7 Most Hospitable Towns In The Adirondack Mountains
One of the most beautiful mountainous areas in the United States is located right in the middle of Northeastern New York: the Adirondack Mountains. The landscape overflows with majestic lakes, rivers, and more than 100 peaks for hikers and climbers to try out. Beyond that, the mountains have hospitable towns that welcome visitors with fun activities ranging from a grand historic fort to a dark sky observatory, railbike adventures, glassblowing, and more. Whether you're gliding through the stars at Tupper Lake’s observatory or cruising Lake George on a historic steamboat, these towns offer warmth, character, and unforgettable experiences.
North Creek
North Creek welcomes skiers from around the world, as it is known as the birthplace of New York skiing. During the winter seasons, large groups head off to Gore Mountain to hit the skiing trails, which are by far the biggest attraction here. During the summer months, mountain biking and the disc golf course in the Airbender Woods are popular. Within the inviting village itself, there are several cute, welcoming places to explore, such as the North Creek Depot Museum from 1872, which also sits right next to the RevRail Railbike Tours, a unique experience where you can take a railbike through the Adirondack Mountains.
For an authentic taste of North Creek hospitality, you have to visit the Greg Tomb Glassblowing, where you can learn how to make a glass flower, cactus, or other crafts through this fun art. If you're looking for great events, visit the Tannery Pond Community Center, which holds small concerts, art exhibits, and more.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid shouldn't be missed by anyone looking for a hospitable and unique town. It was here that the 1980 Winter Olympic Games (among other sporting events) were held, where the U.S. famously defeated the Soviet Union in a hockey match. At the Olympic Center, tourists can both learn about this fateful game and go ice skating in an arena, no matter what the temperature is outside. Visitors can feel a different kind of thrill at the Cliffside Coaster at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, the longest mountain coaster in the United States.
Shoppers can enjoy gentler times by purchasing crafts from the Adirondack Decorative Arts & Crafts store. Lastly, don't forget to take a kayak or paddleboard out to Mirror Lake or explore one of the many beautiful waterfalls in the area, like Split Rock Falls. Those who enjoy the lake and want to meet the locals should stay back for one of the fishing events. This is because Lake Placid invites anyone who wants to fish but doesn't have a license to attend a NYS Free Fishing Day held throughout the year.
Tupper Lake
The adorable small town of Tupper Lake has a fun atmosphere that is sure to delight anyone who comes to visit. The town welcomes visitors to take in the views and get in touch with their wild side. This is especially the case at The Wild Center. At this center, the Wild Walk is a guided treetop journey that includes a human spider web, swinging bridges, and a twig tree house. There are also exhibits to explore within The Wild Center and regular live animal encounters.
Locals will tell you that you need to look up if you want to see Tupper Lake. At the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory, you can see a prime example of a true dark sky lit up with stars free of any light pollution. There's always a great event going on at Tupper Lake, such as the 60's Folk Fest and the Tupper Lake Art Show during the summer. From rustic music dating back over 80 years to vibrant artwork from local talents, there is always a celebration in this part of the Adirondacks.
Glens Falls
Out of all the artistic towns in the Adirondacks, Glens Falls stands out. The town is overflowing with artistic experiences to share with residents and visitors alike. For example, right next to the City Park is the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council, which hosts fine arts and crafts. Speaking of fine art, the Hyde Collection Art Museum hosts classic and modern art exhibitions within a historic Classic Revival 1910 home. Some of the artists on display include El Greco, Rembrandt, and other geniuses.
Art isn’t the only draw here, and Glens Falls has a lively sense of community. The Glens Falls Farmers Market is a beloved gathering spot where locals connect over fresh produce, handmade goods, and local music. For a hidden gem, check out the Cooper's Cave Overlook, famously featured in The Last of the Mohicans novel. In summer, residents and guests gather for the Summer Concert Series at Crandall Park, where music and community spirit fill the air.
Lake George
This town has quite a majestic reputation. Lake George is not only called the Queen of American Lakes but also the birthplace of the American vacation. Like any good vacation spot, you need to have a lot of great attractions, and Lake George has these in spades! For one, there's the Fort William Henry Museum, a spot that was strategically important during the French and Indian War and is a great place to learn about colonial America.
There are big experiences to be had here, including cruises with the Lake George Steamboat Company, which take visitors across the shimmering water with options for sightseeing and dining. For those looking to explore the outdoors, the Warren County Bikeway leads all the way to Glens Falls, and Saddle Up Stables offers relaxing horseback rides through the woods. The town also shines when it comes to community spirit. Festival Commons at Charles R. Wood Park hosts a vibrant lineup of events throughout the year, including the Lake George Antique and Classic Boat Rendezvous and the Soul Bloom Music & Wellness Festival.
Saranac Lake
There are all sorts of lake towns that dot the picturesque landscape of the Adirondacks, and Saranac Lake is one of the very best. Sitting within the northern section of the Adirondacks, it's one of the greatest paddling destinations. In fact, in Saranac Lake, anyone can get their boats out in the downtown area and drift slowly down the Saranac River. Town residents pride themselves on the endless opportunities to travel by boat. Mountain hikers have a lot to explore here as well. By hiking up Ampersand Mountain, one can see a majestic view of the High Peaks Wilderness. If not Ampersand, Azure Mountain is within an hour’s drive and has a fire tower all the way at the top.
After a day outdoors, visitors often head downtown to explore the Saranac Laboratory Museum, which tells the story of the village’s role in tuberculosis treatment and medical innovation. For those who come in the colder months, the beloved Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, ongoing since 1897, transforms the town into a snowy celebration filled with parades, sculptures, and community spirit. It’s a perfect snapshot of just how welcoming and full of character this Adirondack gem truly is.
Ticonderoga
Sitting on the border between New York and Vermont is Ticonderoga. This town was key to the early American Revolutionary War. Fort Ticonderoga was captured in 1775 by the Green Mountain Boys without firing a shot, making it one of the earliest American victories in the war. Today, there are multiple ways to see the area, from visiting the Fort Ticonderoga Museum itself to hiking up Mount Defiance for a view from high up. There's also the majestic King's Gardens right on the site of the fort. Another Revolutionary War era spot to explore is the Hancock House, a Georgian-revival style mansion where statesman and Declaration of Independence signer John Hancock lived. Ticonderoga also welcomes in nerds with the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour, a near-perfect recreation of the original set of the show. Ticonderoga is also a fantastic place to visit in the fall, due to the Heritage, Harvest, and Horse Festival, a perfect opportunity to enjoy locally grown apples or ride in a horse-drawn wagon.
A Friendly Trip To The Adirondacks
The Adirondack Mountains aren't as well-traveled as other regions in the U.S., but they should absolutely not be missed. Within its varied small towns, one will be welcomed by friendly people and enjoy a wide assortment of fun activities and festivals. Whether that's seeing one of the major events of the American Revolution in Fort Ticonderoga, learning about the Olympic Games in Lake Placid, or enjoying a winter or fall festival, there's always something to learn in these hospitable towns.
