7 Cutest Small Towns In The Adirondack Mountains To Visit In 2024
The Adirondack Mountains are a mountain range located in upstate New York and are incredibly popular as a spot for cottaging, hiking, boating, and other outdoor-related activities. Even the popular wooden lounging chairs, seen on outdoor decks across the country, are named after them. One look at this unique region, and you will see why. A stunning mountain range runs through the area, with its biggest peak, Mount Marcy, reaching a height of 5,344 feet, and several forests and parks accompany them. Due to the hilly terrain, it is difficult for any large cities to be established here, but there are many small towns that are packed with charm that those from the big cities to the south, like New York City, seek out during all four seasons of the year.
Plan your next visit for 2024 to one of these seven cutest small towns in the Adirondacks.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid is a quintessential Adirondack town that combines the charm of a small village with an interesting history associated with the Winter Olympics. As the site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, Lake Placid is now a sought-after hub for sports and outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those who like downhill and Nordic skiing and snowboarding. You can even visit the Olympic Center, where the "Miracle on Ice" occurred, and take a bobsled ride at the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex.
Beyond its Olympic legacy, Lake Placid is surrounded by stunning natural scenery with Mirror Lake at its heart. This calm body of water is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply walking around its well-maintained trail (which wraps around the whole lake). The downtown area is quite lively. Take a stroll down its street for a variety of dining options, from casual cafés to upscale restaurants, and visit local art galleries to appreciate the region's creativity.
For serious hikers, the surrounding mountains provide ample opportunities, like the hike up Whiteface Mountain, which offers a panoramic view of the Adirondacks.
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake is another worthwhile but slightly less popular lake town located a short drive from Lake Placid, offering a more laid-back atmosphere while still boasting a good array of activities and attractions. Historically known for its tuberculosis sanatoriums in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town has preserved much of its older structure, making it a delightful place for history enthusiasts. Bring your camera as you walk the streets in town.
Walking through downtown, you can check out the many locally-owned shops, art galleries, and cafés. The Left Bank Cafe is a great spot to grab a coffee or a bite to eat with views of the Saranac River. Saranac Lake is also known to be a welcoming home for artists, with local artists often displaying their works in various venues like NorthWind Fine Arts Gallery, among a few others.
Outdoor lovers will find plenty to do around Saranac Lake, with access to several lakes and hiking trails. Canoeing or kayaking on the Saranac River is a peaceful activity, while Baker Mountain has a short but rewarding hike with wonderful views along the way. The close by Lake Flower is another perfect place for leisurely walks or picnics by the water.
Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga is strategically located between Lake George and Lake Champlain, making it a good kick-off point for boaters or anyone looking to spend a weekend by the water. Historically, it played a significant role in both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, making it a great place to learn about this region's significance to America's storied past. The best landmark to visit for this is Fort Ticonderoga, a restored 18th-century fort where you can witness reenactments, explore the museum, and learn about the site's historical importance.
Interested in learning a bit about show business too? The Star Trek Original Series Set Tour is a unique attraction downtown, providing a detailed recreation of the iconic show's set, which brings in fans from all over.
Those looking to spend their time in nature are in luck in Ticonderoga. The La Chute River runs through town and is lined with walking paths and even a small waterfall. The nearby Adirondack Mountains have numerous accessible hiking trails, and both Lake George and Lake Champlain contain launches for boating, fishing, and water sports.
Old Forge
Old Forge sits at the western edge of the Adirondacks. The town's central location in the Fulton Chain of Lakes makes it a great base for boating and fishing enthusiasts. Old Forge has nearby access to several notable mountains, with trails suitable for all levels of hikers. Bald Mountain is a popular hike with a fire tower at the summit, providing panoramic views of the lakes and forests below. In the winter, Old Forge transforms into a snowmobiling paradise, with hundreds of miles of groomed trails.
In downtown Old Forge, you can find everything from local crafts and souvenirs to hearty meals at cozy diners. The town also features the historic Strand Theatre, a charming cinema that has been showing films since the 1920s. It is also home to Enchanted Forest Water Safari, the largest water park in New York, which is a big draw for families during the summer months.
Inlet
Inlet is a tiny town of around 355 residents located just east of Old Forge, at the edge of Fourth Lake. It’s a popular spot for those who are really trying to escape the big city and find peace in the vast outdoors of the Adirondacks. Despite its size, many useful amenities can be found here, with restaurants, outfitters, and even hotels being available. The Screamen Eagle Pizza is a favorite among locals and visitors, known for its crispy thin-crust pizza.
Inlet is a fantastic destination for water-based activities. Fourth Lake is great for boating, fishing, and swimming, with a public beach that's perfect for families. The Fulton Chain of Lakes is accessible from Inlet, allowing for extended canoeing and kayaking trips. During the summer, the town has a variety of festivals and events, including arts and crafts shows and live music in Arrowhead Park.
In terms of hiking, you can explore the Black Bear Mountain Trail, a moderate hike with stunning views at the top, or Rocky Mountain, a shorter trail that offers a quick ascent to a panoramic vista. In winter, Inlet transforms popular places for snowmobilers, with miles of maintained trails within reach. Inlet's combination of natural beauty and small-town charm makes it a delightful place to visit in 2024.
North Creek
North Creek is the home of Gore Mountain, a popular ski resort for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. During the summer, Gore Mountain provides scenic gondola rides and mountain biking trails.
Downtown North Creek is rich in history, with places to visit like the North Creek Depot Museum, which showcases exhibits relating to railroading in the Adirondacks. It is a definite highlight, celebrating the town's railway heritage and its connection to President Theodore Roosevelt's famous "midnight ride." It is also recommended to see the Tannery Pond Community Center, which hosts art exhibits, concerts, and theatrical performances.
North Creek is a gateway to the Hudson River Gorge too, where you can find exciting whitewater rafting trips. Hiking opportunities abound as well, with nearby trails leading to beautiful vistas and secluded spots in the forests around town and lining the gorge.
Keene Valley
Keene Valley is in the heart of the Adirondack High Peaks region in the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park. Visitors come for its breathtaking landscapes and many camping and hiking opportunities. It’s a haven for hikers, with easy access to some of the most challenging and rewarding trails in the whole region, including the popular Cascade Mountain and Giant Mountain trails. Don't forget about nearby Mount Marcy too, the highest peak in all of New York state.
Keene Valley is perhaps the best place to stay as an ideal starting point for exploring the Adirondack wilderness. The hamlet itself has a laidback rural vibe, with local businesses catering mainly to outdoor enthusiasts. The Mountaineer, a long-established outdoor gear shop, is a great place to stock up on hiking equipment and get expert advice. Keene Valley also has a few cozy cafés and eateries, where you can enjoy a meal while taking in the scenic surroundings. For an easy walk near town, visit the Roaring Brook Falls Trail, leading to a stunning waterfall that cascades over a sheer cliff.
Explore The Adirondacks' Cutest Towns This Weekend
From Lake Placid's Olympic legacy to Saranac Lake's artistic charm, each town in the Adirondack Mountains has a strong appeal, whether outdoor adventure, cultural events, or a simple downtown stroll amongst historic buildings. Ticonderoga's historical significance, Old Forge's family-friendly attractions, Inlet's tranquil lakeside, North Creek's outdoor activities, and Keene Valley's hiking trails create diverse experiences that easily fill a weekend visit. Visiting these towns in 2024 ensures a memorable trip filled with natural beauty and local flavor in the legendary Adirondacks.
