The Adirondack Mountains, located mainly in the state of New York, contain some of the
oldest rocks in the world. Mount Marcy, at 1629m, is the tallest peak, but Whiteface
Mountain is more accessible. The peaks in this chain are separated by forests and
woodlands that contain many famous lakes and unusual chasms and gorges. Lake Placid,
the site of a Winter Olympics and training area for winter sports competitors, is well
known. Another one, Schroon Lake, was the model for Theodore Dreiser's Loon Lake in his
novel An American Tragedy. Because of the moderate temperatures of this region, before
home air-conditioning became available, many wealthy families constructed elaborate
summer camps here, some of which are now open to the public.
The western part of New York State contains a natural wonder comparable to the Grand
Canyon. While the Canyon is a calm and static display of the slow effects of powerful
natural forces, Niagara Falls is an awe inspiring, dynamic display of a torrent of water
freely falling over a precipice for a distance of 55m. The spray created by the falling
water, visible from miles away, and the roaring sound of water striking the rocks or river
below never fail to impress spectators with the wonders of natural forces.