14 Prettiest Towns In The Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondacks region includes nearly 100 welcoming communities well-known for their historic appeal, old-world charm, natural beauty, and ability to attract tourists while maintaining low crime rates. So whether you are traveling to the Adirondack Mountains to explore the hiking trails of the famous Adirondack High Peaks, visit wineries along the Adirondack Coast Wine Trail, or spend time an afternoon antiquing through one of the small towns suggested, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the Adirondacks.
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake is a charming small town in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York. It is known for its picturesque beauty and offers a unique mix of outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and a tight-knit community atmosphere. Pristine lakes, dense forests, and the stunning Adirondack Mountains surround the town. Downtown Saranac Lake is full of activity.
There is something for everyone in Saranac Lake, from creative eateries to art galleries to shops, along with year-round live music. In the downtown area, there are many places to eat and drink, like the trendy Waterhole Music Lounge—the Adirondack's premiere live music venue. There are 2 bars, three stories, and an expansive outdoor patio where tourists and locals gather to choose drinks from the diverse menu. Spend an afternoon in historic downtown Saranac Lake and visit NorthWind Fine Arts, a cooperative gallery that features local and guest artists. On the first Friday of every month, NorthWind celebrates the opening of new exhibits with a free reception from 5 - 7 p.m. The Adirondacks Artists Guild Gallery allows local artists to exhibit and sell their artwork with a changing selection of paintings, photographs, ceramics, and jewelry. Many of the shops in Saranac Lake are located in the walkable, historic downtown district, selling handcrafted items by Adirondack artists and artisans. Be sure to stop at the Village Mercantile for Adirondack-themed linens and housewares. Pink on Broadway is a boutique that sells pretty hats and scarves. Eco Living, also on Broadway, specializes in Fair Trade and Organic products like cozy Alpaca blankets.
If shopping is not at the top of the list, there are endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, paddling, fishing, and biking. Ampersand Mountain’s summit provides 360-degree views, but reaching the summit takes work. While the first half of the trail is easy, it gets steeper as you walk. There is no shortage of good lakes to fish in and around Saranac Lake, but Lower Saranac is one of the best largemouth bass fisheries in the state. Fall is a great time to paddle in Saranac Lake. Enjoy the changing colors by taking any of these popular routes: Saranac Lake to Moose Pond Footbridge, Second Pond to Lake Flower, and Upper and Lower St. Regis Lakes.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid, nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York, is steeped in rich Olympic history. Surrounded by still lakes and majestic mountain peaks, this appealing town blends outdoor adventures and streets lined with historic buildings.As a 2x Winter Olympic Host City, first in 1932 and again in 1980, visitors can explore the Olympic venues, such as the iconic Olympic Center, home to the second-largest Winter Olympic artifact collection. The Olympic Museum embodies the spirit of past Olympic champions and will inspire visitors to follow their dreams. These venues and the Olympic Jumping Complex and Whiteface Mountain are collectively called the Lake Placid Legacy Sites and continue to host events and visitors. Enjoy the warmth of local shops and restaurants in this classic, outdoorsy mountain town.
Unsurprisingly, many of the shops in Lake Placid cater to outdoor enthusiasts, like Brookside Apparel, a shop brimming with gear from popular brands like Burton, Scroll, Salomon, and more. The Castle Gift Shop sells outerwear, sweatshirts, hats, and mugs. The local restaurant scene features fresh local food from fine dining to sandwich shops. Salt of the Earth Bistro serves up “twisted food from traditional roots, as the chef’s menu is inspired by food her grandmother made. Top of the Park specializes in small-plate dining with fresh flavors, craft cocktails, and the most extensive whiskey selection north of Albany.
Tupper Lake
Tupper Lake is a village in Franklin County, New York, United States, with a population of 3,282 during the 2020 census. These three villages comprise the Tri-Lakes region, located within the Adirondack Park, west of Lake Placid, along with nearby Saranac Lake.
The town offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of big city life, with its picturesque lakefront, historic architecture, and a local community that prides itself on making visitors feel like old friends. Rolling hills, mountains, fresh air, endless snow-covered forests, and sparkling lakes perfectly describe Tupper Lake. The Wild Center, crowned the “#2 science museum in the country” by readers of USA Today, is an outdoor/indoor experience on 81 acres of land that lets visitors get close to nature. Hike across treetops with the Wild Center’s Wild Walk, or explore the 54,000-square-foot indoor space filled with live exhibits, multi-media shows, and hands-on experiences. Shop The Wild Supply Co. for unique gifts for the home and garden and quality outdoor gear.
With dozens of spots to catch fish, pack a fishing rod and cast a line in Big Tupper Lake, Simon Pond, Raquette Pond, Horseshoe Pond, and Little Wolf Pond, to name only a few of the famous fishing holes. With the sheer number of lakes and rivers, there is no need to stay landlocked. Try kayak or fly fishing during the warm summer months, or rent a shanty and go ice fishing when the waters freeze. Consider hiring a licensed Adirondack guide to help you navigate the 3,000 lakes and 30,000 miles of rivers and streams.
Tupper Lake also boasts some of the darkest skies in the Northeast—perfect for stargazing, thanks to a lack of light pollution. The Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory offers free public programs, including stargazing parties and special events. There are numerous telescopes on site and regular stargazing sessions every Friday night.
North Creek
North Creek is a small village in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, best known for its connection to winter sports and outdoor recreation. It's renowned as the home of Gore Mountain, a popular ski resort offering excellent downhill skiing and snowboarding in winter. With a 2537-foot vertical drop, Gore Mountain is a premiere destination for winter enthusiasts. Considered the most skiable terrain in New York State, plan on spending at least 3 hours at the mountain and ride to the summit on one of Gore’s eight-passenger high-speed lifts. In addition to its winter sports attractions, Gore Mountain is a hub for year-round outdoor activities, including gondola rides and mountain biking.
In the 114,000-acre Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area, the Hudson River Gorge and Wild Forest, endless hiking, mountain biking, and rafting opportunities exist in the surrounding wilderness. The Siamese Ponds area has over 70 miles of mapped and marked trails to explore, with campsites and lean-to shelters dotting the landscape.
Shops and restaurants make North Creek a sought-after destination for visitors looking to enjoy shopping and dining out, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Adirondacks. Foothills is a funky antique shop selling home accessories and furnishing with an Adirondack flair. The North Creek Farmers Market features local produce, maple syrup, honey, baked goods, soaps, whiskey, and music. Enjoy moderately priced dining in North Creek’s gastropubs and wine bars like Bar Vino, Basil & WIck’s, or becks TAVERN. Izzy’s Deil & Marketplace is popular with locals and has plenty of outdoor seating.
Old Forge
Old Forge is the largest hamlet in the historic town of Webb. It is the quintessential embodiment of a small town. Snuggled along the shores of Fourth Lake, it provides a perfect mix of outdoor recreation and warm hospitality. Known as the "Adirondack Base Camp," Old Forge is a gateway for visitors who want to explore the Central Adirondack Region and all of the Adirondack Park.
Downtown boasts a vibrant main street filled with unique family-owned restaurants—ideal pursuits after a day of hiking, biking, or relaxing. Choose from a quick lunch at Dough-a-Deer or join the regulars at the Adirondack Dog House, a six-time winner for best hot dogs in the Adirondacks. For dinner, Duffy’s at the Glenmore is a casual, comfortable tavern and restaurant with a view of Big Moose Lake from the outdoor terrace.
Tourists can explore the Adirondack Experience Museum, embark on scenic boat tours, or simply savor the tranquillity of the region's natural beauty. With its friendly community, breathtaking scenery, and genuine nostalgia, Old Forge is the perfect getaway, a one-tank day trip drive, or an extended vacation. Stay overnight in one of Old Forge’s cozy cabins like Village Cottages, Pinewood Cottage, or the Riverwalk Cottage.
Keene
Keene, a picturesque town in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains established in 1808, is a hidden gem of natural beauty with a population of 1,144 as of the 2020 census. Surrounded by magnificent mountain peaks and pristine wilderness, Keene offers a serene escape for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Keene is home to over half of New York State’s 4000-foot-mountains, including Mount Marcy, the state’s highest mountain at 5,344 feet. The mountain has more than 2,000 hiking trails, but the most popular route to the summit is the Van Hoevenberg Trail, which is a 7.4-mile trail and is rated a level of difficulty of 5 out of 7. At the top of Mount Marcy, 43 of the high peaks throughout the Adirondacks are visible, and on a clear day, Montreal’s Mount Royal can be seen to the north, 65 miles away. Visitors to the mountain tend to hike a portion of the trail and pitch a tent for the night, but the hike can be completed in a day. There are also campgrounds available at mile 3 of the trail.
Its idyllic setting, with the Ausable Lakes, the source of the Ausable River, provides a tranquil backdrop for paddling and camping. Top paddling spots in and near Keene include Lake Placid, Long Lake to Tupper Lake, and the Essex Chain of Lakes. With a natural sand shoreline and water access, the best campsite on Fish Creek Pond and Square Pond offers a beach, playground, picnic areas, and hot showers. A well-stocked camp store provides any missing essentials.
Inlet
The small town of Inlet, dubbed “the little town that could,” offers nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts a tranquil escape from city life. Visitors can explore the stunning Fulton Chain of Lakes by renting a canoe or a kayak or enjoying a scenic tour with Frisky Otter Tours. Boasting many activities, Inlet is an excellent hub for travellers to enjoy shopping at one of the many gift shops in Inlet, like Adirondack Reflections, Mountain and Main, and Mary’s Gift Shop. Rent a bike at Pedals and Petals and take a pit stop to enjoy an ice cream cone at Northern Lights Creamery. The Blue Line Coffee House is the perfect stop for a cup of coffee, but one of the most popular things to do is relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Inlet.
The town's pristine hiking trails, like Bald Mountain and Fern Park, provide opportunities for breathtaking views and wildlife encounters. There are 16 scenic trails to discover in the Inlet area and many kid-friendly routes. A short but demanding hike to the summit of Rocky Mountain is well worth it, and the view will keep you at the top for hours. Ferd’s Bog Trail is a large wetland with a boardwalk that’s easy to navigate and the perfect location for bird-watching
Inlet is also home to a vibrant arts scene, with galleries and local artisan shops, making it a perfect place to find one-of-a-kind Adirondack crafts. In the summer, Inlet hosts Arts in the Park, where local artists and vendors display paintings, photography, pottery, clothing, candles, and more in Arrowhead Park. The community hosts events like the Adirondack Ice Bowl throughout the year. In winter, when the snow starts to fly, Inlet is a mecca for snowmobilers and snowshoers.
Long Lake
The quiet town of Long Lake, named after the 14-mile-long Long Lake that it sits beside, offers a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation. Surrounded by clean lakes and dense forests, Long Lake is a year-round Adirondack vacation destination, providing ample outdoor activities such as boating, hiking, paddling, and wildlife watching. Covering an area of 448 square miles, Long Lake is the second largest town in size in the state, located on the northern end of Hamilton County, the third largest county in the state.
Visitors can explore the serene waters of Long Lake itself, take a scenic seaplane tour, or hike the nearby trails like the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. More challenging hikes, but well worth the spectacular views from the top, are Owl’s Head Mountain, Goodman Mountain, and Coney Mountain. Boating on Long Lake is a must-do activity with great fishing and clean waters. Bring a boat or rent a boat from one of the many family-owned marinas. Paddle a kayak to the mouth of Buttermilk Falls, or spend the day birdwatching the over 300 bird species that can be found nesting, migrating, or wintering in the Adirondack Park. In early spring, Bald Eagles have been spotted. These magnificent birds are hard to miss, with a wing span of 6 to 8 feet, black with a white head and tail and a yellow beak. Osprey, Great Blue Herons, and Common Loons also make their homes in Long Lake during the spring and summer months.
Speculator
Speculator, an “all-season vacationland” nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, is known for its stunning natural beauty and its location on the shores of Lake Pleasant. As of the 2023 town census, the population of Speculator was 394 residents. Speculator's proximity to outdoor adventures makes it unique, with opportunities for biking and overnight stays at one of the many B and Bs, Inns, and Great Camps.
One of the most well-known Great Camps in the state is Great Camp Sagamore, a rustic mansion initially built for affluent guests. Today, the Camp is open to everyone to visit and enjoy its luxurious setting. Nearby, there are dozens of country inns to choose from, like The Woods Inn, Long View Lodge, and the Inn at Speculator.
Well-maintained trails make mountain biking a breeze, and visitors and locals can often be found biking around the mysterious Kunjamuk Cave—a 15-foot deep, 8-foot vast cave with a small window opening near the top. Maybe manufactured or maybe not, the cave keeps everyone guessing. Past the cave, the Kunjamuk Cave Trail is open to cyclists and hikers in the summer and fall months. The Speculator “Loop” mountain biking trail system is also a popular biking trail and passes through a tree farm of mixed hardwood trees and conifers. Visitors can also enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in winter.
Jay
Jay, a tiny hamlet hidden in the Adirondack Mountains, offers a serene and unspoiled escape for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. The town of Jay was named in honor of New York Governor John Jay and formed in 1798. What makes Jay unique is its proximity to some of the Adirondack’s most iconic attractions, including the scenic drive along the Ausable River, with opportunities for fly-fishing and cycling.
The town is home to the historic Covered Bridge and the Jay Covered Bridge Park, which is the only remaining covered bridge in the Adirondacks. Spanning 174 feet over the Ausable River, the bridge is now a pedestrian/bicycle bridge. The bridge is a historical landmark, part of Douglas Memorial Park, a park offering picnic areas, tennis and basketball courts, fishing access and a popular swimming spot known as “the holes.” Visitors and locals access the river via the park to fish under the Jay Covered Bridge. Visitors to Jay can also explore nearby destinations like Ausable Chasm and Whiteface Mountain.
Wilmington
Wilmington, New York, is renowned for its proximity to outdoor adventures and stunning natural beauty. Wilmington is a tight-knit community and a popular tourist destination for visitors who want to get away from the busy town of Lake Placid, just 20 miles away. What makes Wilmington unique is its position at the foot of Whiteface Mountain, the site of the 1980 Olympic downhill ski races.
The summit of Whiteface Mountain is one of the region's highest peaks, offering opportunities for world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter. In the summer, residents and visitors can often be found swimming and mountain biking in Wilmington. The town is also home to the iconic High Falls Gorge, a breathtaking natural attraction with over 700 feet of cascading waterfalls and scenic trails. A Wilmington hotspot, Lake Everest Beach, is a chance for locals and visitors to relax, swim, or BBQ at one of the available BBQs onsite. One of the more beautiful sections of the river is the Flume, a popular swimming spot in the summer.
The Wilmington Bike Park is a challenging course designed by two local youths who wanted the town to cater to the new generation of mountain bikers. The surface hosts a combination of dirt jumps and a pump track to test all ages' skills.
Blue Mountain Lake
One of the crown jewels of the Adirondacks, Blue Mountain Lake offers a delightful range of activities for museum and art lovers and history buffs. Visitors can explore the Adirondack Experience, called “the best of its kind in the world’ by the New York Times. It takes you back in time, explores Adirondack life, and showcases the region's rich cultural and natural history with more than 40,000 square feet of engaging exhibits and outdoor displays. Hands-on workshops and special events like the Rustic Furniture Fair, Cabin Fever Sunday lectures, the Lake View Cafe, and the museum store promise visitors a unique experience. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic on the museum’s scenic grounds while watching the wildlife around the pond.
The Adirondack Lakes Center for Arts, a multidisciplinary art organization, hosts gallery exhibits, workshops, and live entertainment all year long. The Center produces theatre and concerts and showcases local artists in three galleries. The Arts Center is located within the six-million-acre Adirondack Park, known as a “Forever Wild” region.
Blue Mountain Lake provides swimming, kayaking, and canoeing opportunities, while nearby hiking trails range in difficulty from the easy Castle Rock to the challenging Blue Mountain trail, where hikers often camp overnight at one of the Blue Mountain Wild Forest lean-tos. Lodging in the area includes island camping and historic cottages like Prospect Point Cottages, Potter Camp Lakeside Cottages, and the Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake.
Newcomb
The small town of Newcomb is a great place to live in the brisk, clean air of the Adirondacks. It is known for its natural wilderness, rich history, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Newcomb’s tranquil setting along the shores of Lake Harris and the Hudson River offers superb fishing and hiking opportunities, including the nearby High Peaks. The town has a rich history of frontiersmen, loggers, and miners whose families have remained in the region for almost two centuries.
Newcomb is home to the Adirondack Interpretive Center, providing educational exhibits and nature programs that showcase the region's diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Newcomb also boasts the historic Great Camp Santanoni, built in the early 1900s, a magnificent example of Adirondack architecture that visitors can explore. Situated in the Santanoni Preserve, the Great Camp offers well-maintained hiking trails on a dirt road, where off-pavement bikes or tires are suitable. Moose Pond is a favorite fishing destination, and Newcomb Farms offers horse-drawn wagon rides.
Bolton Landing
Nestled on the shores of Lake George in Upstate New York, Bolton Landing is a favored refuge from everyday life. With a captivating small-town charm that enchants visitors year-round, this community on the shores of Lake George has attracted writers, artists, and musicians since 1799. With its stunning lakeside views, historic architecture, and a busy Main Street filled with boutique shops and locally-owned restaurants, this pretty town invites you to savor the simplicity of life.
Whether you're enjoying a leisurely boat ride on Lake George, exploring the nearby Adirondack Mountains, or attending community events like the Bolton Landing Arts and Crafts Festival, the warm and welcoming spirit of Bolton Landing creates an irresistible allure for those seeking a quintessential Adirondack experience in a truly enchanted setting.
These 14 small Adirondack towns hold an enduring appeal due to their natural beauty, simplicity, and community spirit. Nestled amidst the stunning Adirondack Mountains, these towns offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, inviting visitors to embrace the tranquillity of serene lakes, pristine forests, and majestic peaks. Each small town offers something unique to visitors, from hiking and fishing to paddling and swimming and everything in between. The warm hospitality of the residents, the preservation of historic architecture, and a thriving arts and culture scene create an atmosphere that feels both welcoming and nostalgic.
