6 Whimsical Towns to Visit in the Adirondack Mountains
Long ago, powerful tectonic forces deep within the Earth lifted the land, shaping the Adirondack Mountains. Over eons, wind and water carved their peaks, revealing ancient granite beneath. Nowadays, the Adirondack Mountains cross over Northern New York, covered in dense forests, clear lakes, and winding rivers.
These timeworn peaks are a haven for wildlife and outdoor adventurers alike. The range is also full of atmospheric towns with rustic cabins, cozy inns, and vibrant communities. It is an area of the state like no other in New York.
So get ready for a mountainous adventure with six whimsical towns to visit in the Adirondack Mountains.
Tupper Lake
When you are in Tupper Lake, and night falls, don't forget to look up, as it is famous for its crystal-clear night skies. When the sun disappears, the skies in town become blanketed with stars. In town, you can check out the Adirondack Public Observatory, where they use amazing telescopes to show the awe and wonder of the Milky Way.
Feel like swimming? Little Wolf Beach at Little Wolf Pond is a much-loved stop. In the daytime, you can have fun swimming and when evening comes, you are treated to stunning views of the sunsetting. The vivid colors dance on the water as day turns into night.
After going for a swim, take a stroll along Main Street, brimming with locally owned stores. They are loaded with one-of-a-kind presents, handmade items, and community art inspired by the Adirondacks. Also worth seeing is the Wild Center, a natural history museum with interactive exhibits and the treetop Wild Walk, which overlooks Raquette Pond, a quiet spot for picnicking amid the Adirondack greenery.
Old Forge
Old Forge is a peaceful, small town tucked away in the Adirondacks, and is home to around 570 people. The Enchanted Forest Water Safari, one of its chief highlights, stands as New York State's biggest water park. It has more than 50 features and you can find water slides, a wave pool, and a slow-moving river for relaxing. All of this is located in the middle of a forest in the Adirondacks.
If you are searching for a unique way to feast your eyes on the surrounding peaks, point yourself towards the Adirondack Scenic Railroad in Old Forge. Here you can enjoy the beauty of the Adirondacks by riding an old-time train as it weaves through through nature, giving you a fun journey through the forest.
Or, if spending time by the water is your thing, bodies of water like Rauquette Pond are right next to town. It is perfect for people who like to boat, fish, or just relax. Also close to town, you can find McCauley Mountain. It is one of those all-season destinations. It turns into a snow wonderland suited for the whole family skiing when winter arrives. In the summer, it is the go-to spot to take in scenic chairlift rides or hiking and mountain biking trails.
Inlet
Inlet doesn’t just have one lake to offer, it has several. The town lies right between Fourth Lake and Fifth Lake, two picturesque bodies in the Fulton Chain of Lakes. As well, Sixth and Seventh Lake are right around the corner. A great way to see Fourth Lake is over at Arrowhead Park, which sits in the town center. The park hugs the waterside, offering great spots for swimming and outdoor meals, and it also has a neat playground built for kids.
Inlet is full of fun events to experience. One of those things is the yearly get-together "Arts in the Park.” Happening at Arrowhead Park, this gathering features hometown creatives and skilled artisans. You can find special handmade items you will not find anywhere else. Not far from the city, Black Bear Mountain is a hot spot for nature walks. It has paths suitable for anyone, whether beginner or expert. The prize is an amazing wide view of the nearby Adirondacks.
Keene Valley
Keene Valley lies right amongst the grand, imposing Adirondacks, providing dramatic views every time you pass through. This region of hamlets is a haven for local craft experts. An example of this can be seen at Keene Arts in nearby Keene, a treasure trove filled with home-grown handiwork like special pottery and paintings peppered with Adirondack vibes. If you are into climbing, make sure to visit Keene Valley in February when Mountainfest is held, honoring the passion.
Where this town really shines are the countless chances to get outdoors and explore. The numerous hiking trails that wind through Keene Valley are a hiker's dream. Paths like the Cascade Mountain Trail or the Rooster Comb Trail lead you through old forests, across babbling brooks, and up to views that seem to stretch forever. Another choice is the Garden Trailhead, the starting point for several of the Adirondacks' most famous hikes, including those to the summits of Mount Marcy, Big Slide, and the Great Range.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid, with its perfect place alongside Mirror Lake is another all-season visit. No matter when you come, it is a pleasure. It is also a name known the world over because of the two times it held the Winter Olympics - once in 1932 and again in 1980.
When you visit the town, that heritage is kept alive at places like the Olympic Center or the ski jumps, and you can sense the Olympic thrill years later. The center of town is Main Street, and is brimming with nooks for coffee and shops that are truly one-of-a-kind. Among the interesting sights around, you will find the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, another place honoring the town's sport heritage.
Just in case you are up for a bit of skiing during your visit, one spot stands tall - Whiteface Mountain. It is one of the highest points in the Adirondacks and a popular spot for skiing in the region. When summer comes, the fun does not die. When it gets warm, you can explore hiking trails or roll down the car window and go for a ride along the Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway to see the best views around town.
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake has a mix of art and community events that make you want to keep coming back for more. The village has all sorts of interesting structures of stops to see, especially in the downtown area. One of these is the Hotel Saranac, a historic hotel, originally opened in 1927. The imposing brick facade rising up is hard to miss.
The town also has big events. The Saranac Lake Winter Festival, one of the longest-standing in America of its kind, is a phenomenal yearly gathering that perks up every single February. The crown jewel of this festivity is the ice castle - an awe-inspiring creation crafted from chunks of frozen water sourced straight from the lake.
If you are here in the summer, paddling on Lower Saranac Lake or walking through nearby Adirondack Park makes a great day outdoors. If you want a calm and easy afternoon, try Saranac Lake Riverwalk. It cuts along the Saranac River, right through the village center. You will see flower gardens, pretty bridges, and benches to sit on and take in the sights.
In Conclusion
The Adirondack Mountains, shaped by the hands of time and Mother Nature, let you dive into a mix of thrill-seeking activities and hikes through the hills.
You can find fun from star-spotting in Tupper Lake to learning about the Olympic happenings at Lake Placid. Each town here has a special story to tell, inviting you - like an old friend - for a visit.
The best way to witness the breathtaking sights offered by these Adirondack hillocks is simply by stepping out your front door and seeing it all up close and personal.
