7 Best Lakeside Towns in The Adirondacks
Few know that the "Adirondack" translates as "barkeaters"—what the Mohawk tribe once called the neighboring Algonquin tribe. The region is rife with culture, from the first tuberculosis study in Saranac Lake to the two-time Winter Olympic Games host, Lake Placid. But you're probably here for summertime nature in Northern New York, the epic foliage, and ski resorts.
Every getaway is elevated with a lake, and the Adirondacks are synonymous with them. Some four hours north of Manhattan and under three hours south of Montreal, the idle region's translucent waters are like powerful magnets within the splendor of the Adirondacks. Catch a trail by the tail in Lake Placid or Speculator, or explore the three lakes in each.
Lake George
Visit the lake that inspired Thomas Jefferson, a founding father, who proclaimed it, "Lake George is without comparison the most beautiful water I ever saw.." The eponymous town on the southern tip has long been favored by New Yorkers on the "Queen of the American Lakes," three and a half hours shooting straight up from NYC into the Adirondacks. Whether you're in for the lakeside activities or mountain hiking, the 109 miles of coast and over 300 islands, surrounded by Adirondack splendor, are scenic from any perspective. Shepard Park is a waterfront downtown with a beach and summer concerts.
Scale Prospect Mountain, then relax at Million Dollar Beach with million-dollar views. The British Fort William Henry Museum from 1755 was featured in "The Last of the Mohicans," while the "Mystery Spot" defies the law of acoustics. From parasailing to fishing charters, canoeing, pontoons, and classic paddleboats, rental, and tour companies want to jet you off into the waters. Hop aboard the historic Lake George Steamboat Company for a revealing panorama. Promising a vacation paradise, the hotels, cabins, and campsites, plus galleries and top dining options, offer something for everyone.
Lake Placid
Brimming with fame and personality, Lake Placid attracts thousands year-round for outdoor excitement. Not one but two lakes bless this town, host of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Catch the Adirondacks shifting dress in the reflections of Mirror, Placid, and East Lakes. Surrounded by stunning waterfalls and trails, find some of the region's best hiking in Lake Placid. From the central Cobble Lookout to Haystack Mountain in the west, Heaven Hill Trails is a peaceful hike to the south. Henry Woods is right at the heart, while the popular Peninsula Trails intertwine between two lakes.
Explore the connected lakes from the marina with boat rentals on the East Lakeshore. Mirror Lake Public Beach delights summertime visitors and foliage peepers, mirroring the cloud wisps in the sky, plus ice skating in winter. The Olympic Village still echoes the games against historic buildings and the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, dedicated to winter athletics. Visit Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society for local history in a former train station. Bluebird Lake Placid is less than half the price of the iconic Mirror Lake Inn. There are also fireworks and events around this smallest central lake in town.
Long Lake
Named after the 14-mile-long lake flowing through the Adirondack Park, the small town spans both shores, central on the lake. Long Lake is at the doorstep of High Peaks Wilderness, a vast outdoor haven of forested slopes. From crystal-clear mountain streams to scenic cascades, chase the views along the trails with places to relax and enjoy fishing. Long Lake Town Beach is a sandy hub with two swimming docks and nearby restaurants, plus kayak, canoe, SUP, and motorboat rentals. The 1850s Adirondack Hotel is a sought-after stay with dining at Lake Street Café & Taproom next to the beach.
Scale Owl's Head Mountain Summit or catch a seaplane ride toward the peaks for a bird's-eye view of the surrounding splendor. Paddler’s Rest is ideal for an adventurous couple or a group of friends, with a private sand beach, complimentary canoes and kayaks, plus firepits and a game room. Drop by the retro general store, Hoss' County Corner, with a tree growing through it while browsing for camping supplies, books, and gifts. There are also cabin rentals and a popular campground on Lake Eaton. Long Lake Diner & Owl’s Head Pub serves superb American fare at fair prices.
Old Forge
This town on the Fulton Chain of Lakes is tangled amid a series of interconnected lakes and waterways. The Old Forge Pond downtown transitions into the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Lakes. Enjoy abundant boating opportunities, and after, dig into French dip and lobster mac and cheese or clam chowder and wings at Slickers Adirondack Tavern along the lake. Surrounded by scenic beauty, no wonder it inspires talent. The View Arts Center is one of the town's top attractions, with watercolor paintings, exhibits, classes, and events in a beautiful building with a colorful moose piping outside.
The Adirondack Railroad offers various excursions from Thendara Station near Old Forge, while McCauley Mountain Ski Center offers year-round scenic gondola rides. From the playful vibes at Ozzie's Coffee Bar to Fulton Chain Craft Brewery, Walt's Diner is a must-try at least once. The Old Forge Camping Resort is a popular option if not staying at the Water's Edge Inn, sprawling the lake's edge. The campsites are tucked away from downtown, so wildlife likes to wander. Campers enjoy easy access to the one-of-a-kind Enchanted Forest Water Safari in the region.
Saranac Lake
This sleek town is a longtime favored vacation spot with modern and traditional attractions for every season. Having grown around the 1894 Saranac Laboratory, the US's first to study tuberculosis, it expanded thanks to the rich opportunities in the fresh mountain air. Imbibe local culture at the museum and reputable galleries like Saranac Lake Artworks and the Adirondacks Artists Guild. From Riverside Park at the heart, on Flower Lake, to Bloomingdale Bog Hiking Trail just north, the area explodes in epic foliage. There's also the iconic Baker Mountain Trailhead for those who like a challenge.
The brick path downtown meanders along vintage buildings, top restaurants, and shops, with lake views peeking through. Across the river, the Adirondack Carousel beckons for a spin with whimsical animals and historic scenes painted along the boards. Saranac Lake is a must-visit in the Adirondacks at least twice in your life—during the warm and the snowy seasons. Plan for the 10-day Winter Carnival by the lake with fun games, exhibits, live music, and a parade. The snow bunnies hop on trails at the Dewey Mountain Recreation Center, a quick drive away, plus ice fishing at Lake Colby.
Speculator
Speculator is one of the best-packed lakeside towns for outdoor adventures. Centered between two deep wildernesses and three lakes north and south, Sacandaga Lake features Moffatt Beach, which is perfect for sunbathing in scenic views. Enjoy paddling, boating, fishing, and swimming, plus a campground tangled amid trails on its northern shore. Within walking distance, find Mini Route 66 and climb the water tower, plus Kunjamuk Cave for a selfie. Just 20 minutes north of town to the trailhead, Indian Lake is the long one to the north, with the best views atop Snowy Mountain.
For a memorable family adventure, Whiskey Brook Falls is a silver sliver right off the highway just north of town. The next stop, Pig Rock, is a historic landmark to snap a selfie and picnic against after a hike. With manicured hiking trails, like the iconic Auger Falls, a loop hike, explore as far as your hungry eyes and restless legs will take you. The charming downtown warmly welcomes adventurers for a stroll along Lake Pleasant. Grab a bite at Logan's Bar & Grill for a bite, saving room for dessert from the donut shop. Oak Mountain is an intimate ski resort for when the flakes fly.
Tupper Lake
Not just another town bathing in fresh mountain air within Adirondack Park, Tupper Lake is often overlooked for the nearby Saranac Lake and Lake Placid in the Tri-Lake area. Named after the 9-mile-long Tupper Lake, it is an intimate yet exciting getaway with an uncrowded feel and unobscured views from Tupper Lake Waterfront Park. Home to two inspiring science centers, the Wild Center features trails and guided canoe trips on the river along the campus. Families enjoy the center's live exhibits, multimedia shows, and interactive experiences.
The summertime adventurers head straight to Raquette River Outfitters for canoes, kayaks, and camping gear. It is a one-stop shop for all, including route planning, guided hikes, and overnight trips. The Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory is perfect for a romantic date night pursuit. Woodshed on Park serves French-Canadian cuisine—think poutine paired with craft cocktails in an elegant, woodsy vibe. Raquette River Brewing is a relaxed, dog-friendly spot with craft beer flowing from the taps, food trucks in the alley, plus live music on summer Friday and Saturday nights.
Embracing the Allure of Adirondack Lakeside Towns
Brimming with personality and mountain culture, each town is eager to introduce you to the largest protected area in the contiguous US. Carved with over 3,000 lakes and 1,200 miles of rivers, the pristine nature is largely unexplored. Unlike the Rockies, the Adirondacks are not interconnected, with peaks rising from 1,200 feet tall to over 5,000 feet.
There are untouched corners and popular lakeside towns, all under revitalizing mountain air. Long Lake is at the doorstep of High Peaks Wilderness, with 46 peaks over 4,000 feet. Choose your refreshing destination near a lake to breathe and get high on life again, with unforgettable mountain adventures and relaxation in the views of the reflecting peaks.
