Attractions and Places To See in Franklin County - Top 15
Best attractions and places to see in Franklin County, New York, are characterized by a diverse natural landscape, including numerous lakes and mountain summits. This region, situated within the Adirondacks, offers opportunities for outdoor exploration across various terrains. Visitors can find a mix of challenging climbs and accessible natural areas. The area provides a setting for activities ranging from hiking to cycling.
Best attractions and places to see in Franklin County
- The most popular attractions is Ampersand Mountain, a summit that offers views of the Saranac Lakes and the High Peaks. From its peak, the surrounding Adirondack landscape is visible.
- Another must-see spot is Coney Mountain Summit, a summit with a well-marked trail. This location is part of the Tupper Lake Hiking Triad and provides panoramic views.
- Visitors also love Lake Colby, an attractive lake near Saranac Lake. It is one of several bodies of water in the Adirondacks, with the Adirondack Rail Trail crossing its southern part.
- Franklin County is known for its summits, lakes, and trails. The region offers a variety of natural attractions to see and explore.
- The attractions in Franklin County are appreciated by the komoot community, with 8 upvotes and 7 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Ampersand Mountain
Highlight • Summit
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Whiteface Mountain and Stone Bridge, Taylor Pond Wild Forest
Highlight (Segment) • Summit
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Coney Mountain Summit
Highlight • Summit
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Lake Colby
Highlight • Lake
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Lower Saranac Lake
Highlight • Lake
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The Washboard/Donut Shoppe
Highlight • Cafe
It's a charming place to hang out and enjoy a donut, cinnamon roll, or a toasted bagel while you do your laundry, or like me, catch up on your texts and posts. I loved chatting with Tina while she made the donuts.
Super friendly place.
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Little Clear Pond
Highlight • Lake
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Seymour Mountain
Highlight • Summit
There is some scrambling involved, so please assess the risk and hike responsibly.
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Franklin Falls Pond
Highlight • Lake
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Blueberry Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Tips from the Community
I was excited to check this place out, and it didn't disappoint. Tina has been making donuts at the front of her father's laundromat for 34 years. She makes them fresh throughout the day, and then has a range of toppings or glazes on offer. I lucked out with the pumpkin spice glaze. It's a charming place to hang out and enjoy a donut, cinnamon roll, or a toasted bagel while you do your laundry, or like me, catch up on your texts and posts. I loved chatting with Tina while she made the donuts. Super friendly place.
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Cycling along Franklin Falls Road offers scenic views of Franklin Falls Pond, a 439-acre water body created by damming the Saranac River in the Adirondack Mountains. Spanning 2.7 miles in length, the pond is a highlight along the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail, starting from Old Forge, NY, and ending in Fort Kent, ME.
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Lake Colby is an attractive lake near Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks. If you're on a gravel or touring bike you can link up with the Adirondack Rail Trail, a fairly rough gravel trail, on the southern end of the lake.
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This lake is one of the many bodies of water you'll see while cycling along the roads in this area of the Adirondacks. The Adirondack Rail Trail crosses Lake Colby on its southern part and can be a great option if you want to keep exploring the area.
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You can easily reach the shoreline of this scenic pond, formerly known as Big Clear Pond, from its parking area. It's common to see people exploring its shoreline with kayaks. Across the road is Little Green Pond, although you'll need to continue a bit further down the road to reach its shoreline access.
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This lake is part of a group of three connected lakes formed by the Saranac River, near the village of Saranac Lake, in the Adirondacks area. Along the road that runs near its southeastern part, you'll have different views of the lake and its surroundings, especially beautiful in the fall, with the colorful foliage of the trees.
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Seymour Mountain is part of the Seward Range and is a worthwhile climb, boasting stunning views along the way. With a trail distance of 14 miles round-trip, an elevation of 4,120 feet, and an ascent of 2,355 feet, it's a challenging but rewarding climb. There is some scrambling involved, so please assess the risk and hike responsibly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular summits to hike in Franklin County?
Franklin County offers several summits with rewarding views. Ampersand Mountain is a popular choice, providing incredible views of the Saranac Lakes and the High Peaks. Another option is Coney Mountain Summit, part of the Tupper Lake Hiking Triad, which features a well-marked trail and panoramic vistas.
Are there family-friendly natural attractions in Franklin County?
Yes, several natural attractions are suitable for families. Lake Colby and Lower Saranac Lake are both marked as family-friendly and offer scenic views. Little Clear Pond and Franklin Falls Pond are also great options for a family outing.
What kind of lakes can I explore in Franklin County?
Franklin County, situated within the Adirondacks, features numerous lakes. You can visit Lake Colby, an attractive lake near Saranac Lake, or explore Lower Saranac Lake, which is part of a group of three connected lakes formed by the Saranac River. Other notable lakes include Little Clear Pond and Franklin Falls Pond.
Are there challenging hikes for experienced climbers in the region?
For experienced climbers, Seymour Mountain, part of the Seward Range, offers a challenging 14-mile round-trip climb with stunning views and some scrambling involved. Another demanding option is Whiteface Mountain and Stone Bridge in the Taylor Pond Wild Forest, known for its challenging ascent.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Beyond visiting the attractions, Franklin County offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as the 'Lake Flower – Lake Placid Public Beach loop' or the 'Cooler Pond – Lake Colby loop'. For more information on cycling, visit the Road Cycling Routes in Franklin County guide. There are also many running trails, including loops around Fish Creek Pond or Scarface Mountain, detailed in the Running Trails in Franklin County guide.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Franklin County?
Yes, Franklin County offers opportunities for waterfall hikes. You can explore trails like 'The Flume Fall' or the 'Flume Knob Trail'. For a comprehensive list of routes, check out the Waterfall hikes in Franklin County guide.
When is the best time to visit Franklin County for outdoor activities?
The Adirondack region, including Franklin County, is particularly beautiful in the fall when the foliage of the trees displays vibrant colors, offering spectacular views around lakes like Lower Saranac Lake. Summer is ideal for water-based activities and hiking, while spring offers fresh greenery. Winter provides opportunities for snow sports, though some trails may be less accessible.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible places to visit in Franklin County?
Yes, for those seeking wheelchair-accessible options, The Washboard/Donut Shoppe is a cafe that is marked as wheelchair-accessible, providing a convenient stop for refreshments.
What kind of trails can I find for hiking in Franklin County?
Franklin County offers a range of hiking trails. You can find intermediate trails like the Blueberry Trail, which winds through forests and near lakes. For more challenging options, summits like Ampersand Mountain and Coney Mountain Summit also feature well-maintained trails.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Franklin County?
Visitors frequently highlight the stunning natural beauty and panoramic views from the summits. For instance, Ampersand Mountain is praised for its incredible views of the Saranac Lakes and High Peaks. The well-marked trails and the sense of accomplishment from reaching viewpoints like Coney Mountain Summit are also highly appreciated.
Can I combine cycling with visiting natural attractions in Franklin County?
Absolutely. The Adirondack Rail Trail crosses the southern part of Lake Colby, offering a great option for cyclists to explore the area. Many roads in the Adirondacks also provide scenic routes past various bodies of water, allowing you to enjoy the landscape while cycling.
Most popular routes in Franklin County
Most popular attractions in Franklin County
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