6 Undiscovered Small Towns in The Adirondack Mountains
The ancient, sprawling glacier-carved mountains, the Adirondacks, pose as a spectacular vista and a popular escape for rugged New Yorker mountaineers and families seeking recreation by one of the scenic lakes. It is easy to imagine that all that wilderness is yet to be fully discovered, including friendly towns. No adventure repeats itself in the region, pulling visitors back year after year into the outermost corners of the sprawling Adirondack Park—the ultimate outdoor playground.
From the sea-like Lake Champlain to Cranberry Lake, the third largest in the Adirondacks, climbing and bouldering enthusiasts should aim at Keene Valley's "beer walls." At the same time, mountain bikers enjoy the steep vertical descents and superb High Peaks views near North Creek. And do not forget the renowned Adirondack foliage—an imminent heaven for the leaf peepers just in time for cozy accommodation by Long Lake after a breezy hike through colors along an undiscovered trail.
Cranberry Lake
This small hamlet within the town of Clifton feels lost in the embrace of not one but two lakes. Tangled with lush beauty, Cranberry Lake appeals to summertime nature lovers between the northern edge of the over 7,000-acre eponymous lake and the much smaller Silver Lake. From swimming to boat rentals, explore the immense lake's bays and islets, follow the snaking waterway west, or enjoy a tranquil paddle in the early fall colors.
The Lakeside General Store is stocked for your ultimate getaway or a weeklong stay at the Cranberry Lake Campground, with easy access to downtown via Lone Pine Road across Thompson Bay. Inspiring an aquamarine world of thriving fauna and flora, discover the area via Cranberry Lake 50, aka Highway 3, directly through the town's heart.
For all-season hikes, Cranberry Lake Wild Forest and Northwestern Parcel offer varying wildlife views, while Eastern Parcel is home to Bear Mountain, and Burntbridge Pond Trail connects to Campground Trail. In the summer, don't miss the Five Ponds Wilderness Area, while Western Parcel offers over 2,000 acres of snowmobile trails.
Crown Point
Directly across the long Lake Champlain from Vermont, Crown Point attracts historians and architecture buffs with a deep history dating to the days of its establishment in 1788. Spanning about 75 square miles along the Adirondack Coast on the eastern edge of Essex County, this undiscovered gem proudly connects the Adirondacks to all of New England via the Lake Champlain Bridge, which replaced the original in 2011. Next to the New York State Line sign, the Lake Champlain Visitors Center offers fantastic views of the whole Lake Champlain Bridge Heritage Area. Stick around at Crown Point State Historic Site, adjacent to the bridge, to discover two National Historic Landmarks, Fort St. Frederic and Fort Crown Point, built in 1759.
Built to protect against the French forces, the British fortress is one of the region's most unique attractions, with military engineering displays from the Revolutionary War at the museum. Nearby, the top-rated New York State Campground flaunts views of the stately Champlain Memorial Lighthouse and easy access downtown for a drink along Putnam Creek at War Cannon Spirits or an improvised seafood feast at The Crab Shack. The eastern terminus of the North Country National Scenic Trail stretches all the way to North Dakota, over 4,000 miles, as a birding destination or a backpacking adventure.
Keene Valley
Keene Valley, the "Home of the High Peaks," is one of the three hamlets in the town of Keene. Offering easy access to the peaky vistas, the most significant number of high peaks in one area surround the town, home to the 5,343-foot queen. Mount Marcy, New York's highest peak, beckons backpackers for multi-day hikes.
Shamefully overlooked in favor of popular Adirondacks towns like Lake Placid, Keene Valley offers spectacular nature ventures like Beaver Meadow Falls, The Birch Store, Indian Head Vista, and the Hopkins Trail. The historic town along the Ausable River offers a remote, crowdless edge to your year-round pursuits like snowshoeing, fishing, and nearby rock climbing. The iconic Mountaineer will gear up your adventures, while Noon Mark Diner serves from a filling menu afterward.
Seemingly blocked from the rest of the world doesn't hinder Keene Valley's appeal to climbers, swarming like bees around the famous granite "beer walls," perfect for beginners and the experienced alike. Summit the proximate Baxter Mountain via a moderate 2.9-mile trail through the lush Hammond Pond Wild Forest, past private property, to breathtaking ledge views, or stay grounded along the Giant Mountain Trail, an easy, scenic hike to the base of Roaring Brook Falls. Down the road, Keene Arts features local works, while Dartbrook Lodge, a four-star hotel, is a popular stay across the road from the town's purple public library.
Long Lake
Flowing for 14 miles through the geographic center of Adirondack Park, Long Lake is the secret playground of the Adirondacks. The eponymous town, one of the park's oldest communities, is a cherished place with a flavorful heritage. Drowning in the wilderness, the pristine, family-friendly shores of Long Lake have been a beacon for generations of visitors to a quiet corner of the state. Nestled midway along the expansive shore, at the highway crossroads, you are just a hop away from the next town along the fringe or an epic adventure. While photographers and thrill seekers enjoy the ruggedness of Long Lake's shores, where the Adirondack guideboat was born, drool over the views from the comfort of your seat as the Roosevelt-Marcy Scenic Byway begins here, or take a scenic seaplane ride.
Home to one of the region's coolest little beaches, Long Lake Town Beach is the loungers' home turf and perfect for a cooling swim post-adventure, with easy access to downtown attractions. From Mt. Sabattis Pavilion to Long Lake Marina, drive down the lake for an easy hike to the scenic Buttermilk Falls. Starting easy but steepening along the way, Owl’s Head Mountain is a moderate hiking adventure via a 6.3-mile trail winding through the Sargent Ponds Wild Forest to panoramic views at the fire tower of the surrounding lakes and the majestic High Peaks. No matter the pursuit of a visit, there is something for you at Hoss's Country Corner, an iconic Adirondack landmark, like provisions or last-minute adventure gear, and no better time for an impromptu getaway than the vibrant colors of early fall framing the lake.
North Creek
Just 90 minutes north of Albany along the Hudson River, North Creek is home to Gore Mountain, one of New York’s most expansive ski resorts. North Creek Ski Bowl is an ideal destination for newbies to get a taste of the top slopes in the Adirondacks. Just west of downtown, Gore Mountain Trailhead launches you along the Schaefer Trail, among the 14 miles of trails through lush hardwood forests and peaks. From white-water rafting to scenic gondola rides, the wintery Gore Mountain region turns to conquerable steep vertical descents for bikers who praise it for its superb views from the summit of the Adirondack High Peaks. Grab a morning snack over coffee at Cafe Sarah for a stroll through Riverfront Park, or something to go for adventure at Izzy's Market & Deli.
Upon return, reconvene at barVino or Marsha's Family Restaurant, while many cultural attractions are right in town, including the Tannery Pond Center, which hosts art exhibits, theater performances, and concerts. Having played a major role as a railroad hub, the North Creek Depot Museum offers more historic insights, including the Adirondack timber industry. Now through autumn, don't miss easily the best sweeping scenery of forests, High Peaks, and Southern Adirondacks aboard 8-passenger gondolas. The North Creek Farmer's Market is in full swing through October to taste local bounty, while the Hudson River Whitewater Derby promises another exciting racing season for canoers, kayaks, and spectators along the lush summertime banks.
Stony Creek
Founded in 1852 in the southwestern corner of present-day Warren County, Stony Creek, like a real gem of the region, is entirely hidden within Adirondack Park. Surrounded by the neighborly towns of Wells, Thurman, Hadley, and Day, this area is a great alternative to the more touristy destinations like Lake George or Lake Placid. Home to only around 750 year-round residents, the pristine paradise attracts nature lovers with unobscured views along a fan of trails to all sides, like the family favorite Hackensack Mountain Park, for relaxation or wildlife viewing adventures. The serene downtown comes with notable attractions like Stony Creek Town Hall. Stock up on provisions at the Stony Creek Marketplace for an afternoon picnic at the Town Park just north, which features a playground.
Offering a scenic adventure through wetlands, fields, and woods, the handicap-accessible Dean Farm Heritage Trail winds through a nature preserve. The Dean Homestead Museum displays preserved artifacts about local history and the Dean family. Down the road southeast, along the eponymous creek, Stony Creek Family Campground is a popular choice for those who want to enjoy nature through the night. Stony Creek Inn & Rest offers quality food at small-town prices and great service in an ambient atmosphere.
The Catskills are trendy, but the Adirondacks retain their undiscovered appeal for local and visiting outdoor lovers. This northern New York destination is allegedly the birthplace of the American vacation, while the rugged Long Lake's shores are where the Adirondack guideboat was born. Chase the fall foliage through the unspoiled Keene Valley area, or paddle out to relax mid-colors along the glittering Cranberry Lake, reflecting the surrounding beauty.
North Creek calls for a holiday getaway to Gore Mountain, where even the newbies can pick up the skill while the littlest ones enjoy snow play at Riverfront Park and parents relax in the views of the Hudson River. Return for the whitewater rafting season or choose a new point, like Crown Point, connecting you to New England across Lake Champlain. Flaunting towering conifer forests and over 3,000 lakes and ponds, another discovery is just around the corner in the Adirondack Mountains.
