Twin Valleys

The whole picturesque view of Twin Valleys

photo courtesy of Tushar Gogia

Put away your books, turn off your stress, and head to Twin Valleys — a scenic outdoor educational center owned by the College Auxiliary Services (CAS) at Plattsburgh State University (PSU) where you can truly live in the tranquility of nature.

Since 1945, Twin Valleys has been a popular destination for student clubs activities. It is located about 40 miles south of Plattsburgh, approximately a 30-minute drive. Twin Valleys occupies 600 acres of densely vegetated land, surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains. During fall, the entire valley looks like “a princess” wearing a gorgeous outfit made of thousands of colorful trees.

Walk on the carpet of soft, green grass and feel the implicit connection between human and nature at Twin Valleys. The peaceful, tranquil landscape can evoke the natural feelings that sometimes are buried deep inside us.

Every of the 12 cabins contains a fully equipped kitchen, beds, and bathrooms with hot water. Dining services can be registered with Sodexho – PSU's food service provider. The cabin not only has great accommodations, but social activities as well, such as playing games, hanging out, and enjoying the companies of others.

If you follow the small pathway in front of the cabin, it will lead to the three–acre pond. During the summer, dozen of lotuses fill the pond with their special aroma. The water in the pond is so pure that you can even see the reflection of the shore and sky.

The sweet pond
photo courtesy of College Auxiliary Services

Bonfires can be set up at four designated spots inside the valley. Small pieces of firewood and leaves are gathered to ignite the bonfire that can last throughout the night. You can experience the great American tradition of sitting in front of the bonfire and toasting marshmallows.

For those who want other experiences with nature, sleeping outside is an option. That way, they can stare at the majestic night sky and feel the excitement of being surrounded by nature. But adventurers be warned, sometimes the temperatures can drop drastically at night.

Twin Valleys contains tons of flat and mountainous hiking trails, with an excellent view of the entire picturesque valley upon arrival at the top of the mountain. Make sure to get a hiking map and follow the markers created by CAS to prevent hikers from getting lost.

The trail starts at the bottom of the valley and continues for roughly 10 miles. Sometimes it is flat so you can wander around the plateau, but it gets tougher to walk as you reach the top of the mountain. If you are adventurous, it is a challenge to pass the dense bushes and walk over the chopped dead trees scattered all over the ground.

If you still ache for more adventurous activities, participate in the low rope course that is offered regularly by trained PSU instructors. This is an excellent way to discover and build your personal strengths.

Wandering along the small brooks is wonderful if you desire some quiet moments for yourself.

Tushar Gogia, a senior at PSU who has visited Twin Valleys four times, says, “ I love the atmosphere at Twin Valleys. I first went there three years ago and it was my first experience of being in the Adirondacks and the wilderness.”

Overall, Twin Valleys is truly the romantic wilderness inside the Adirondacks.

For reservations at Twin Valleys, please call the Director of Marketing and Properties, Ms. Chris Hobson Whalen at 518-564-2038

Tell us about your adventures in the Adirondacks!