Discover the Adirondack Park’s Essence at Newcomb's AIC
The Adirondack Interpretive Center: a destination for nature lovers.
Overlook on the Peninsula Trail at the AIC. All photos courtesy the Adirondack Interpretive Center.
The Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC), located in the Central Adirondacks of New York State, is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and travelers. Open year-round, the AIC offers activities and events, including birding, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and creative arts workshops in Newcomb, NY.
The AIC provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the Adirondacks' natural beauty and learn about its history and biodiversity.
A hiking trail for every visitor.
Just south of the Adirondack High Peaks region, the AIC is a gateway to Adirondack Park. It offers activities for everyone interested in experiencing the beauty of the Adirondacks.
Lilacs in bloom on the hiking trails at the AIC.
One of AIC's main attractions is its 3.5 miles of beautiful trails through old forests, streams, and scenic overlooks. From leisurely strolls along the accessible trails to more challenging hikes for the adventurous spirit, there's a trail for every skill level.
Along the way, visitors can encounter a diverse array of Adirondack wildlife, from towering pine trees to typical Adirondack wildlife such as deer, beavers, and songbirds.
Newcomb’s AIC offers a variety of trails that showcase different terrains and habitats, such as forests, lakeshores, and wetlands. All the trails start from the AIC building and follow the Rich Lake Trail (look for green trail markers).
Summer hiking trails at Newcomb’s AIC.
The Rich Lake Trail is a short and easy walk that is perfect for basking in the beauty of the Adirondacks or as a warm-up for longer excursions. It offers beautiful views of Rich Lake and Goodnow Mountain. Two overlooks along the lake provide excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing.
The Peninsula Trail (look for red trail markers) is a 0.9-mile loop that starts from the Rich Lake Trail and offers more views of Rich Lake. This trail features beautiful old-growth hemlocks and a long boardwalk across a marsh dominated by cranberry and buttonbush.
The Sucker Brook Trail (blue trail markers) is a 1.0-mile long trail, also accessed from the Rich Lake Trail, that follows the outlet of Rich Lake and is an excellent spot for wildlife spotting. This trail follows the same path that loggers used for felled trees when they drove logs along the Hudson River.
The R.W. Sage Jr. Memorial Trail (yellow trail markers) is a 1.1-mile long loop that starts and ends on the Sucker Brook Trail. This trail features stands of pure hardwood forests and a boardwalk through a seasonal wetland that provides visitors with an actual deep-woods experience. From the Sage Trail, visitors can take the 0.5-mile-long Santanoni Preserve Connector Trail (marked in red by the DEC) that leads to the Newcomb Lake Road Trail.
For those seeking a more challenging outdoor adventure, the Goodnow Mountain trailhead is just 1.7 miles from the AIC. The 2-mile-long hike to the top of the mountain, followed by a climb up the stairs of a fire tower, will reward visitors with a spectacular view of the Central Adirondacks.
The spectacular view from atop Goodnow Mountain.
A year-round birder’s destination in the Adirondack Park.
Birdwatching, also known as birding, is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds in any part of New York State all year round. If you're looking to experience new outdoor activities, the AIC is a great place to begin birding.
The blue winged warbler.
The Central Adirondacks and the AIC offer diverse habitats, such as old-growth hemlock, cedar swamp, conifer, and northern hardwood, as well as areas near lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. Birders have sighted over 100 bird species in this area, including warblers, thrushes, flycatchers, Common Loons, and the Great Blue Heron.
Visitors can also spot birds of prey, such as the Bald Eagle, Osprey, and various owl species. Woodpeckers are abundant in this area, although you might hear them before seeing them.
It's worth noting that this location is part of the NYS Birding Trail, which is not a literal trail but a collection of exceptional birding locations in different regions across the state.
Winter adventures at the AIC.
Winter bird watching.
Winter is a fantastic time to be on the AIC trails for an entirely different experience. Activities during the winter months include snowshoeing and XC skiing.
If you're keen on seeking out Adirondack wildlife, winter presents a great opportunity, as animal footprints are clearly visible in the snow.
In winter, the AIC lends snowshoes to visitors who wish to explore its snow-covered trails (supply depends on demand). A few well-marked alterations to the trails make for easy to moderate snowshoeing.
Trails are also open for experienced cross-country skiers. The Santanoni Preserve Connector Trail allows you to extend your snowshoe or ski trip to the Camp Santanoni Preserve. This is an exceptional opportunity to visit a classic Gilded Age Adirondack Great Camp.
Snowshoeing at the AIC.
Nature’s classroom.
The AIC Newcomb provides various public events and programs, courses, speaker series, and other activities to individuals and school groups throughout the year. These programs offer a direct learning experience from ESF faculty, staff, and guest experts.
Birders on a guided trail walk at the AIC.
Check out their upcoming family-friendly activities listed on the AIC’s Facebook page. Program topics include:
Guided birding walks
Movies about timely nature topics
Mushroom scouting
Fly fishing 101
Luminary walks under the full moon
Winter bird walks
Bear discovery walks
Snowshoe hikes
Art exhibits and receptions
Sketching workshop
Step into the Northern Forest Room to explore the rich natural and cultural history of the Adirondacks. Engage with interactive displays and stunning images, and even observe birds at the AIC's feeding station.
Adirondack Mountain conservation advocacy.
In addition to its recreational and educational offerings, the Adirondack Interpretive Center is also dedicated to conservation efforts aimed at preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Adirondack Park. Through research initiatives, habitat restoration projects, and community outreach programs, the center plays a vital role in safeguarding this wilderness for future generations to enjoy.
Goodnow Fire Tower in the Central Adirondacks. Photo by Carl Calabria.
Visitors to the AIC can participate in hands-on conservation activities, such as tree planting, invasive species removal, and water quality monitoring, allowing them to make a meaningful contribution to preserving the Adirondacks.
By fostering a deeper connection to nature and instilling a sense of stewardship, the center inspires visitors to become advocates for environmental conservation in their own communities.
Plan your visit to Newcomb's AIC.
Located just a few hours' drive from major cities such as New York City and Boston, the Adirondack Interpretive Center offers a convenient escape into the heart of nature in New York State. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, a visit to the AIC promises an unforgettable experience filled with discovery, adventure, and inspiration.
The center's location ensures New York State travelers enjoy the wilderness without compromising comfort. It’s within easy driving distance to several lovely Adirondack inns, restaurants, campgrounds and places for retail therapy.
Before you go, be sure to check the AIC’s Facebook page for updated information on hours of operation, trail conditions, and upcoming events.
Whether you're embarking on a guided nature walk, attending a wildlife presentation, or simply enjoying a picnic amidst the tranquil beauty of the Adirondacks, the Adirondack Interpretive Center invites you to explore, learn, and connect with the natural world in meaningful ways.
Places to stay, shop, eat, and things to do near Newcomb, NY.
Upcoming events in the Central Adirondacks region.
Show off your love for the Adirondacks.
Shop ADK Taste’s store for exclusive gifts, clothing, and merchandise.
