6 Cutest Small Towns In The Adirondack Mountains For 2025
The Adirondack Mountains are a stunning mountain range covering 5,000 square miles in Northeastern New York. The range includes 2,000 hiking trails, 3,000 lakes and ponds, and 1,200 miles of river. The region has historic and rustic towns ideal for an outdoor adventure or a pampering weekend. The towns are as diverse as the mountain range, offering resort-style amenities intermingled with friendly communities and incredible natural scenery.
These six towns are among the best in 2025 because of upcoming events, venues, and vibrant atmospheres, making them top destinations year-round. Whether you're stargazing from Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington or catching a historic reenactment at Fort Ticonderoga, these mountain towns embrace the rugged spirit of the region and the friendly charm that small towns are known for.
Lake Placid
The small village of Lake Placid has a storied Olympic history, having hosted the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics and the 1972 and 2023 Winter World University Games. It is also an ideal destination for nature lovers, with waterfalls and hiking trails, and Main Street is a fantastic choice for some retail therapy.
Looking out over the town, you will notice the 46 High Peaks, a big draw for hikers who can find information and hiking guides on the town's website. The community also asks that visitors observe the Leave No Trace ethics to keep the mountain region as pristine as it always has been. For a day of epic in-town exploration, check out the Legacy Sites honoring the community's Olympic heritage and Mirror Lake, perpendicular to Main Street, adding to its charms.
Lake George
Lake George is at the heart of the Adirondacks and surrounded by undisturbed, old-growth forest. It is a historical town with preserved architecture and cultural attractions honoring its past, such as the Fort William Henry Museum, a former British fort built in 1755. Visitors today can tour the rustic grounds to witness military demonstrations, or stick around for the evening Haunted History Ghost Tours, which showcase a mysterious aspect to the site.
Between Lake George Steamboat Company dinner cruises on the Mohican and upcoming annual events like the Lake George June Arts Festival and Thurman Maple Days, it is one of the top destinations to visit in 2025. For a fun night on the town after enjoying the splendid views and town, don't miss the Rooftop Cabana Bar featuring curated drinks and unparalleled views of Lake George.
Saranac Lake
The pleasant village of Saranac Lake is a serene area perfect for a retreat, especially when the leaves begin to change color. Nature lovers will love the open views of Mount Pisgah and Dewey Mountain and the ample bird-watching opportunities at Paul Smith's College, Visitor Interpretive Center. The center provides environmental education and outdoor recreation year-round, while the 25-mile trail network starts outside the center. Many trails lead to Heron Marsh, which includes a bird-watching platform and connects to a boardwalk stretching over a marsh. The center provides ample ways to learn about Saranac Lake's unique ecosystem and diverse environment. After a day exploring the natural elements, spend an evening downtown, where the streets are lined with shops, restaurants, and museums like the Saranac Laboratory Museum.
Ticonderoga
The small hamlet of Ticonderoga is set at the confluence of Lake George and Lake Champlain. It is one of the nicest towns in the Adirondacks, featuring historic sites, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities that promise a memorable stay. It is also entirely in the Adirondack Park, with nearly one-third of its land in the State Forest Preserve. It would almost be a traveler's faux pas if one passed up an opportunity to visit historic Fort Ticonderoga. This impressive site showcases a 1757 French star fort spanning 2,000 acres with tours, exhibits, and interactive programs to bring this pivotal history to life. This is the most crucial town to visit in this region in 2025 as the fort nears its 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
Beyond the fort, visitors can spend some time on the lakes, which abound with activities. Lake George, for example, spans 45 square miles with many hiking trails along the coast. Those looking for more scenic views can follow along the La Chute River, which has many falls and rapids throughout its course near the lake.
Wilmington
Wilmington is a pleasant town in Adirondack Park near Whiteface Mountain Resort, an iconic skiing destination in the winter. The resort boasts over 90 trails cutting through over 25 miles in the mountain, as well as plenty of space for hiking, yoga, and more. Whiteface Mountain also has many lodging options for those looking for an epic winter vacation, such as Cadence Lodge and Mountain Brook Lodge.
The town district features unique local shops and eclectic restaurants, including Twisted Raven and Up a Creek. The restaurants offer a rustic atmosphere that embodies the rugged terrain outside their back door. One would be remiss not to visit Santa's Workshop in North Pole, New York, one of the nation’s oldest continuously run theme parks. The amusement park provides a fun way to spend time with the kids, or unlock the inner child in adults, especially if visiting during the winter.
Glens Falls
Picturesque Glens Falls is a charming, walkable town with preserved architecture and lovely views along the Hudson River. On the cultural side, it is also home to the exceptional Hyde Collection Art Museum. The museum boasts one of the largest collections of European and American art in the Northeast, featuring works by Sandro Botticelli, El Greco, Rembrandt, Peter Paul Rubens, among many others.
To complete a stay in Glens Falls, tourists are recommended to book a room at a landmark bed and breakfast like the Bell House Inn. The B&B is a short walk from downtown near diverse restaurants such as Morgan and Co., Park 26, and many others. The walkable downtown has plenty of venues to discover, like the Chapman Museum and the Park Theater near the Hyde Collection. If you ever get bored, the town has many other attractions, from hot air balloon rides to soaking in the great outdoors.
Concluding Thoughts
The Adirondack Mountains are jaw-droppingly beautiful year-round, particularly in autumn and winter. These towns are the best to visit in 2025 because of lively events, particularly at Fort Ticonderoga, and charming communities that embrace and honor their surroundings and heritage. Many of the towns are historic, and their architecture has been carefully preserved. What makes these lakeside towns unique is that visitors can spend a day in old-growth forests and, within a short distance, spend an evening in charming downtown districts and local eateries or bars.
