9 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In The Adirondack Mountains
When someone says “New York,” the first thing that comes to mind is often New York City. But far from the city lights lies a different side of the state, one defined by peaceful lakes, dense forests, and rustic charm. The Adirondack Mountains are made up of countless serene towns nestled between peaks and waterways, each offering a slower pace of life and access to the great outdoors. Saranac Lake, for instance, is the largest town in the region with under 5,000 residents, giving you a sense of how close-knit these communities can be. Life here revolves around crisp mountain air, seasonal sports, and a deep appreciation for nature. Traveling to these off-the-beaten-path towns is a refreshing way to experience New York's rural beauty away from crowded tourist hubs.
Long Lake
Tucked deep in the central Adirondacks, Long Lake is a quiet escape where nature takes the lead. The town's namesake lake stretches for over 14 miles, offering plenty of space for kayaking, fishing, or simply soaking in the views. One of the most beloved spots nearby is Buttermilk Falls, where water spills over wide rock slabs into a swimmable pool, perfect for a summer picnic. When the sun’s out, locals and visitors gather at Long Lake Town Beach, known for its mountain views and relaxed vibe. Hikers can venture up Owl’s Head Mountain, a moderately challenging trail that rewards with sweeping views of the surrounding forest, distant peaks, and even a glimpse into neighboring Vermont.
Lake Placid
The origin of the colour “Lake Placid Blue,” Lake Placid is a cool town to visit with its Olympic history. As a town where the lake is its source of drinking water, it is obvious how incredible the town’s natural environment must be. As the former host for the Winter Olympics, Lake Placid acquires one of the largest collections of artifacts from the games at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum. The Olympic spirit continues at Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex, where visitors can view others or participate in ski jumping.
The town also has its share of natural attractions: Mid’s Park, named after Mildred Uihlein, a prominent member in the preservation of the park, is home to summer performances and holiday events. Similarly, High Falls Gorge is a private 22-acre park with a walkable gorge and four waterfalls that give a look into the history of the Adirondacks.
Saranac Lake
Named after the “Saranac River” in the Iroquoian language, Saranac Lake is well known for its historical role in tuberculosis treatment, led by physician Edward L. Trudeau. The town became a hub for medical research in the late 19th century, and this legacy lives on through several local attractions. The former Saranac Laboratory, the first U.S. lab dedicated to tuberculosis research, now houses the Saranac Laboratory Museum, showcasing artifacts from the original 1894 facility.
Another historical highlight is the Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial Cottage, once the residence of the famous author of Treasure Island and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, who also stayed here as a patient of Trudeau in the late 1880s. Beyond its medical past, Saranac Lake offers outdoor adventures as well. Hike the Baker Mountain Trailhead for sweeping views of Lake Flower, the High Peaks, and the town below, or hop aboard the Adirondack Scenic Railroad for a nostalgic journey through the northern Adirondacks.
Lake George
With over 170 islands dotting its waters, Lake George is often called the “Queen of American Lakes,” a title attributed to Thomas Jefferson. This popular destination offers a vibrant mix of nature, history, and family-friendly attractions. One curious spot is the Lake George Mystery Spot at Mayor Blais Park. When visitors stand in a specific location and speak aloud, their voice is said to echo back louder, and this phenomenon remains unexplained.
Fort William Henry, located near the southern end of the lake, brings history to life. This reconstructed fort from the French and Indian War provides interactive exhibits on military life, weaponry, and colonial transport systems. For families, the Lake George Expedition Park features Dino Roar Valley, where children can walk among life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. After exploring, head to the town’s most iconic summer destination, Million Dollar Beach. This 51-acre stretch of golden sand has amenities including a bathhouse and a boat inspection station.
Tupper Lake
Nicknamed the “Highways of the Adirondacks” for its variety of interconnected rivers and ponds, Tupper Lake is popular for commemorating natural artifacts and environments through its attractions. The Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory is a great example, as it is ideal for stargazing and hosts public observing events for the town population to observe the skies. The Wild Center is another institution dedicated to Tupper Lake’s environment, presenting its range of exhibits and artifacts relevant to its ecosystem through a variety of hands-on experiences such as canoe trips, hikes, visits from live animals, and more.
For a look into the past, the Tupper Lake History Museum is more focused on the town's origins. It exhibits the history of the Indigenous Mohawk peoples and their artifacts, as well as the history of other peoples, traditions, and more. And to add a summer element, Little Wolf Beach is an off-the-beaten-path beauty that is one of the longest beaches in the Adirondacks.
Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga translates to “the land between two waters” in the Iroquois language. A hamlet sat between the shores of Lake George and Lake Champlain. Ticonderoga is a small town with connections to history, film culture, and nature. Turning to Ticonderoga’s history, Fort Ticonderoga is a rustic landmark dating back to the 1750s. It stands as a monument to the American victories of the Revolutionary War, where visitors can tour the library, galleries, the fort, and the outdoor space. There is also the Ticonderoga Heritage Museum, which displays the history of mills and settlements in the area.
For sci-fi television enthusiasts, this small town offers the cosmic Star Trek Series Set Tour, where the original series was filmed and rebuilt using the original set blueprints, as per popular demand. Regarding the town’s natural attractions, LaChute Falls comprises five waterfalls on the LaChute River and includes a 3-mile River Walk Trail starting at the Heritage Museum.
Speculator
A town of tight-knit community and greenery that looks untouched, Speculator is a village sitting atop the shores of Lake Pleasant. This small town gives insight into the local atmosphere. It is known for its camping culture and is well-versed in winter recreation. Oak Mountain and its ski resort can contribute to the town’s snowy sports as a luxury attraction that offers affordable winter fun with trails, activities, and even a Ski and Snowboard School! The Kunjamuk Cave is another lovely natural wonder of the Adirondacks, being 15 feet deep with a small opening for viewers to look through.
Speculator seems to know quite a bit about hidden gems because the Whiskey Brook Falls is also found in this small village, a small 5 to 6-foot-tall waterfall that’s part of New York’s Waterfall Challenge. The Sacandaga Pathway is a great final touch to one’s trip to Speculator, as a boardwalk leading to typically inaccessible wetlands and forest areas is a fitting ending with a sprinkle of adventure.
Old Forge
With the title "Snowmobile Capital of the East," Old Forge is well-known for its winter sports and activities, as well as its well-kept trails and snowmobiling areas. Exploring the outdoors in winter is an exceptional experience at McCauley Mountain Ski Center. The ski center is known for cross-country skiing and has 21 trails of varying difficulty levels. Fun fact: Old Forge was home to two Olympic skiers.
Old Forge can also be suitable for families with Calypso’s Cove Family Fun Park, which is neighboring the Enchanted Forest Water Safari, the largest theme park in the region of New York. The park has various activities like go-karts, a zipline, mini golf, and much more. Families can also enjoy the Strand Theatre, which has been playing movies for over a hundred years, showing newly released movies throughout the summer. When in need of a drink, the Fulton Chain Craft Brewery in Old Forge has tourists covered with their unique and handmade drinks based on the wilderness and greenery of the Fulton Chain of Lakes.
Raquette Lake
During the Revolution, several British Loyalists left a couple of pairs of raquettes or French snowshoes by the shore of the lake, hence the name Raquette Lake. With 4,925 acres of surface taken up by the lake and a rich landscape, this small town holds a few outdoor recreational retreats. One of those retreats is the Great Camp Sagamore, a historical landmark that started as a vacation home for the prominent Vanderbilt family in the 1900s.
Death Brook Falls, also known as Secret Falls, is another great stop on a trip through Raquette Lake during its high-water time, as visitors can walk on the flat trail through the water. Embracing the camping spirit, Camp Pine Knot was created as a way to maintain privacy while allowing the tight-knit community of Raquette Lake to continue being close. The camp is made in the Great Camp architectural style, a popular form of structuring camps in the area.
Conclusion
As if entering a real-life postcard, the Adirondack Mountains are rich in pristine flora and exciting species of fauna. The small towns in this part of New York strive to preserve the natural environment around which their communities are built. From an abundance of beautiful and wondrous natural landscapes to irresistible summertime events and outdoor activities, the region is best experienced through these off-the-beaten-path towns. Enriched with history, culture, and a deep connection to the seasons, each of these places offers something unique for travelers seeking a quieter, more authentic escape.
