One of the main reasons that New Yorkers get so frustrated when we only hear people talking about our big cities is because we residents know that the true charm and adventure can be found in our small towns. The beauty of these remote places can be highly underrated, and it’s about time we give them some recognition! Here are ten of the coolest small towns in New York that you may have never heard of.

1. New Paltz
Kat Stan/Flickr
Kat Stan/Flickr
New Paltz is not too far from Minnewaska State Park (a great day trip in New York!), this remote area is a fantastic place to take a scenic drive. There are wonderful local trails to explore. The State University of New York at New Paltz is located here, so it's got a great college town feel to it! Have you ever been to New Paltz?
2. Raquette Lake
Jordan Confino/Flickr
jar [o]/Flickr
Located on the west side of the actual Raquette Lake, the small town can be found in Hamilton County. Right in the middle of the wilderness, the area is a great place for camping and a wonderful place to go and just slow down for a minute. There's nothing like relaxing out in nature. Did you know that Raquette Lake (the body of water, not the town) is the largest natural lake in the Adirondacks?
3. Chittenango
Russ Nelson/Flickr
rachaelvoorhees/Flickr
What's a small town without a gorgeous waterfall? Perhaps nothing without being the hometown to a famous author like L. Frank Baum, known for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Home to the All Things Oz Museum, Chittenango is one of the best small towns in New York!
4. Pawling
Jay Erickson/Flickr
Jay Erickson/Flickr
A remarkably serene and stunning area, Pawling is the perfect place to visit if you're looking to do some exploring. Get away from it all and explore the Appalachian Trail or Pawling Preserve. Interestingly, Pawling is home to the oldest public golf course in the United States. Find out more about Pawling on their website.
5. North Creek
Sonja Stark/Flickr

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David/Flickr
Along the Hudson River, all the way up in the Adirondacks, you'll find the small town of North Creek. It's filled with charm and is perhaps best known for being the home of Gore Mountain, a popular place with skiers.
6. Geneva
Ben's photoblog/Flickr
Keith Ewing/Flickr
One of the best parts about finding a new place to visit in New York is enjoying the views! The small town of Geneva has some incredible views. It's also located right along the Finger Lakes' region famous wine and beer trail, so you're just a hop and a skip away from great drinks.
7. Pittsford
Keith Ewing/Flickr
The town of Pittsford has under 1,500 people, but it's loaded with charm and fun events. Located in Monroe County, this is one of the many amazing towns you can find along the Erie Canal. It's definitely one of the coolest small towns in New York! Their town website lists many of their upcoming festivals and events.
8. Canton
wabisabi2015/Flickr
Decaseconds/Flickr
Up north, where so many of our hidden gems lie, you'll find the small town of Canton in St. Lawrence County. The area has a rich Native American history.
9. Mattituck
Peter Dutton/Flickr
Jorge Quinteros/Flickr
Another one of our regions known for producing flavorful wine, the small town of Mattituck is great place to sit back and enjoy an adult beverage. It's also the location of an annual watermelon festival: yum!
10. Geneseo
Benjamin Esham/Flickr
Eric O'Brien/Flickr
Geneseo is right along the Genesee River and also isn't far from the stunning Conesus Lake. This is the perfect area to explore and catch an unforgettable sunset: truly one of the best small towns in New York!

Do you have any other favorite small towns in New York that you love to visit? A good story about how you stumbled upon them? Share your stories in the comments!

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Featured Addresses
New Paltz, NY 12561, USA
Raquette Lake, NY 13360, USA
Chittenango, NY 13037, USA
Pawling, NY 12564, USA
North Creek, NY 12853, USA
Geneva, NY 14456, USA
Pittsford, NY 14534, USA
Canton, NY 13617, USA
Mattituck, NY, USA
Geneseo, NY 14454, USA