professional wilderness guide and local resident.

Features / Highlights (The Experience)

• Authentic Adirondack Lean-to Experience: Enjoy the tradition of this unique shelter style, built with on-site harvested logs, offering a truly local and memorable form of camping without needing to set up a tent.
• Seclusion and Privacy: Located on a private 50-acre property, the Overlook Lean-to is positioned on a hilltop to provide a quiet, secluded retreat away from the crowds, yet still near civilization.
• Stargazing Opportunity: The hilltop location is praised by guests for providing "an amazing view of the stars" in the famously dark Adirondack night sky.
• Extensive Private Trails: Miles of well-marked bike trails and foot trails traverse the property, leading past wetlands, cliffs, and varied forest types, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, birding, and year-round activities like XC skiing and snowshoeing.
• Exceptional Campfire Experience: The site boasts a huge fire pit with a firepit grill, ideal for cooking and a "beautiful evening campfire" for relaxation and storytelling.
• Relaxation Amenities: Two hammocks are set up for lounging and taking in the beautiful forest views.
• Proximity to Wilderness Destinations: An excellent starting point for various adventures, including the Osgood River (a 'Wild and Scenic Study River') nearby, great fishing spots, and countless hiking and paddling options in the surrounding Adirondack Park.
• Personal Touches: Many features, like the lean-to, screened dining area, log picnic table, and outhouse, were custom-made by the hosts, giving the site a unique, handcrafted feel.

Contact Information

For New York residents ready to book their unique Adirondack experience, or for any inquiries, please use the following contact details for the Adirondack Adventure Base:

Address: 9306 NY-30, Paul Smiths, NY 12970, USA

Phone: (518) 327-5030

Mobile Phone: +1 518-327-5030

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New Yorkers seeking a true escape, the Overlook Lean-to at Adirondack Adventure Base is the perfect antidote to city life. While the Adirondacks are a treasure for the whole state, this particular location offers a unique blend of rugged wilderness and comfortable 'glamping' that is specifically appealing to urban dwellers looking for maximum nature immersion with minimal hassle. You can "get off the grid and experience nature in NATURE unplugged from it all," as one guest described, but you still have the peace of mind knowing you’re not roughing it entirely.

The property is centrally located to the jewels of the northern Adirondacks—Lake Placid and Saranac Lake—providing the option to easily access high-profile attractions and amenities, or to simply remain on the property and explore the over 50 acres of private trails. The personalized touch of hosts Bob and Sheila, who are passionate experts in the area, means you don’t just get a place to sleep; you gain local insight to plan the perfect adventure. From the hand-built lean-to and the 'adorable privy' to the huge fire pit and the secluded location, every detail is designed for a restorative and memorable vacation. It’s an easy, yet deeply authentic, way for New Yorkers to reconnect with the wild beauty of their own state, promising an experience so wonderful you'll be planning your next anniversary or winter camping trip before you even leave.

Overlook Lean-to at Adirondack Adventure Base

9306 NY-30, Paul Smiths, NY 12970, USA