7 Underrated Small Towns to Explore in the Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York are a world-famous wild retreat, so much so that a popular style of lounging chair (often seen at lakeside cottages, of which there are many in the Adirondacks) is named after the region. Visitors, primarily from the East Coast, flock to this area year-round for its natural beauty, abundance of outdoor activities, and small towns that are filled with friendly charm. In Saranac Lake, the Saranac River cuts through downtown while nearby Mount Baker and a lively arts scene give the town more personality than many larger destinations. In Keeseville, preserved stone bridges and easy access to Ausable Chasm create one of the region’s most striking combinations of history and scenery.
Escape the summer crowds and take a more detailed look today at 7 of the most underrated small towns that call the Adirondack Mountains home.
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake is a true gem in the Adirondack Mountains, with its mix of natural beauty, history, and small-town vibes. Located near Lake Placid, this town is less touristy but equally captivating.
Saranac Lake has a longstanding history as a 19th-century health resort for New Yorkers suffering from a variety of illnesses. Its fresh air was believed to cure tuberculosis, but it is more likely that the stress-reliving properties of the beautiful natural surroundings were key to improving the well-being of its visitors.
Now, outdoor enthusiasts visit Saranac Lake to explore the nearby lakes and hiking trails of Mount Baker. The Saranac River, flowing through downtown, offers convenient options for kayaking and fishing. Furthermore, Saranac Lake boasts a vibrant arts scene, highlighted by the Adirondack Artists Guild and annual events such as the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival.
Keeseville
Situated along the Ausable River, Keeseville stands out visually for its preserved architecture dating back to the 1800s, including charming stone bridges and historic buildings that call back to its industrial past.
Today, this town is a haven for nature lovers who enjoy its close proximity to Ausable Chasm, often called the "Grand Canyon of the East." This impressive gorge allows visitors to hike, raft, or simply admire the striking rock formations shaped by the Ausable River. Beyond the chasm, the area’s trails and waterways offer additional outdoor activities during your visit.
Keeseville also boasts a rich cultural history, with landmarks like the North Star Underground Railroad Museum highlighting the town's historical role in the fight for freedom. The Anderson Falls Heritage Society Museum is another charming historic site with exhibits and more insights about the town. Best of all, admission to the Heritage Society Museum is free!
Tupper Lake
Sitting along the shores of its namesake lake, this small town provides a quiet escape in the depths of the Adirondacks. Tupper Lake is best known for its Wild Center, an innovative natural history museum featuring interactive exhibits and a treetop walk that gives you stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. It is a perfect way to spend the afternoon with the whole family.
Tupper Lake acts as a doorway to some of the Adirondacks' top trails, including hikes to Mount Arab and Coney Mountain summits. In the evenings, its dark skies—free from the light pollution common in larger cities—make it an ideal location for stargazing, with the Adirondack Sky Center providing guided public viewings. This blend of natural beauty, history, and small-town charm makes Tupper Lake a hidden treasure worth exploring in the Adirondacks. Also enjoy nearby Tupper Lake, the water body itself, which features numerous boat launches, beaches, public parks, and resorts like the Pine Terrace Motel & Resort along its shores.
Speculator
Speculator is a lesser-known town in the Adirondacks that is located beside the modestly sized Lake Pleasant. Speculator, like many of the entries on this list, is an ideal base for outdoor adventurers looking for a stop before embarking in the vast wilds of this part of upstate New York. Some say the town’s name hints at the stunning views that can be enjoyed from various vantage points, particularly from the surrounding hills and trails.
During summer, the lake offers ideal conditions for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, while nearby trails serve hikers and mountain bikers. In winter, the town becomes a hub for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing, featuring miles of groomed trails, many just outside the charming downtown. A variety of inns, such as Lake Pleasant Lodge and the Inn At Speculator, provide a comfortable place to stay, and several restaurants, including Logan's Bar and Grill and the Sunrise Diner, prepare you for a day of outdoor adventures.
Long Lake
Not tired of lakeside towns yet? Perfect. Stretching along the shores of a lake with the same name (a lake that is literally quite long, at 14 miles in length and a max width of 1 mile- who woulda thought?), Long Lake is the sight of many cottages and resorts for those looking for a retreat by the water.
The area is also close to many excellent trails in the Adirondacks, including hikes that lead to remote ponds and mountain summits. Owl’s Head Mountain has one such trail, offering a moderate hike with a fire tower at the top. Long Lake’s small but charming community features locally-owned shops, eateries, and the historic Adirondack Hotel, which has welcomed visitors since the 1850s. For more privacy, the nearby Motel Long Lake & Cottages provides rental cottages for longer stays.
Westport
On the far eastern edges of northern New York is Westport, a town positioned along the shores of the iconic Lake Champlain. Westport's waterfront is one of the best places in the state to catch a view of the vast Lake Champlain and the picturesque Green Mountains of neighboring Vermont. It is, of course, also a popular spot for boating, fishing, and simply relaxing by the water.
Westport's downtown features several preserved historic buildings, including the 19th-century Westport Hotel. The town also hosts the Westport Heritage House, where visitors can explore the local history and heritage of this charming destination in the Adirondack Mountains. Additionally, Westport celebrates the season with the annual Westport Winter Carnival, offering local festivities and activities.
The nearby Split Rock Mountain is worth visiting if you're interested in exploring the surrounding hills above the lake. You can enjoy a panoramic view from its peak, accessible via trails starting at Lake Shore Road just north of town.
Schroon Lake
Schroon Lake sits on a nine-mile-long lake of the same name. It is a popular destination for kayakers and canoers alike who want to traverse its calm, crystal-clear waters. Schroon Lake Beach is also a sought-after gathering point right in town that is a great spot for sunbathing or picnicking, all with direct views of the mountains nearby.
The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area, just a short trip away, is a bit more remote and offers miles of hiking trails that lead to secluded ponds and scenic vistas. Schroon Lake is renowned for its artistic community, hosting the annual Seagle Music Colony, the oldest summer vocal training program in the United States. Learn more about this underrated town at the Schroon Lake-North Hudson Historical Society in downtown Schroon Lake.
Avoid the Crowds in the Adirondack Mountains
The popularity of the Adirondacks as a vacation destination and a place to find outdoor adventure has caused it to become fairly crowded at times. While visitors tend to drift toward more popular locales like Lake Placid and Plattsburg, there is a plethora of other towns to stop at and have a memorable experience in. From the historic intrigue of Keeseville to the lakeside paradises like Saranac Lake, Long Lake, and many others, these small towns ought to be on your list the next time you decide to road trip in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York.
