8 Slow-Paced Towns to Visit in The Adirondack Mountains

Every year vacationers flock to the Adirondack Mountains in New York and it's no wonder why. The Adirondacks offer breathtaking scenery with mountains, lush forests, winding rivers, and serene lakes. While towns like Lake George Village and Lake Placid get a lot of attention, the smaller towns in the Adirondacks are slower paced and offer the quiet appeal of lake-life. Other towns such as Wells are a natural paradise for hikers. So, sit back and relax as we explore these eight slow-paced towns in the Adirondack Mountains to add to your bucket list.

Newcomb

One of the most scenic towns to visit in the Adirondack mountains is Newcomb. This small town sits in Essex County and is home to the beautiful Santanoni Preserve. This covers 13,000 acres of the state’s Adirondack Forest Reserve. On the preserve explore the Camp Santanoni Historic Area. Dating back to the late 1890s, the preserve has a historic main lodge, exhibits at a gate lodge, and a farm with barn ruins to explore.

Newcomb is also home to Lake Harris, a relaxing campground with plenty of recreational opportunities. The town's Visitor Interpretive Center and Goodnow Mountain are great places for an afternoon hike. Goodnow Mountain has a fire tower at it's summit which offers a great view of the highpeaks and town. A short drive from Newcomb is the old mining town Tahwaus which has turned into a ghost town today. Explore the vacant buildings and transport yourself back in time.

Wells

Wells is a quiet mountain town in the Southern Adirondack Mountains, perfect for a quiet weekend escape. The small town has exceptional hiking and biking trails. One of the most scenic trails is the Auger Falls Loop. The 1.3 mile trail takes visitors along the Sacandaga River through the Siamese Ponds Wilderness to see waterfalls tumbling in a gorge. East Jimmy Creek Falls is another scenic trail with stunning views.

In the winter check out the groomed snowmobiling trails that connect Wells to Morehouse. Wells is also home to the unique Adirondack-Sacandaga River Sculpture Park. This park features the work from sculptor John Van Alstine and is amazing to visit in the fall. The changing leaves provide a beautiful backsplash of color against the sculptures.

North Creek

North Creek is an often overlooked, sleepy town with a thriving downtown and year-round recreational opportunities. The town is home to Gore Mountain, one of the best skiing locations in the Adirondacks. It features 14+ miles of trails through lush forests and is also a good place to go mountain biking.

In the summer months, enjoy scenic views by gondola. North Creek has 8-passenger gondolas that sweep over highpeaks and through forests. Downtown, check out the North Creek Mosaic Project, a fantastic community art project around a scenic walking area. North Creek Depot Museum is a great museum to learn about the town's railroad history. This is also the famed spot where Teddy Roosevelt learned he became president.

Stony Creek

Stony Creek is a small town full of scenic rivers, mountains, and quaint streets. The town is a great alternative to busy places such as Lake Placid and Lake George. Take in the natural scenery at John T. O’Neill Green Meadows Park. Stony Creek also has accessible trails such as the Dean Farm Heritage Trail which winds through wetlands, forest and fields. The trail starts at Stony Creek Inn, a great place to stop for a snack to fuel up. Tavern 16 is another local favorite spot for a good meal. In town, check out the Dean Homestead Museum. The museum tells local history and has artifacts from the Dean family.

Long Lake

Nestled in the heart of Adirondack Park, Long Lake is the ideal town for those who love a relaxed lake life. With ample opportunities for boating and fishing, it's a water lover's paradise. Known for its stunning fall foliage, Long Lake offers some of the best views in the Adirondacks. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore scenic hikes like the 6.3-mile trail up Owl's Head Mountain, which winds through the Sargent Ponds Wild Forest.

Another popular spot is Buttermilk Falls, a short hike along the Raquette River with swimming holes and a picnic area. After a day of adventure, take a swim at Long Lake Beach. In winter, Mt. Sabattis Recreation Area offers sledding and ice skating for year-round fun.

Keene

Keene is a small historic town that sits peacefully along the Ausable River. It is home to Mount Marcy, the highest mountain in the Adirondacks with an elevation around 5,343 feet. Outdoor adventurers will love the variety of activities in Keene. There is everything from snowshoeing to hiking and biking in town. The town offers easy access to Baxter Mountain, which can be explored on a 2.9 mile trail.

Keene is also 20 minutes from the famous Lake Placid, making it only a day trip away. It has many quaint shops and eateries to check out. Cedar Run Bakery & Market is an amazing local bakery where you can find pantry staples, snacks, hard-to-find foods, and household items. East Branch Organics is another unique place that has everything from organic flowers to craft beers. In summer, visit The Keene Farmers Market to shop local vendors. And, don't miss the Dartbook Rustic Goods, this furniture shop has been making furniture since the 1920s.

Crown Point

For a taste of history in a peaceful Adirondack town, visit Crown Point, located on the shores of scenic Lake Champlain. The Lake Champlain Bridge offers stunning views, especially at sunrise or sunset. While you're by the water, be sure to visit the historic Lake Champlain Lighthouse.

Crown Point is rich in unique history, with several notable landmarks to explore. The Crown Point State Historic Site, a former British fortress from the 1700s, showcases military engineering from the Revolutionary War. For a deeper dive into local history, stop by the Penfield Homestead Museum.

Ticonderoga

Another historic slow-paced town in the Adirondacks is Ticonderoga. The town is home to some of the mountains most historic sites including King's Garden, The Hancock House, and Fort Ticonderoga. Star Trek fans will be happy to know Ticonderoga is home to the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour. Stop at the Ticonderoga Heritage Museum for an overview of the area's unique history. Beyond history, the town has stunning natural landscapes. Walk along La Chute River to see a gorgeous waterfall. In the summer, visit the local favorite spot Wind-Chill Factory to cool off with some local ice-cream.

Overall, these are some of the Adirondack's most slow-paced towns. The combination of historic attractions, natural beauty, and local culture make them an appealing destination for everyone. History buffs will love the historic sites at Ticonderoga and Crown Point. Outdoor adventure seekers will never be bored in Wells and North Creek. Whether you are looking to take a road trip for a few days or a week vacation, these eight towns are the best places to escape the hustle and bustle. They are a place you can unwind and relax in the serene landscape of a slow-paced town.