8 Best Small Towns in the Adirondack Mountains For A Weekend Escape
The Adirondack Mountains roll through the Northeastern portion of the state of New York. The pure mountain air, plethora of lakes, and endless sprawling forests offer a respite from the concrete and chaos of the bigger cities to the South. If it has been an arduous work week, or if you are simply in the mood for a spontaneous adventure, then blow that popsicle stand and retreat to this haven of Upstate New York for the weekend. There are lots of cool places to choose from that offer a range of outdoor activities, social events, or good old fashioned solitude. Take your pick (or combine multiple locations) from any of the following small mountain towns, country towns, lake towns, ski resorts, still villages, and historic settlements.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid is one of the oldest vacation destinations in the country, and is still every bit as deserving of a weekend retreat. The Olympic Village packs lots of accommodation and entertainment options into a modest area, while the titular lake, Mirror Lake, and the surrounding wilderness opens the door to all kinds of recreation, or room to relax in nature. The tranquil, 122-acre Mirror Lake does not allow motorized boats, making it an ideal place for paddle sports or swimming, and in the winter, the community maintains a skating path around the perimeter. The substantially larger Lake Placid, on the other hand, plunges adventurers deeper into the frontier of the Adirondack High Peaks (with Whiteface Mountain, one of the premier ski resorts in the country, looming in the background).
Saranac Lake
The village of Saranac Lake, though situated on Lake Flower (where it meets the paddler's paradise Saranac River), is named after the nearby Saranac Lake(s), which fractures into an Upper, Middle, and Lower portion. The combination of fresh mountain air and pristine glacial lakes is so restorative that this community was once hailed as a wellness retreat for those suffering with tuberculosis. Some of the "cure cottages" from the late 1800s can still be seen today. While that era has thankfully passed, it is still obvious why Saranac Lake makes for a rejuvenating getaway. The cute downtown core will whisk away the afternoon, and the four-season natural beauty always has something new to offer. While you can't beat a summer's day at the lake (take your pick, there are several!), the 120-year-long-running Winter Carnival, complete with a massive Ice Palace on the shore of Lake Flower, may just steal the show.
Ticonderoga
This Essex County town sits between the Northern tip of Lake George and the Southern portion of Lake Champlain – joined together by the waterfall-blessed La Chute River. Ticonderoga is therefore no exception to the streak of beautiful lake towns in the Adirondacks, but there are a few unique stand outs to boot. The French-made Fort Ticonderoga awaits all history buffs. This 18th Century facility puts on live reenactments, engaging tours, and general admission includes access to Mount Defiance, whose summit affords lovely views of the fort and the adjacent Lake Champlain. Continue to stroll down back in time by visiting the Ticonderoga Heritage Museum and the Hancock House, before injecting a little romance into the weekend by visiting the Ticonderoga Bridge, better known as the "Kissing Bridge." And finally, no trip to the shores of Lake Champlain is complete without letting the imagination run wild for at least a few moments as you scan the long body of water for "Champ" (i.e. America's version of the Loch Ness Monster).
Lake George
At the Southern tip of Lake George, less than an hour's drive from Ticonderoga, the Village of Lake George will complete a perfect weekend road trip combo. As always, the lake is the money-maker, and this 32-mile-long, 3-mile-wide beauty has earned the designation, "Queen of the American Lakes." In total, there are 186 islands spread across the rich blue surface, inviting boaters to hop around for a day of fun exploration, or outdoor lovers to set up camp on one of the 154 that allow for overnight stays. But between the vintage beach-town vibes, mom n' pop establishments, and evening festivities, visitors may be more than happy to simply kick back for the weekend and enjoy what the community has to offer.
Tupper Lake
Another cozy, quirky community to add to the itinerary is the Franklin County village of Tupper Lake. Immediate access to the Northern end of the lake by the same name is a big win, but so is the town's character and fun-loving nature that has sprouted as a welcoming compliment. A 50's diner, craft brewery, top-tier donuts and ice cream, and interesting artisanal shops will tempt tourists away from the shore. A little further inland, lots of family thrills and giggles can be had above the scenic treeline at The Wild Center. And when the sun sets, make your way towards the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory to have your mind blown by the brilliant night sky, aided by the altitude and high-powered telescopes, and unimpeded by that pesky, big-city light pollution.
Speculator
This tiny village (population of 406 as of the 2020 census) in Hamilton County is self-proclaimed (but accurately so) as an "all season vacationland." Sitting on the Northeast shore of Lake Pleasant, just North of Speculator Mountain, and just South of Oak Mountain Ski Center, this tranquil, yet active community has a lot to offer. Depending on the time of year, hit the slopes, cast a line (weather straight into the water or through the ice), enjoy the transient foliage, hike or bike the blazed routes (especially the loop the Auger Falls and Kunjamuk Cave), or jump on a snowmobile and zip through some of the 750-miles worth of groomed trails. Otherwise, enjoy the relaxed place of a countryside community.
Wells
All is well in the adjacent Hamilton County town of Wells. And since it is only a 15-minute drive Southeast of Speculator, these two can offer another easy, multi-destination weekend tour. Located on the Eastern shore of the minute Lake Algonquin, Wells continues the trend of wholesome country living. There are amiable cafes, a quintessential general store, charming cottages, and gorgeous surrounding forests that breathe life in the spring/summer, paint a mosaic in the fall, and meditate patiently in the winter. But, as always in the Adirondacks, the soothing presence of the local lake is really what will set the tone for a worry-free weekend in Wells.
Long Lake
Hamilton County is a magnet for prime, low-key weekend-vacation spots. The sub-1,000 permanent resident town of Long Lake is nestled on the Southeastern shore of the 14-mile-long, half-mile-wide lake of the same name – only about a half-hour drive South of Tupper Lake, or an hour North of Speculator. This whole region has one of the lowest population densities in the entire country, and so it makes for one of the best weekend outings to reconnect with nature. Long Lake is special in that it allows for seaplane activity – a truly memorable excursion that gives tourists a sense of the entire Adirondack Experience Region. Next up, get acquainted with the lake's ins and outs by paddling at least a small part of the 740-mile-long Northern Forest Canoe Trail (of which Long Lake contributes its scenic share). And to complete an exploratory trifecta, lace up the shoes and go for a hike up to Owl's Head Mountain and Fire Lookout for a little boost of oxygen (courtesy of the carpet of evergreens), and even more inspiring views.
A weekend road trip through the Adirondacks can be just what the doctor ordered (sometimes literally). Ditch the traffic, change the scenery, and refresh the spirit in this memorable mountain setting. There are enough satisfying small towns scattered throughout to keep tourists busy for numerous escapes into nature. The lakes shine in the summer, the slopes sparkle in winter, the forests strut their various outfits across the shoulder seasons, and the people are always laid-back and ready to welcome whoever happens to pass on through.
