8 Adirondack Mountains Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life
There’s a reason New Yorkers flock to Upstate New York to the Adirondack Mountains in the summer! The air is fresher, the mountain views are spectacular, and there’s no shortage of pristine lakes to curl up with a good book. If you want to retreat to towns that aren’t crowded with summer tourists, be sure to check out these small towns. Isolated by the forests, not much has changed in these communities. From the darling local restaurants in Schroon Lake to the old-world charm of Saranac Lake, it won’t take you long to feel right at home.
Schroon Lake
The quiet community of Schroon Lake has all the features of a resort town with none of the crowds. It has a population under 1,000 with cafes and coffee shops like 9 Mile Coffee Co. and Pitkin's Restaurant, where you can get to know friendly locals. Even the gas station, Stewart's Shops, harkens back to simpler times, serving up its own ice cream!
Make sure you get your fill when eating downtown because there’s plenty to see surrounding Schroon Lake. One of the most popular attractions is Schroon Lake Town Beach. With sandy shores, grassy knolls, and gently rolling hills, it’s an idyllic place to unwind. If you’re up for more adventure, Mount Severance is a bit of a challenge to hike to the top, but you can’t beat those panoramic views of Schroon Lake, Pharaoh Mountain, and the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area.
Keene
Outside of Lake Placid is the hidden gem of Keene. Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack High Peaks, it's known for being near some of the highest peaks in the region. Walking down its delightful downtown area, you will see various Adirondack peaks, like Mount Marcy, Giant Mountain, and Dix Mountain. The walkable downtown area is small, but it is home to wonderful shops like Keene Valley Porch Studio and Noon Mark Diner (known for their amazing pies).
When you’re ready to lace up your hiking boots and explore the peaks of Keene, you have a few options. Giant Mountain lives up to its name with an elevation of over 4,000 feet. You don’t need any climbing gear to reach the summit, just hop on the Ridge Trail that takes you to the peak. Other notable peaks near Keene include Noonmark Mountain and Big Slide Mountain.
Ticonderoga
On the border of New York and Vermont is the historic town of Ticonderoga. It is named after Fort Ticonderoga, which played a major role in the Revolutionary War. You can explore the remains of the old fort and learn more about its rich history at the museum located on the grounds. But the best thing to see while at Fort Ticonderoga is the King’s Garden! It was originally a vegetable garden to feed the troops, but now it operates as a beautiful garden with bright flowers and brick pathways.
There are plenty of Adirondack hiking trails to discover outside of Ticonderoga’s city limits, but the real fun lies on its friendly city streets. In central Ticonderoga is Bicentennial Park, where you can view the Falls of the La Chute or picnic along the banks of the La Chute River. The park isn’t too far from the vintage Burleigh's Luncheonette, which is designed to look like an old 1950s diner. So, you can grab a bite to eat before walking over to Bicentennial Park to take in the views!
Chestertown
Time seems to move a little slower in Chestertown. Even during tourist season, Chestertown is quiet, and the locals wouldn’t have it any other way! Imagine sitting on an open porch in the summer at one of their locally owned restaurants, like the Bullhouse or the historic Panther Mountain Inn and Tavern. It’s also home to the NY Farmers Market on the front lawn of the Chester Town Hall from June to September, which offers fresh veggies and live music!
In the colder months, when the snow starts to pile high, Dynamite Hill Recreation Area becomes one of the most popular spots in the area. It has amazing sledding hills that are perfect for the whole family, and it has a small hut serving hot cocoa and snacks. In the summer, the Panther Mountain Trail provides breathtaking views of Loon Lake from the top.
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake is an isolated community thanks to its secluded location tucked between mountain peaks and small ponds and lakes. Think of it as a small city with all the attractions of the biggest tourist destinations like Lake Placid, without the summer crowds. Downtown has a unique artistic vibe, with local art galleries like the Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery and performing arts centers like the Pendragon Theatre. One of the most interesting attractions in the area is the Saranac Laboratory Museum. Built in 1894, it was the first lab in the United States that researched tuberculosis. Today, it’s a stunning museum with a rich history to tell through artifacts and exhibits.
If you want to see the natural sights in Saranac Lake, you can hop aboard the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, which takes you through the mountains. The depot isn’t too far from the Adirondack Carousel, which is a must-see attraction for families with kids. Even though the carousel is fairly new (built in 2012), it adds to the old-world Upstate New York charm of Saranac Lake.
Speculator
On the northern banks of Lake Pleasant is the hidden gem of Speculator, a quaint hamlet isolated in the heart of the Adirondacks. With a population of under 500 full-time residents, the downtown streets of Speculator are always quiet, even in peak tourist season! Small neighborhood spots like the Inn at Speculator and Lemon Tree Brewery will make you feel right at home. And right across from the brewery is the Sacandaga Park and River Walk, which provides sweeping water views in a lush green forest setting.
What makes Speculator truly unique is the dramatic scenery and quiet parks that are never crowded. The locals operate on what they call “Adirondack Time," which means things are never rushed, and you can enjoy the scenery at your own pace. The best place to take in the views of Speculator is at the Sacandaga Pathway, which offers a boardwalk that traces the Sacandaga River.
Glens Falls
Want to relax and unwind but don’t want to give up your big city amenities? Glens Falls offers the perfect escape without feeling like you’re roughing it! There’s never much traffic in Glens Falls, and the downtown district has unique shops that will keep you occupied all afternoon. Some of the most popular shops in Glens Falls include the Hyde Collection museum and the rustic Chapman Museum, where you can learn more about the area. For a real treat, make sure to stop by Downtown City Tavern and try one of their famous spiked milkshakes!
Central Glens Falls may have all the luxury of a big city, but it’s the area's natural beauty that makes it a retreat that’s well worth the drive. As a community on the southern edge of the Adirondacks, you can explore scenic stops like Cooper's Cave or South Glens Falls Historical Park, nestled along the banks of the Hudson River.
Wilmington
Wilmington is one of those small communities in the Adirondacks where everyone knows each other. Without a lot of tourist traffic, the locals are sure to spot visitors and welcome them with open arms. A great place to get to know the locals is at one of the many mom-and-pop restaurants and watering holes, like the Country Bear (you haven’t lived until you’ve tried their French toast) or the Cadence Lodge at Whiteface.
One of the best spots in Wilmington is Whiteface Mountain. It’s a four-season retreat with skiing in the winter and amazing hiking opportunities in the summer. As the fifth-highest peak in the state of New York, you can expect breathtaking views of the surrounding forests, challenging climbs, and panoramic views. Or, visitors can experience Flume Falls, located a few minutes south of central Wilmington. You can view the multiple falls from Route 86 or get up close and personal via the Reservoir Trail.
Unplug and Unwind in Upstate New York
If your ideal retreat consists of a morning cup of coffee from a local diner and a hike on a lonely forest path, these small escapes have you covered. The folks in these isolated villages move on Adirondack Time, meaning there’s never any rush when deciding on what flavor of ice cream you want from a local ice cream parlor or a hurry to make it to the summit of Giant Mountain in Keene. In the Adirondack Mountains, life moves at a pleasingly slower pace, so you can listen to the birds singing and the wind blowing through the trees.
