Discover Adirondack Small Towns

Set on Mirror Lake with High Peaks views, Lake Placid offers a walkable downtown of restaurants, shops, and hotels surrounded by Olympic history and Adirondack scenery. Relive the "Miracle on Ice," explore the Olympic Museum, or take a scenic drive along Veterans' Memorial Highway to reach the top of Whiteface Mountain, New York’s fifth-highest peak.

Saranac Lake’s charming downtown is filled with art galleries, locally-owned shops and a vibrant creative spirit. Beautiful Lake Flower provides the perfect location for paddling and waterfront relaxation. After a day of hiking nearby peaks, enjoy live music and delicious local food in this small town with big fun located at the southernmost end of Franklin County.

The lively waterfront village of Lake George offers swimming, boating, and scenic cruises on its crystal-clear, namesake lake. Shop, dine, or visit the historic Fort William Henry, and enjoy year-round events and easy access to nearby trails.

Experience the wild heart of the Adirondacks in Tupper Lake, a community surrounded by pristine lakes and lush forests. It's home to The Wild Center, an award-winning natural history museum with elevated walkways and immersive exhibits. Experience unparalleled stargazing at the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory.

Steeped in history, Ticonderoga is famously the "land between two waters," sitting on the shores of both Lake George and Lake Champlain. Explore the iconic Fort Ticonderoga, hike Mount Defiance for panoramic views, or enjoy a peaceful walk along the La Chute River. This town is a must-see for history buffs and outdoor lovers alike.

A sensational four-season destination, North Creek is an adventurer's playground. Pedal your way along the Hudson River with Revolution Rail Co., step back in time at the North Creek Depot Museum, or hit the slopes at the infamous Gore Mountain. The area is also a hub for some of the Northeast's best whitewater rafting.

With a quaint, walkable downtown and a gorgeous public beach, Schroon Lake is the picture of lakeside living. Enjoy a performance at the Seagle Festival, the oldest summer vocal training program in the U.S. Nearby, the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area offers miles of pristine hiking trails, and Paradox Brewery provides a perfect spot to relax afterward.

Often called the "Home of the High Peaks," Keene and Keene Valley are the gateways to some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain in the Adirondacks. These charming hamlets offer unique shops, delicious food, and a friendly atmosphere, serving as the perfect basecamp for hikers aiming to conquer the 46 High Peaks.

Home to Whiteface Mountain, Wilmington is a hub for high-altitude adventure. In winter, it's a skier's paradise. In summer, the mountain transforms into a premier destination for mountain biking. The town is also known for world-class fly-fishing in the Ausable River and is just a short drive from High Falls Gorge.

Home to the renowned Adirondack Experience–The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, this town is a cultural and historical cornerstone. Hike to the fire tower on Blue Mountain for breathtaking views (one of 7 fire towers in the Experience Our Adirondacks Region), enjoy a show at the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts, or spend the day paddling the interconnected lakes that give the area its name.

Voted “one of the 10 coolest small towns in America,” Glens Falls’ walkable downtown features incredible restaurants, the renowned Hyde Collection Art Museum, and the historic Charles R. Wood Theater. Stroll through the beautiful Glens Falls City Park or visit the World Awareness Children's Museum for a family-friendly outing.

In summer, the Malone Golf Club boasts 36 holes of championship golf. When fall arrives, hiking trails provide beautiful views of the changing foliage. In winter, nearby Titus Mountain Family Ski Center offers 50 trails and glades for skiers of all skill levels.

With two universities—Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam, this vibrant college town has a lively and eclectic culture. You'll find unique restaurants catering to all tastes, a local coffee roaster, and a scenic walking trail along the Raquette River. The town’s mix of youthful energy and historic sandstone architecture makes it a worthwhile stop in the Adirondack Seaway Region.

Deep in the heart of the Tug Hill Region, Croghan offers a taste of the Adirondacks' rich agricultural and logging heritage. Discover the sweet history of the area at the International Maple Museum and Hall of Fame, explore local businesses, and experience a community deeply connected to the surrounding forests and farmlands.

This largely agricultural community in the Adirondack Coast Region will enchant you with its magnificent views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains of Vermont. Chazy is most known for its many farms, orchards, sugar shacks and vineyards. It’s even home to the world’s largest McIntosh apple orchard.