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Lake · Lake Placid, New York
Mirror Lake
Small lake on the edge of downtown Lake Placid, with no motorboats, a roughly 4‑km path around it, a public beach in summer and, in winter, public skating and an ice toboggan that slides across the frozen lake.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake is next to Main Street, and the village grew up around it. It is not the lake that gives the town its name: the larger Lake Placid lies just to the north. Motorboats are prohibited, which keeps the water calm and reflective of the surrounding mountains, hence the name.
A roughly 4 km trail circles the lake, passing through the village center, summer homes and stretches of woodland. In summer there is a public beach with lifeguards, and the lake is used for kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding, with rentals on the shore.
In winter the lake freezes. Residents and visitors skate on the ice, there are dog-sled rides, and at the end by Main Street a wooden toboggan slides down an ice ramp and launches sleds out onto the frozen lake surface.
Sunset from the town-side shore, with the mountains reflected in the water, is one of the day’s end activities in the village.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour and a half for the full walk; half a day with beach or kayaking.
Best time
In summer, early morning when the water is usually still and reflects the mountains, and late afternoon. In winter, when the ice is solid, from January to March for skating and the toboggan; confirm conditions.
How to get there
It’s next to Main Street in downtown Lake Placid. There is no charge to walk around the lake; the beach, equipment rentals and the toboggan have separate fees.
Tip
Walk the lake counterclockwise, starting at Main Street. In winter, only go onto the ice in designated and cleared areas.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mirror Lake
Is Lake Placid on Lake Placid?
The village sits on the shore of Mirror Lake. Lake Placid, which gives the village its name, is larger and lies just to the north.
Can you swim in Mirror Lake?
Yes, at the village’s public beach in summer, with lifeguards for part of the season.
What can you do on Mirror Lake in winter?
Skate on the ice, take dog-sled rides and ride the toboggan that slides out over the frozen lake, when the ice is cleared for those activities.