2025's Most Underrated Towns In The Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondack Mountains are a widely known getaway among New Yorkers and travelers from around the world. This region of upstate New York is among the most pristine and rugged places on the East Coast, and it is host to a plethora of fun outdoor activities throughout the seasons. From the eye-catching colors of its woodlands every fall to hiking, biking, and boating in the summer and skiing or ice fishing after snow hits the ground, you really can't go wrong here if you love the outdoors.
If you want something new to explore this year, these some of the best lesser-known towns within this hilly landscape. Whether you want to spend some time in a lakeside community or are seeking out a home base while hiking the mountains, read on for some great recommendations that aren't widely known yet.
Long Lake
Long Lake is located in the central Adirondacks along NY-30. The lake itself is 14 miles long and connects to the Raquette River, creating a navigable waterway frequently used by paddlers. Public access points include a town beach, boat launch, and several informal carry-in spots, making it an excellent getaway for boaters of all kinds.
The area is also very popular with hikers, with the town itself a common starting point for sections of the Northville-Placid Trail. Moreover, Owl’s Head Mountain, with a marked trailhead just south of town, offers a moderate hike to a fire tower. Buttermilk Falls, accessible by car, is another must-visit landmark and provides a very easy walk to a highly scenic riverside cascade.
If you are looking to stay the night in cozy downtown Long Lake, the Adirondack Hotel On Long Lake is a classic accommodation just steps from the water and operates a restaurant and bar. Nearby, a small information center, maintained by the regional tourism office, also provides maps and updates on trail and road conditions to help you get started during your visit.
Cranberry Lake
Seated near the edge of the Five Ponds Wilderness Area, Cranberry Lake is a low-traffic entry point into one of the largest roadless areas in the park. The namesake lake covers around 7,000 acres, with multiple places to launch your boat, backcountry campsites, and shoreline trails abounding all around.
Interested in deeply exploring this pristine heartland of the Adirondacks? Local favorite trails near the hamlet include access to Bear Mountain, the Cranberry Lake 50 loop, and the High Falls loop. These walks range from short day hikes to multi-day backpacking routes, many of which pass through old-growth forest and remote wetlands. Bring bug spray in the summer!
Fishing is also a common pastime here, in both the lake and surrounding ponds, with populations of smallmouth bass and brook trout.
Cranberry Lake has a limited number of services, including a seasonal general store, a diner, and a few lodges and camps. Fuel and groceries are available in nearby Star Lake, a slightly larger, more robust town.
Ticonderoga
Sitting between Lake George and Lake Champlain, Ticonderoga occupies a critical corridor that once shaped the outcome of multiple wars. Fort Ticonderoga remains the most visible link to this past, now a meticulously restored 18th-century stronghold that draws military historians and museum lovers in general.
In addition to its historical sites, the town and its surrounding landscapes feature several outdoor recreation options. To start, Rogers Rock and Mount Defiance provide hiking trails with breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes and forests. The area also includes numerous boat launches, fishing holes, and swimming spots along both lakes.
Ticonderoga has a small downtown with restaurants, some shopping, and a handful of other basic amenities. Its core also includes the Ticonderoga Heritage Museum, which focuses on the region’s industrial history, especially the paper industry. For a more unique experience, the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour operates seasonally here out of a downtown building and draws traveling Trekkies and curious passersby alike.
Speculator
Speculator is a small village located in Hamilton County, near the southern edge of the Adirondack Park. With a modest population of around 400, it serves as a central access point to several surrounding lakes, trail systems, and forest preserves. The village, more specifically, sits between Lake Pleasant and Sacandaga Lake, both of which support fishing, kayaking, and swimming during the warmer months.
The area includes a healthy collection of short and moderate hiking routes, such as those around Poplar Point Day Use Area and Echo Cliff, both less than a 20-minute drive from the village center. In winter, Speculator maintains a network of snowmobile trails and has access to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing paths at Oak Mountain, a small ski area offering downhill skiing and tubing.
Note that the town park includes a public beach, tennis courts, and a small museum detailing local history if you'd like to know more about the region or simply wish to avoid straying too far for some outdoor activities. Further, seasonal events here include a Fourth of July parade, local craft fairs, and fishing derbies.
Wells
Wells is another town in Hamilton County, completely encompassing Lake Algonquin. This small lake is a central feature of the community, providing a way for visitors and residents alike to go paddling, fishing, and/or swimming. A public beach and boat launch are even located near the center of town, both with great views of the surrounding mountains deep in the Silver Lake Wilderness.
The area does include an assortment of trailheads leading into the Silver Lake Wilderness, too, one of the more remote sections of the Adirondack Forest Preserve. Popular short hikes include the Auger Falls trail and the accessible walk to Tenant Creek Falls, both located within a short drive.
The town hosts small-scale events throughout the year, including a Christmas tree lighting, but other than that, it is remarkably quiet. Only a couple of real businesses exist, including a gas station and a country store. Various spots around the lake also host cottage and cabin rentals, providing some of the area's few overnight accommodations.
Experience These Quiet Corners of Upstate New York This Year
The Adirondacks attract millions of visitors every year, but much of it still seems to fly quite low under the radar. If you want a welcoming yet quiet community to visit for your next trip to this wild portion of upstate New York, definitely refer to these underrated towns. Whether you want to take your boat for a spin, go for a peaceful hike without much company, explore a historic district, or more, it is hard to go wrong with any destination listed above.
