7 Underrated Small Towns to Explore in the Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York is a world-famous wild retreat, so much so that a popular style of lounging chair (often seen at lakeside cottages, of which there are many in the Adirondacks) is named after the region. Visitors, primarily from cities on the East Coast, flock to this area year-round for its natural beauty, abundance of outdoor activities, and small towns that are filled with friendly charm. Hiking, boating, camping, museums, and historic landmarks are just some of the things you can see on a trip here.
Escape the summer crowds and take a more detailed look today at 7 of the most underrated small towns that call the Adirondack Mountains home.
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake is a true gem in the Adirondack Mountains, with its mix of natural beauty, history, and small-town vibes. Located near Lake Placid, this town is less touristy but equally captivating.
Saranac Lake has a longstanding history as a 19th-century health resort for New Yorkers suffering from a variety of illnesses. Its fresh air was believed to cure tuberculosis, but it is more likely that the stress-reliving properties of the beautiful natural surroundings were key to improving the well-being of its visitors.
Now, outdoor enthusiasts come to Saranac Lake to explore the surrounding lakes and the hiking trails of nearby Mount Baker. The Saranac River, which runs through the dowtown area, provides an easy way for you to go kayaking and fishing. Additionally, Saranac Lake has a bit of a notable arts scene, with the Adirondack Artists Guild and annual events like the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival.
Keeseville
Situated along the Ausable River, Keeseville stands out visually for its preserved architecture dating back to the 1800s, including charming stone bridges and historic buildings that call back to its industrial past.
Today, this town is a haven for nature lovers who appreciate its proximity to Ausable Chasm, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East." This deep gorge offers its visitors the chance to hike, raft, or simply admire the stunning rock formations carved by the power of the Ausable River. Beyond the chasm, the area’s various trails and waterways provide more outdoor fun during your stay.
Keeseville also has a rich cultural history, with local landmarks like the North Star Underground Railroad Museum shedding light on the town's role in the fight for freedom in centuries past. The Anderson Falls Heritage Society Museum is another beautiful old building with exhibits and more info about the town. Better yet, admission to the Heritage Society Museum is free!
Tupper Lake
Sitting along the shores of its namesake lake, this small town provides a quiet escape in the depths of the Adirondacks. Tupper Lake is best known for its Wild Center, an innovative natural history museum featuring interactive exhibits and a treetop walk that gives you stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. It is a perfect way to spend the afternoon with the whole family.
Tupper Lake serves as a gateway to some of the Adirondacks' best trails, including hikes to the summits of nearby Mount Arab and Coney Mountain. In the evenings, Tupper Lake's dark skies, made that way due to the lack of light pollution that highly populated areas suffer from, make it a prime spot for stargazing, with the Adirondack Sky Center offering guided public viewings. This combination of natural beauty, history, and small-town charm makes Tupper Lake a hidden gem worth exploring in the Adirondacks.
Enjoy the nearby Tubber Lake too, the body of water that is. A number of boat launches, beaches, public parks, and resorts, like the Pine Terrace Motel & Resort, line its shores.
Speculator
Speculator is a lesser-known town in the Adirondacks that is located beside the modestly sized Lake Pleasant. Speculator, like many of the entries on this list, is an ideal base for outdoor adventurers looking for a stop before embarking in the vast wilds of this part of upstate New York. Some say the town’s name hints at the stunning views that can be enjoyed from various vantage points, particularly from the surrounding hills and trails.
In summer, the lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, while the nearby trails cater to hikers and mountain bikers. Winter transforms the town into a central hub for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing, with miles of groomed trails, many accessible right around the quaint dowtown area.
A collection of inns, like Lake Pleasant Lodge and the Inn At Speculator provide visitors a cozy place to spend the night, while several eateries, like Logan's Bar and Grill and the Sunrise Diner, will fuel you for a full day outdoors.
Long Lake
Not tired of lakeside towns yet? Perfect. Stretching along the shores of a lake with the same name (a lake that is literally quite long, at 14 miles in length and a max width of 1 mile- who woulda thought?), Long Lake is the sight of many cottages and resorts for those looking for a retreat by the water.
The area is also near a plethora of excellent trails in the Adirondacks, including hikes that lead to remote ponds and mountain summits. The nearby Owl’s Head Mountain has one of such trails and provides a moderate hike with a fire tower at the top.
Long Lake’s small but charming community is reflected in its locally-owned shops, eateries, and the historic Adirondack Hotel, which has welcomed visitors since the 1850s. For more privacy, the nearby Motel Long Lake & Cottages offers rental cottages for longer stays.
Westport
On the far eastern edges of northern New York is Westport, a town positioned along the shores of the iconic Lake Champlain. Westport's waterfront is one of the best places in the state to catch a view of the vast Lake Champlain and the picturesque Green Mountains of neighboring Vermont. It is, of course, also a popular spot for boating, fishing, and simply relaxing by the water.
Westport's downtown area has a number of preserved historic buildings, including the 19th-century Westport Hotel. The town is also home to the Westport Heritage House, where you can learn more about the local history and heritage of this idyllic destination in the Adirondack Mountains. Additionally, Westport hosts the annual Westport Winter Carnival, which celebrates the season with local festivities and activities.
The nearby Split Rock Mountain is also worth a visit if you're looking to explore the surrounding hills above the lake. Get a lofty view of the area from atop its peak, accessible from trails starting at the adjacent Lake Shore Road just north of town.
Schroon Lake
Schroon Lake sits on a nine-mile-long lake of the same name. It is a popular destination for kayakers and canoers alike who want to traverse its calm, crystal-clear waters. Schroon Lake Beach is also a sought-after gathering point right in town that is a great spot for sunbathing or picnicking, all with direct views of the mountains nearby.
The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area, a short trip away is a bit bit more remote and contains miles of hiking trails that lead to even more secluded ponds and vistas.
Schroon Lake is also known for its connection to the arts, hosting the annual Seagle Music Colony, the oldest summer vocal training program in the United States. Find out more about this underrated town at the Schroon Lake-North Hudson Historical Society in dowtown Shroon Lake.
Avoid the Crowds in the Adirondack Mountains
The popularity of the Adirondacks as a vacation destination and a place to find outdoor adventure has caused it to become fairly crowded at times. While visitors tend to drift toward more popular locales like Lake Placid and Plattsburg, there is a plethora of other towns to stop at and have a memorable experience in. From the historic intrigue of Keeseville to the lakeside paradises like Saranac Lake, Long Lake, and many others, these small towns ought to be on your list the next time you decide to road trip in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York.
