7 Most Underrated Towns In the Adirondack Mountains

A region of mountains in the northeast of New York State, the Adirondacks make up one of the most stunning landscapes in the northern United States. An expanse of towering peaks, deep forests, and clear mountain lakes, the park explores the sublime power of nature. Throughout it all lie a series of underrated pristine mountain towns imbued with a sense of warmth and community, which make an adventure through the region both enriching and comfortable.

Speculator

Speculator sits on the shores of the aptly named Lake Pleasant. Despite its meager size with a population of less than 500, Speculator is a gorgeous, amenity-rich destination for travelers and adventurers of all stripes. Surrounded by the wilderness, the Adirondacks are famous for; there is no shortage of hiking, skiing, and exploration of all kinds around the town. The Kunjamuk Hike and Cave, The Perkins Clearing Conservation Easement, and Oak Mountain Ski Resort are all perfect ways to experience nature, as are the aforementioned Lake Pleasant and the nearby Sacandaga Lake, both with their own hiking and beaching opportunities.

In town, be sure not to miss Logan’s Bar and Grill and Lemon Tree Brewing, which both offer cozy places to enjoy a drink or a meal, and check out the quaint and quirky Charlie Johns Store.

Schroon Lake

On the north shore of the lake with which it shares its name is the town of Schroon Lake. The setting for the Gene Kelly, Natalie Wood musical Marjorie Morningstar is the town, which is the perfect image of an upstate New York haven in the woods. Dotted with cottages, such as the Chamlar Lakefront Resort, eateries, like the local favorite Trail Break, and other fascinations, including the lakeside Boathouse Theater, there is plenty to do in the small mountain town.

The Schroon-North Hudson Historical Society operates a small museum in town that outlines its history and offers a variety of programs and events. The Severance Mt. Trailhead allows for some stunning views of the surroundings, and The Schroon Lake Golf Club is another ideal way to get out under the crisp Adirondack air. 

Long Lake

About an hour west of Schroon Lake, in the center of the Adirondack Park, is the perfectly named Long Lake and the town that straddles its shoreline. One of the oldest towns in the park, Long Lake is emblematic of the beauty and community for which the region is famous. Stops like the beautiful Public Library and the idiosyncratic Wide River Antique Store will take visitors back in time while they absorb the natural auras created by the sounds of the lake and the smells of the rippling leaves.

Long Lake is famous for its boating opportunities, and there are many ways to take advantage of this, including at the Motel Long Lake Boat Rentals. Seeing the entirety of the 14-mile body of water, from Plumley Point in the north to the Buttermilk Falls in the south, is an experience no one will ever forget. 

Keeseville

In the far northeast corner of the Adirondack region is the hamlet of Keeseville. Just minutes from the shores of the mighty Lake Champlain and straddling the picturesque Ausable River, the town is another great spot to experience the wilderness of the landscape. The river is famous as a destination for trout fishing and has lots of access to trails, such as at Anderson Falls Park.

Keeseville also has close access to the Ausable Chasm, known regionally as “The Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks.” Hikes, rafting, rappelling, and rock climbing are all on offer at the chasm, as are cabin rentals and camping opportunities. Back in town, the Anderson Falls Heritage Society Museum is the perfect spot to learn about the regional history of this slice of the stunning Adirondack region. 

Wells

Deep in the thick forests of the park is the tiny village of Wells. The town sits on the shores of the pristine Lake Algonquin, upon which visitors can boat, fish, and swim during the warmer months. Just north of town, travelers can find the East Jimmy Creek Falls, a perfect spot for hiking and picnicking, as well as the Auger Falls Trailhead, another ideal hiking locale. Slightly north of that is the Griffin Gorge and Waterfall, a stunning piece of Adirondack beauty that should be seen by everyone who visits Wells.

After a day tromping the trails, art lovers will want to see the fascinating pieces at the Sculpture Garden of artists John Van Alstine and Caroline Ramersdorfer, two world-renowned sculptors whose work can be found across the globe. 

Elizabethtown

At the base of Hurricane Mountain on the east side of Adirondack Park is Elizabethtown, another of the region’s perfect intersections of culture and natural beauty. The nearby Blueberry Trail System is an ideal place to start for both seasoned hikers and leisurely walkers looking to get out into the forests and mountains that surround the town. North of Elizabethtown, just off of Phelps Brook, is a heron rookery where keen-eyed visitors can see nesting great blue herons.

Open from May to October is the Adirondack History Museum, which is filled with artifacts and photographs detailing the fascinating stories that built the communities of the Adirondacks into what can be seen today. Downtown, the Deer’s Head is a great place to stay or grab a drink and a meal on your visit to Elizabethtown. 

Old Forge

Though only a tiny hamlet, there is a staggering amount to do and see all year round in Old Forge. As you might expect, the town is steeped in the verdant mountainous beauty of the Adirondacks and has many opportunities to get out into this splendor, including at the Old Forge Camping Resort. The winter months bring skiing to the town, centered around the McCauley Mountain Ski Center, one of the most renowned hills in the state.

The lift is reopened in the summer to allow spectacular views of the mountain vistas. The warm weather also brings the opening of the Enchanted Forest Water Safari, a massive water-based theme park in Old Forest featuring waterslides, pools, and even a Ferris wheel. For some respite from the excitement, check out the View Arts Center, which presents a variety of galleries, exhibits, and live performances.

Discover Adirondack's Hidden Highlights

New York’s Adirondack Mountains are an idyllic place for travelers of all kinds. Adventurous explorers will love the rugged trails, staggering heights, and remote beauty found amongst the trees, whereas those looking for a slightly more comfortable vacation will be greeted with no shortage of opportunities to unwind. One thing is sure: the towns that populate the region will cater to both types of guests and to everyone in between.