Bridge and Rainbow Falls at Ausable Chasm in Upstate New York, Adirondacks region.

12 Most Beautiful Small Towns In the Adirondack Mountains You Should Visit

These small towns in the Adirondack Mountains will have you dreaming about returning to Upstate New York every time you are considering a new adventure. From glassblowing to farmers markets, waterfalls, and hiking, this breathtaking place on Earth is the perfect location for romantic weekends away, family adventures, or solo exploration. Take a ride down an Olympic Sliding Track on a mountain coaster, or place your bets at one of the world's oldest thoroughbred horse race tracks. Hike the incredible Mount Van Hovenberg just in time to see the autumn leaves changing across the horizon of rolling mountain tops.

Prettiest Towns In New YorkNew York is one of the best states to balance diverse settings and atmospheres thanks to its seasonal justified climate, natural richness, extensive history, and proximity to international borders.

Wilmington, New York

Whether you hike to the bottom of High Falls Gorge or the top of White Face Mountain, Wilmington, New York, will have you walking hand in hand with nature while you experience the best that every season has to offer. Named "the most breathtaking hike in the Adirondacks," High Falls Gorge is a thirty-minute year-round trail where you can see four beautiful waterfalls, and in the summer months, you can get to them on glass floor walkways that hang over the Ausable River.

Not far from High Falls Gorge is the stunning White Face Mountain Resort, the perfect location to experience outdoor adventures from skiing to hiking to disc golf. Don't want to miss the opportunity to relax in the Adirondacks while you sit fireside sipping a glass of wine from one of the many vineyards in Upstate New York. After a day of hiking, head over to Rudy's Scar Bar & Grille and warm up with some homemade Lobster Mac & Cheese and a glass of their Boozy Hot Chocolate mixed with peppermint schnapps and topped with whipped cream.

Speculator, New York

Sitting at the Northern shore of gorgeous Lake Pleasant is Speculator, New York, home to fewer than 400 year-round inhabitants. Just one and a half hours north of Albany, you will find yourself completely immersed in everything the Adirondacks have to offer. Spend all day at the beautiful three-season Oak Mountain Resort and get your fill of all things outdoor adventure. Dive into mountain biking or snowshoeing, or stop in to try some of Chef Carolyn Abel's signature dishes at the popular Acorn Pub. Try your hand at the 18-hole Disk Golf Course or hit the 9-trail Mountain Bike Park.

Keeseville, New York

About 35 minutes South of the Canadian border, on the shores of Lake Champlain, you will find yourself in Keeseville, New York. Home to 2,500 inhabitants and the incredible sandstone gorge Ausable Chasm, known as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks. Spend your day hiking the main trail and taking in all the views from the top, or take a different approach and experience the gorge with a guide by way of tubing, rafting, or kayaking. After a long day, stop by the Ausable Brewing Company for incredible locally crafted beers, food trucks, and live music located inside a restored rustic mountain red barn.

Lake Placid, New York

Home to 2,200 people and the 1980 Olympic Winter Games, Lake Placid is an absolute must-visit. Two hours west of Burlington, Vermont, is a haven for winter and summer outdoor sports alike. With breathtaking views, incredible outdoor sports facilities, and a charming downtown full of shops, restaurants, cafes, and lodging, Lake Placid is a perfect choice for your next weekend away. Visit Lake Placid in October for their famous annual Flaming Leaves Festival and celebrate the arrival of autumn. From live music to food and art, you will be feeling all things fall while surrounded by stunning changing colors of the leaves while elite ski jumpers fly over your head from the incredible Olympic Jumping Complex.

Tupper Lake, New York

Families playing together in the spider web's center, a section of THE WILD WALK, where trails of bridges and exhibits educate the public on area wildlife. — THE WILD WALK, Tupper Lake, New York. Image credit Theresa Lauria via Shutterstock

On the edge of Raquette Pond in the northern tip of Tupper Lake lays this aptly named picturesque town. Two and a half hours north of Albany, you will find yourself resting and relaxed before your visit even begins. Line your visit up with the first or third Friday of any month, and be sure to experience the free public observatory after sunset at the Adirondack Sky Centre located on Big Wolf Road. Cap your night off with the six-course wine pairing dinner at the popular and unique Amado, located just a three-minute walk to the water's edge.

Saranac Lake, New York

Surrounded by four lakes, is the picturesque town of Saranac Lake, a place that fewer than 5,000 people call home. Just twenty minutes drive northwest of Lake Placid, you will find yourself surrounded by the most stunning views and a charming historic downtown that feels like you are walking in a movie set. Grab your lunch at the very popular Bitters & Bones before visiting the must-see Historic Saranac Lake Museum, open Tuesday-Saturday to learn about Saranac Lake's history as a worldwide center for tuberculosis research and patient care.

Wells, New York

Home to just over 500 inhabitants, Wells is a stunning hamlet resting on the edge of Lake Algonquin one and a half hours north of Albany. Lace up your hiking boots and head to Wells to experience the beautiful Sacandaga River Sculpture Park. This eight-acre artist park was created by John Van Alstine, a featured artist at the Smithsonian Institution, and is free and open to the public by appointment for one incredible walk in the park. Stop by the Wells Edge Country Store on your way out for one of their famous fresh deli sandwiches or a scoop of ice cream. Experience world-famous art, mouthwatering food, and breathtaking views from the water to the mountain tops in Wells, New York.

Au Sable Forks, New York

Historic Graves Mansion on College Street in Au Sable, New York. Image credit John Arehart via Shutterstock

Nothing quite says you are in the Adirondacks like the breathtaking hamlet of Au Sable Forks, New York. Do not miss the opportunity to explore the 1,500-acre Asgaard Farm, nestled between the stunning mountains and the Ausable River. This family-owned farm is the former home of artist Rockwell Kent and was once the inspiration for many of his world-famous paintings. Visit the farm animals and store Thursday-Saturdays, or book your overnight stay at their picturesque historic Emmerson House, built by Kent himself in the 1930s.

Lake George, New York

Situated on the southern tip of Lake George, you will find this breathtaking town where the mountains stretch into the lakes and autumn leaves turn your view into a rainbow of color come September. Home to 3,400 inhabitants, Lake George is less than a one-hour drive from Albany and the perfect location for your next getaway. While you are here, be sure to visit and tour the Fort William Henry Historical Fortress, constructed in 1755 during the French War. Visit Thursday through Sunday to tour the ground or stop by on a Friday or Saturday to experience a Haunted History Tour.

Westport, New York

With a population of just over 1,200, this beautiful lakeside town overlooking Vermont will bring you rest and relaxation. On the west bank of Lake Champlain, Westport is fewer than two hours south of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in what is sure to be one of the most breathtaking scenic road trips you will ever experience. The historic town was founded in 1764, and you can experience its historic beauty as you stroll the main street downtown lined with Victorian homes and their beautiful train station built in 1876. This fashionable resort town will cater to the needs of anyone in your group, from dinner at the Westport Yacht Club to the three-hour hike up stunning Split Rock Mountain. Lake Champlain is one of the most beautiful areas in the Adirondack Mountains, and Westport is the best town to experience the beauty.

Saratoga Springs, New York

To experience thoroughbred horse racing in the middle of the Adirondack Mountains, you have come to the right place. Saratoga Springs is home to just over 28,000 people and the Famous Saratoga Springs Race Course that opened in 1863, making it the fourth oldest race track in the country. Every summer, thousands of spectators come from across the world to place their bets or get a first-hand look at the Sports Illustrated, named one of the World's Best Sporting Venues.

North Elba, New York

Sunny autumn scene at Heart Lake in North Elba in the Adirondack Mountains. — Heart Lake in North Elba in the Adirondack Mountains.

Just south of Lake Placid, you will find the picturesque North Elba, New York, a stunning lush valley surrounded by mountains where hiking and outdoor adventure live. Escape the buzz of Lake Placid for a day and hike Mount Van Hoevenberg, the location of the USA Bobsled and Skeleton training facility. Book your spot at the incredible Icehouse Brunch, where you can eat while the USA teams train for their next shot at an Olympic gold medal. After brunch, head over to the Cliffside Coaster, and jump on for the ride of your life, as you control your own seat down the 1980 Olympic Sliding Track overlooking the breathtaking Adirondacks.

Most Beautiful Lake Towns In New York StateWith more than 7,500 lakes spread across the scenic state, various towns along their coast have must-visit activities and sights for nature enthusiasts.

Next time you are looking to escape the city, take in breathtaking views from the road, or discover historical main streets and unmatched culinary experiences, consider taking a trip to the Adirondack Mountains. The warm local communities and buzzing outdoor adventure locations will have you from lakeside to sky on the same day. With so many stunning lakeside resorts to choose from, you can experience the breathtaking rolling mountains of the Adirondacks easier than ever before.

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