There is no better way to discover and explore this wilderness than in the company of a NYS licensed guide. Guides possess the skills, knowledge, and experience to introduce and instruct their clients in the safest methods of pursuing a sport in the Adirondacks. A guide can lead you to the classic climbs, the wildest water, the best fishing holes, vistas, campsites, and hunting grounds in these mountains. They can advise you about the best clothes to wear, what to bring, and what to expect on any trip. Many guides provide necessary equipment for specialty sports such as rafting or climbing. Often, a guide can prepare your campsite in advance, saving your time for exploration and recreation.
Much of the Adirondacks' six million acres is true wilderness. No roads, trails, or paths lead through several large forest areas. The trails that are here are sometimes rerouted or obscured by fresh beaver dams, blowdown, or fire. As dozens of people will attest to every year, it's easy to get lost. Fortunately, most of these people find their way out or are rescued by the excellent search teams we have here, but every year a few do not. They lose the trail, wander too close to a cliff or succumb to hypothermia. These tragedies are preventable, and hiring a guide is the most effective step you can take to prevent them.
A guide can help you enjoy your sport more. Even people experienced in their activity can benefit from the perspective a local guide brings to the sport. You can avoid the disappointment of finding your plans thwarted by closed trails or new regulations, because your guide will be up-to-date on current conditions. Even when the unexpected halts you, your guide can quickly provide alternate goals that will save your trip. Many sports require modification of technique or equipment when pursued in this wilderness. A guide can inform and instruct you about these, speeding your learning curve considerably.
Many guiding services provide the special equipment for sports like whitewater boating, climbing, or backpacking. With their help, you will learn what is the best equipment, where to buy it, and how to use it.
When your free time is so precious, it's a wise investment to hire a guide. Their ability to point you toward the best places to enjoy your chosen sport, their safety training and knowledge of the terrain, and their equipment provisions help you maximize your time directly involved in your sport.
| Beaver Brook
Outfitters |
NYSOGA |
| Lockhart Charter Fishing | Adirondack Mountain and Stream |
| Jay Harrison's Guide Service |