Your three-day slow travel itinerary
The Whiteface Region invites you to step off the grid and into a world of fresh air, forest trails, and stillness, where your weekend reset begins. For 72 hours, trade your notifications for nature sounds, traffic for tranquil trails, and your everyday routine for something a little more wild, a little more wonderful.
This itinerary isn’t about cramming it all in or filling every minute; it’s about letting go. Think sunrise yoga with mountain vistas, unhurried hikes to hidden ponds, and cider enjoyed slowly at a local farmstand. Whether you’re traveling solo or with someone special, this guide offers a gentle rhythm of activity and rest, movement and stillness—perfect for a long weekend and a chance to truly recharge this summer.
Day 1: Arrive and unwind
Ease into your Adirondack escape by checking into a place that fits your mood. For true seclusion, opt for a cabin or vacation rental tucked away in the woods—perfect for those seeking silence, stargazing, and the soothing rustle of trees.
Prefer something cozier and community-minded? Whiteface Farm B&B, ADK Trail Inn, and the creative, welcoming Ice Jam Inn offer a warm, homey atmosphere with a touch of personality. Once you’ve settled in, head to Sandy’s Cidery to sip house-made cider and grab a bite. Think small plates and local flavors in a laid-back setting. As the sun sets, take a leisurely stroll or settle in by the firepit if your cabin has one—the perfect way to begin your slow, soul-filling weekend.
Day 2: A wellness escape
Wake slowly and start your day with intention at NewVida Preserve, where morning yoga classes offer gentle movement surrounded by mountain serenity. After class, treat yourself to one of NewVida’s rejuvenating spa services—think deep-tissue massage, energy work, or a relaxing facial—all designed to help you fully unwind. Next, follow the quiet backroads to Unicorn Square in Upper Jay, a quirky, welcoming shop where you’ll find handmade bath and body products, feel-good gifts, and the option to book a unique service like an oracle card reading. It’s the kind of stop that adds a little magic to your trip.
After lunch, make time for a short scenic drive and a moment of stillness at the Jay Covered Bridge, where you can sit riverside, dip your toes in the water, or simply enjoy the sound of the Ausable River rushing below. Then, lace up your boots for an easy hike to Copperas, Owen, or Winch Ponds on peaceful, interconnected trails with just enough elevation to get your heart rate up without breaking the relaxing rhythm of your weekend.
Return to your lodging for a quiet evening in. Whether you dine out or cook a simple meal at your cabin, let the day wind down slowly, maybe with a soak in the tub using those new bath salts from Unicorn Square.
Day 3: End on a high note
Rise early and head to Whiteface Mountain for a truly unforgettable start to your final day. On Sunday mornings, you can ride the gondola to the summit of Little Whiteface and join a yoga class held high above the valley floor. With panoramic views as your backdrop and crisp mountain air filling your lungs, it’s a soulful way to greet the day.
After descending, carve out time for one last micro-adventure on the Stag Brook Falls Trail, a quiet, lesser-traveled path just steps from the mountain’s base lodge. The short, peaceful hike leads you through shaded forest to a cascading waterfall—a moment of reflection before the journey home begins.
On your way out of town, consider stopping by a local farm. Both Sugar House Creamery and Blue Pepper Farm offer serene atmospheres, a chance to meet the animals, and delicious, small-batch dairy products to bring home a literal taste of the Adirondacks. Whether you’re petting a goat or sipping a cup of farm-fresh milk, it’s a gentle reminder of the region’s charm and pace.
With your body refreshed and your mind clear, you’ll leave the Whiteface Region carrying more than souvenirs—you’ll take with you a deep breath of stillness that lingers long after the drive back.
Ready to plan your escape?
Whether you're craving quiet trails, scenic sips, or moments of mountain-top stillness, the Whiteface Region offers the perfect place to pause, breathe, and reconnect—with nature and with yourself. This three-day itinerary is just the beginning. Customize it, stretch it out, or return again for a new season of slow travel.
Start planning your long weekend today, and let the Whiteface Region remind you how good it feels to truly unwind.
