9 Most Underrated Towns In The Adirondack Mountains To Take A Trip To
The Adirondack region in upstate New York is a land of natural wonders and picturesque landscapes, spanning more than six million acres across the Northeastern part of the state. Along with the multitude of natural beauties in these mountains, many small yet charming towns provide diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers alike. Whether travelers are looking for an escape into nature or a break from the rush of urban life, there is bound to be a town on this list that will fit the bill for your next vacation spot! This list serves as a geographical exploration of the underrated enchanting destinations in the Adirondacks.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid is one of the most favored towns in the Adirondack region for an exciting getaway. In the summer, the hiking trails in this picturesque village come alive, and tourists can take to the Whiteface Mountain Summit or the Cobble Lookout for some of the most scenic views in the area. In the winter, Lake Placid becomes a winter wonderland and hosts all kinds of snow sports, from cross-country skiing to leisurely snowshoeing, so that people of all athletic levels can revel in the outdoor winter spirit. For the more adventurous souls, white water rafting services are available in the town, which will take rafters through an unforgettable rafting experience of Ausable Chasm and Indian Lake.
Since Lake Placid was home to the 1936 and 1980 Winter Olympics, there is a visible cultural legacy of the games scattered throughout the town, visible through the various sites of the Olympic events, such as the Olympic Bobsled track, the speed skating oval, and the hockey arenas. To learn more about the games, visitors can also head to the Olympic Museum, which houses North America's second-largest Winter Olympic artifact collection!
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake is a small, charming town tucked into the heart of the Adirondack mountains. Six mountains surround it called the ‘Saranac 6’ that hikers would delight in trekking up to become known as a ‘Saranac 6er’. Those who complete the six hikes are honored by receiving a patch, a sticker, a member number, and the right to ring the traditional 6er bell upon providing proof of their treks. For the less athletically keen, Saranac Lake has many art galleries, such as the Saranac Lake Artworks and the Saranac Laboratory Museum, adding some lovely cultural itinerary items.
Winters would be the ideal time to visit this quaint village because of the famous 10-day Winter Carnival that the town hosts. Every year, the Carnival has a unique theme around which the decorations and events are structured. Visitors can partake in numerous family-friendly activities, witness the themed parade, enjoy live bands performing each night, and take a tour of the Ice Palace, built from ice blocks directly from Lake Flower. Other winter activities available in the region include snowshoeing, ice skating, skiing, snowmobiling, and, uniquely, ice fishing.
Tupper Lake
The village of Tupper Lake is famously located at the crossroads of the Adirondacks and invites visitors to mountains of fresh air and forestry. Head into nature and take on the Tupper Lake Triad hiking challenge, which will take you through mesmerizing views of the Adirondacks and the fire tower peak. The surrounding Raquette River and Tupper Lake allow tourists to venture out on the water in fun boating and fishing activities. In the summers, Little Wolf Beach is a must-visit destination to sunbathe and relax, as it is one of the best public beaches in the Adirondacks.
For astronomy fans, Tupper Lake is the perfect destination in the region to go stargazing. The Adirondack Public Observatory promises an out-of-the-world stargazing experience for those who want a more guided experience. However, those who wish to have the raw experience of viewing the galaxies away from the city lights and the urban unrest should walk up Coney Mountain or head down to Rock Island Bay to catch some of the darkest skies in the Northeast.
North Creek
North Creek is a pretty small town, with only about 600 people, yet it packs big adventures for travelers all year round. The summer months invite explorers to enjoy miles of hiking and biking trails in Gore Mountain or whitewater rafting in the upper part of the Hudson River. For a less tiring outdoor experience, ride on the gondola to witness the hypnotic scenery of the lower Adirondack Region.
This little town is also ideal for hopping on the unique rail bike via Revolution Rail, which offers several railbike tours over different bridges and water bodies. In the winter, the same Gore Mountain is transformed into New York’s largest Ski Resort, where tourists can ski and snowboard to their heart’s content. History buffs can head to the North Creek Depot Museum, a restored railroad station that displays the town's cultural heritage.
Keeseville
Keeseville is a hamlet town located just west of Lake Champlain and atop the Ausable River. It is most famous for its proximity to the Ausable Chasm, also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks.” Here, tourists will get to see some hypnotic sights and enjoy the numerous nature trails, lantern tours, rock climbing expeditions, rafting experiences, and much more that the Chasm has to offer. For the more adventurous, there is also the Ausable River Campsite, where visitors can put up tents to enjoy a relaxing camping trip in the heart of nature.
To learn about the poignant history of this railroad town, head to the North Star Underground Railroad Museum, where visitors will find moving exhibits and stories of fugitive slaves on their way to freedom. Another interesting item to add to the itinerary would be a tour of the Ausable Brewing Company or the Burlington Brew Tours, which will give guests a taste of local beers and spirits. On the way home, stop by the Adirondack Baer Antiques and Collectibles to buy antique souvenirs to commemorate the trip!
Lake Clear
Lake Clear is another small hamlet sitting on the water body from which it gets its eponymous name. Although this town has only two proper restaurants and is about 2 miles away from the airport, it is one of the most attractive gems hidden in the Adirondacks. Most famously, the village attracts tourists to the pristine Lake Clear, which offers a motor-free waterway for paddlers and a host of fish types for fishing enthusiasts. Since the lake is close to the St. Regis Canoe Area, it also attracts many tourists looking for unique canoeing routes.
Book your stay in the Lake Clear Lodge & Retreat, one of the only remaining Adirondack Great Lodges open to the public, as it boasts a visit complete with authenticity from generations past. It houses a Speakeasy from the 1920s, offers Stagecoach Dining, and multiple events throughout the year, such as food tastings, history workshops, and more. A must-visit on a trip to Lake Clear is the local ice cream shop called Donnelly’s Ice Cream, which has treated locals and tourists to ice cream delights since 1953.
Schroon Lake
Schroon Lake is located northwest of Lake George and runs nine miles long, giving visitors plenty of beach and water to enjoy a relaxing vacation. The Schroon Lake Town Beach is one of the highlights of this town, with a roped-in swimming area and lots of sandy beaches to sunbathe on. Tourists can head to the lake in canoes, kayaks, or paddle boats to revel in the clear waters. For nature lovers, the town is also home to various hiking trails on Mount Severance and Spectacle Pond that provide breathtaking views of this picturesque town.
Golf enthusiasts will be excited that the Schroon Lake Golf Course provides a magnificent landscape for golfing excursions. An interesting site in this town is the Natural Stone Bridge and Caves, home to the East's most significant natural marble cave entrance, where tourists can experience mesmerizing displays of Adirondack geology. Stroll through Schroon Lake’s downtown area, where the vintage Towne Store and the Sticks and Stones Wood Fire Bistro and Pub are great local finds to stop by.
Cranberry Lake
Cranberry Lake offers a more secluded getaway in the Adirondack mountains for those seeking a low-key vacation. The lake on which this town is built is still the third largest in the Adirondacks, making it a sweet haven for water sports activities, such as rafting, paddling, and kayaking. The area is also a popular fishing site, and visitors often plan fishing trips to the town to catch the abundance of trout in the region.
The town also has various trails in the Cranberry Lake Wild Forest, Western Parcel, and Five Ponds Wilderness Area that make for beautiful hiking paths in the summer and transform into scenic snowmobile trails in the winter. For those who want to get even closer to nature, Cranberry Lake has numerous campsites, such as DEC’s public campground nearby, which are ideal spots for tourists to camp under the stars, away from the city noise.
Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga is a different town than most on this list, as it is known more for its historical and architectural value than its raw natural beauty. Most visitors to this town come to explore Fort Ticonderoga, which tells the history of the French and Indian War. This 18th-century fort offers several unique experiences to tourists, such as farm-to-fork dining, a bird's-eye view of the picturesque landscape of Ticonderoga, behind-the-scenes VIP Tours, and more. There is also the Ticonderoga Heritage Museum, the last remaining structure of the Ticonderoga Pulp and Paper Company, which illustrates the town’s industrial history to visitors.
Nevertheless, the town is still blessed with many natural attractions, such as the whitewater Lachute River with five roaring falls along its path. The Ticonderoga Bicentennial Park is another haven for nature lovers, with multiple picnic areas, a playground for children, access to fishing waters, and views of the various falls around the town. Star Trek fans should stop by Trekonderoga, a local Star Trek convention with costumed characters, pop-icon vehicles, and different pop culture items for sale.
The charming Adirondack towns beckon all kinds of explorers; whether they seek thrilling outdoor excursions, a unique cultural immersion, or a serene escape, they are bound to find a fit for their perfect getaway. The region's rich geographical location showcases the grandeur of the mountains, the allure of the lakes, and the serenity of its forests, making it a haven for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. From the hiking trails of Lake Placid and the winter wonderland of Saranac Lake to the stargazing gems in Tupper Lake and the historic heritage of Ticonderoga, there is a town on this list for every traveler. Pack some bags and hit the road for an unforgettable journey through this remarkable region.
