Different regions have different things to offer our residents in New York, but there’s simply no denying the fact that our Adirondack Mountains are home to an abundance of amazing towns. Surrounded by unbelievable landscapes and full of attractions that you won’t find in other areas of our state, there’s so much to see in this region and never enough time to enjoy it all. With spring right around the corner now is the perfect time to start planning a weekend away, and this list of towns will be a great inspiration to you!

In no particular order, here are some of the best Adirondack towns that you can find hidden away within our beautiful mountains.

1. Speculator
JoshRochesterNY/TripAdvisor
A quiet town to visit in the Adirondacks, adventurers interested in enjoying a slow-paced weekend away from it all will love Speculator. The town has wonderful places to camp at spots like Moffitt Beach and also provides you with the option to stretch your legs at the Oak Mountain Ski Center! Set right in the middle of our Adirondack wilderness areas, this might be our favorite place to visit in Hamilton County. While you're there, be sure to check out Mini Route 66, a must-visit attraction in small-town New York.
2. Lake Placid
Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
Lake Placid ADK/Facebook
The tiny town that holds all of New York's Olympic history, Lake Placid has hosted the Winter Olympics both in 1932 and 1980. The town is full of award-winning hotels, restaurants, delicious eateries and historic attractions that generations of New Yorkers have long been enjoying. Surrounded by our High Peaks and full of waterfront views, Lake Placid has everything you could possibly need for a relaxing weekend getaway in New York.
3. North Creek
North Creek, NY 12853, USA
PilotGirl/Flickr
In 2017 North Creek found itself with a flood of visitors after the town became home to a new outdoor attraction -
4. Old Forge
Old Forge, NY, USA
Old Forge Visitors Information Center/Facebook
Located out in Herkimer County, Old Forge is an especially great town to visit if you're looking to take a family getaway. The town is home to one of America's best water parks - Enchanted Forest Water Safari, has its own covered bridge and is a great destination that lets you get out on the water through their local cruises. A note to our hikers who are looking for something rewarding (with a fire tower) but aren't interested in our High Peaks, check out Bald Mountain while you're in the area! Without a doubt, Old Forge is one of the best Adirondack towns to visit.
5. Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake, NY, USA
Saranac Lake ADK/Facebook
A little town that comes to life during the winter, people from all over the place flock to Saranac Lake to enjoy their annual winter carnival and ice palace. The small town has its own community store and you'll be able to find plenty of cozy and historic places where you can book a weekend stay. In fact, Saranac Lake might just be the most peaceful small town in New York.
6. Elizabethtown
Elizabethtown, NY 12932, USA
Karl Stanton/Flickr
Another scenic town in Essex County, Elizabethtown has just over 1,000 residents. A small slice of the Adirondacks, one of the region's most beautiful waterfalls can be found here just off of Route 9 along the Bouquet River. A popular place to cool off, Split Rock Falls has a beautiful pool at the base of its falls that makes for an unforgettably relaxed place to just wade in the water. It's a scenic New York town in the middle of nowhere that's absolutely worth the trip.

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7. Long Lake
Long Lake, NY 12847, USA
RKGHM/TripAdvisor
If you haven't already noticed, one of the best things about our Adirondack towns is that so many of them sit along the shores of beautiful lakes and bodies of water. One of the most delightful towns that you can relax in, those who want to see what this place is all about should spend the night at the historic Adirondack Hotel. Giving you more time to explore the area, you can see natural beauty when visiting places like Buttermilk Falls or enjoy a quirky shopping experience at Hoss's or the Adirondack Trading Post! This little town in New York might just be one of the region's best-kept secrets.
8. Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga, NY 12883, USA
Slabcity Gang/Flickr
Home to America's Most Historic Landscape, the town of Ticonderoga will leave you speechless. The town is full of well-preserved historical buildings that will leave you feeling nostalgic and even has a local park in town that has a gorgeous waterfall along the La Chute River that's easy for everyone to access. And one of the best parts? Ticonderoga is where you can visit the Wind-Chill Factory, the local ice cream spot that always comes in handy during our hot summers.
9. Tupper Lake
Tupper Lake, NY 12986, USA
Tupper Lake, NY/Facebook
Like all of our Adirondack towns, Tupper Lake is home to some amazing outdoor attractions. Oftentimes you'll find people visiting this small town because they're here to experience The Wild Center - a one-of-a-kind natural history center. The center has everything from actual animals indoors that you can get an up close look at, an art room, cafe, gift shop, hiking trails, singing forest and yes The Wild Walk! In town you'll find tons of other great hiking destinations and even a laundromat that's also a donut shop and gift store!
10. Lake George
Lake George, NY 12845, USA
diane cordell/Flickr
One of the most well-known towns in the Adirondacks, tourists from all over head to Lake George once our warm summer arrives. While some may hate dealing with the town's crowds, it's not hard to see why so many people love spending their summers here. The village sits along the southern shores of Lake George and has beautiful views of the mountain, all of which you'll be able to see from the town's main street. During the summer, you'll find a firework display over the lake every Thursday, public beaches, boat rides and plenty of opportunities for adventure. You'll quickly discover why Lake George is one of the most popular summer destinations in New York.
11. Schroon Lake
Schroon Lake, NY 12870, USA
Shutterbug777/TripAdvisor
Right along the northwestern shores of the lake, the town of Schroon Lake is home to less than 2,000 residents. The tiny town has amazing views of the mountains and has its own public beach that's an absolute delight during summertime. Easy to access off of the Northway, Schroon Lake is the perfect charming alternative to some of our more popular and crowded Adirondack towns. While you're there, be sure to check out this remote cabin restaurant.
12. Wilmington
Wilmington, NY, USA
Peter C in Toronto Canada/Flickr
A little slice of heaven in the Adirondacks, the town of Wilmington is tucked away up in Essex County. Where you'll find New York's 5th tallest mountain and our highest road, go for a ride up Whiteface Memorial Veterans Highway and you'll be able to enjoy never-ending views of this beautiful mountain region. The town is also home to High Falls Gorge, a private park that allows visitors to check out four major waterfalls and hike along jaw-dropping walkways and bridges. One thing's for sure: you'll want to bring your camera with you when you visit this utterly picturesque mountain town in New York.
13. Bonus! North Pole
North Pole, Peru, NY 12912, USA
n_shop/TripAdvisor
An added bonus to the town of Wilmington, this tiny hamlet is New York’s very own North Pole. North Pole is where you’ll find America’s very first theme park that’s still up and running today, Santa’s Workshop. Open throughout the year, you can visit Santa during any season and explore his amazing village that has so much to offer. From a bake shop and gift store to rides and a reindeer barn, this is one family destination you can’t miss out on. It's no surprise that during the holidays, the North Pole becomes a winter wonderland in New York.

Tell us in the comments — which of these Adirondack towns is your favorite to visit? To enjoy more of what this region has to offer, see how we put together This Perfect Weekend Itinerary For Anyone Who Loves Exploring New York’s Waterfalls!

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Adirondack Towns

Beth C. | October 06, 2022

What are the best small towns to visit in New York?

While New York City is one of the main attractions of the state, it's also true that New York is home to an impressive assortment of tiny towns and communities. While you won't get the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, you will get loads of charm and a slower pace of life. Some of our favorite small towns in rural New York to visit include Cazenovia, Newfield, Inlet, Aurora, and Phoenicia.

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