Town
Where to Stay in Benson
Benson is a hamlet in the southern Adirondack foothills with no town center, and most visitors come for Lapland Lake Nordic Center, founded in 1979 by the Finnish-born skier Olavi Hirvonen. It has 50 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, and its cottages are steps from the trails. In summer, the same land is used for hiking and mountain biking, and the 70-acre lake for swimming and paddling. This is a base for a focused trip, built around skiing or a quiet week, with few other attractions close by.
Why Stay in Benson
- •Lapland Lake has 50 kilometers of groomed trails, instruction, rentals and lodging in one place.
- •Benson has no town center, and the nearest shops and restaurants are a drive away, which suits a quiet trip built around the trails.
- •The surrounding terrain is southern Adirondack foothills, lower than the High Peaks and well suited to cross-country skiing.
What Makes This Area Interesting
- •Lapland Lake Nordic Center trails: 50km groomed for classic and skate skiing, open when conditions allow, typically December through March.
- •Speculator: about 30 minutes north on Route 30; Lake Pleasant has summer swimming and paddling.
- •Sacandaga River: fly fishing in the surrounding hills in summer and fall.
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Frequently Asked
Winter, specifically for Nordic skiing at Lapland Lake. The season typically runs December through March depending on snowfall. Summer works for hiking and biking on the same trail network, but this is primarily a winter destination.
About 3.5 to 4 hours from the George Washington Bridge via I-87 north and Route 30.
Yes. Lapland Lake offers instruction and rents equipment in all sizes, and its housekeeping cottages have up to four bedrooms and full kitchens.