Nine Sides Lodge nestled in the Adirondack forest from above

Local Guide

Nine Sides Lodge Guidebook

Our personal recommendations for making the most of your stay in the Adirondacks. From the best après-ski spots to hidden hiking gems — this is what we'd tell our closest friends.

Getting Here & Important Notes

Address

AuSable Acres, Jay, New York 12941

Check-in details sent upon booking confirmation.

Winter Driving

All-wheel or 4-wheel drive strongly recommended in winter. The neighborhood roads are well-maintained dirt roads. Property is plowed for 4"+ snowfall.

Restaurants & Dining

From après-ski burgers to lakeside fine dining

The Noon Mark Diner

10 min

A beloved Keene Valley institution. Classic American diner fare with homemade pies. The perfect breakfast stop before a hike.

Get the blueberry pancakes. Cash only — bring some.

BreakfastLunchCash Only

Lake Placid Pub & Brewery

30 min

Craft beers brewed on-site alongside hearty pub food. Famous for their Ubu Ale. Lively atmosphere, great after a day on the mountain.

Try the Ubu Imperial Stout in winter. Can get busy on weekends — arrive early.

Craft BeerPub FoodLively

The Handlebar

20 min

Casual après-ski spot near Whiteface with a great beer selection, wings, and a warm crowd of locals and skiers.

Best spot for après-ski. Check their live music schedule.

Après-SkiBarLive Music

Generations Restaurant

30 min

Upscale dining in Lake Placid with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Great for a special occasion dinner.

Reservations recommended, especially on weekends.

Fine DiningSeasonalReservations

Big Slide Brewery & Public House

10 min

Keene Valley's own craft brewery with rotating taps and a casual, welcoming vibe. Great burgers and local atmosphere.

Check their tap list online before you go — it changes frequently.

Craft BeerBurgersLocal

Tail o' the Pup BBQ

5 min

A roadside BBQ institution in Upper Jay. Smoked meats, hearty sides, and a true Adirondack roadside experience.

Seasonal hours — check ahead. Worth the stop for the pulled pork.

BBQCasualSeasonal

Hiking & Outdoor Adventures

World-class trails right in the neighborhood

Giant Mountain

15 min

One of the Adirondack High Peaks — a challenging but rewarding summit with panoramic views of the Great Range and Lake Champlain.

Start early. The ridge trail is exposed — bring layers even in summer.

High PeakChallengingSummit Views

Roaring Brook Falls

15 min

A stunning 150-foot waterfall accessible via a moderate 1.5-mile hike. Perfect for families and those wanting a shorter adventure.

Beautiful in all seasons. Icy in winter — microspikes recommended.

WaterfallModerateFamily-Friendly

AuSable Acres Community Trails

On property

Our property has direct access to private hiking and snowshoeing trails accessible to lodge guests, right in the neighborhood. Peaceful, wooded, and uncrowded.

Ask us for the trail map. Great for morning walks with dogs.

SnowshoeingHikingDog-Friendly

Cascade Mountain

25 min

One of the most popular High Peaks — a 4.8-mile round trip with spectacular views. A great introduction to Adirondack hiking.

Very popular on weekends. Arrive before 8am to get parking.

High PeakPopularViews

Hurricane Mountain

20 min

A hidden gem with a fire tower at the summit offering 360° views. Less crowded than the main High Peaks.

The fire tower is climbable — worth it for the views.

Fire TowerViewsLess Crowded

Skiing & Winter Activities

World-class skiing and winter fun nearby

Whiteface Mountain

15 min

Home of the 1980 Winter Olympics. The highest vertical drop in the East at 3,430 feet. Expert terrain, Olympic history, and stunning views.

Buy lift tickets online in advance for the best rates. The Cloudsplitter Gondola is worth it for the views even if you don't ski.

Alpine SkiingOlympicExpert Terrain

Mt. Van Hoevenberg

25 min

Olympic cross-country ski center with 50km of groomed trails. Also home to bobsled, luge, and biathlon. A true Olympic experience.

Try the bobsled experience — it's a bucket list item. Book ahead.

XC SkiingOlympicBobsled

Dewey Mountain Recreation Center

30 min

A local favorite for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with affordable trail fees and a cozy warming hut.

Great for beginners and families. Much less crowded than Whiteface.

XC SkiingSnowshoeingFamily

AuSable Acres Snowshoeing

On property

Explore the private community trails right from the lodge on snowshoes. Peaceful, wooded, and completely free for guests.

We have snowshoe recommendations — just ask.

SnowshoeingFreeOn Property

Groceries & Essentials

Stock up before settling in

Price Chopper — Lake Placid

30 min

The main full-service grocery store for the area. Well-stocked with everything you need for a full stay.

We recommend stopping here before heading to the lodge — it's the best-stocked option.

Full GroceryPharmacy

Stewart's Shops — Keene

10 min

Convenient store for last-minute items, ice cream, coffee, and gas. A beloved Adirondack institution.

Great for morning coffee and quick snacks. Their ice cream is genuinely excellent.

ConvenienceGasCoffeeIce Cream

Ausable Forks Grocery

15 min

A small local grocery store for basics. Good for topping up on essentials without the drive to Lake Placid.

Limited selection but convenient for basics.

LocalBasics

Fly Fishing

World-class trout fishing steps from the lodge

Au Sable River — West Branch

Walking distance

One of the most celebrated wild trout streams in the Northeast. The West Branch runs within walking distance of the lodge through the AuSable Acres community. Expect brown and brook trout in gin-clear water. You can find access to the stream anywhere from Lake Placid, to Wilmington, to Au Sable Forks.

Early morning and evening hatches are best. A New York State fishing license is required — pick one up at the Wilmington General Store.

Fly FishingTroutWalk-In Access

Au Sable River — East Branch

10 min

A lesser-fished but beautiful stretch from Keene to Jay to Au Sable Forks. The river is wider and slower in many places, the best habitats are not visible from the road. There are many spots if you keep your eyes open, and much less fishing pressure than the West Branch.

The Wilmington Notch section is a designated fly-fishing-only stretch. Barbless hooks required.

Fly FishingCatch & ReleaseTrophy Trout

AuSable Acres Community Pond

5 min walk

A quiet neighborhood pond just minutes from the lodge — perfect for a casual afternoon of fishing with the kids or a relaxing evening cast.

Great for bass and panfish. No license required for kids under 16.

Pond FishingFamily-FriendlyBass

Wilmington Notch

10 min

A dramatic gorge carved by the West Branch of the Au Sable River — stunning scenery and excellent pocket-water fishing for wild trout.

Park at the Notch pull-off on Route 86. Wear wading boots — the rocks are slippery.

ScenicWild TroutGorge

Lake Placid & Attractions

Explore the Olympic village and beyond

Lake Placid Village

30 min

The charming Olympic village with boutique shops, restaurants, galleries, and the famous Mirror Lake. A must-visit.

Walk around Mirror Lake in the morning — magical in any season.

ShoppingDiningScenic

Olympic Museum

30 min

Celebrate the legacy of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Interactive exhibits and the iconic 'Miracle on Ice' story.

Great for a rainy day or a rest day from skiing.

MuseumOlympic HistoryIndoor

Ausable Chasm

35 min

Known as the 'Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks' — dramatic sandstone gorge with guided tours, tubing, and rock climbing.

Seasonal (summer/fall). Book the tubing adventure — it's a highlight.

GorgeTubingSummer/Fall

High Falls Gorge

20 min

A privately owned natural attraction with walkways along the Ausable River and stunning waterfalls.

Beautiful in fall foliage season. Open year-round.

WaterfallScenic WalkYear-Round

Lodge Notes

A few things to know before your stay

Sound Travel

The A-Frame's open design means sound travels between rooms. Knotty pine floors creak beautifully — it's part of the charm. Pack earplugs if you're a light sleeper.

Pets Welcome

We love pets! All pets must be on a leash at all times outdoors. Our property is unfenced. Keep an eye out for wildlife — deer, fox, and raccoon are common visitors. Please note that there will be a $20 charge for up to two pets.

Air Conditioning

We have a mini-split AC unit in the main living area. It carries well through the kitchen, living room, and loft. Bedrooms may be warmer in summer.

Self Check-In

The lodge has self check-in via a keypad. Full instructions will be sent to you after booking confirmation.

Community Amenities

AuSable Acres has private hiking/snowshoeing trails and a tennis/pickleball court. Court access details provided upon booking if desired. Please remember that people live here! Drive slowly and watch for pedestrians.

Security Cameras

There are two external security cameras recording 24/7 — one at the front door and one covering the driveway. No interior cameras.