6 Of The Most Charming Small Towns To Visit In The Adirondack Mountains

Your next great adventure should be in the Adirondacks of New York. The uniquely carved Ausable Chasm, one of the oldest attractions in North America; the austere grandeur of the Whiteface Mountain, and a glittering cornucopia of shimmering lakes, including Lake Placid, Mirror Lake, and Lake George — transport the imagination to a realm that can only exist in the mind — and provide a world of fun and adventure opportunities. But the Adirondacks is a real place with real towns, most of which are quaint and charming. Uncover six of the most charming small towns to visit in the Adirondack Mountains.

Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake is an awesome, four-season destination that provides visitors access to world-class skiing and numerous other outdoor fun and adventure opportunities. Country Living named it the second-best town to visit in New York for an idyllic getaway. Besides the lure of its tasty scenery, Saranac Lake is known for its cure architecture, whose primary feature is wall-to-wall sliding glass windows. In the late 1900s, many believed that exposure to sunshine and fresh air would help treat tuberculosis ravaging the country.

The town's 1-mile Moose Pond Trail is smooth, short, and scenic, while the 81-acre Wild Walk provides panoramic views of Whiteface Mountain and the Seward Range. Visitors will enjoy spending a lazy afternoon on Lake Flower and inhaling the heartwarming scenery. For some mood-lifting fun, a meal at Bitters & Bones — or live music at Waterhole Music Lounge — will come in handy.

Lake Placid

Lake Placid is known for winter sports and hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980. Adrenaline seekers can bobsled at the Lake Placid Bobsled Experience while enjoying excellent vistas and an engaging narration. Also, avid shoppers will get a blast at the Alpine Mall, a cozy, covered alleyway with many shops and eateries. When here, pass by Wyatt's for some sizzling burritos, tacos, or quesadillas. There is the stunning Mirror Lake as well, so aptly named Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails, which comes with beautiful views of Lake Placid, and of course, the Lake Placid Olympic Center, whose hallways are adorned with plaques and banners celebrating the achievements of past Olympians.

Wilmington

Welcome to the "mountain bike capital of the Adirondacks." The best way to prove this is to rent a bike at Downhill Mike's and hit either the Hardy Road Mountain Biking Trails — and cover 11 miles of some of the sweetest single track east of the Mississippi — or The Flume for a tad more challenging but scenic adventure. But there is another beautiful trail that is not a preserve of the cash-strapped: the Poor Mans Downhill Trail. The Hungry Trout Resort will be beckoning when hunger pangs begin to set in.

The soothing hum of the Ausable River, a magical sunset over Whiteface, and a plate of pan-seared rainbow trout with fresh shallots all combine to produce a memorable experience. Cobble Lookout will come in handy for a gentle hike through the woods. But one can also opt for Copperas Pond.

Lake George

The lake that lends the town its name, named for George II of England, is often called "the Queen of the American Lakes." It is considered to be among the clearest large lakes on Earth and provides picturesque views of the surrounding Adirondack Mountains. The town of Lake George hosts two forts. Fort William Henry was constructed in 1755 during the French and Indian War to help the British gain control of Lake George. The current structure is a replica since the original fort was burnt down in the ensuing skirmishes. There is also Fort Ticonderoga near the northern end of Lake George, where the crackle of muskets through daily weapons demonstrations will create a lifetime memory.

Thrill seekers will enjoy spending a first-paced afternoon at the Six Flags Great Escape, one of New York's largest amusement parks — or climbing the summit of Prospect Mountain for some of the most incredible views in the world.

Glens Falls

Glens Falls is situated on the picturesque shores of the Hudson River, about 45 miles north of Albany. A 1944 piece in Look Magazine, which had about 35 million readers at its peak, christened Glens Falls as "Hometown, USA." About 80 years later, the name lives on. In "The Last of the Mohicans, novelist James Fenimore described the 60-foot cascades near the town in graphic detail, and they remain among the town's defining landmarks. History lovers and bibliophiles will want to explore the Crandall Public Library and Folklife Center, which features a chronicle of the region's rich cultural heritage.

For some Rembrandt, Picasso, or da Vinci art, there is no better place than the Hyde Collection Art Museum, housed in a stunning, historic home. After strolling along the walkable downtown, a first-time visitor will need a quiet spot to rest and unwind. Fortunately, City Park has delicious greenery, benches, and a beautiful gazebo.

Au Sable Forks

City escapists may not get enough of Au Sable Forks, a quaint town in the Northern Adirondacks nestled at the confluence of the East and West branches of the Ausable River. This beautiful water body lends the town its name. Here, breathtaking landscapes stir the artist in everyone, making Au Sable Forks an ideal getaway for winding down and getting in tune with nature. There is much to do here, including exploring the uniquely carved Ausable Chasm. This vertical-walled canyon features Potsdam sandstones scientists believe are 500 million years old.

One can also float on the Ausable River amid heart-calming serenity — or just enjoy a stroll along its scenic shores. When the sun is about to dip, check in at Camp Moonset, an original Adirondack hunters' camp and the only one on over 600 acres of land.

Even for the most traveled, the Adirondacks Region is almost always new, fresh, and inviting. There is much to love about this area, including its mountainous scenery, sparkling cascades, lush valleys, and small, charming towns. There is no need to be holed up all year, enduring the gloom of concrete jungles, the noise of whirling cars, and all the exhausting hassle and bustle. America is beautiful, and New York is much larger than downtown Manhattan. First-time visitors who want to narrow down to the most charming small towns in the Adirondacks should place these six towns on their bucket list.