A place for hikers and climbers
Keene in upstate New York is a small rural community in the center of Adirondack Park. Bordered on all sides by 3 mountain ranges, the area is famed for mountaineering and includes New York's highest mountain, Mount Marcy. Trails for most of these climbs begin and end in Keene, making it a perfect basecamp for hikers, climbers and mountaineers. Millions of vacationers visit the park in all seasons to take in the wild scenery and participate in the many sporting activities. With plenty of lakes, rivers and trails, a Keene vacation rental has much to offer.
Memories of a golden era
Only a short drive from your Keene vacation rental, and intriguing to say the least, are Frontier Town and the town of Tahawus. The former, built in the early 1950s, was, for decades, a Western theme park complete with cowboys, Indians and a replica township. Waning interest in the subject and larger attractions forced its closure, but the ghost town is worth a visit. Similarly, Tahawus was once a prosperous mining center and famously the place Theodore Roosevelt leant of the assassination of William McKinley. Today it stands abandoned, but the house in which the president stayed has been restored.
Unspoiled climbs for all abilities
The Forty-Sixers club, for people who have climbed all 46 of the highest mountains in Adirondack Park, draws hikers from across the states to take up the challenge. Almost half of the mountains are still without trails, making the club an exclusive one. Climbers are attracted to the rugged terrain and over 250 climbing areas catering for all abilities. From bouldering to multi-pitch routes with crags and ice climbing, the ‘Dacks' offer traditional unspoiled climbing away from the visitors' centers and souvenir shops. The system of rivers and lakes provide opportunities for whitewater kayaking, including multi-day tours.
Wrap up warm to admire the beauty
The valley of Keene and the mountain ranges that tower above it have 4 distinct seasons. The weather is cooler than other parts of the state for most of the year and, although summers can be warm, the altitude dictates warm clothing should be packed for a Keene vacation rental, whichever season you choose to visit. From fall until late spring expect steady snowfall, which attracts skiers and snowboarders to the off-piste slopes for adrenaline-fueled fun in the wild. For better prices and to avoid the crowds, consider booking in late fall or early spring.
Nature in harmony
Hunting, fur trapping and the impact of the logging industry in the late 1800s brought populations of beaver, wolves and moose to the brink of extinction in Adirondack. Early 20th-century efforts to reintroduce them after the formation of the preserve saw the problem go the other way with negative effects upon waterways and other native species. In recent decades, the balance has been largely restored, due to the hard work of conservationists. There are currently 53 known mammal species in the park, together with numerous birds, including hawks, falcons and vultures.
How to get to and around Keene
Fly into Burlington Intl. Airport (BTV), the closest airport, located 34.7 mi (55.9 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you could book a flight to Lake Placid, NY (LKP), which is 8.7 mi (14 km) away.
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