8 Top-Rated Small Towns In The Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondacks are a large mountain range found in the northeastern part of New York. This range is distinct from its sibling ranges like the Rockies and the Appalachians. Instead of being an elongated range, the Adirondacks form a circular dome, about 160 miles wide and 1 mile high.
Inside the range, the Adirondack Park, established in 1892, is the largest publicly protected area in the mainland United States, covering close to six million acres.
For many years, New York State has worked to keep the wilderness of the area intact, and the state constitution reads that Forest Preserves 'shall be forever kept as wild forest lands.'
With all this untamed, wild beauty remaining in the area, there are also superb towns to visit and experience. These eight towns are some of the best, top-rated towns in the Adirondack Mountains.
Saranac Lake
On a sunny, clear day, the blue sky and the forested hills reflect off the clear waters surrounding the town of Saranac Lake.
Due to its clean, crisp air, the area gained popularity as a wellness destination in the late 19th century. It became known for its fresh mountain air and attracted people seeking treatment for tuberculosis.
The downtown core of Saranac Lake is a collection of rustic brown brick structures, highlighted by the iconic clock tower towering over city hall, accented with bold concrete columns at its entrance.
If you like hiking, get ready for a real challenge. Visitors can take on the challenge of becoming a 'Saranac Lake 6er' by conquering six specific peaks.
These peaks include McKenzie, Ampersand, Scarface, St. Regis, Haystack, and Baker. Completing all six earns hikers the esteemed title of a Saranac Lake 6er.
When the winter comes and snow covers the area, stop in town to see one of the oldest winter carnivals in the United States. Dating back to 1897, the festival has impressive ice palaces, parades, and even some hot chocolate to relax outside with.
If you need a place to stay, the upscale Hotel Saranac stands boldly with its redbrick exterior. Not only is it right in the middle of town, but the hotel gives visitors views of the nearby mountains.
Lake Placid
Only about 2,220 people live in Lake Placid, but its name is famous worldwide.
The town has held the Winter Olympics twice, first in 1932 and again in 1980. The latter was home to the 'Miracle on Ice,' when the men's hockey team from the USA defeated the heavy favorites from the Soviet Union.
If you feel like walking by the water, the town is located near several stunning lakes, including the eponymous Lake Placid.
The Olympic Center stands as a central hub in the village, hosting the rink where the iconic 'Miracle on Ice' game unfolded. It also houses the Olympic Museum, offering a look at the history associated with the Olympics.
As you might expect, there is a ton of exciting winter sports. You can try skiing and snowboarding on the hills, maybe go skating, or even get adventurous and try bobsledding.
Right in Olympic Village, Crowne Plaza Lake Placid is a lodge-style resort with a restaurant and bar built in. There's also a gym, tennis court, and pool, so you might not even want to leave the hotel!
Speculator
Right along the shores of Lake Pleasant, Speculator offers visitors a year-round location to enjoy the outdoors.
Not far from town is the enigmatic Kunjamuk Cave. Locals are not sure if it is man-made, giving the site a bit of mystery. If you want to check it out for yourself, follow the directions on Elm Lake Road and look for the signs.
Moffit Beach lies on the edges of Sacandaga Lake, with large white pines lining the backdrop. Hundreds of campsites are available, so you can relax in your tent by the lake or hit the water to boat or fish during the day.
Those are all good summer options, but remember, Speculator attracts visitors for winter sports, too, like snowmobiling and skiing.
Less than 10 minutes from town, Oak Mountain Ski Center has about 230 acres of skier and rider-accessible terrain. The mountain has 22 alpine trails, so there is a good variety for each ride down the hill. The mountain even has spots for non-skiers to venture out in snowshoes.
For something comfortable and affordable, Liberty Inn by the Lake is right in the heart of town. It has all the amenities. Just look for the Moose Sign!
Au Sable Forks
Right where the east and west branches of the Ausable River meet, around 500 people call this peaceful community home.
The name comes from the French language, meaning 'at the sand, ' alluding to the sandy riverbed of the riverside.
The town has a fun collection of mom-and-pop stores. You can fill up eating wedge fries at Lance's Place Pizza Kitchen or have some rowdy amusement at an authentic Adirondack tavern at 20 Main. 20 Main offers a venue where you can enjoy a variety of live music performances all year round.
The best time to come to Au Sable Forks is in the winter when the surrounding mountains get blanketed with snow.
Only a 30-minute drive away is Whiteface Mountain, with 96 trails and 12 high-speed lifts. It is a great place to take the whole family, with a variety of skill levels for every skier or snowboarder.
For a hotel conveniently situated near both the mountain and Au Sable Forks, consider the Hungry Trout Resort. It is approximately a 15-minute drive from both locations, making it an excellent base for exploring the town and hitting the ski hill.
Long Lake
Right near the center of the Adirondack Park, Long Lake has the unwavering beauty of the wilderness at its back. Forests, mountains, and lakes are all a short distance away. In other words, this town is perfect for any outdoorsman.
Long Lake is home to the Adirondack Experience, and while it is called a museum, that might be unselling it. The massive site is found on 121 acres of land, with 24 galleries and historical buildings. It is not just a museum; it is an experience.
If you like flying, Long Lake offers a remarkable opportunity for seaplane enthusiasts. The town has a seaplane base, and visitors can take scenic seaplane rides to take in the breathtaking views of the Adirondack landscape from way, way above.
For something on the water instead of up in the air, the WW Durant is a historic steamboat and a replica of the original steamboats from the region's waterways. The boat offers narrated boat tours, including scenic and themed dinner cruises.
It might be obvious from the name, but the Adirondack Hotel On Long Lake lies right on the lakeside. With Long Lake Town Beach around the corner, it is a perfect place to stay while in town.
Wells
The small, peaceful town is found in the far southeast of the Adirondacks, just over an hour north of Albany.
With five nearby waterfalls, Wells is perfect for tackling the Adirondacks Waterfall Challenge.
On the Adirondack Experience Waterfall Challenge app, each waterfall in the area is assigned a point rating. After you get 12 points, you can get a commemorative Hamilton County waterfall patch as a token of your accomplishment.
Wells produces some of the best events in the area. In August, they hold the Old Home Days Festival. So, if you're in the mood for carnival rides and great food, make sure to check it out.
When it gets cold here, it gets really cold. In the winter, Lake Algonquin freezes up hard enough that car and motorcycle racing is held on the ice. At the town's Ice Races on Lake Algonquin, a variety of vehicles join the ride, ranging from stock sportsmen to motorcycle races.
Only 15 minutes north of town, Lake Pleasant Lodge lies right along the beautiful shores of the lake and is the perfect gateway to tackle the surrounding area.
Wilmington
Wilmington's settler history traces back almost 200 years ago when pioneers found a piece of land to call home. Since then, it has gone from a small farming village to an all-year resort town.
The majority of the town, 62 percent in fact, is a State Forest Preserve, with tall trees creating an idyllic border to the edges of Wilmington.
For some Christmas magic, the North Pole, a children's theme park, lies just north of town. The park has been a part of American culture for many years and is seen as one of the earliest theme parks in the country.
The town also has Whiteface Mountain right nearby, which is the fifth-highest mountain in the state and was where the 1980 Olympic downhill ski races took place.d view of the area,
The peak of Whiteface Mountain gives an unmatched view of the area and can only be reached using the Whiteface Memorial Highway, which begins in the heart of Wilmington.
For a comfortable stay in town, Cadence Lodge at Whiteface is only 4 miles from the Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort and has all the amenities you need for a pleasant stay.
Elizabethtown
This town was first settled by Revolutionary War Veterans in 1792. Elizabethtown is located over in Essex County, only 20 minutes from the border with Vermont.
The town is by the High Peaks Scenic Byway, a drive that weaves through the Adirondack Mountains. If you're in town with a car, take half a take to explore it. You'll get some great views in return.
Elizabeth is home to the Adirondack History Center Museum in Elizabethtown, which teaches the history of the Adirondack region.
With over 6,000 artifacts, documents, and pieces of art, it dives into 200 years of life in Essex County.
When you visit, you can check out exhibits explaining things like the natural environment, cultural heritage, and the specific challenges faced by people living in this part of New York.
The Deers Head Inn is a historic town establishment and has welcomed guests since the 1800s. Even after over 100 years, people are still having a great time and enjoying live music.
The Adirondack Mountains do not cut across the continent like the Rockies. Instead, their beauty is concentrated in a smaller space, ensuring accessible options are always just a short drive away.
Despite the fact the area is only 3 to 4 hours from the heavily populated Eastern Seaboard, the Adirondacks feel like a hidden or unknown treasure.
Each town on this list brings something unique and vital to the local area, from Olympic legacies to crystal-clear lakeshores. It is also a winter paradise, with ski lodges accessible to the majority of towns.
The region stands as a testament to wildlife preservation and how we, as people, can work and fight to keep the outdoors alive and well.
So, when you come to the Adirondacks, take a second to breathe in that fresh mountain air and appreciate what is around you.
