USA Guide
The Mid-Atlantic
The Adirondacks
The Adirondacks, which cover an area larger than Connecticut and Rhode Island combined, are said by locals to be named after an Iroquois insult for enemies they'd driven into the forests and left to become "bark eaters." Until recent decades the area was almost the exclusive preserve of loggers, fur trappers, and a few select New York millionaires. For sheer grandeur, the region is hard to beat: 46 peaks reach to over 4000ft; in summer the purple-green mountains span far into the distance in shaggy tiers, in fall the trees form a russet-red kaleidoscope.
Though Adirondack Trailways buses serve the area, you'll find it hard-going without a car. General information and some special deals can be had from the Adirondack Region tourist office ( 
1-800/487-6867, 
www.visitadirondacks.com ). The Adirondack Mountain Club ( 518/668-4447, www.adk.org ) and the Adirondack Park Visitor Interpretive Centers (daily 9am–5pm; 518/327-3000, www.adkvic.org ), can provide details on hiking and camping.