9 Most Memorable Small Towns in the Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondacks are vast, but daily life here centers on small towns. Lake Placid remains defined by its Olympic venues and High Peaks access. Saranac Lake pairs historic cure cottages with an active arts scene. Schroon Lake stays quieter, built around its shoreline and seasonal rhythm. These nine towns shape how visitors and residents experience the Adirondack Mountains, not just as wilderness, but as lived-in communities.
Saranac Lake
Surrounded by the scenic Saranac Chain of Lakes, Saranac Lake offers a serene yet vibrant retreat, bordered by a network of sparkling lakes and quiet ponds perfect for paddling, swimming, or simply unwinding in nature. Located just ten miles from Lake Placid, the village draws visitors year-round with its outdoor experiences and dynamic calendar of events, including the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, the oldest winter carnival in the eastern United States, featuring parades, performances, and the iconic Ice Palace, celebrating the season with energy and tradition.
Saranac Lake’s charm extends beyond its landscapes. History buffs can explore the Saranac Laboratory Museum, which highlights the village’s unique past as a center of tuberculosis treatment, with exhibits detailing the lives of patients and the pioneering medical work conducted there. Today, the town blends history with creativity, with a thriving arts scene showcased at venues like Pendragon Theatre, founded in the 1980s, presenting a variety of performances throughout the year. Adventure seekers will also find plenty to marvel at, from abundant birdwatching opportunities, ranging from migrating fowl and winter finches to boreal species, to Bloomingdale Bog. In this biodiverse wetland, visitors may spot bald eagles, great blue herons, and many more unique animals.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid is a village where history, adventure, and natural beauty come together in unforgettable ways. Famous for hosting two Winter Olympics, it has earned its reputation as a premier destination for alpine sports and outdoor activities. Main Street bustles with galleries, shops, and restaurants, including Gallery 46 and Mid’s Park, both offering stunning views of Mirror Lake framed by the Adirondack peaks. Olympic history is on full display at the Olympic Jumping Complex and Herb Brooks Arena, while the Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum commemorates legendary moments like the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” hockey game.
Beyond sports, the village is rich in history. The John Brown Farm State Historic Site provides insight into the life of the famed abolitionist, with his home and gravesite open for exploration. Nature lovers can venture into the Adirondack High Peaks, hike Mount Jo, or climb Algonquin Peak for breathtaking views. Major events like IRONMAN Lake Placid attract athletes from around the world to compete in swimming, biking, and marathon courses, adding a modern layer of excitement to the village.
Speculator
Speculator, nestled amid forests, lakes, and mountain landscapes, is the perfect base for outdoor adventure. Just beyond the village, Kunjamuk Cave offers a short but scenic trek along wooded trails, immersing visitors in the Adirondacks’ rugged charm. To the south, the Silver Lake Wilderness provides opportunities to spot black bears, diverse bird species, and other wildlife. At the same time, to the north, the West Canada Lake Wilderness and Siamese Ponds Wilderness invite exploration through vast forests and dramatic mountain terrain. For those seeking a rewarding challenge, the 2,966-foot summit of Speculator Mountain offers sweeping panoramic views that stretch across the Adirondacks.
Year-round, Speculator caters to outdoor lovers. In winter, Oak Mountain Ski Center draws skiers and snowboarders, while in warmer months, boating, fishing, and swimming at Lake Pleasant attract visitors. Long-distance hikers can explore sections of the Northville-Lake Placid Trail, and history buffs can visit the Historical Society of Lake Pleasant & Speculator, where local artifacts and exhibits celebrate the community’s rich heritage.
North Creek
North Creek is a charming Adirondack town where history, art, and outdoor adventure seamlessly come together. Visitors are instantly captivated by its scenic landscapes and the community's warm, welcoming spirit. A highlight is the North Creek Depot Museum, a beautifully restored 1870s railway depot that showcases the Adirondack Railway’s impact on the region. Art fans will also appreciate the North Creek Mosaic Project, a striking public installation celebrating the creativity and collaboration of local residents.
Adventure is never far away in North Creek. The historic North Creek Ski Bowl, opened in 1934 and now part of Gore Mountain, continues to draw winter sports enthusiasts from across the country, offering skiing and snowboarding for all levels. The Hudson River provides opportunities for kayaking, riverside strolls, and scenic relaxation, while the Adirondack Glassblowing Studio invites visitors to admire intricate glasswork and watch skilled artisans at work.
Schroon Lake
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Schroon Lake thrived as a popular resort destination, drawing visitors to its grand hotels and summer camps. A lasting symbol of its cultural legacy is the Seagle Music Colony, founded in 1915 and recognized as the oldest summer vocal training program in the United States. Today, the Schroon-North Hudson Historical Society preserves the region’s rich past through artifacts and exhibits that trace the town’s development.
While many towns are lucky to have a single lake, Schroon Lake enjoys the beauty of two sparkling bodies of water: Paradox Lake and the namesake Schroon Lake. Nature lovers can explore the Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, a family-owned attraction for around centuries and home to the largest marble cave entrance in eastern New York. Golfers can tee off at the Schroon Lake Golf Course, which transforms into the Schroon Lake Ski Center in winter, offering skiing, tubing, and sledding. After a day of adventure, recharge at Sticks and Stones Wood Fire Bistro and Pub, known locally for its wood-fired pizzas and pulled pork sandwiches.
Old Forge
Often called the “Adirondack Base Camp,” Old Forge is surrounded by dozens of lakes, making it a premier destination for outdoor explorers and families alike. A highlight for visitors is the Enchanted Forest Water Safari, a must-visit destination for families and thrill-seekers alike, featuring over 50 rides, including 30+ heated water rides, providing fun for all ages. Nearby, Calypso’s Cove adds even more family entertainment with go-karts, mini-golf, and an arcade.
Art lovers can explore the View Arts Center, which hosts classes, workshops, and exhibitions for residents and visitors. For those who enjoy history, the Goodsell Museum, a Victorian-era home built in 1899, showcases the town’s transformation from a 19th-century lumbering hub into a modern Adirondack destination. Nature abounds in Old Forge, with the Fulton Chain of Lakes offering boating, scenic cruises, and tranquil exploration. Hiking trails around McCauley Mountain provide panoramic views, making the town a vibrant year-round destination for recreation, culture, and family fun.
Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga is a town rich in American history. Its name comes from the Mohawk word tekontaró:ken, meaning “it is at the junction of two waterways,” perfectly reflecting its location between Lake George and Lake Champlain. The town’s most iconic landmark, Fort Ticonderoga, is a historic fort that was central to key battles during both the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. Today, it features an extensive collection of military artifacts, guided tours, and a variety of rotating and permanent exhibits that bring its storied past to life.
Nearby, Mount Defiance offers panoramic vistas and insight into its strategic role during the 1777 British campaign, allowing guests to fully experience the town’s historic significance. For wilderness explorers, Ticonderoga also offers Bicentennial Park, an ideal spot for picnics, ball games, and leisurely time along the La Chute River. The park includes a small boat launch and provides views of La Chute Falls, with trails upstream revealing additional waterfalls and interpretive signage detailing the area’s natural and cultural history. Ticonderoga is also home to a unique attraction for pop culture fans: the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour. The downtown museum features highly accurate recreations of the 1960s sets built from the original blueprints. While niche, it offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for dedicated Trekkies.
Tupper Lake
Tupper Lake is a prime destination for stargazing, thanks to its high elevation, unobstructed views, and minimal light pollution. The area boasts some of the darkest skies in the Northeast, making it ideal for observing stars, planets, and the Milky Way. Every first Saturday in February, Tupper Lake comes alive for the Northern Challenge Ice Fishing Derby on Simon Pond. Anglers from across the region, including Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, and Canada, gather to fish for northern pike through ice holes, turning strangers into friends amid the winter chill.
Adventure continues at The Wild Center, where the Wild Walk treetop trail rises into the forest canopy via swinging bridges and a four-story twig treehouse, offering hikers a perspective from inside a giant bald eagle’s nest. Tupper Lake’s local spots foster community and connection. P-2's Irish Pub on Main Street hosts Thursday Buns & Brew and Friday Fish Fries, while Raquette River Brewing draws crowds with food trucks and drink specials. Tupper Lake Golf Club serves up Wing Night on Wednesdays with half-price chicken wings and craft beers. In summer, Little Wolf Beach on Little Wolf Pond provides swimming, boating, and relaxation.
Elizabethtown
Elizabethtown, affectionately known as “Pleasant Valley,” is a historic Adirondack town founded in 1798 and serving as the seat of Essex County. Steeped in history, the town provides a window into over two centuries of regional life. The Adirondack History Museum is the heart of this heritage, featuring more than 6,000 artifacts and documents that tell the story of the area’s past. Visitors can explore detailed exhibits on local history, step into a preserved Adirondack fire tower, and stroll through a colonial garden that evokes the town’s early days.
Beyond its historical significance, Elizabethtown is a haven for nature lovers. The Boquet River meanders gracefully through town, providing opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and trout fishing, while Hurricane Mountain looms nearby, offering a picturesque backdrop and challenging hiking trails for adventurers. A short trip from town leads to Split Rock Falls, where a series of cascading waterfalls tumble into deep pools, making it a favorite spot for swimming, photography, and quiet reflection.
A Memorable Retreat In The Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondack Mountains, among the first places in the United States to earn "Forever Wild" protection, have preserved a collection of charming small towns perfect for a vacation. Outdoor explorers can ski and snowboard on thrilling slopes or fish in the thousands of lakes and ponds nestled throughout the mountain basins. Whether someone's seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, the Adirondack Mountains’ small towns offer unforgettable experiences, scenic beauty, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that will keep them coming back year after year.
