Wildlife Watch
Publications
Research
Program Partners

Paul Smiths VIC

Paul Smiths VIC Building

The New York State Adirondack Park Agency Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC) at Paul Smiths is located on State Route 30 in the Franklin County town of Brighton. The VIC opened on Wednesday, May 24, 1989 with a ceremony that included a visit by Gov. Mario Cuomo. The building and trail system are on a 2,885-acre preserve owned by Paul Smith's College. The state leases the land to operate this public facility.

The site includes a 60-acre marsh, five ponds, several brooks and swamps, significant glacial and geological features, varied forest types, Jenkins Mountain, scenic vistas of St. Regis Mountain, a large public assembly building (a classroom, a 150-seat theater, exhibit rooms, the Edmund E. Lynch Environmental Education Resource Library, a visitors lounge, rest rooms, a passive energy-saving sun space with an art gallery, a gift shop and administrative offices), the Whispering Pines Amphitheater, the Native Species Butterfly House, a children's playground, a trail system, picnic pavilions and a 125-car parking lot.

The Paul Smiths VIC features 6 miles of interpretive trails and 8 miles of backcountry trails for spring, summer and fall use. During the winter, there are 9.5 miles of trails used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Educational programs include on-site science and naturalist programs for adults and schoolchildren, summer activities, trail walks, bird-on-hand programs and lectures. Inside the building, watch the 17-minute slide show, Unlocking the Wilderness, a presentation about settling the Adirondack Park (mining, logging, health resorts, etc.). In addition, the Paul Smiths VIC offers school outreach programs and sponsors birding trips to various locations around the region.

As a New York State Wildlife Viewing Site, visitors may catch a glimpse of the following species of wildlife on the VIC property: common loon, great blue heron, beaver, red fox, coyote, black bear, white-tailed deer, snowshoe hare, muskrat, moose and many species of birds.

While the State of New York owns and operates the building, the Adirondack Park Institute, a not-for-profit friends groups based in Newcomb, funds curricula, environmental education programs, publications and special events at the VIC.

Contact Information

Paul Smiths VIC
PO Box 3000
8023 State Route 30
Paul Smiths, NY 12970

Phone: (518) 327-3000
Fax: (518) 327-3052

The Paul Smiths VIC is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. The trails are open from dawn until dusk. Admission is FREE.

Contact Staff

Directions to Paul Smiths VIC