6 Most Overlooked Towns in The Adirondack Mountains

The Adirondacks in Upstate New York are a popular destination year-round, attracting every type of outdoor enthusiast, from snowboarders to campers and hikers. While there are some popular spots to visit in the Adirondacks, such as Placid Lake, there are some great spots that often go overlooked. These destinations are great if you are looking to avoid crowds and experience more serenity. Many of these places also have unique attractions. For example, visitors to Schroon Lake will find the largest natural marble cave entrance in the east. In Keene Valley, climbers can experience the unique Beer Wall. Whatever is bringing you to the Adirondacks, consider stopping at one of these six overlooked towns for an unforgettable experience.

Cranberry Lake

Cranberry Lake is the third largest lake in the Adirondacks, covering over 7,000 acres. While not as popular as other destinations in the Adirondacks, Cranberry Lake is a natural paradise, perfect for anyone seeking an outdoor adventure. Visitors can enjoy boating on the lake. On a peaceful summer day, it is the ideal spot to paddle or try some fishing. The lake is full of trout, along with nearby rivers, making the lake a great fishing spot. 

Around Cranberry Lake, there are several wilderness areas to explore, including Cranberry Lake Wild Forest, Western Parcel, Northwestern Parcel, Eastern Parcel, and Five Ponds Wilderness Area. They have trails that are perfect for hiking in the summer and snowmobile across in the winter. The Western parcel area alone is home to over 2,000 acres of snowmobile trails. The Eastern Parcel is home to scenic trails including Bear Mountain, Burntbridge Pond Trail, and the connecting Campground Trail.

Schroon Lake

Near the famous Lake George is another overlooked lake town to visit, Schroon Lake. There is a lot of natural beauty to enjoy in the town. The Schroon Lake Town Beach is a great spot to enjoy a swim in Summer. There are many trails around town to enjoy, including Mount Severance and Spectacle Pond. Around Schroon Lake, you will also find some fascinating geological wonders, including the Natural Stone Bridge and Caves. Here, rock lovers can enjoy the largest natural marble cave entrance in the east. To not only enjoy rocks but also climb them, check out the climb on Pharaoh Mountain. The 6.7-mile hike and climb offers a stunning view of Pharaoh Lake and Vermont's Green Mountains. 

Old Forge

One of the most charming towns in the Adirondacks is Old Forge. Stepping into the town is like stepping back in time with old architecture and family-run restaurants. The local Strand Theater dates back to the 1920s and is the perfect spot around town to enjoy an evening. The local Historic Old Forge Hardware Store is a must-visit spot downtown that dates back over 100 years.

Visiting Old Forge wouldn't be complete without exploring the area's stunning wilderness. From crystal clear lakes to thickets of preserved forest, Old Forge is a beautiful town. There are plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, including snowmobiling, paddling, and hiking. Some of the town's most gorgeous hikes include Bald Mountain, Black Bear Mountain, and Cathedral Pines.

Enjoy more stunning outdoor views on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. You can ride the train any time of year, but in fall, the train ride is particularly scenic with the fall colors. If you are staying in Old Forge, consider staying at the Old Forge Camping Resort in one of their cabins for a rustic experience.  

North Elba

An underestimated town with a serene landscape is North Elba. Near Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, North Elba is the perfect spot to enjoy a canoe trip or take a leisurely stroll on the shoreline. The town overlooks Mirrorlake, offering breathtaking waterfront views. Those who enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding can enjoy North Elba's Whiteface Mountain. There is also a unique historical attraction in town to explore, the John Brown Farm State Historic Site. This was the home and grave of abolitionist John Brown.

Long Lake

Those who visit Long Lake will want to keep the area a secret because the town is a natural paradise. The serene lakeside town has under 1000 residents and is one of the oldest communities in the Adirondacks. Surrounded by the green forests of Adirondack Park, Long Lake is a fantastic playground for outdoor recreationists, offering everything from opportunities to canoe, kayak, and fishing to hiking and snowmobiling.

A great spot to visit near Long Lake to enjoy waterfall views is Buttermilk Falls. There are picnic tables nearby, so pack a snack to have a picnic with scenic views. Long Lake is also home to Sargent Pond Wild Forest, an old-growth boreal swamp. There is a trail along the swamp that passes bog plants and Adirondack wildlife. If you are looking for a bit of history on your trip, stop at Owls Head Mountain. On top of the mountain, there are fire towers built in 1919 that stand 5 feet tall. 

Keene Valley

Nicknamed Home of the High Peaks, Keene Valley has the most significant number of high peaks in the area. In town, you will feel separated from the rest of the world because of the mountains. Keene Valley is a particularly great spot for climbers, and it has famous beer walls. These granite walls are easy to get to and are perfect for beginners and more experienced climbers. For those who prefer to stay on the ground instead of climbing, there are also lots of hikes around town to enjoy. An easy one with great views is the Base of Roaring Brook Falls, on the Giant Mountain trail. There are also several opportunities for multiday hikes in Keene Valley, including Mount Marcy, New York's highest peak. 

Embark on an Unforgettable Journey

While these are some of the most underrated towns in the Adirondacks, they still have a lot to offer. Whether you are an avid hiker, climber or canoer, there is something for everyone to enjoy in these Adirondack towns. If you are planning a trip this year consider visiting one of these towns. You'll be able to experience the beauty of the Adirondacks with less crowds. Wherever you go, visiting one of these towns will make for an unforgettable experience.