A mile and a half from Whiteface Mountain, Bear Den Chalet is a new 3 bedroom, two and a half bath vacation home, which rents seasonally from May through October. Bear Den Chalet comfortably sleeps six in 3 bedrooms but can accommodate up to 6 other guests on very thick comfortable futons, including one on a second-floor landing, and two in the finished basement where the wide screen TV is. A barrel sauna, as well as linens, cooking and eating utensils, Cable TV, cable modem for high-speed internet access, make Bear Den Chalet a relaxing home away from home. Seasonal chills are kept out with radiant floor heating. All you need to bring with you are clothes, food, ski gear, hiking gear or fishing poles. We have noted the return of our eagles to their nest at the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge, across from our dock on the the Ausable on Jan 30th.
There's a campfire, picnic table and propane barbecue in the yard, providing a great place for the family to gather in the evening, to review the day’s activities, have a family sing-along, or just to listen to the sounds of the Adirondack night, while counting the stars in the clear Adirondack skies, and inhaling the fragrance of the tall white pines which enclose the yard, or using the outdoor barrel sauna.
Guests of Bear Den Chalet are entitled to visit the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge, about a mile away, where the family can fish, swim and use our canoes and kayaks along the West Branch of the Ausable River, which in this dammed one mile section up section of the river is also called Lake Everest. Lucky hikers and kayakers have spotted moose, bear, coywolf, fox, fisher and eagles, as well as songbirds and any bird of prey you'll find in the Adirondacks, from owls to hawks to falcons and osprey, in the sloughs, or along the two miles of family friendly hiking trails in the 50-acre Adirondack Wildlife Refuge.
Want to learn all about owls and falcons, and all the members of the food chain, from the micro world of insects, through birds and small mammals, along with the reptiles and amphibians which make up that food chain, and their roles in nature? Find or call Steve Hall, the owner of the Refuge, who lives in Ausable Lodge, down by the river. Steve has extensive experience with wolves, bears, raptors and moose, and will teach you all about the challenges they face as key members of the food chain. How about outer space, learning about our place in the universe, how old it is and how long we’ve been on earth, livestock and how we developed livestock out of wild animals, and the ongoing insect apocalypse and other fascinating and sometimes scary topics? Glamping with a heavy dose of Nature, and all for a good cause, as all rents are used to fund expenses at the Adirondack Wildlife refuge.
Serious hikers are within easy range of High Peaks Trails. The trail up Whiteface Mountain and Esther is only a few miles away, Hikers, swimmers and fisherman can walk to the extensive hiking trails near the famous flume of the West Branch of the Ausable River.
The Hungry Trout a quality restaurant for trout lovers, and its companion Pub, McDougals, are both within walking distance. The Veterans Memorial "Highway", the beautiful 2-lane country road up the back of Whiteface Mountain, is just a couple of miles drive, and features great views, a specially stocked trout pond for young kids, as well as America's very first theme park, "Santa's Workshop at the North Pole", a great place for kids to pet reindeer, enjoy kiddie rides, and meet Santa's elves. The High Peaks towns of Wilmington, Jay and Lake Placid offer nightly summer activities for young and old alike, everything from plays, concerts and art exhibits to fireworks and blue grass/ rock and country bands under the stars.
Bear Den Chalet has a three-night minimum stay in July and August, and two nights between May 1st and October. No pets permitted, and no smoking inside Bear Den Chalet. The restaurants and Olympic attractions of lake Placid are 10 miles away through the Wilmington notch, one of America's most beautiful country roads.
Call Toll Free 866-235-9655 or Cell Number - 914-772-5983.
Mehdi
June-08 2023Second stay at this location. We just love it. It's close to a bunch of outdoor trails and in proximity to whiteface and lake placid. The house has all what's needed for a chill stay, from amenities to space. Highly recommended.
Pamela
June-08 2023We had an amazing stay! It was spacious, clean and very comfortable. We loved sitting around the camp fire. I do suggest bringing some fans because it was hot (no AC) but everything else was perfect. We even borrowed the kayaks and enjoyed the beautiful water way. The owner was very quick to respond when I had questions. I highly recommend the house of you are in the area.
Katherine
July-20 2023Amazing views, great to see the wildlife refuge!
Elizabeth
July-06 2023We absolutely enjoyed the cabin and the many trails nearby. Kyaking on nearby Lake Placid is highly recommended!
Joey
August-09 2023Absolutely loved our stay at this charming cabin house! The cozy atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, and thoughtful amenities made for a perfect getaway.
Mehdi
June-08 2023Second stay at this location. We just love it. It's close to a bunch of outdoor trails and in proximity to whiteface and lake placid. The house has all what's needed for a chill stay, from amenities to space. Highly recommended.
Pamela
June-08 2023We had an amazing stay! It was spacious, clean and very comfortable. We loved sitting around the camp fire. I do suggest bringing some fans because it was hot (no AC) but everything else was perfect. We even borrowed the kayaks and enjoyed the beautiful water way. The owner was very quick to respond when I had questions. I highly recommend the house of you are in the area.
Katherine
July-20 2023Amazing views, great to see the wildlife refuge!
Elizabeth
July-06 2023We absolutely enjoyed the cabin and the many trails nearby. Kyaking on nearby Lake Placid is highly recommended!
Joey
August-09 2023Absolutely loved our stay at this charming cabin house! The cozy atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, and thoughtful amenities made for a perfect getaway.