The Adirondack Mountains are a beautiful mountain range tucked away in Upstate New York. They have over 100 peaks, with the tallest being Mount Marcy at 5,343 feet. Even though the mountains aren’t that big, there are many cute towns around them. These towns have amazing mountain views, local shops, hiking trails, and much more! If you’re looking to escape the busy city life, visit the Adirondack Mountains and explore these charming small towns.
Ticonderoga
If you’re into history, you gotta visit Ticonderoga in New York. It’s right between two big lakes, Lake George and Lake Champlain. The coolest thing there is Fort Ticonderoga, an old fort from the 1700s that was super important in the American Revolution. You can walk around the fort itself, or hike up Mount Defiance for a sweet view of the fort and the lake.
Speaking of hikes, there’s a trail along the La Chute River that leads to waterfalls, a playground, and even some fishing spots! This cute town also has something fun for sci-fi fans: a tour of recreated sets from the original Star Trek show! Don’t forget to explore the other historical sites in town too, like the Hancock House and the Liberty Monument.
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Wells
Wells is a tiny town tucked away in the southern Adirondacks. With a population of just over 570, it’s a charming place that gets overlooked by many visitors. The town has cute little shops, like The Wells Edge Country Store. If you love waterfalls, Wells is a must-see! There are many beautiful waterfalls here, like Austin Falls and East Jimmy Creek Falls. In the winter, you can go snowboarding or skiing nearby at Oak Mountain. Want to meet the locals? Head to the Revival, a converted church that now hosts concerts and open mic nights.
Old Forge
This small town in the middle of the Adirondacks has lots to do, even though only about 570 people live there. Just outside of town, McCauley Mountain offers skiing with exciting drops and mountain biking trails. You can also choose a relaxing train ride through the mountains on the Adirondack Railroad, which goes all the way to Beaver River.
This train even has special bikes you can pedal on the tracks! Back in town, there’s a water park with over 50 rides called Enchanted Forest, a fun park for families called Calypso’s Cove, and a fancy old theater called the Strand Theatre that even has a free museum inside. And if you’re interested in seeing the Beaver River and the animals that live there, you can take a boat tour with a guide for an hour.
Saranac Lake
You can’t talk about cute Adirondack towns without mentioning Saranac Lake! It’s famous for its adorable little cabins and how much they love art. There are tons of art galleries around, like the Adirondack Artists’ Guild Gallery. But Saranac Lake isn’t all about art, they also love nature, especially loons, which are cool birds with eerie calls. You can even visit the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation to learn more about them.
There are many ways to enjoy nature in Saranac Lake too. You can hike at Mt. Pisgah Recreation Center, rent a sailboat, or even learn to fly at the Adirondack Aviation flight school. This town is truly special!
Queensbury
Queensbury is a fun little town at the foot of the Adirondack Mountains. It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for adventure! There are trails for all skill levels, from easy hikes like Meadowbrook Nature Preserve to mountain biking paths at Gurney Lake Recreation Area. Queensbury also has fun things to do in town, like catching a movie at the classic Glen Drive-In or going wild at Six Flags Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom. Since Queensbury is close to other cute towns like Lake George, it’s a perfect starting point to explore all the Adirondacks have to offer!
Lake George
Lake George is like the OG vacation spot in upstate New York! It’s famous for its beautiful lakes, and one of the best is Glen Lake. This calm lake is perfect for paddling around in a kayak or canoe, or even fishing. There’s even a restaurant called The Docksider right by the boat launch if you get hungry.
Looking for more things to do? How about a dinner cruise on the actual Lake George? Other cool places to check out include the Fort William Henry Museum, Lake George Expedition Park, or The Festival Commons at Charles R. Wood Park. And if you like shopping, Lake George won’t disappoint! There are two outlet malls to choose from: Factory Outlets of Lake George and Adirondack Outlet Mall.
Lake Placid
This cute mountain town has stunning scenery and a rich history! Right in the center, there’s Mirror Lake, a gorgeous spot for swimming, paddling, fishing, or even hiking around it. But the coolest hiking challenge nearby is the 46 Peaks – climb all 46 mountains and you get a special “46er” patch! Lake Placid is also a must-see for sports fans, especially winter sports.
It hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980! You can learn all about it at the Lake Placid Olympic Center with its displays and cool stuff from the games. Feeling adventurous? Take a bobsled ride at the Olympic Sports Complex and feel the rush of the Olympics yourself! Before you leave, don’t forget to explore the local shops like The Bookstore Plus and the Adirondack Trading Company.
If you’re looking to escape the city and breathe in some fresh mountain air, the Adirondacks in New York are the perfect place! With stunning scenery, challenging hikes, and sparkling lakes, it’s a vacationer’s dream. Nestled amongst the mountains are charming little towns with unique shops, art galleries, and spots for fishing and boating. So next time you’re planning a trip to New York, skip the hustle and bustle of NYC and explore the beauty of the Adirondacks!