These Towns in The Adirondack Mountains Come Alive in Spring
The Adirondacks awaken from the long winter slumber, unlike any other region in the US. After the big thaw in early spring, these New York towns and villages wear a pastel dress of timid greens with wildflowers. Saratoga Spa State Park boasts an outdoor amphitheater and mineral waters, while Wells is home to five nearby waterfalls and one of the region's best hiking trails, the Sacandaga River to Auger Falls.
Indian Lake, one of the least touristy towns, is a hotspot for whitewater rafters near the Hudson River. Lake Placid, the two-tile Winter Olympics host, may be the furthest town from New York City, but the fame extends into the present day, while the locals in Saranac Lake, a decidedly different town, enjoy the outdoors every waking minute in the spring's fresh mountain breath. With most attractions open, Saranac Lake's historic downtown illustrates its long history along the Walk of Fame and Adirondack Carousel.
Indian Lake
Serene and often overlooked, Indian Lake comes alive as one of the Adirondacks' most memorable towns in the spring. Nestled along the namesake lake, which feeds into the Indian River, the small town of just over 1,000 feels cozy with a walkable downtown and access to raft, hike, and bike in the surrounding mountain vistas. Charming yet rugged, Indian Lake is rightfully known as the "Whitewater Rafting Capital of New York State." Its outfitters are your best guides to get the most fun out of the stupendous scenery with Adirondac Rafting Co. or go exploring at your own will to the Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, Gore Mountain, and Blue Mountain Lake.
The "secret season" of early spring big thaw up to mid-May calls for serene hikes under the clear skies and great mountain biking once the trails dry out. No bugs, abundant wildlife, and sprouting leaves—the redbuds of the soft maples against the pale greens—create a subtle mountain atmosphere and pastel backdrop for the riot of mountain blooms like trilliums, daffodils, and apple blossoms. Indian Lake hosts a town-wide garage sale, the Whitewater Derby on the Hudson River, and the Blackfly Challenge Bike Race, while cabin rates are discounted late into June. For more special family memories, don't miss the Abanakee Studios.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid, a long-time beloved Adirondack village and host of the 1936 and 1980 Winter Olympics, just hosted the 2023 Winter World University Games. It would be odd if this stunning town, one of the most remote yet popular in the region, did not stay lively through spring. With cheaper rates to score a great stay along the lake perimeter, Lake Placid Lodge offers all-year-round activities, including horseback riding. Whiteface Lodge is a luxury spa resort with a heated pool, a skating rink, and a beautiful rustic interior design featured in HBO's Succession. Nestled on the northern tip of Adirondack Park between Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake, it is a launch pad for every taste of adventure, with attractions back in town like the Olympic Museum.
After a fresh morning stroll around Lake Placid, pack a picnic for a spellbinding hike to Whiteface Mountain Summit, Cobble Lookout, or the Indian Head, the three perpetual favorites at half the tourist capacity yet 100% epic scenery. Just ten minutes south, Adirondack Loj Road is one of the most scenic drives in the region, overlooking the High Peaks. Bring your two-wheeled friend along or rent one in town for some rigorous paddling to cover the 56-mile-long Iron Loop or leisurely against the gorgeous scenery of Cascade Lakes and the Ausable River. Mirror Lake Inn is another gorgeous resort and spa retreat overlooking the sensational Mirror Lake, with one of the town's best restaurants.
Saranac Lake
Decidedly adventurous, Saranac Lake is a town unlike any other, inviting visitors to create, relax, and play lakeside or in the surrounding mountains. Located smack-dab in the heart of the Adirondack Region, springtime envelops you in a rejuvenating embrace on any adventure. Stretch your legs along low-elevation hiking trails or the newly paved section of the Adirondack Rail Trail amid blooming wildflowers and trees sprouting greenery. Saranac Lake encourages you to spend a vacation trying new things, whether that be new adventures, world-class menus, or attractions like the Adirondack Scenic Railroad.
Home to just under 5,000 people, no one stays inside here, even during early spring, even if it is just a leisurely stroll along the Riverwalk or lounging lakeside. Its "different kind of downtown," rich in history, is illustrated along the Walk of Fame and Adirondack Carousel. Infusing nature with year-round live music fosters an atmosphere where people can mingle. From innovative eateries to galleries and shops, don't miss the Pendragon Theatre. Among cultural and arts events, there is the unique "Bug Crawl" for kids and kids-at-heart around the village's natural wonders.
Saratoga Springs
From its renowned horse racing track and college atmosphere to world-class dining and spas, Saratoga Springs is an Adirondacks town that never sleeps, and we haven't even gotten to its natural wonders yet! Home to a beautiful Saratoga Lake and eponymous springs with refreshing mineral waters throughout the area, it truly is a year-round create-your-own-adventure destination or a relaxation itinerary where one doesn't have to go without the other. Arguably the most popular and longest-loved attraction, Saratoga Race Track, the fourth-oldest in the US, with races from mid-July to early September, is worth just seeing this icon in the spring.
NY's treasured gem, Saratoga Spa State Park, unites culture, spa treatments, and natural springs, where Roosevelt Baths & Spa offers mineral baths, massages, and other spa treatments. The park's Saratoga Performing Arts Center, a spectacular outdoor amphitheater, is home to the New York City Ballet, where famous touring artists love performing. For gastronomical adventures, try Iberian food and drinks at Boca Bistro, or go for the chicken wings to wash down with a local brew at Nostalgia Ale House & Wine Bar overlooking Saratoga Lake. The historic Adelphi Hotel is a great stay with a top-notch bar, while Caffe Lena will get you the next morning in a cozy atmosphere over live music.
Upper Jay
Located in the Whiteface Region of the Adirondacks in New York, Upper Jay nestles between the impressive Ausable River, known for its award-winning catch, and the towering Adirondack Mountains. From the pristine riverside stroll to the adventurous trek up Whiteface Mountain, minutes away, the town of foothills epitomizes the untouched outdoors, particularly in the wake of spring. Take a discovery paddle along a variety of winding scenic flats, easy enough for kids to drift along, or mix it up with rough switches and other challenging mountain terrain. The beautiful waterfall at the High Falls Gorge is open until March 26 this year, while the historic Jay Covered Bridge is a photogenic year-round way to experience the last covered bridge in the Adirondacks!
The trails start right in town, ranging in difficulty from a morning leisure walk to a sightseeing hike, clambering, and multi-day ventures. The Sugar House Creamery is a must-stop for a delicious assortment of cheeses, baked goods, and seasonal treats to pack for a picnic. It has two cozy accommodations onsite for sound sleep in a farm-like atmosphere and something delicious in the morning in the company of sheep and cows, which kids adore. Recovery Lounge features music, plays, readings, and artwork as a local favorite snitch for great entertainment, while the infamous Upper Jay Art Center instills a feel of magic during its unique performances, live music, and even a clown workshop. Don't miss the Twisted Raven, Rudy’s Scar Bar and Grille, or the 20 Main for a spring evening of entertainment over grub and cold drinks!
Wells
Wells is a cozy and memorable town right on NY-30, along Lake Algonquin, with a pristine forest on the other side. The region would not be the same without its best access to some of the best hikes and waterfalls in the Adirondacks, with five around Wells, part of the Heart of the Adirondacks Waterfall Challenge. Griffin Falls, East Jimmy Creek Falls, Falls on the West Branch and Cold Brook, Tenant Creek, and Austin Falls comprise a fun and adventurous hunt for a family or group of friends over invigorative hiking followed by blissful breaks to soak up the cascading beauties.
One of the most famous and unique hikes, the Sacandaga River to Auger Falls, is a 1.3-mile, relaxed, well-marked trail through lush forestland. Sloping riverside, be mindful of your footing to safely enjoy the relaxing view of Auger Falls. Wells' historic downtown area in the midst of a revival means more innovative eateries and shiny attractions downtown among the long-beloved cafes, a historic country store, and lakeside views. Its public beach on the shore of Lake Algonquin offers boating, kayaking, and fishing, as well as summer cottages. Find cabins in the woods, and if the chill evenings don't scare you—crowdless campgrounds!
Westport
Located on the Adirondack Coast in between the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain, the town of Westport can take your Adirondack getaway to the next level. In the springtime, join the crowdless, revered lakeside lifestyle of some 1,385 locals with good coffee and farm-to-table breakfast before hiking, boating, biking, and fine lakeside dining afterward. From exquisite and down-to-earth accommodations to cottages by the lake and cabins in the woods, there is camping like Camp Dudley, golfing, shopping, and the arts. With great access to water sports and mountaineering, the burning question is: mountains or the sea?
In this charming lakeside town, right on Lake Champlain's North West Bay across from Vermont, you don't have to choose! Abundant in natural beauty, the mountains, valleys, rivers, and gorges nearby offer every kind of adventure. Accessible via Amtrak, interstate, ferry, bridge, and two airports, it combines the best of the two worlds with fresh local seafood, maritime history along the waterfront, peaceful streets where time stands still around historical sites, as well as modern gear shops. So choose between Champlain Area Trails and Split Rock Mountain, and don't miss Westport Marina Inc.
Spring, the season of new life, inspires a real getaway to explore the haven of pristine wilderness that the fresh-faced Adirondacks are. Westport and Upper Jay are wonderful in that the first town on the Adirondack Coast along Lake Champlain combines seafaring delights with mountaineering. Upper Jay, minutes from Whiteface Mountain, is home to the historic Jay Covered Bridge, a photogenic year-round opportunity to enjoy the last covered bridge in the Adirondacks!
Coming alive with the vibrant neon green of budding oak, red maple buds, birch and hickory trees, and pink apple blossoms, the flower carpet below features bunchberry, wild columbine, and pink lady’s slipper. Springtime may as well be the best season to discover the Adirondacks without crowds in vivid scenery under the clear blue skies, with the best temperatures for hikes and discounted stays at the hotels.
