Adirondack Mountain Club Announces Sale of Cascade Welcome Center

Lake Placid, NY — October 9, 2025 — After months of careful deliberation, the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) has made the difficult decision to place the Cascade Welcome Center up for sale.

When ADK purchased Cascade Welcome Center, the vision was to create a welcoming hub for the Adirondack community, a place that introduced new audiences to the outdoors while advancing ADK’s mission of responsible recreation, conservation, and education. While the initiative successfully met community demand and broadened outdoor access, it also revealed that it stretched ADK’s capacity beyond what was sustainable.  

“Deciding to step back from Cascade was incredibly hard,” said Cortney Worrall, Executive Director of ADK. “It’s not just the public who are disappointed—our staff poured an enormous amount of work, heart, and passion into the facility. But we know this is the right decision—one that allows us to refocus our energy on our core programs, people, and places.”  

Moving forward, ADK will concentrate its resources on strengthening operations at the Heart Lake and Loj facilities and at Johns Brook Lodge. The organization will also focus on enhancing its core Stewardship, Education, and Advocacy programs while increasing engagement with chapters and members across the state. This renewed focus will ensure that ADK continues to thrive as a leader in protecting New York’s wild lands and waters for future generations.  

As ADK looks toward its next century, the organization is focused on building a resilient and modern foundation, one grounded in strong financial health and supported by a professional staff capable of carrying its mission into the future. Though this moment is bittersweet, it also represents an important opportunity to strengthen the core that sustains all ADK’s work.  

ADK extends its deep gratitude to the community, members, and staff who have supported Cascade through the seasons. The organization remains steadfast in its mission to protect and care for New York’s forest preserve, wild lands, and waters—and to inspire the next generation of outdoor stewards. 

About the Adirondack Mountain Club

Founded in 1922, the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting New York State’s wild lands and waters and promoting responsible outdoor recreation. Based in the heart of the Adirondack Park, ADK is a statewide leader in outdoor education, trail building, conservation, and stewardship. Supported by members, donors, and volunteers, ADK connects communities across New York through its chapters, inspiring people to explore the outdoors ethically. Learn more at ADK.org.