The wild nature of the First Wilderness was once considered a challenge to Manifest Destiny and progress in western society. The frontier communities of the corridor represented the boundary line—where the “push” ended between civilization and wild nature. In recent times, this same wild nature is generally cherished for its spiritual and recreational value. The Byway communities, and the surrounding landscape along the edge of the “Endless Forests,” are places of respite and resources for sustaining modern life.
The First Wilderness Scenic Corridor provides visitors with many opportunities for accessible outdoor recreation. A special distinction for the Corridor is its location within the Adirondack Park that is home to the most extensive public trail system in the United States. Over 2,000 miles of hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, mountain biking and horseback riding trails connect to the Adirondack Park’s most scenic, wild and historic places. Trails for walking, mountain-biking, cross-country skiing,and snowmobiling through diverse terrain appeal tooutdoor enthusiasts. Plentiful access exists to the
Hudson, Sacandaga, and Schroon Rivers and to the smaller lakes along the Corridor. Water and land-based routes invite visitors into the great outdoors in the “Endless Forest” of Upstate New York.
Travelers can view scenic and historic vistas that retain a strong wilderness feeling four hundred years after their discovery by western cultures. Visitors can tread paths traveled by indigenous peoples, explorers, early guides, and hunters. There are year-round activities for travelers of all activity levelsand types along the Corridor.