These 12 Towns In The Adirondack Mountains Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2026
The Adirondack Mountains of northern New York are one of the largest protected natural areas in the United States. This vast wilderness holds rugged peaks and crystal-clear lakes alongside winding rivers and dense evergreen forests. Stretching across more than six million acres, the Adirondacks are a place where mountain vistas seem to go on forever. Loons call across quiet waters at sunrise. Every season paints the landscape in a different palette. It's a visual feast of fiery autumn colors and snow-covered winter scenes.
Scattered throughout the region are small towns that serve as gateways to the outdoors while offering their own unique character and history alongside small-town appeal. Olympic history at Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, Cooper's Cave in Glens Falls, and other thrilling places make the Adirondacks a popular tourist destination.
In 2026, several Adirondack towns earned spots as favorite destinations in the US. Their beautiful scenery, welcoming atmosphere, and endless opportunities for adventure have captured the hearts of travelers from across the country. Here are 12 Adirondack towns that stand out as some of the most favorite places to visit in the US.
Glens Falls
Set along the Hudson River, Glens Falls is known as the southern "Gateway to the Adirondacks" because of its proximity to Lake George and major ski resorts. It gets its name from the waterfall on the Hudson River at the southern end of the city. In 2017, Budget Travel magazine listed it as one of the "10 Coolest Small Towns in America." Also dubbed "Hometown U.S.A.," by Look Magazine, Glens Falls is a US favorite because it's one of the most affordable towns in the area with easy access to the Adirondacks.
Glens Falls was incorporated as a village in 1839 and as a city in 1908. It is the halfway point between Fort Edward and Fort William Henry, which made it the site of many French-Indian and Revolutionary War battles. One of the town's most historical landmarks is Cooper's Cave, known for its role in James Fenimore Cooper's The Last of the Mohicans. After visiting the cave in 1825, Cooper was inspired by the rushing waters and Hudson River scenery, so he used the cave as the setting for one of the book's most important scenes.
Popular spots in Glens Falls include The Hyde Collection, a small art museum featuring European and American art, with pieces by Rembrandt, Picasso, and Renoir. As the heart of the city, the Three Squares Historic District is where you will find many historic buildings in the architectural style of Italianate, Romanesque, Beaux-Arts, Neoclassical, and a few others.
Throughout the year, concerts, community events, and festivals like the annual Adirondack Balloon Festival attract people from all over. Rushing waterfalls, nearby hiking, and a thrilling history make Glens Falls a must-visit.
Wilmington
Ten miles from Lake Placid is the quiet town of Wilmington, a US favorite because of Whiteface Mountain, which hosted the alpine skiing events for the 1980 Winter Olympics. Activities like skiing, downhill mountain biking, and exploring the Ausable River are also among the top attractions here.
Wilmington has some pretty interesting stories in its past. It was founded by pioneers from New England nearly 200 years ago. During the War of 1812, the town helped support American troops at the Battle of Plattsburgh by supplying locally made rye whiskey as part of their daily rations. Then, during Prohibition, Wilmington's location near the Canadian border put it right in the middle of the action, with some locals providing a temporary hideout for bootleggers passing through the area. Over time, Wilmington has transformed from a little-known farming village to a top-tier resort town.
Its history inspired events like the annual Whiteface Whiskey Run and Festival, which features whiskey tastings, Battle of Plattsburgh re-enactors in period clothing, demonstrations, and more.
Whiteface Mountain ranks as the #3 overall ski resort in the East according to SKI Magazine's Reader Resort Survey. It has the highest vertical drop in the East at 3,430 feet and is particularly attractive to skiers who like challenging terrain. When you aren't on the mountain, you will find pottery, paintings, handcrafted jewelry, and more souvenirs at the local art and craft shops.
With more than 60% of Wilmington's land protected as part of the state forest preserve, it's the perfect place for anyone who loves getting outside. If you're looking for a recreation mecca with welcoming residents, add Wilmington to your travel list!
Lake George
Lake George in upstate New York is one of the Adirondacks' most iconic destinations, where sparkling blue water stretches for more than 30 miles between mountains and shorelines. Often called the "Queen of American Lakes," Lake George is famous for having some of the cleanest, clearest water in the US, so it's no surprise that it was ranked one of the top lake towns in the US for boaters in a recent analysis by Boatmart. Towering pines, secluded coves, and scenic islands dot the landscape, while the surrounding peaks create a dramatic backdrop that changes with the seasons. No matter where you admire the views, you feel like you're in a postcard.
Lake George's history is just as fascinating as its natural beauty. At the southern end of the lake is Fort William Henry, built in 1755 and best known for the 1757 Siege of Fort William Henry during the French & Indian War. That same year, the nearby Battle of Lake George gave the British one of their first important victories over the French. The fort takes you back in time to the 18th century with reenactments, exhibits, and guided tours.
Lake George also has a lively cultural scene that keeps visitors coming back. Summer brings the two-week Lake George Music Festival, which showcases classical, contemporary, and chamber music from talented musicians. Community events such as live music, fireworks shows, and other festivals are typically hosted in the Shepard Park Amphitheater. Visitors also like taking lake cruises, hiking Prospect Mountain, swimming, and relaxing along the waterfront.
With towering mountains, lush forests, and sunsets that spill their colors across the lake, Lake George perfectly captures the natural beauty and lively spirit of the Adirondacks. Lake George is a favorite for family vacations, boating, and all the outdoor adventures the Adirondacks offers.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid (not to be confused with Lake Placid lake) is one of the most famous destinations in the country because it hosted the Olympic Games twice (1932, 1980). The town is surrounded by some of the highest mountain peaks in New York and landscapes that are almost too beautiful to be real. On clear days, the High Peaks are reflected in the water below. The scenery around Lake Placid is spectacular in every season.
Lake Placid continues to be a top training destination for winter athletes. Mt. Van Hoevenberg, one of Lake Placid's Legacy Sites, is the place to be for activities like bobsledding, luge, cross-country skiing, hiking, and more. The Lake Placid Olympic Museum has memorabilia and exhibits from the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, while the Olympic Jumping Complex is recognized for its incredible ski jumps, majestic views from the top, and zipline ride. Lake Placid truly has a unique place in Adirondack and American sports history.
Annual events like the Lake Placid Summit Classic lacrosse tournament draw athletes and spectators from across the country. The Lake Placid Sinfonietta Symphony Concert Series has music covered with classical concerts, while the Park Series focuses on free, family-friendly outdoor concerts in Mid's Park. On sunny afternoons, kayak in the waters of Mirror Lake or walk the trail around it which will bring you to the very walkable historic downtown. Here you can browse local galleries like The Curious Otter, pick up a new read from The Bookstore Plus, enjoy delicious food by the lake, or take in the views from the shoreline.
Surrounded by mountains, lakes, and forests, Lake Placid's nature and Olympic history is a favorite for visitors. If you are a sports enthusiast, add it to your list of places to see.
Keene
In the heart of the Adirondack High Peaks, Keene is another scenic mountain community. The town includes Keene Valley, nicknamed the "Home of the High Peaks" and recently listed as one of the top spots to visit in the US in 2026 by Fodor's.
Keene was founded in 1808, with its early settlers earning money from iron and timber. One of the more notable early settlers in Keene was Eli Hull. Hull settled in Keene and, with his older sons, took part in the War of 1812 and the Battle of Plattsburgh. Keene's history is reflected in landmarks like the Holt House, which was part of the original settlement of Keene in the early 1800s. One of its occupants was Harvey Holt, a well-known Adirondack wilderness guide.
Keene makes visitors feel immersed in nature from every direction, with mountains, streams, and forests of spruce, pine, and maple. The Ausable River runs through Keene Valley and is a favorite spot for fishing, rock climbing, and white-water activities. It's also famous for renowned fly-fishing. Downstream near Keeseville, the same river carved the Ausable Chasm, a sandstone gorge with hiking trails and waterfalls.
Community events also contribute to the charm of Keene. Find fresh produce and handmade crafts at the Keene Farmers' Market, which runs every Sunday through October. In the summer, the annual Keene Community Day celebration features local vendors, family activities, live music, and the popular "Beaver Boss" contest. Each year in February is the Adirondack International Mountainfest, a major winter festival with back-country ski tours, guest speakers, and more.
Between its community traditions and beautiful surroundings, Keene is the quintessential Adirondack experience. There are endless opportunities for exploration where the beauty of the mountains is always close at hand.
Champlain
On the US-Canadian border in the northeastern Adirondacks, Champlain is a beautiful mix of farmland, hills, and views of Lake Champlain. Country roads wind through fields and forests, while the lake invites people to boat, fish, swim, or just enjoy the view. In the fall, the countryside pops in shades of red, orange, and gold. Lake Champlain was recognized by Bassmaster Magazine as the fifth-best bass fishing lake in the Northeast for 2026 due to its large, diverse fish population.
Champlain's history is an important part of its identity and can be seen throughout the community. The town takes its name from Samuel de Champlain, the French explorer who mapped the region in 1609. One of its early settlers was Pliny Moore, a Revolutionary War veteran who established the town in 1789 after receiving land in recognition of his military service. In 1808, Moore built a stone farmhouse on Elm Street. Although the original structure was destroyed by a fire in 1912, the rebuilt Pliny Moore House is still the oldest house in the village.
Visitors can also explore the Samuel de Champlain History Center, where exhibits and artifacts tell the story of the region's early settlement, border heritage, and ties to Samuel de Champlain. After that, a stop at the Samuel de Champlain Monument is a must-see.
Point Au Roche State Park is another nice spot to spend time with its landscape of forests, open fields, marshes, and undeveloped shoreline. Relax with a picnic on a protected sandy beach and beautiful views of the lake.
Champlain knows how to bring people together with live theater at Bill Earl Park, bowling alleys, square dances at the grange hall, and much more. Farther south in Port Henry, the Champ Day Festival delights people of all ages with its celebration of the Lake Champlain Monster. Other seasonal celebrations connected to Lake Champlain fill the town with pride, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. They are a great way to experience the area's welcoming atmosphere while enjoying its beauty.
If you like exploring historic forts and want the opportunity to fish in exceptional waters, Champlain won't let you down!
Ticonderoga
Beautiful scenery and thrilling history await in Ticonderoga, one of the Adirondacks' most historically significant towns. The town gets its name from the Native American word for "land between the waters," which perfectly describes its location between Lake George and Lake Champlain. Like other towns in the Adirondacks, Ticonderoga is surrounded by a mix of rocky shorelines, mountains, and towering trees.
Ticonderoga is best known for Fort Ticonderoga, the famous 18th-century fortress that overlooks Lake Champlain and played a key role in early American history. USA Today 10BEST and Fodor's recognize Fort Ticonderoga as a "Must-See Landmark" and "Best Living History" site in the US. Above Lake Champlain, the fort has incredible views. Costumed interpreters, military demonstrations, and restored grounds bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Mount Defiance is included in your admission to Fort Ticonderoga. Drive or hike up to see an incredible view of Fort Ticonderoga's landscape.
Another interesting stop is The Hancock House, home of the Ticonderoga Historical Society. Open from June through December, this four-story Georgian Revival home is now a museum and research library that's well worth a visit to learn about colonial history. If you're visiting during the holiday season, don't miss the Festival of Trees, a festive event that fills the historic home with beautifully decorated trees.
One quirky activity in Ticonderoga is the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour downtown, which gives guided tours of recreated versions of the original sets of the Star Trek TV show. Downtown is centered around Montcalm Street and is a historic district with a mix of local eateries, galleries like Ti Arts Downtown Gallery, and specialty shops like Sugar & Spice Country Shoppe.
What makes Ticonderoga even more appealing is its strong sense of community. The weekly Ticonderoga Farmers Market offers fresh produce, handcrafted items, and more. It's a great place to meet residents, support local businesses, and experience the town's welcoming community atmosphere.
Visit Ticonderoga to explore important Revolutionary War history, Adirondack nature, and replicas of the famous Star Trek sets.
Wells
In the southern Adirondacks is the small town of Wells, a peaceful setting that feels a world away from busy tourist hubs. Lake Algonquin sits at the heart of the community, and miles of woodland stretch in every direction. On a quiet morning, it's not unusual to see mist rising off the water as the surrounding hills reflect across the lake's surface. Wells is rated highly for peaceful nature, local diner food, and proximity to the Silver Lake Wilderness Area, where people like hiking, snowmobiling, and camping.
Wells is the oldest town in Hamilton County (established in 1805). It was named after Joshua Wells, one of the area's earliest settlers, who helped the community get its start by building the first sawmills and gristmills. The mills were important in supporting the logging and farming industries that helped Wells grow during its early years. You can learn about Wells' history and early settlers at the Wells Historical Society Museum.
If you're looking for a quick outdoor adventure nearby, Auger Falls is a great option for families or anyone who wants to enjoy the Adirondack scenery without tackling a long trail. The hike leads to a series of waterfalls along the beautiful Sacandaga River.
Wells has a welcoming small-town atmosphere and a growing community spirit, with new restaurants, local shops, and popular events attracting residents and visitors. If you visit in the summer, check out the annual Old Home Day celebration for games, food, and exhibits. In the winter, Lake Algonquin hosts high-speed winter ice racing events. So many activities show off Wells' lively Adirondack character.
For a low-key vacation in a quiet town where you can still join in on fun outdoor activities, Wells is your destination.
Inlet
Inlet has been dubbed "the Adirondacks' best-kept secret" by Travel + Leisure. The town is at the eastern end of Fourth Lake, part of the Fulton Chain of Lakes, and surrounded by the six million acres of protected forests. Inlet is a welcoming year-round base for exploring the Adirondacks, providing easy access to lakes, forests, hiking trails, and outdoor adventures. Visitors adore the town for its family-friendly boardwalk, live summer music, and hundreds of miles of snowmobiling trails.
Inlet's history can be tied to the area's early tourism era. Before Inlet was officially named in 1902, people were coming here to enjoy the area's natural beauty. Native American groups, including Iroquois hunting parties, used the area as a seasonal gathering place and summer campsite. Over the years as the area developed, residents frequently discovered arrowheads in the ground. Stop by the Inlet Historical Society to explore old photographs, documents, and local artifacts from its early Native American roots and the days when it became a popular summer vacation destination in the Adirondacks.
There's always something to do outdoors in Inlet, no matter the season. If you're looking for an easy hike, the one-mile trail up Rocky Mountain rewards you with beautiful views overlooking Fourth Lake. Black Bear Mountain is a longer, more challenging hike with gorgeous views of Blue Mountain and the lakeside communities. Another option for outdoor fun is Fern Park, which has more than 14 miles of hiking and biking trails. In the winter you will see people sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. When you need a break from the outdoors, browse the local shops and boutiques downtown or take a walking tour down Main Street to see 1920s buildings.
What really gives Inlet its personality are its community traditions. The annual Adirondack Canoe Classic (also called the 90-Miler) brings people from across the country each fall to participate in or watch a 90-mile canoe race that starts in Old Forge and finishes in Saranac Lake. In the winter, the popular Frozen Fire & Lights celebration brightens the season with bonfires, ice sculptures, fireworks, and family-friendly activities.
Inlet is a peaceful retreat from city life. Spend your day on the water, check out a local festival, and end the evening watching the sun disappear behind the Adirondack hills. There are no bad days in Inlet!
Tupper Lake
Tupper Lake is often called the "Crossroads of the Adirondacks" because it's right in the heart of Adirondack Park in Upstate New York. While Tupper Lake is generally known for its pristine lakes, scenic hiking trails, and friendly atmosphere, it's also known for its outstanding natural science center, incredible stargazing, and a logging heritage that remains an important part of the community.
Back in the 1800s, Tupper Lake grew into a major center for the logging industry. When the railroad arrived in the late 19th century, it helped the town expand by making it easier to ship timber to larger markets. The railroad also brought visitors eager to experience the Adirondacks' wilderness.
Tupper Lake has two unique natural science centers, The Wild Center and The Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory. At the Wild Center you can walk among the treetops on elevated walkways, cross swinging bridges, and even climb through a giant spiderweb-like structure suspended above the forest.
When it comes to stargazing, Tupper Lake has some of the darkest skies in the Northeast, which is why it's home to Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory. Join stargazing events, use the telescopes, and catch a planetarium show. It's a fun, memorable way to experience the Adirondacks after the sun goes down.
Community spirit is alive and well in Tupper Lake. The annual Tinman Triathlon draws athletes from across the Northeast, and the Tupper Lake Plein Air Festival features up to 150 pieces of striking Adirondack-inspired art. Artists set up their easels throughout the Adirondacks, painting fall foliage, winding rivers, historic buildings, and mountain views. It's a great chance to watch artists at work, and the event wraps up with a free public exhibition where you can browse the finished pieces and take home your favorite.
If you want to see the stars in a way you've never seen them before, put Tupper Lake at the top of your travel list.
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake is like a Norman Rockwell painting come to life, with Travel + Leisure calling it "the perfect fall getaway." The town is next to Lake Flower, with the larger Saranac Lakes just beyond, creating endless opportunities for paddling, boating, and lakeside walks. While it has classic Adirondack beauty, visitors also love it for its thriving arts and culture scene.
Jacob Moody was the first settler in Saranac Lake in 1819. Later, before it became a popular Adirondack getaway, Saranac Lake was known around the world as a health resort and center for tuberculosis research. If you visit, you can learn about its past at the Historic Saranac Lake Museum, housed in the nation's first TB research laboratory, built in 1894.
Many people interested in exploring the Adirondacks choose to make their basecamp at Hotel Saranac downtown. The hotel has been a fixture in the Adirondacks since 1927. The surrounding region drew figures like Mark Twain, Albert Einstein, and Ralph Waldo Emerson over the years. Hotel Saranac has earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places for maintaining its original Colonial Revival (or Neo-Georgian) style. Hotel Saranac is also consistently ranked among the most haunted hotels in the US by USA Today.
Another interesting stop is the Mark Twain Camp, where Sam Clemens (Mark Twain) spent his summer in 1901. You can make your visit extra memorable by renting the cottage. Other activities in town include a self-guided walking tour that brings you by historic buildings and interesting sites. Along the way you can check out local options for dining and shopping.
Saranac Lake uses its past as inspiration for community events like the Winter Carnival, a beloved tradition started in 1897 which celebrates winter with parades, live entertainment, and the famous Ice Palace built from blocks of ice cut from a local lake. Summer events like the Adirondack Plein Air Festival fill the town with artists who spend six days outdoors painting the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Experience the town's creative side through the Saranac Lake Art Walk, which invites visitors on a self-guided stroll along the Saranac River to see a variety of murals and public art.
Saranac Lake is a favorite for visitors who describe it as a lesser-known gem of the Adirondacks. Activities in the fresh mountain air, fascinating historical sites, and an artistic culture ensure the small town is far from boring.
Elizabethtown
On the banks of the Boquet River between the High Peaks and Lake Champlain is Elizabethtown, the "Hometown of the Adirondacks." Elizabethtown (affectionately called "E'town") is home to less than 1,000 people. It was recently called "the Adirondacks' best-kept secret" by Travel + Leisure, so that number may be changing soon!
Elizabethtown was settled in 1792 by William Gilliland who named it after his wife and daughter, both named Elizabeth. The history of Elizabethtown can be seen in certain historic buildings. The Deer's Head Inn, for example, was established in 1808 and is now the oldest tavern in the Adirondacks. During the War of 1812, the inn acted as a hospital for injured soldiers. During the 1920s Prohibition era, it hid illegal liquor. It is now a restored restaurant and inn. Guests have included US presidents Benjamin Harrison and Grover Cleveland.
There are several interesting spots in Elizabethtown worth a visit. Start with the Adirondack History Museum, which used to be a neoclassical-style former school in 1916. On display are artifacts, documents, and art covering 200 years in Essex County. There's also a Colonial Garden and a preserved 58-foot fire tower you can climb. Visiting in the summer? Check out the weekly farmers market on site every Friday.
Outdoor adventure can be found at Split Rock Falls, one of the best waterfalls in the Adirondacks, and at Blueberry Hill, a favorite spot for hiking and mountain biking. A more challenging hike to the top of Hurricane Mountain reveals breathtaking views and a fire tower built in 1919. You may also see local wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, black bears, foxes, and bobcats. If you prefer lowkey activities like golf, practice your swing at Cobble Hill Golf Course. Built in 1896, it is one of the oldest golf courses in the US.
The Elizabethtown Social Center has a calendar packed with local events. Community basketball, movie nights, performances by the Adirondack Regional Theatre, and more keep visitors and residents engaged. If you plan to visit in the summer, join in the community spirit as the town celebrates E'town Day, an annual summer festival on the third Saturday in July. It started in 1998 for the town's 200th birthday and is now a beloved local holiday featuring town-wide yard sales, a parade, live music, local food, and fireworks.
Avoid the crowded towns and spend your vacation in Elizabethtown, relaxing in the great outdoors and appreciating its deep history.
Find Your Adirondack Adventure
Whether you're exploring the vibrant arts scene in Saranac Lake, admiring must-see landmarks in Ticonderoga, stargazing in Tupper Lake, or experiencing the Olympic legacy of Lake Placid, each town will give you its own unique Adirondack experience. The gorgeous scenery, welcoming atmosphere, and endless things to see and do keep visitors coming back year after year. So pack your hiking boots, bring your camera, and hit the road. These Adirondack favorites are waiting to be explored, and you just might discover a new favorite of your own. The only question is which town you will visit first.
