10 Scenic Small Towns in the Adirondacks Absolutely Worth Visiting in New York
Discover the charm of small towns in the Adirondacks! When looking for an unforgettable vacation in Upstate New York, many people visit the Adirondacks. This area offers a wide range of activities all year round, including many thrilling outdoor activities and interesting small towns to explore. From swimming and hiking in the summer to winter vacations, including ice skating, skiing, and winter carnivals, the Adirondacks suit every interest or preference, no matter what you’re searching for. Each town has its own unique character and attractions, so keep reading to discover some of the charming towns in the Adirondacks and things to do when you visit all year round. Discover a variety of activities and unique attractions in scenic Upstate New York.
Experience the Magic of the Best Towns in the Adirondacks
1. Saranac Lake
Nestled on the shores of several lakes, Saranac Lake is a laid-back getaway promising lakeside views, scenic scenery, and adventure. While the downtown area is compact, there are plenty of cozy restaurants, artsy shops, and galleries.
If you’re traveling with toddlers or kids, consider visiting the Adirondack Carousel, a colorful carousel featuring hand-carved Adirondack wildlife animals. Spend time on the lake: paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. There’s something to do for all interests.
In the winter, the Adirondacks’ ski mountain, Mt. Pisgah Recreation Center, offers snowmobiling adventures and skiing for beginners. Hosting one of the oldest winter carnivals in the country, don’t miss the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, an annual event that has taken place here for over 120 years since 1897.
Where to stay: Hotel Saranac, Curio Collection by Hilton
2. Tupper Lake
Tupper Lake, New York, is a popular stargazing location because of its high altitude, clear views, and low level of light pollution. It’s also home to some of the darkest skies in the Northeast.
Visit immersive attractions like the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory to learn about astronomy. The Wild Center is a must-visit Adirondack museum showcasing how people and nature coexist in the Adirondack ecosystem.
Other things to do in Tupper Lake include sampling local craft beer at Raquette River Brewing Company and dining at a 1950s-themed café.
Listen to this podcast episode to learn more about our experience at The Wild Center.
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In the winter, you can explore miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Tupper Lake Triad offers an entertaining outdoor adventure for hikers of all ages.
3. Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga, a well-known vacation spot, is steeped in history. Its charming 18th-century French fort played a crucial role in the Revolutionary War. Today, Ticonderoga combines this rich history with outdoor recreation, including live reenactments, museum tours, educational programs, farm-to-fork dining, and boat excursions, offering visitors a unique blend of experiences. The “Kissing” Bridge in Ticonderoga promises picturesque views of Ticonderoga Creek. The Lachute River Walk Trail connects the town to Lake George and Lake Champlain.
4. Old Forge
Old Forge, New York, is known as the “Adirondack Base Camp” because of its peaceful and big-time fun.
The neighboring McCauley Mountain Ski Area offers big-mountain excitement. It has two black diamond courses and a 633-foot vertical drop.
They also have the largest water theme park in New York, the Enchanted Forest Water Safari, which features 50 rides, two hotel options, and go-carts.
Old Forge is a fantastic location for leisurely weekends, day trip outings, or longer holidays.
5. Wilmington
Wilmington is a beloved vacation spot for nature lovers. It offers outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, hiking, fishing, and mountain biking.
Santa’s Workshop is a wonderful winter gem featuring live reindeer, elves, and a cast of fictional characters. High Falls Gorge, a 22-acre natural park, features access to waterfalls, offers walking and hiking trails for all ages.
6. Long Lake
Situated in the Adirondacks, Long Lake is a year-round tourist destination with over 449 square miles of unspoiled forest and several streams.
With multiple lakes and miles of shoreline, Raquette Lake offers a great location and enjoyable family activities, like fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and more.
Boasting the nicest Adirondack beach and swim pier, swimming in Long Lake’s waters is a summertime favorite.
The Mt. Sabattis Recreation Area offers fantastic mountain biking experiences. Lake Eaton offers secluded campsites, canoe, rowboat, kayak rentals, and a blacktop path for bicyclists and pedestrians.
7. Saratoga Springs
Three hours from New York City, Saratoga Springs is known for its natural healing mineral springs. Congress Park has 21 public springs and magnificent gardens and fountains.
Between the Adirondack Mountains and the state capital of New York, Saratoga County provides a unique combination of natural beauty, history, the arts, and culture.
The Saratoga Race Course, run by the New York Racing Association, is the site of America’s top summer racing events.
With so many restaurants and art galleries, the Beekman Street Arts District has much to offer tourists. The non-profit Saratoga Arts also hosts performances, art workshops, and gallery exhibits.
8. Blue Mountain Lake
A popular recreational attraction, Blue Mountain Lake offers breathtaking views and easily accessible hiking routes.
Camping is available at the Blue Mountain Wild Forest shelters, and visitors can explore the lake’s deeper reaches and coves.
While the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts presents gallery exhibitions, live performances, and workshops, the Adirondack Experience Museum highlights many facets of Adirondack life, past and present – from art to history, and nature. For one of the best views in the Adirondacks, step out on the Lake View Café patio.
Listen to this podcast episode to discover the beauty of the Adirondacks through art, nature, history, and culture.
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In Adirondack Park, Blue Mountain Lake is a cultural center that offers year-round outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and exploring the lake’s deeper sections and coves.
9. Lake Placid
Lake Placid is the former location of the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980. Enjoy peaceful wood walks, ice skating, hockey, downhill skiing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Mirror Lake, a walkway, and the Lake Placid Olympic Museum are also located in the town.
Lake Placid’s Main Street is great for dining, shopping, and crisp winter strolls. Many bakeries, bars, and restaurants offer starry evenings or hot chocolate by the fire for visitors to enjoy.
10. Lake George
How does a romantic sunset cruise or breathtaking views from a historic steamboat tour sound? What about self-guided tours of breweries and wineries along the Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail?
These are all possible when you visit Lake George, one of the best lakes in the Adirondacks.
For history lovers, don’t miss Fort William Henry, a historic site from the French and Indian War dating back to the 1750s.
Winter fun thrives here, too, with carnivals, ice bars, ski resorts, snowmobile corridors, frozen lakes, snowshoeing routes, ski centers, and ice skating. There are plenty of things to do in Lake George in winter.
Lastly, for retail therapy, the shopping culture in the Lake George area is diverse, with big and small retailers, antique stores, and family-run sports goods stores.
What small towns in the Adirondacks have you visited or are on your wish list?
Jael Jean–Louis is a freelance writer and college student who is majoring in Psychology. She enjoys learning new things, traveling, and developing her personal finance and financial literacy knowledge. She participates in various activities, including serving as an intern for the mental health club at her school and being a member of the National Honor Society, among other things. Besides keeping herself busy with extracurricular activities, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and living life to the fullest. She also receives excellent support from her family and enjoys spending time with them.
I loved your insights on the charm of those small towns in the Adirondacks! I’ve visited Lake Placid and was amazed by its blend of outdoor adventure and rich history. Which town surprised you the most during your visits?
Saranac Lake takes the prize for me! It’s so cute, walkable, and artsy! Have you been?