8 Affordable Destinations In The Adirondack Mountains For Budget Travelers

The Adirondacks in upstate New York house some of the state's most affordable places to live. But what about destinations for budget travelers exploring the Empire State? The 6-million-acre Adirondack Park boasts countless trails for all levels, with dense forests, sparkling alpine lakes, and iconic peaks like Baker Mountain, Mount Marcy, and Algonquin Peak. Filled with mountain air, these eight affordable destinations for budget travelers in the Adirondacks showcase the beauty of the region. Enjoy easy access to the High Peaks Wilderness Area south of Lake Placid, an unlikely budget escape, being a two-time host of the Winter Olympics. Another popular town, Saranac Lake, offers lakeside fun and skiing in the winter, plus a great outdoor scene of cafes, festivals, boutique shopping, and gourmet dining.

Au Sable Forks

Once thriving around its huge water-powered paper mill, this little town is among the region's cheapest places to visit, with scenery and thrills at your fingertips. The name nods at its geolocation, where the legendary Au Sable River comes to meet Lake Champlain. The churning river carved the scenic sandstone gorge through the canyon, with a fairytale name: the Au Sable Chasm. Transformed by tourism, Au Sable Forks is perfect for families, adventurers, and anyone looking to escape the city on a budget. You can chase the hidden waterfalls through the canyon on a pulse-pounding rafting trip, explore the legacy downtown, and camp under the starry skies.

Get the views without getting your feet wet on a hike along the river next to the lake with a picnic and photoshoot at scenic rock formations. The main street is decorated with local shops like Arts & Antiques; meet the local artists at the Tahawus Cultural Center. The ornate Graves Mansion is a real touchstone to the wealthy past, while Wolfjaw Lodge is a real steal off-season for a King Room. Share a pie at Lance’s Place Pizza Kitchen and clink glasses at 20 Main Tavern over live music to another day in the outdoors. The nearby Jay Mountain and McKenzie Mountain wildernesses welcome you for warm-weather mountain hiking, mountain biking, and climbing.

Cranberry Lake

Hidden inside the town of Clifton, Cranberry Lake feels lost in natural embrace along the northern edge of the over 7,000-acre Cranberry Lake; its sparkling waters inspire the best summertime getaway on a budget without the crowded beach bodies. Many like to explore the immense lake's bays and islets or follow the snaking river west in the early fall colors along the shores. Whether you're in for swimming, boat rentals, or sunny bankside picnics, the serene hamlet between two beautiful lakes is hard to pass up. And being one of the cheapest places to visit in the Adirondacks, you don't have to!

Hike around the smaller Silver Lake or paddle out for a refreshing dip at the heart and sprawl belly up in the gently bobbing vessel under the sun with a bottle of wine to share. From your site at Cranberry Lake Campground, via Lone Pine Road across Thompson Bay, you're downtown for a treat from the Lakeside General Store, next to a charming red public library. So stock up for a picnic to dive into the summertime lushness split with hiking trails. The pet-friendly Cranberry Lake 50 trailhead, aka Route 3, runs through the town's heart; two hours south, and you're by the Cathedral Rock Fire Tower.

Indian Lake

Two jewels by the same name crown the Adirondack Park — a long lake and the town of about 1,300 residents on the northern tip of a lake with a 50-mile-long shoreline. Tucked amid four wilderness areas, Indian Lake is one of the region's most picturesque destinations. Surrounded by natural wonders, you can chase after the foaming waters of Buttermilk Falls to the north or fall foliage along the Sawyer Mountain Trailhead. It is accessible for your budget and activity level, whether scaling the Gore Mountain or sunbathing at Indian Lake Public Beach. Without the hoarding crowds, you can really relax in unparalleled tranquility while fishing, boating, and swimming.

The adventurous enjoy the adrenaline rush with Adirondac Rafting Co. - Hudson River Base. Spy on the sparkling lake high above on a hike from Snowy Mountain Trailhead or spend a day at the dog-friendly Indian Lake Byron Park next to Adirondack Lake and stop by the town's cozy public library. The soulful pies at Puterko's Family Pizzeria won't drain your wallet. Escape into the rugged Hudson Gorge Wilderness with hiking, kayaking, and camping at one of the lakeside campgrounds, plus RV parks, motels, and cottages. The friendly locals celebrate the annual Great Adirondack Moose Festival and Indian Lake Winterfest (aka Snocade).

Lake Placid

Don't be surprised that the two-time host of the Winter Olympic Games is budget friendly. Discover Lake Placid yourself, if you haven't already; it's a popular Adirondacks escape, despite being over four-and-a-half hours from NYC. The family-friendly town has something for everyone, including comfort and culture, for a real getaway. Marrying history into nature, the lakefront downtown on Mirror Lake is lined by gourmet restaurants, souvenir shops, and unique boutiques. The Olympic Museum and sporting venues bridge the gap between now and the famous past. Relax on a sunny terrace over local cuisine along the Main, catch a play at the historic Palace Theatre, and absorb the vibe during the Lake Placid Film Festival. Home to about 2,300 people, Lake Placid provides access to a number of astonishing sites both within and outside the city. For example, Avalanche Lake's cliff-lined shores are an awe-inspiring sight.

Among the cheapest hotels are The Pines Inn, Bluebird Lake Placid, and Placid Bay Hotel. The town's centerpiece lake is popular for water sports with Lake Placid Marina a popular choice for launching rentals to get on the water. There are also opportunities for fishing, wakeboarding, and kayaking. Take the easy 2.7-mile greenway around its shore or enjoy the landscape view along the Cobble Hill Trailhead. Topping it all off with a visit to the iconic Algonquin Peak, Mount Marcy, and the High Peaks Wilderness Area south of town, each with a variety of hikes, regardless of the season.

Old Forge

Old Forge is one of New York state's most intriguing destinations. Known to many as the snowmobiling capital of the Adirondacks and a starting point for the Fulton Chain of Lakes, you can look forward to year-round outdoor budget adventures. The residents enjoy living in the lap of nature, the fresh mountain air, and 200 clear blue lakes in the area. Old Forge’s Main Street embodies classic Adirondack charm, with specialty shops, souvenirs, and family-run diners, like Billy’s Restaurant for Italian food. The beloved Strand Theatre boasts a long history of entertaining locals and tourists alike. After a flick, stop by Slickers Adirondack Tavern.

Home to only about 550 people, this suburban town in the Western Adirondacks feels like a real escape from civilization, with everything at your fingertips. Summer amusements abound around Old Forge Pond, alongside Enchanted Forest Water Safari, New York’s largest water theme park with over 50 rides. Many boaters and anglers enjoy the waterways from Rivett’s Old Marina. There is no shortage of hikes, like Nicks Lake Loop Trail, Bald Mountain, and Gull Lake Trail, that also appeal to mountain bikers. Take the Adirondack Scenic Railroad on a train ride through the region from a historic depot. You can stay at Old Forge Camping Resort or find cheap rent for a vacation.

Saranac Lake

While popular towns often hike up the prices, Saranac Lake is an exception. One of the most aesthetically appealing towns in the Adirondacks is definitely budget friendly. Surrounded by lakes, ponds, and trails, there is so much to explore in the area. The Baker Mountain Trailhead offers magnificent views, while the Saranac Lake Islands Campground is a unique outdoor experience on a budget. Spin on the Adirondack Carousel and check out the thriving food scene, including the locally owned Blue Moon Cafe for family dinner or the 1892 Bar and Grille with friends. It is also worth dropping by a performance at Pendragon Theatre.

Saranac Lake, one of the best places to live according to the National Geographic Adventure Magazine, boasts many dreamlike qualities. With the Saranac River through the heart, take the fun river walk through the lively downtown district, browsing unique boutiques and cute cafes like Origin Coffee Co. Don't miss the Adirondack Artists Guild, for regional talent depicting natural beauty by those who made this place home and who even sell their creations downtown. Home to roughly 4,850, there are so many activities for residents and visitors alike, including the Winter Carnival, one of the oldest carnivals of its kind in the country.

Schroon Lake

Home to fewer than 1,000 residents, Schroon Lake is a small town that's big on Adirondack charm. Located in the southwest of the region, on its namesake lake's northwestern shore, the rural vibe inspires a real escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The 6-million-acre Adirondack Park boasts countless trails for all levels, like the Spectacle Pond trailhead across the shore. Schroon Lake is perfect for visiting families, where you don't have to venture far to enjoy the outdoors. Its public park and beach features something for everyone in between relaxation, like parasailing, fishing, water skiing, boating, and hiking. Schroon Lake residents are often avid snowmobilers. Many young professionals and retirees call Schroon Lake home. You can stay lakeside, with campsites, cabins, and motels, or local B&Bs. Endlessly calm and picturesque, the Seagle Festival hosts a number of performances every season. The lake's long shores sport fantastic foliage, with all-season trails, just a hop to places like Adirondack Rustics Gallery. Take your family out to dinner at Pitkins Restaurant or share a pie at DeCesare's Pizzeria. The town hosts the annual Adirondack Marathon in September, with a number of different running events.

Tupper Lake

Settled in the 19th century as a logging town, it really doesn't get more affordable today than Tupper Lake at the "Crossroads of the Adirondacks." Amid the rolling hills and mountains, you can really disconnect from the city life as you know it. This quaint community is full of character to explore in fresh mountain air. Centered around Tupper Lake, enjoy hiking, paddling, swimming, snowmobiling, and birdwatching. The fun Tupper Lake Triad is a year-round hiking challenge with great views of the Adirondacks and a fire tower. Browse its Adirondack aesthetic and local flavors through unique shops and restaurants. From souvenirs to fresh donuts, there are plenty of spots to relax downtown, like Raquette River Brewing. Families enjoy the Wild Center, a nature preserve, museum, and adventure park. With endless snow-covered forests and sparkling lakes, camping is a great option under some of the darkest skies in the Northeast for stargazing. The countryside turns into a real winter wonderland, with miles of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails.

The Takeaway

If the mountains are calling your name but you have a budget, consider these eight affordable destinations in the Adirondack Mountains for budget travelers. Home to lakeside escapes and mountain hamlets, each enticing you with authentic spirit to fill your days with adventures, chasing waterfalls, or rafting trips. From lush summertime hikes to fall foliage, find free all-season trails in Schroon Lake or the year-round Tupper Lake Triad. Exploring the Adirondack Mountains can be budget friendly without sacrificing the quality of their getaway and entertainment options. With many free outdoor activities, local dining, and price-sensitive lodging, it's easier than it sounds, sauntering in the evening along waterfront promenades and spending nights under starry skies.