The Adirondacks Forest Preserve was created in 1885. This six million acre tract gained constitutional protection with a novel forever wild clause. New York State controls almost half the land, and the remainder of the oversight is up to the Adirondack Park Agency. One of the largest natural preserves in the lower 48, the park is set up wih an unusual mix of forestland, small towns, resort areas and summer homes. The most famous village, Lake Placid, played host on two occasions for the Winter Olympics. Other mountain lakes, such as Lake George, Saranac Lake, Schroon Lake and Raquette Lake, are favorite summer retreats.
     Pictured here is Blue Ridge Falls, part of the Branch River nearby North Hudson. This Adirondacks scene could be duplicated all over the park, a land of impressive mountains, hundreds of beautiful lakes and countless mountain stream settings.