The Most Picturesque Small Towns In The Adirondack Mountains
Home to more than 2,000 miles of trails, 1,200 miles of rivers, and over 3,000 lakes and ponds, the Adirondack Mountains' beauty is endless. This breathtaking scenery, located in New York, draws in over seven million visitors annually, enticing them to immerse themselves in its natural beauty and explore its rich history and culture. Amid approximately 100 towns in the area, choosing where to visit can be daunting. However, regardless of interests, the following six towns promise enjoyable experiences for all travelers.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid, with a small population and lots of natural beauty, is a great place to relax and disconnect. The Adirondack Rail Trail is a good starting point, featuring 34 miles of trail for hiking, biking, birdwatching, and even cross-country skiing in the winter months. Lucky travelers may even spot native wildlife along the trail, such as moose, white-tailed deer, and bears! Golfers will also find Lake Placid a paradise, with a rich golfing heritage dating back to the 1800s and seven gorgeous golf courses to choose from.
Prefer a more mellow vacation? Lake Placid boasts a variety of vibrant spas and resorts, many offering unique spa packages, including a local favorite: maple scrubs! Farm-to-table dining options are also abundant, meaning that a great meal is just around the corner. Top of the Park, for example, on Main Street, has incredible panoramic views of the Adirondacks and mouthwatering food to savor.
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake has a creative, eclectic energy that makes it a fascinating town to visit. Art galleries, bookshops, florists, boutiques, and antique shops line the town’s streets. Cozy coffee shops abound, such as Origin Coffee and Blue Moon Cafe. Art hunting around town is a fun activity as well, as murals, sidewalk art, and sculptures hide throughout! Looking for a memorable night out? Check out Pendragon Theatre’s calendar, full of plays and performing arts events on show.
Hikers also have many options near Saranac Lake. The Western High Peaks features four rugged mountains over 4,000 feet-- the hiking trails are unmarked and not regularly maintained, making for a bit of a difficult hike. However, the views at the top are well worth it! On the other hand, Rock Pond is an outdoor option great for families, with paddling and fishing opportunities and a trail just under a mile long.
Bolton Landing
From cruises to hiking to shopping, Bolton Landing has an attraction for every type of traveler. Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced hiker, the rich variety of trails promises a hike perfect for your level. Godwin Preserve, The Pinnacle Preserve, and Amy’s Park are just a few of the parks and reserves boasting gorgeous nature trails. Those itching to get out on the water can also enjoy sailing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, or even a steamboat cruise. Golfers will be impressed by Bolton Landing's array of pristine golf courses as well, such as The Sagamore, built in 1928, designed by Donald Ross, and offering views of Lake George while swinging.
Travelers can also learn about the town’s history by visiting the Bolton Historical Museum, which showcases historical collections and artifacts that excellently portray Bolton’s past. Looking for a sweet treat or souvenir? Check out one of Bolton’s clothing boutiques, gift shops, bookstores, candy shops, and antique stores, among other unique shopping spots!
Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga is rich in history, having once been controlled by the French and the British before the Revolutionary War. Visiting the historic fort in town, travelers can appreciate living history through reenactment programs such as weapons demonstrations, shoemaking, maritime trades, and more. Climbing Mount Defiance, history enthusiasts can marvel at Ticonderoga’s landscape from above, imagining the epic battles that happened below.
The town also offers boat cruises, which dive into Lake Champlain’s maritime heritage and military past while appreciating beautiful views of the water. King’s Garden is another Ticonderoga staple, featuring six acres of heritage flowers filled with colonial and Revolutionary War history.
Old Forge
With summer in full action, Old Forge is a beautiful mountain town perfect for a scenic escape. Travelers can hop on the Adirondack Railroad, operating since 1992, and enjoy a round trip ride filled with gorgeous, lush forests and thriving wildlife. For families, the Enchanted Forest Water Safari is one of New York State’s biggest water theme parks, hosting over 30 water rides and 50 attractions!
The Strand Theater is an interesting place to spend an afternoon, being a 101-year-old theater in town that continues functioning and showing contemporary films. After catching one of the theater’s movies, visitors can stop by the Fulton Chain Craft Brewery, which has ten delicious beers on tap, made with local ingredients and founded in 2014. Nature lovers will also enjoy the opportunity to kayak down Moose River or take part in a cruise along the nearby Stillwater Reservoir.
Schroon Lake
Schroon Lake is named after the gorgeous lake it sits along, offering pristine beaches, swimming areas, and hiking trails nearby. The Schroon Lake Town Beach, for example, is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon, with plenty of space to swim, dive, have picnics, and a playground for the kids.
Adventurers will love the hike up Mount Severance, which reaches 1,693 feet tall and boasts incredible panoramic views at the top. Spectacle Pond is yet another hike that features pond, stream, and mountain views as well as places to paddle, fish, and camp. History lovers will enjoy a trip to the Schroon-North Hudson Historical Society, where they can view artifacts and historical records from the town’s fascinating past.
Final Thoughts
Although perhaps lesser known than other mountain ranges in the United States, the Adirondacks have a unique beauty that is well worth exploring. Spanning over 100 towns, each with its own vibrant culture and heritage, destinations like Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Bolton Landing, Ticonderoga, Old Forge, and Schroon Lake promise diverse and enriching experiences for travelers of all interests. Whether exploring historic sites, enjoying outdoor adventures, or simply savoring the serene surroundings, these towns offer the perfect escape into the heart of the Adirondacks.
