When summer temperatures soar, escape to the mountains, where towering forests, sparkling lakes, fresh mountain air, and laid-back small-town charm offer a refreshing change of pace. From the Adirondack peaks in the north to the Catskills in the south and the Chautauqua-Allegheny region out west, New York’s mountain towns are the perfect places to beat the heat with peaceful paddles, wondrous waterfalls, scenic spots to relax, and breezy strolls through welcoming downtowns.

Things to Do: Saranac Lake captures everything there is to love about the “Forever Wild” Adirondacks while offering a more tranquil, laid-back alternative to the region’s busier destinations. Spend calm mornings and golden evenings paddling Lake Flower or exploring more than 140 lakes, ponds, and waterways. For an easy and expansive way to experience the region, cycle or stroll the Adirondack Rail Trail, an accessible and scenic 34-mile, flat, paved pathway connecting Saranac Lake with Lake Placid and Tupper Lake, where shaded forests and mountain views make for a refreshing escape. Take in more peaceful vistas from Mount Pisgah State Forest and Dewey Mountain Recreation Area, or connect with the local flora and fauna at the Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center, home to a butterfly house, and guided adventures like canoe paddles, birding excursions, and group hikes. You won’t want to miss a ride on the Adirondack Carousel, where 24 beautifully hand-carved animals bring the region’s wildlife to life. Back in town, the charm of the lakeside village comes alive with local art walks and markets, dining on lively patios, live music, and so much more.

Where to Stay and Eat: If you’re looking to make an overnight out of it, stay at the historic Hotel Saranac, where old-world charm meets modern comfort. The grand yet intimate hotel is the perfect home base for exploring the area. Start your morning with coffee and scratch-made pastries from Early Dawn Confections, cool off with a scoop or cone from Mountain Mist Ice Cream, savor the sights and bites of delicious waterfront dining and handcrafted cocktails at Lakeside Drift, or enjoy fresh local fare and craft beer at Bitters & Bones.

Things to Do: Lush green mountains, shimmering lakes, family-friendly adventures, and a welcoming community full of Adirondack character- that’s what you’ll find in Tupper Lake. Escape the summer heat by paddling the Tupper Lake Paddling Triad or hiking the Tupper Lake Hiking Triad, where cool lake waters, refreshing mountain breezes, and panoramic summit views are abundant at every turn. Cast a line into angling oasis Big Tupper Lake, one of the few lakes fed by two rivers! Connect with the elements at The Wild Center, where outdoor and indoor interactive exhibits, an elevated Wild Walk, and larger-than-life TROLLS art installation give you a fresh (and soaring) perspective of the natural world. Back in town, browse shops filled with Adirondack charm before winding down with a waterfront concert or a Riverpigs baseball game. When the sun sets, look up! Tupper Lake is home to some of the darkest skies in the Northeast, making the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory the perfect place to spend a cool summer night beneath a sky full of stars.

Where to Stay and Eat: Book a room at the Trailhead Hotel, a modern retreat ideally located in the heart of Tupper Lake, just minutes from the area’s top attractions and outdoor adventures. Catch the scenic sunrise with a fresh cup of coffee and gourmet donuts from The Washboard/Donut Shoppe. For scratch-made elevated dining in an inviting atmosphere, The Woodshed on Park is the place to be, while Raquette River Brewing is a hot-spot for small-batch Adirondack ales paired with creative cuisines from the on-site food truck alley.

Old Forge (Adirondacks)

Things to Do: Fondly known as the Adirondacks’ “Base Camp,” Old Forge is a quaint mountain hamlet packed with refreshing ways to chill out. Make a splash at Enchanted Forest Water Safari, New York’s largest water theme park, featuring more than 50 rides and attractions, including 33 water rides for all ages. Just next door, Calypso’s Cove keeps the fun going with go-karts, ropes courses, mini golf, and arcade games. Get out on the water with a cycle boat cruise from Drift Upstate  the Adirondack’s First Cycle Boat Tour, taking you through the idyllic Fulton Chain of Lakes. Or choose your own aquatic adventure when you launch a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard onto the Moose River with rentals from Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company. If beaching is more your thing, Old Forge Beach and Inlet Public Beach are the perfect places to swim, walk the sandy shores, and catch some rays. Onward and upward to McCauley Mountain for a scenic chairlift ride, panoramic summit views, and miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Round out your getaway aboard the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, where vintage rail cars wind through lakes, rivers, forests, and mountain vistas, offering a relaxing journey through the Central Adirondacks.

Where to Stay and Eat: Nestle in at Water’s Edge Inn, a premier lakefront Adirondack retreat located directly across from Enchanted Forest Water Safari. When it’s time to dine, soak up al fresco waterfront views alongside flavorful food and drinks at Daikers. Fuel for the day with a hearty, home-style breakfast at Walt’s Diner, or satisfy your cravings for pizza, seafood (or both) at Tony Harper’s.

Wilmington (Adirondacks)

Things to Do: Home to Whiteface Mountain, the fifth-highest peak in New York State, Wilmington offers all the Olympic glory of neighboring Lake Placid with a less crowded and more mellow vibe. Surrounded by protected wilderness, with more than 60% of its land preserved as state forest, it’s an oasis for outdoor adventurers. Cruise the five-mile Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway for unbelievably sweeping High Peaks and lake views, then explore the summit, where you’ll find a castle built from native stone, a restaurant and gift shop, and an elevator carved deep into the mountain that takes you through a chilly tunnel to the 4,867-foot peak. Feel the mist from rushing waterfalls at High Falls Gorge, where wooden bridges, walkways, and glass-floor viewing platforms show off unforgettable views of the four waterfalls on the AuSable River. Take a dip in the water at Wilmington Town Beach, featuring shaded picnic areas, a playground, and paddleboard, aqua bike, and boat rentals. And just 30 minutes away, Ausable Chasm, or the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks”, will spoil you with opportunities to raft, tube, hike, mountain bike, rock climb, or rappel through one of New York’s most spectacular natural landscapes.

Where to Stay and Eat: Book a boutique stay at the recently remodeled Wolfjaw Lodge, perfectly placed at the base of the Adirondack Mountains. When hunger strikes, fuel up with hearty breakfast and lunch favorites at Up a Creek, or head to Twisted Raven for craft beer, burgers, wings, and barbecue. Treat yourself to soft serve, hard ice cream, or a shake from Whitebrook Dairy Bar.

Schroon Lake (Adirondacks)

Things to Do: For more than 200 years, Schroon Lake has welcomed visitors with its friendly small-town atmosphere, rich history, and classic Adirondack scenery. Stroll the walkable Main Street, where locally owned shops, cozy cafés, inviting restaurants capture the town’s timeless charm. Head to the area’s biggest draw, the water! Schroon Lake stretches nine scenic miles with nearly 24 miles of shoreline, while nearby Paradox Lake offers another four miles of cool blue waters to explore. Spend the day swimming or relaxing on the lakes’ public beaches, or paddle, kayak, canoe, cruise by pontoon, or motorboat across Schroon Lake with rentals from the Schroon Lake Marina. Anglers can cast a line for one of the region’s 24 fish species, while hikers can beat the heat beneath the forest canopy on 70 miles of trails winding through the 46,283-acre Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. Cap off the day with a cold craft beer at Paradox Brewery, just 10 minutes away, where expansive mountain-view decks, a tasty taproom, brewery tours, live music and entertainment make it the perfect place to unwind. Catch the latest flick (or a classic) back in town at The Strand, an original Art Deco movie theater and performance venue!

Where to Stay and Eat: Treat yourself to a rustic resort at The Lodge at Schroon Lake, where 36 scenic shorefront acres offer access to the town’s legendary lake. Enjoy a memorable meal without leaving the property at the lodge’s tavern, The Brown Swan. Grab an artisan coffee and breakfast sandwich at 9 Mile Coffee Co., cheers to traditional Irish fare and good company at Flanagan’s, or stop into Pitkin’s, a treasured town staple for more than a century, for classic breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Things to Do: Perched on the edge of the 700,000-acre Catskill Park, Livingston Manor has more than earned its title as “small town with a big backyard.” Home to the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum, the world’s largest center dedicated to fly fishing, and Dette Flies, the oldest family-run fly fishing shop in the world, it’s no surprise this homey hamlet is considered the heart of fly fishing country and attracts anglers worldwide. Cast a line in the legendary Beaverkill, Neversink, Delaware, or Esopus rivers, or the famed Willowemoc Creek, or dive right in about 30 minutes away for a swim, paddle, or hike around the crystal-clear waters of Alder Lake. Back in town, browse Main Street’s eclectic boutiques, including vintage homegoods shops, antique and thrift shops, outdoor recreation supply stores, souvenir and gourmet gift venues, and more. Venture down the road to Upward Brewing Company, where an easy hike up Beer Mountain leads to sweeping Catskill views before you settle into an Adirondack chair with a cold craft beer. Play lawn games, sit around the fire pit, and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the fresh mountain air. Round out your getaway with a visit to Catskill Art Space, a renowned contemporary arts venue bringing exhibitions, performances, and creative energy to this laid-back mountain town.

Where to Stay and Eat: Rest and recharge at The DeBruce, where carefully-curated accommodations sit on a scenic ledge overlooking the iconic Willowemoc Valley. Indulge in exceptional on-site dining (paired with stellar views) from the destination’s James Beard Foundation semifinalist restaurant. Be sure to explore more of the area’s culinary gems, from the idyllic outdoor setting at The Kaatskeller to authentic Korean cuisine at Threshold. For elevated comfort food in a lively, eclectic atmosphere, stop into Stumble Out Bar, then bite into breakfast favorites, fresh pastries, and locally sourced staples at Main Street Farm Market Cafe.

Things to Do: At the foot of the spectacular Shawangunk Mountains, New Paltz is a vibrant and eclectic destination where small-town charm, farm-fresh flavors, and world-class outdoor recreation meet. Get glacial at Lake Mohonk, nestled on the grounds of the iconic Mohonk Mountain House, where you can swim, kayak, fish, paddleboard, row a boat, or relax on the private beach. Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you cycle the 12.2-mile Wallkill Valley Rail Trail or explore the Shawangunk Ridge’s endless trails and scenic overlooks, including the dramatic waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and rugged landscapes of the 24,000-acre Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Take a refreshing dip in one of the preserve’s three crystalline sky lakes and take an easy hike to the cascading waters of Awosting Falls. Savor the flavors of summer with fresh-picked fruit and homemade treats at Dressel Farms, and unwind with award-winning wines and sweeping Hudson Valley views at Robibero Family Vineyards. 

Where to Stay and Eat: Settle into a suite at Moondance Ridge Inn, a charming bed-and-breakfast known for its charm and uniquely themed rooms. The town’s best breakfast can be found at Main Street Bistro. For locally roasted coffee, craft brews, cocktails, and all-day dining, check out Underground Coffee and Ales. For dinner, savor eclectic New American cuisine in the cozy setting of an 18th-century home at Garvan’s Gastropub, or experience more than 60 years of authentic German food and hospitality at Mountain Brauhaus.

Things to Do: Tucked away among the Enchanted Mountains of the Chautauqua-Allegheny region, Ellicottville is a cool and captivating mountain town filled with outdoor adventure, incredible dining, and Main Street discoveries. The walkable village is packed with more than 24 unique shops, 23 bars and restaurants, and a year-round calendar full of festivals and events. The two mountain gems in the area are Holiday Valley Resort and HoliMont Resort. At both resorts you can soak up the mountain air with scenic hikes, biking trails, paddling, and refreshing swims, or take your adventure higher at Holiday Valley with a scenic chairlift ride, an aerial adventure course through the treetops, or a thrilling ride on the Mountain Coaster. For a peaceful and brisk morning outing or a stellar sunset experience, venture just 15 minutes away to East Otto’s Griffis Sculpture Park, one of America’s largest and oldest sculpture parks, featuring 250 sculptures set among 450 acres of forests, fields, and ponds.

Where to Stay and Eat: Make your getaway easy with a stay at the Inn at Holiday Valley, nestled at the base of the area’s premier four-season recreation destination, Holiday Valley Resort. While you’ll find several delicious dining options on-site, be sure to explore Ellicottville’s vibrant food scene with standout restaurants like West Rose, Dina’s, and Trattoria Partenope. And no visit is complete without stopping by Ellicottville Brewing Co. to enjoy some of New York State’s most award-winning craft beers and mouthwatering pub fare.

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