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What do you get when you combine 3,000 lakes, 5,000 ft peaks, lush deep valleys, and centuries-old Boreal forest? The breathtaking Adirondack Mountains. This alpine range in the northeast corner of New York State is over a billion years old, formed and reformed by prolonged periods of erosion and glaciation. They may be old, but the Adirondacks have plenty to offer modern-day adventurers. These rugged mountains are home to some of America’s most picturesque hiking and biking trails, as well as stunning spots for boating, rafting, and kayaking - all easy to explore from the region's cozy and welcoming small towns.

Keeseville

Keeseville is a cozy country hamlet on the Ausable River. This beautiful town has over 100 historic buildings and bridges, but its biggest attraction isn’t man-made. Every year, hundreds of visitors flock to the legendary Ausable Chasm in the primeval Adirondack Forest. Here you’ll find over five miles of winding hiking trails, skirting past natural landmarks such as Rainbow Falls, Elephant's Head, Column Rock, and Hyde's Cave. Raft down the Ausable River to see the stunning gorges from the water or take a turn on the rappelling adventure course and adventure trail which features cable bridges, edge walks, and cargo net climbs. Next to the Chasm, you’ll find the North Star Underground Railroad Museum, a small, speciality museum charting the history of the area’s abolitionist movement. Back in town, enjoy a cozy sip at the Ausable Brewing Company which serves up local craft brews.

Ticonderoga

Sandwiched between Lake George and Lake Champlain, Ticonderoga is not your typical Adirondack town. This cozy, scenic village is best known for Fort Ticonderoga, which welcomes over 75,000 visitors a year to explore the historic site, museum, and beautiful grounds overlooking Lake Champlain. The Fort has a busy schedule of events for 2024, including a reenactment of the 1759 Siege of Carillon in July and the Annual Heritage Harvest and Horse Festival in October. In town, take a stroll down Montcalm Street to experience Ticonderoga’s lively downtown. Here you’ll find quaint eateries, quirky boutiques, and charming galleries. At the bottom of Montcalm Street is the beautiful Bicentennial Park where you can kayak on the LaChute River, take a scenic walking trail, or simply pack a picnic and enjoy a lazy afternoon by the water.

Croghan

Located in the Tug Hill region of the Adirondacks, Croghan is a small village with a lot of history. The community was officially established in 1906 and named for George Croghan, a hero of the War of 1812. Today it’s home to the American Maple Museum which traces the long history of maple syrup production with exhibits on sugar making techniques, logging equipment, and life on a 1900s lumber camp. On Main Street, you’ll find another speciality museum — the Railway Historical Society of Northern New York. Located in a former railroad depot, the museum carries a wide range of railroad artifacts from the historic Lowville Beaver River Railroad. Croghan is also a great place to take in some scenic views. Check out the Croghan Island Mill, a historic saw mill listed on the National Register of Historic Places, for a pleasant stroll around the 1800s structure located on Beaver River.

Long Lake

Long Lake is a small town on a big lake, promising year-round fun on the waterways and shorelines of Long Lake and nearby Raquette Lake. This cozy mountain town is one of the oldest communities in the Adirondack Park, and one of the most welcoming. In winter, snowmobilers and cross country skiers take to the trails. In summer, the beaches and lakes are the best place to cool off. Whatever you’re up to, stop into Hoss’s Country Corner, a local landmark, to pick up a unique souvenir from this one-of-a-kind general store. Once you’re done shopping, head out to Buttermilk Falls to see one of the area’s most stunning natural attractions, roaring falls surrounded by hiking trails that meander through the dense forest. Lake Lila Primitive Area is another must-see, known for some of the most picturesque hiking in the Adirondacks.

Old Forge

Known as Adirondack ‘base camp’, Old Forge is in the heart of the mountains, providing easy access to top attractions such as McCauley Mountain and Eagle Bay. The former boasts gorgeous views from its many hiking trails or, if you’re not feeling up to the walk, take the scenic chairlift for a ten minute sky ride all the way to the peak. For a different sort of ride, but no less scenic, hop aboard the Adirondack Railroad which runs roundtrips to Beaver River and Big Moose village. This is a must in fall when the foliage is at its dazzling peak. If you’re visiting in summer, plan a day at the Enchanted Forest Water Park for some family fun or stick around in town to enjoy Concerts at the Lakefront — these take place every Sunday through July and August, giving visitors the chance to relax by the water while enjoying live entertainment from talented local musicians.

Schroon Lake

Schroon Lake is a friendly small town known for its cozy vibe, scenic views, sandy beaches, and lively arts scene. It’s home to the Strand Theatre, a classic Art Deco movie house, as well as the legendary Seagle Festival, which presents opera and musical theater performances. In the colder months, the town becomes a winter wonderland, welcoming eager skiers to the Schroon Lake Ski Center for premier ski trails, snow tubing, and sledding. Popular summer activities include hiking nearby Mount Severance, which rises 1,693 ft above Schroon Lake, and wandering the trails at rustic Spectacle Pond. The lake also attracts its fair share of anglers who can expect to catch bass, perch, lake trout, and salmon.

Plan Your Adirondack Adventure

Make 2024 a year to remember with an Adirondack adventure in one of the oldest and largest areas of natural beauty in the United States. Cozy nights in mountain lodges, lazy days on the water, stunning sunsets dipping over the rugged peaks, historic streets in quaint alpine communities — you’ll make memories here that never fade. And with so many attractions to choose from, including waterparks, museums, ziplining, treetop trails, and more, every member of the family will go home happy.