What to do and see in Wilmington, United States: The Best Places and Tips

January 1, 2018 Brain Ambrose

Wilmington is a town in Essex County, New York, United States. The population was 1,253 at the 2010 census. The town is named after Wilmington, Vermont.
Restaurants in Wilmington

1. Whiteface Mountain

Wilmington, NY 12997 +1 518-946-7175
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Whiteface Mountain

Whiteface may have made its name in winter, it has the highest vertical drop in the east, after all but it does summer pretty well too. The warmer months make Whiteface a natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels and ages, whether you're looking for an adrenaline rush or just an afternoon of beautiful views with your family. Take a hike along the Stag Brook Falls trail or Bear Den Mountain, play a round of Disc Golf and check out the area's most exhilarating, challenging Mountain Biking terrain. Or gather the family for an afternoon of taking it all in with a Scenic Cloudsplitter Gondola Ride to the summit of Little Whiteface. Drive the Whiteface Veteran's Memorial Highway to the summit, and lean into the Adirondack breeze as you marvel at the world below you.This well-known mountain offers exciting and scenic runs for skiers of all levels: Beginners do well on Easy Acres, which features its own ski school, novices and intermediates enjoy Little Whiteface, while experts head to the heart-pounding summit.

Reviewed By Mary S - Liverpool, New York

We took our sons to the mountain for snowboarding, then decided the 4 older folks would try the gondola ride. Despite being busy with selling lift tickets and helping the skiers and boarders, the staff was all very friendly and accomadating to us. Thankful for a mostly clear day, the views from the top were breathtaking!

2. Santa's Workshop

324 Whiteface Memorial Hwy, North Pole, NY 12997-1910 +1 518-946-2211
Excellent
50%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
8%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 191 reviews

Santa's Workshop

Santa's Workshop opened in 1949 and is one of the original Theme Parks. Today it is the oldest operating Theme Park in the United States. Santa's Workshop has remained true to its original design to allow children of all ages to use the facility, cast and the child's own imagination to create the fantasy of Santa's Workshop. You will not find large amusement rides or high tech gagdits, but you will visit with Santa, pet and feed his live Reindeer Team, play with all of Santa's Helpers and even touch the frozen North Pole. Turn the clock back to when you were a child, and your imgaination and spirit of Christmas where all you needed to help make your fantasy come true.

Reviewed By Firefly2416 - Cortlandt Manor, New York

My wife and I along with our two children (5&1) visited the park. The park is not large and truly is a throwback to parks of yesterday. I found the park extremely clean, the grounds we're groomed and the staff extremely friendly. We watched the...MoreFirefly2416, Thank you for visiting Santa's Workshop. We appreciate hearing from our guest about their visits. Your comments about our staff will be passed along, we think they are awesome as well. Merry Christmas Always, Santa's Workshop

3. Adirondack Wildlife Refuge

977 Springfield Rd, Wilmington, NY 12997-2303 +1 855-965-3626
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 145 reviews

Adirondack Wildlife Refuge

Reviewed By Jason W - Camillus, New York

Found this off the beaten path of things to do. What a wonderful time. Showed up for the wolf talk and spent about 3 hours wondering the grounds with the animals and talking with the owner and the volunteers. No cost to enter, but donations are encouraged. We gave $20 for 2 adults. Well worth it as these people really care about what they are doing...educating and rehabbing. Would definitely go again.

4. High Falls Gorge

4761 Nys Route 86, Wilmington, NY 12997-2103 +1 518-946-2278
Excellent
49%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 464 reviews

High Falls Gorge

GET A GREAT VIEW WITHOUT THE HIKE. This privately owned 22 acre park is open for spring, summer, fall and winter seasons. Suddenly, you are worlds away, strolling through pristine forests and intimately close to four splendid waterfalls. Arrive curious, leave transformed by the forces of nature that created this spectacle. Half mile round trip walk to see the waterfalls takes 30-45 minutes. One mile nature trail for additional walking in summer and snowshoeing in winter. Wheelchair accessible in part. Adirondack style gift shop. River View Cafe with delicious light fare, beer and wines. Located just eight miles East of Lake Placid, High Falls Gorge is an affordable way to relax and refresh among some of the most stunning sights in the Adirondacks. To get correct answers to your questions about our facility please call us at our phone number listed. The forum on Trip Advisor will give out incorrect information.

Reviewed By JBtraveler865 - New York City, New York

The gorge is breathtaking especially snow covered in the winter. The casts of light on the snow and ice from different angles is a scenic natural wonder! There are two paths an easier path and the regular path. It is worth it from a scenery perspective to take the regular path but can be slippery for some so Proceed with caution. After you pay your admission fee attendants will put ice treads on your shoes to prevent slipping--they are recommended. The only disappointment is in extreme cold weather it's all beautiful to view but too cold to spend much time outside. However you are welcome to linger as long as you like outside or inside by the warm stove.

5. Wilmington Town Beach

Bowman Lane, Wilmington, NY 12997
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 59 reviews

Wilmington Town Beach

Reviewed By Creek_Chub - Ohio

We went on a Wednesday afternoon. We actually rented a canoe and kayak that morning (about 10 am) for a couple of hours (around I think $15 per rental for two hours).

The canoe trip was beautiful along with being fun. The mountain scenery was great. The water was a little low in places but was OK since we still paddled pretty far and had a 2 hour rental. Afterwards we went to the beach.

The beach wasn't too crowded although I think a small school or camp showed up later making it busier. The lifeguard let our youngest son use a life jacket for the beach after our canoe trip. This made me feel better since the beach is on the AuSable river, even though I was with him the entire time. There is a dock to jump from but is deeper. Past the first row of rope the drop off happens pretty quick towards the center.

The beach is clean and the rentals are great!

6. Riverside Thrift Shop

Route 86, Wilmington, NY 12997
Excellent
78%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

Riverside Thrift Shop

Reviewed By retiredtravelers30 - Colorado

This place is great, organized, clean and the prices are fantastic. The people who run this are friendly and helpful. Every summer we visit, it just gets better. It is small and only open Wed. and Sat. but it is well worth a stop.

7. Whiteface Mountain Bike Park

5021 Nys Route 86, Wilmington, NY 12997-2109 +1 518-524-9805
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 9 reviews

Whiteface Mountain Bike Park

Reviewed By lulu8049 - Rochester

I did not think I would enjoy this - I was mistaken. I arrived at Whiteface Mountain Bike Park with neighborhood biking experience and thinking I had no business venturing onto this mountainous terrain. But I'm becoming more adventurous in my mid-life and made the decision to try it. Downhill Mike, owner/operator/overall great guy, gave us (me, my husband and son) a highly valuable tutorial prior to cutting us loose. We were outfitted with protective gear and bused up the hill to various trails - repeatedly. We had a great time, learned a lot and are eager for our next mountain biking excursion. The employees of the park are a really awesome bunch. Our thanks to them!

My advice to a newbee like me:
1. Wear all of the protective gear available.
2. When in doubt - walk your bike.
3. Don't ride your bike on the roads.
4. Visit the mountain brook that cascades down Whiteface - gorgeous.
5. Stay on the trails for beginners.
6. Enjoy the adrenaline rush!
7. Bring a picnic lunch and eat by the Ausable River - runs right by Whiteface.

8. River Stone Wellness

Wilmington, NY 12997 +1 802-309-5447
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 5 reviews

River Stone Wellness

Turn onto Haselton Road, third and fourth building on the left. Sign on the road saying River Stone Wellness.

Reviewed By gammon1 - Princeton, NJ

Following my sixtieth birthday, I stayed at The River Stone Retreat for three nights and enjoyed really excellent massages at the Wellness Center. I highly recommend the rental for a personal retreat and the Wellness Center for personal care. Meg is an excellent certified massage therapist with extensive training and sincere care.

9. Beaver Brook Trails

Hardy Road, Wilmington, NY 12997
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Beaver Brook Trails

Reviewed By OK2BU2 - Virginia

First, full disclosure, we're not mountain bikers, we're more the hiking type. However, after walking some of these trails today, we're pretty sure Mountain bikers in particular will love them! Currently there are 7 trails to choose from with 3 levels of difficulty. The trails are a multi-purpose landmark for the New York State DEC and are open to mountain biking, hiking, trail running, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and pretty much whatever else you can do without the use of a motor vehicle. The trail we hiked had many cool twists and turns that flowed through a beautiful open forest habitat. Very different from any of the other areas we've hiked in the last week, so if you're in the area give Beaver Brook trails a try. We think you be pleasantly surprised.
Special Note: The tract network was built, and is maintained, almost entirely by volunteers. So, please be respectful of their work and other users as you enjoy these trails.

List of the current trails and level of effort:

Trail 1 - Double Time is 0.6 mile long and is Ranked Easy
Trail 2 - Make Believe is 0.8 mile long and is Ranked Easy
Trail 3 - Twisted Pine is 0.3 mile long and is Ranked Hard
Trail 4 - Safe Bet is 0.4 mile long and is Ranked Moderate
Trail 5 - Good Luck is 0.9 mile long and is Ranked Hard
Trail 6 - Coniferous is 0.6 mile long and is Ranked Easy
Trail 7 - All-In is 3.0 miles long and ranked Hard

Special Note: These are great for trail running and the DEC says that the Good Luck trail is great for hikers because it ascends to a ridge where excellent views can be enjoyed.

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