8 Friendliest Towns to Visit in The Adirondack Mountains in 2024
The Adirondack Mountains, or Adirondacks, is home to Adirondack National Park, the largest national park in the mainland United States. Located in eastern upstate New York, the range features mountains, stunning lakes, and ample outdoor recreation activities, from boating to camping to skiing in the winter. It’s also home to several lovely towns: here are 8 of the friendliest towns in the Adirondacks to visit, no matter the season.
Inlet
Nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks, Inlet is a very small town along the Fulton Chain of lakes, on the shores of Fourth Lake. Its Arrowhead Park has a playground along with a beach that enjoys gorgeous sunsets over Fourth Lake, and is adjacent to many campgrounds. If mountains are more appealing than water, Black Bear Mountain is nearby. Stroll the streets for local handicrafts, tasty food, and excellent coffee- and enjoy the Fall Festival as well.
Old Forge
Old Forge is one of the most popular tourist towns in the Adirondacks, and for good reason. Its main street is several blocks of local artisan shops and restaurants, including the famous Old Forge General Store, an old-timey one-stop-shop for anything a tourist might need. Old Forge is also home to the Enchanted Forest and Water Safari, New York’s largest water park. The gateway to the Fulton Chain of Lakes, Old Forge is also home to the Fulton Chain Craft Brewery. Summer lovers can enjoy Paddlefest, an annual celebration of kayaks and canoes, and Winter lovers can come for snowmobiling and the Winter Carnival.
Lake Placid
Best known for hosting the Winter Olympics, Lake Placid, NY, offers a mix of outdoor recreation and classic culture. Check out the Olympic Center for a museum and a healthy dose of Olympic history in addition to ice skating. Mirror Lake, nearby, offers the perfect setting for water sports, and a short hike away is High Falls Gorge, which sports scenic views and waterfalls. Lake Placid is still a hub of activity: Ironman Lake Placid happens annually, and for the less athletic, there is also the Lake Placid Film Festival. Check out ample artisan shops and crafts as well as upscale boutiques to make your trip even more fun!
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake might be familiar: Saranac soda and beer is a local specialty made right here! This artsy, picturesque village on a lake is another hub of outdoor enjoyment in the Adirondacks, but with even more art. Take a spin on the Adirondack Carousel, a hand-carved carousel of horses. For more local wildlife, take a paddle on Lake Flower nearby. Want to learn? Take in the town’s history with tuberculosis treatment at the Saranac Laboratory Museum, or simply stroll the streets and talk to the local artists. Foodies rejoice as well- Saranac is a well-known restaurant haven with spots like Salt of the Earth Bistro. If you brave the cold, the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is the oldest winter carnival in the eastern U.S.
Tupper Lake
Tupper Lake, nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks, is a small town proximal to many natural attractions, as well as the Wild Center, a natural history museum with indoor and outdoor exhibits. Paddle around Raquette Pond or hike Mt. Arab and take in a view from an iconic fire tower. For the very athletic, there’s the Tinman Triathlon, and for the lumber-curious, there’s Woodsmen’s Days, a festival that celebrates the area’s logging heritage with competitions and demonstrations of different logging and chopping techniques. With a small center featuring artisan shops and local eateries, Tupper Lake is a must-see.
North Creek
Located near ski mecca Gore Mountain, North Creek is a town that, unlike most of its counterparts in this article, is mostly known for its winter sports and outdoor activities. Offering a lovely mixture of adventure and relaxation, North Creek also features the Depot Museum for history buffs who want to learn about the area’s railroad history. Those willing to take it further can also visit the Revolution Rail Company, an outdoor pedaling adventure on two rails that features scenery by way of an old rail line. North Creek Brew Fest is an annual celebration of local breweries perfect for any craft beer enthusiast nestled right on the Hudson River.
Speculator
In the southern Adirondacks, Speculator is a gateway of sorts: providing access to Lake Pleasant, Oak Mountain, and the Sacandaga River, it has ample opportunities to enjoy the best of nature. Every summer, Speculator offers the Music on the Point concert series to its public, overlooking the lake. It also routinely promotes hiking challenges and other celebrations of the natural beauty of the Adirondacks. Wander Speculator’s downtown to see local shops, restaurants, and more within easy strolls of each other.
Blue Mountain Lake
Blue Mountain Lake is a scenic village at the edge of Blue Mountain and nestled against Eagle Lake, making it a haven for outdoor lovers or even those who simply enjoy a good view. Home to the Adirondack Center for the Arts, there’s a constant rotation of robust arts programming, including concerts, theater, and workshops, and the town also sports the annual Antique Show and Sale. Dedicated to preserving its local history, Blue Mountain Lake is a tranquil getaway that really offers the best of the Adirondacks in one small town.
There are adorable small towns scattered across every region of the Adirondacks, each with their own blend of culture, entertainment, and appreciation for natural beauty. Whether it’s shops offering hand-carved wood statues or embroideries sporting the iconic wildlife of the area, it’s well worth a road trip through one of America’s biggest and best natural areas to enjoy the friendliness of small towns. There’s never been a better place for a family vacation, especially in the summer- just make sure you bring your hiking boots!
