11 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In The Adirondack Mountains
Life often moves at an unrelenting pace, and carving out time to slow down can be a quietly restorative experience. For those who could use an occasional escape to relax and recharge, the Adirondacks’ serene yet rugged allure has long left outdoor enthusiasts utterly spellbound. However you encounter it, the Adirondacks are a realm of repose, breathtaking grandeur, and enduring inspiration. Its striking landscapes have captivated generations of visitors, among them Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, and Mark Twain. From sun-dappled ridges to awe-inspiring peaks, the land unfolds in a hush of natural beauty, both peaceful and profound. Wondering where to begin? Starting with Chestertown, read on to discover 11 undisturbed towns worth visiting in the Adirondack Mountains.
Chestertown
A small, peaceful hamlet in the southeastern Adirondacks that seems designed for communing with nature, Chestertown is an outdoor lover's paradise by every word. It offers a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, and camping. One of the finest venues for camping is the Wakonda Family Campground, an 82-acre oasis with 16 cottages and over 130 campsites, where you can come to forget about life for a while. Meanwhile, the Kipp Mountain Trailhead always offers strong temptations, especially with its moderate hikes, steep inclines, and unforgettable views of the surrounding mountain tops.
The same is true of the well-marked trails at Stewart Mountain, with the summit offering particularly stunning views. Spend the night in a rustic cabin at Riverside Pines, a true diamond in nature with a gorgeous beach and responsive owners. Just don’t miss exploring the surrounding lakes, including Loon Lake, a glimmering beauty that has attracted several big names, including Irish writer Oscar Wilde.
Speculator
Speculator is a tiny village on the shore of beautiful Lake Pleasant with fewer than 500 residents. This means you will have the world to yourself, almost as pristine and undisturbed as it has always been. One of the hidden gems in the area is the Kunjamuk River, widely considered one of the most pristine rivers in the Adirondack Park. The flat water paddle draws nature lovers from every nook of the state, and the Canada Lilies and blue herons make it even more visit-worthy. Lake Pleasant (notice the name) is a blue-space gem that doubles up as a fantastic place to reel in a yummy catch, whether smallmouth bass or rainbow trout.
That said, you can’t travel over and miss the Kunjamuk Cave, a 15-foot-deep subterranean attraction that legendary hermit French Louie ostensibly used as shelter. Wondering where to spend the night? Lake Pleasant Lodge is not just on the water. It is also within walking distance of the town's shops and diners. And if you need a nice leisure walk in the woods, Sacandaga Park and River Walk always saves the day.
Schroon Lake
Any place surrounded by wilderness and backdropped by unspoilt natural landscapes will come off as undisturbed. And such is Schroon Lake, but with a modest touch of vibrancy and cultural flair. Strand Theatre, for example, is a terrific old movie theatre in an eye-catching property originally built in the Roaring '20s. In 1937, it was repurposed as a movie theatre and became one of a string of Strand theatres that were popping up throughout the North Country.
Many towns wish they had one lake. Schroon Lake does not boast one, but two glimmering beauties. These include Paradox Lake, as well as the eponymous beauty, which gives the town its name. Pitkins Restaurant, a homey spot on Main Street, serves fried chicken sandwiches that taste divine. But don’t miss their homemade pies, either. For some heart-pounding action, the Severance Mt. Trailhead will work like a charm. Just have shoes with a firm grip, then wait to soak up some of the most rewarding views in the world. Spend the night at Starry Night Cabins, a cool, rustic place right next to the water.
Old Forge
Any place with the word “forge” can make one think of blacksmithing and other industrial activities. Although there was a bit of that during the town’s early years, Old Forge is today a serene location with several mind-calming lakes, especially the series named First Lake to Fourth Lake. Further afield is another set that includes Lake Rondaxe, Moss Lake, Dart Lake, and Big Moose Lake, which is associated with Theodore Dreiser’s novel An American Tragedy.
The McCauley Mountain Ski Centre is the go-to spot for skiing or leaf-peeping, provided you get the timing right. You can pass by the View Arts Centre, which displays excellent art exhibits and features a 460-foot traditional nature trail with several beautiful sculptures to admire. It is the best way to experience an Adirondack wetland trail firsthand. Satisfy your hunger pangs with a tasty pancake with great texture at Walt's Diner, then zigzag your way to Old Forge Camping Resort, a tranquil space with rustic cabins and comfortable cottages.
Keene Valley
Keene Valley is a small, timid town that hosts one of the best outdoor gear shops in the Adirondacks. If you are a hiker, climber, skier, or camper, a visit to The Mountaineer is an absolute must. The selection is incredible, and the service is exceptional at an expert level. The Johns Brook Trailhead, which starts at a parking lot named “The Garden,” is a heart-gripping adventure into steep ravines, awesome swimming holes, and astoundingly beautiful vistas.
A hearty brunch at Noon Mark Diner, which must include their decadent pies, should give you the kick you need for the day. The Jay Covered Bridge, one of a handful left in the Empire State, is a heartbeat away. If spending the night, you can’t go wrong with John's Brook Lodge, a pine-lined back-country landmark encircled by towering woods and the austere grandeur of the surrounding mountain peaks.
Elizabethtown
Elizabethtown, or simply E’town, boasts a traditional core set against a backdrop of beautiful mountain views, creating a picture that is both enticingly peaceful and surreal. Although you will want to spend hours admiring the 19th-century Greek Revival architecture that is prominent in the downtown area, many people travel here for the wide variety of epic-level outdoor recreational opportunities. The Blueberry Hill Trail System links 30 different trails and offers decent riding, hiking, snowshoeing, and mountain-biking opportunities.
There’s the chance to float down the Boquet River, which flows along the town’s eastern rim, or drop a line in its waters for some tasty catch. Alternatively, sample the interesting artefacts at the Adirondack History Museum, where you will learn surprising stories about the Adirondack Region. In the final minutes of daylight, work your way to the Namaste Inn Bed & Breakfast, whose well-appointed rooms are cozy, comfortable, and quiet.
Lake Placid
With a name that evokes serenity, Lake Placid is a quaint alpine village unsmudged by glitzy shopping malls, cookie-cutter architecture, and big-box chain stores. Main Street, which runs parallel to the crystal-clear waters of Mirror Lake, is a dreamy space with cozy bakeries serving yummy treats (check out Alpine Mall's Coffee Bar), entertainment spots that will satisfy all kinds of party animals (such as Roomers), and charming local shops selling one-of-a-kind keepsakes.
It is always an amazing experience riding the gondola at the Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex and then taking an elevator to the top of the tall tower. The views are fabulous, and watching the skiers do practice jumps is a beautiful way to spend time. Hit the Olympic Museum, and sample moving tributes to the 1932 and 1980 games, then crown the day with a full-body massage at Mirror Lake Inn before jumping into bed and sleeping like a baby.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs is in the lowlands of the Adirondacks, about 25 minutes south of Lake George. Although many people come to watch world-class thoroughbred horse racing, the town is surrounded by some of the most striking landscapes in all of Upstate and offers boatloads of fun and other visit-worthy attractions. The nationally famous Saratoga Spa State Park is typically everyone’s first port of call. The truth is that experiencing the private, therapeutic mineral water soaks in historic tubs, especially at the Roosevelt Baths & Spa, is something you will always cherish.
If you can swing by during the beginning of fall, check out the sprawling beauty of Yaddo’s Gardens, a 4-acre turn-of-the-century rose and rock gardens with beautiful Italian marble statues and a terra cotta-columned pergola. It doubles as a retreat for artists and has hosted notable figures, including James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, and Sylvia Plath. Waterfront Park is such a gem, especially with its shimmering views, lovely trails, picnic areas, and the dock for non-motorized water sports. If spending the night, the Hotel Saratoga is in a convenient location and close to almost everything you will need.
Saranac Lake
Saying that Saranac Lake offers some of the most breathtaking fall scenery in New York, and perhaps even the entire nation, is a bold statement to make, but the experience is difficult to refute. However, even if you don’t come during the golden season, you will still discover an undisturbed haven backdropped by the austere grandeur of the Adirondack Mountains and the shimmering allure of Lake Flower. The Saranac River flows through the town, adding a mist of rustic allure to an already beautiful spot.
Back in the day, the fresh mountain air around Saranac Lake was promoted as a crucial agent in the treatment of Tuberculosis, and a visit to “Little Red,” a famous tuberculosis cure cottage that housed the first patients, would be like a step back into time. It is now a memorial on the grounds of the Trudeau Institute. Mount Baker, one of the Saranac 6ers, offers a moderately challenging hike and is consistently punctuated with sweeping views of the surrounding forest. You can also opt for the nearby McKenzie Pond, a picturesque out-and-back hike with photo-worthy views.
Lake George
Slide into your flip flops, especially if the elements permit, and explore an area that was once known as the “Original Vacation Destination.” Sandy attractions are on hand to beguile visitors, including Usher and Shepard parks, while sidewalks often yield interesting souvenirs, delicious food, and other interesting trinkets. Start at the House of Frankenstein Wax Museum, a spooky attraction combining wax and animatronic figures with scary special effects, and then grab a filling brunch at one of the several inviting restaurants in town serving all kinds of creative dishes.
The Lake George Steamboat Company has been operating on Lake George for over 200 years. So, hop on the lake and enjoy a leisurely water experience as knowledgeable captains regale you with the history of the waterbody and stories about the many beautiful homes along the way. Back in town, the Lake George Historical Association Museum displays interesting exhibits on the history and heritage of the area. You will see an Iroquois canoe, some Native American arrowheads, and a cannonball from the French and Indian War, to name a few.
Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga is a small, peaceful town famous for a star-shaped fort that is today an iconic symbol of victory in United States military history. The capture of Fort Ticonderoga was the first offensive victory for American forces in the Revolutionary War, and the formidable cache of artillery taken here compelled the British to evacuate the city of Boston in March of 1776. A visit to the fort always offers a unique perspective on life in the 1770s.
Meanwhile, the Adirondack Trading Post is a charming store with a great selection of artisanal crafts, unique gifts, and several other interesting knick-knacks, while the Black Watch Memorial Library has awesome thrillers to keep you on the edge of your seat for hours. Star Trek fans will get a blast at the nationally famous Star Trek Original Series Set Tour, which shows full recreations based on original blueprints. Of course, you are also surrounded by Lake Champlain and Lake George, both of which offer a delightful range of recreational opportunities.
So, if you want to forget about the rat race for a day or two, perhaps to recharge and come back feeling renewed, the Adirondacks are beautifully pockmarked with small, undisturbed towns, most of which are fine-tuned for both relaxation and adventure. You can drift into bliss or embrace the thrills that come with adrenaline-driven pursuits. Best of all, you’ll still depart with a hearty appetite, thanks to the region’s wealth of outdoor recreational activities.
