The Jay and Wilmington NY area has a similar feel to the Keene region with a heavy focus on enjoying nature. The jewel at the center is Whiteface Mountain where locals and visitors can hike, bike, drive to the top as well as downhill ski during the winter.
It also has some of the best fishing in the region where anglers from all over visit the west branch of the Ausable River to throw their line in for brook and brown trout. It is also has the best network of trails for mountain biking with courses throughout the town as well as at Whiteface Mountain. This area gives the small town feel with a close connection to nature!
Summer Events
Ausable Two-Fly Challenge – May 18-20
Ausable Two-Fly Challenge – May 18-20Celebrate the joy of fishing, the spirit of sportsmanship, preservation of the Ausable River and the natural wonders of the Adirondacks. These aspects are what the Two-Fly Challenge were based on. This is a catch-and-release tournament where anglers are allowed to bring two bar-less hook flies of any combination. Once they are lost or unusable the angler is out. Anglers are also required to fish with a partner who must record the number of fish caught, the length as well as the cumulative number of inches. The winner is determined by the high cumulative length caught. The flies must be chosen at the beginning of the day.
Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race – June 3 – 5:30 PM
If you like a challenge, this is perfect for you! This certified course covers 8 miles over an 8 percent grade up Whiteface Mountain’s scenic Veterans’ Memorial Highway. The race begins in the middle of Wilmington at the Visitors Bureau. View more information on this event.
Wilmington Whiteface 50k And 100k Mountain Bike – June 4 – 7AM
Wilmington Whiteface 50k And 100k Mountain Bike – June 4 – 7AMThe Adirondack Sport Council is happy to present the 11th Annual Wilmington Whiteface MTB. This is an exciting 50k and 100k in the heart of Wilmington. They have been growing their trail network throughout the beautiful mountain scenery. The course features a mixture of rugged backcountry roads, stretches of flowing and smooth singletrack and plenty of climbing. View more information on this event.
Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run – June 17 – 9:30am
The 6th annual Whiskey Run 5k and 10k! Wilmington has a storied history with liquor from supplying rye whiskey to American troops at the Battle of Plattsburgh in 1812 to providing a temporary haven to bootleggers who would cross the Canadian border. Enjoy the beauty of the Adirondacks during your run! View more information on this event.
Concerts At Wilmington Beach – Thursdays Throughout The Summer
Enjoy live music at Wilmington Beach throughout the summer. View the full schedule.
Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival – September 1-3
Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival – September 1-3A three-day celebration of Mountain Biking. Enjoy on-site camping, live music, local food and beer as well as bike demos and group rides for all abilities. Explore 25+ miles of beautiful Adirondack-style single track over the weekend. View more information on this event.
Oktoberfest – September 30 – October 1
Oompah bands and lederhosen are not required for the Whiteface Mountain Oktoberfest but are definitely welcome! This weekend long Bavarian-style celebration offers authentic music, dancing, food and beer as well as scenic gondola rides. It has been rated one of the 5 Must-Visit Oktoberfest in North America by SKI Magazine. The event runs from 11am – 6pm on Saturday and 11am – 5pm on Sunday. View more information on this event.
Outdoor Activities
Fishing
FishingSome of the best trout fishing in the United States can be found in the Wilmington, NY region. The West Branch of the Ausable River is a tradition among sportsmen, the fast moving water creates the ideal conditions for fly anglers throughout the summer into the fall. If you are looking to spin cast head over Whiteface Mountain to Silver Lake, Union Falls Pond or Franklin Falls Pond where you will find bass, perch, and lake trout!
Biking
Whether you are looking to road bike or mountain bike, Wilmington offers miles of adventure for any rider!
If you are looking to mountain bike, Wilmington offers a dirt jump park that offers riders of all levels to test their skills. The park also includes a pump track and a skills park! If you are looking to explore more there is an extensive trail system and the Whiteface downhill bike park . This gives locals and visitors an off-road experience like no other.
If you are looking to road cycle, the Wilmington area is the perfect starting point. Climb the Whiteface Mountain Toll Road for a challenging ride that can bring you over the side of Whiteface Mountain toward the beautiful nature of Silver Lake, Union Falls and Franklin Falls. Even a portion of the biking for Ironman occurs through Wilmington as riders head up through the Wilmington Notch to Lake Placid!
Hiking
HikingThe Flume Trail System
Comprised of approximately ten miles of trail that is open to mountain biking and hiking. If you want to avoid the bikes, the Flume Knob and Bear Den Mountain Trails are just for you! This system offers 20 trails for your exploration. These trails are free of charge with the only rules that they ask you to follow are:
- Ride On Open Trails Only
- Follow Lave No Trace Principles
- Control Your Bicycle
- Yield To Others
- Never Scare Animals
- Plan Ahead
Esther Mountain
This 6.4 mile out and back trail near Wilmington is a challenging route that takes an average of 4.75 hours to complete. This is a popular trail to backpacking, camping, and hiking!
Whiteface Mountain
The 5th highest mountain in the Adirondack 46ers, this 5.7 mile hike one way is a great hike to view the entire region from the summit. It is an attractive hike through open forest along a trodden foot trail. The grade is not too steep but steady, providing a continuous challenge.
Where To Eat
Breakfast
BreakfastCountry Bear
5830 NY-86, Wilmington NY | Friday – Tuesday 7am – 1pm
Adirondack Style Breakfast perfect for your day of adventures around the Wilmington Area. Check the reviews, amazing French Toast that is thick cut with local maple syrup and the eggs are also local. They offer this at a reasonable price just make a note that this is cash only business.
Adirondack Mountain Coffee
8 Artos Way, Upper Jay NY 12987 | Tuesday – Sunday 7am – 2pm
Enjoy a tasty breakfast or lunch at this local favorite! Coffee roasted on site, and fresh baked goods daily.
Lunch
Little Supermarket
2505 5794 NY-86, Wilmington NY | Monday – Friday 6am – 9pm | Saturday & Sunday 7am – 9pm
This might look like just a gas station from the outside, but it offers one of the best delis in the area. Sandwiches are stacked high, perfect to fill you up during your hike or outdoor adventure. Even better, this has almost everything a supermarket offers from meat to bread and even regional craft beer to finish off your day. This is a stop every local and visitor makes!
A&W Family Restaurant
5629 NY-86, Wilmington NY | Add Hours When Released
You may have seen their root beer in stores around country, but it is rare to see an actual restaurant with only 493 in the entire U.S. Wilmington NY just happens to be one of the communities that offers one. Only open during the summer, A&W offers classic fast food dining with burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and tenders with all the traditional sides. Cool down from the summer heat with one of their amazing root beer floats!
Whitebrook Dairy Bar
5660 NY-86, Wilmington NY | Add Hours When Released
Cooling down with ice cream? Stop by the Whitebrook Dairy Bar that offers ice cream as well as burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, fries, and onion rings. This year they also plan on having Two Jerk BBQ stop by two days a week so you can get your BBQ in Wilmington!
Dinner
DinnerRudy’s Scar Bar & Grille
788 Springfield Road, Wilmington NY | Friday – Tuesday 4pm – 10pm
An Adirondack spin off from Rudy’s Lakeside Drive-In in Oswego, NY! This pub specializes in some of the best fried haddock, Texas Hots(Chili Dogs) and Burgers! Along with their great food, they offer Live Music most Saturdays from 7pm – 10pm.
Hungry Trout / RF McDougalls Pub
5239 NY-86, Wilmington NY
A Wilmington classic, the Hungry Trout Restaurant and RF McDougalls Pub. Hungry Trout is upstairs while RF McDougalls is below sitting on 1500 feet on river frontage on the west Branch of the Ausable river!
Hungry Trout Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 5pm – 9pm
The Hungry Trout is noted to be one of finest Adirondack experiences diners could have. A higher end experience offering multiple styles of preparations on trout as well as some of your classic favorites from a bone-in ribeye to Duck A L’Orange.
RF McDougalls Pub Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 4pm – 8pm
RF McDougalls Pub is a little bit more a laid-back experience offering all your pub favorites. Pretzels, Onion Petals, Wings, Soups, Sandwiches, Burgers and Pizza can all be found on the menu. This is a perfect way to end your day of fishing!
Pourman’s Taphouse
8 Whiteface Memorial Hwy, Wilmington NY
Wednesday 4-8pm | Thursday & Friday 4-9pm | Saturday 12-9pm | Sunday 12-8pm
Sitting at the foot of Whiteface Mountain, Pourman’s Taphouse offers a diverse selection of craft beers, burgers, flatbreads and more. They even have live music occasionally!
Ice Jam Inn & Restaurant
12134 NY 9N, Jay,NY | Wednesday – Sunday 3pm – 8pm
Newly opened the Ice Jam Inn is a local favorite! The Ice Jam Inn offers burgers and “sammies” (sandwiches) as well as mussels and other entrees. This restaurant also has some plant-based alternatives!
This area has so much to offer both locals and visitors alike. If you are looking to change homes, move into the area, or rent a property for your vacation, give one of our Adirondack Premier Properties agents a call today!