Tucked deep within the Adirondack Mountains, Saranac Lake, New York is the kind of place that makes you slow down and breathe. Spread across two counties–Franklin and Essex–this quaint mountain town was just named one of the most captivating small towns in New York by World Atlas, and it’s easy to see why.
While nearby Lake Placid captures much of the spotlight, Saranac Lake quietly shines in its own way, with crystal-clear lakes, creative energy, and four distinct seasons of adventure.
Whether you’re kayaking at sunrise, wandering through art galleries, or sipping a craft beer downtown, it’s the kind of place that reminds you what that small town magic really feels like.
🌲 A Town Where Nature Shapes Everything
Each season perfectly paints Saranac Lake in a new light.
In winter, the town transforms into the dreamiest snow-dusted wonderland–think: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and cozy cafés glowing with warm light.
In summer, you can paddle across Lake Flower or hike up Dewey Mountain for panoramic Adirondack views.
Autumn brings the kind of fall foliage that looks hand painted, with fiery reds and golds reflecting off the sparkling water, and even spring feels worth celebrating as trails and wildflowers begin to bloom after months of snow.
🎨 Creative Energy & Small Town Charm
Beyond the mountain views, Saranac Lake has a thriving creative pulse that sets it apart.
Downtown, murals cover brick walls and art spills out from local galleries, like the Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery and NorthWind Fine Arts Gallery.
Here, there’s always time for some creativity–from weekly ArtWalks and music nights to the Adirondack Plein Air Festival (held annually the third week in August) where painters capture the landscape in real time.
It’s the kind of place where you might stumble upon live music drifting from a café patio or see artists set up along the river sketching.
❄️ Don’t Miss The Iconic Saranac Lake Winter Carnival
One of the town’s proudest traditions, the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival has been celebrated for more than 125 years, making it one of the oldest winter festivals in the U.S.
Each February, the community comes alive with ice sculptures, parades, fireworks, and the iconic Ice Palace built right on the shore of Lake Flower. It’s small town magic at its best, and the kind of winter wonderland that feels straight out of a snow globe.
🛶 What To Do In Saranac Lake
Whether you’re chasing adventure or are in search of a quiet weekend reset, there’s plenty to do year-round:
- Paddle or kayak across Lake Flower or the Saranac River
- Hike or bike the trails at Dewey Mountain or Mount Pisgah
- Explore the Saranac Laboratory Museum to learn about the town’s fascinating past as a tuberculosis treatment center
- Stroll downtown, browsing indie shops like The Village Mercantile (often cited as the only community-owned department store in NY!)
- Visit local breweries like Blue Line Brewery or RiverTrail Beerworks for craft beer and mountain views
- Catch live music at The Waterhole Music Lounge — a beloved local spot for nearly 50 years
🏨 Where To Stay — Lakeside Lodges, Cozy Inns, & Rustic Charm
You’ll find plenty of places to stay in Saranac Lake, whether you’re after a boutique inn, rustic cabin, or full-service resort:
- Saranac Lake Waterfront Lodge — a stunning lakeside hotel with outdoor fire pits, boat rentals, and unbeatable sunset views
- Best Western Saranac Lake — great for families and budget travelers, just minutes from downtown
- Gauthier’s Saranac Lake Inn — a charming waterfront property perfect for summer swims and winter views
- The Point Saranac Lake — an ultra-luxurious Relais & Châteaux resort set on a private peninsula–think: roaring fireplaces, fine dining, and classic Adirondack elegance
- Saranac Lake Bed and Breakfasts — for something more personal, stay at a cozy local B&B or an Airbnb in Saranac Lake, many of which feature rustic lodges and lakefront cabins
No matter where you stay, you can certainly expect Adirondack hospitality–it’s pretty much always part of the package.
🍴 Eat & Drink Like A Local
Saranac Lake’s food scene is as down-to-earth as it is delicious.
Grab a coffee at Origin Coffee Co. or Blue Moon Café, dine at local favorites like The Belvedere or Bitters & Bones, or sip lakeside cocktails at Lakeside Drift at Voco.
If you’re craving something hoppy, Blue Line Brewery and Ray Brook Brewhouse serve up small-batch beers perfect for an après-adventure.
🚗 How To Get There From NYC
Getting to Saranac Lake from NYC is part of the adventure–and the views along the way are half the fun.
Driving is the most flexible way to reach Saranac Lake. It’s about a 5.5-6 hour drive from Manhattan, heading north on I-87 (the Adirondack Northway) before turning west toward Route 86 through the High Peaks region. The route takes you past some of the most scenic stretches of the Adirondacks, making it perfect for a fall road trip.
For those who’d rather not drive, public transit options make it surprisingly easy to visit:
- 🚆 By Train: take Amtrak’s Adirondack line from Penn Station to Westport, NY, which offers breathtaking Hudson Valley and mountain views along the way. From Westport, it’s about a 90-minute scenic drive or taxi ride to Saranac Lake (some local hotels can help arrange shuttles or car rentals from the station)
- 🚌 By Bus: Trailways and Adirondack Trailways operate bus service from NYC to Lake Placid, which is just about 15 minutes from Saranac Lake. From there, a short cab or local shuttle will get you right into town
No matter how you arrive, the journey north is a peaceful escape from city chaos–and once you see the first glimpse of mountain peaks and pine-lined lakes, you’ll know you’re somewhere special.
🏔️ Why You’ll Fall In Love With Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake might not have the glitz of Lake Placid–but that’s exactly what makes it special.
It’s authentic, welcoming, and places you right in the middle of mountain life.
From its peaceful lakes and art-filled streets to the sense of community that runs through every event and café, it’s the kind of town that stays with you long after you’ve left.
So whether you visit for the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, a fall foliage escape, or a summer lakeside retreat, you’ll find that this little Adirondack gem truly lives up to its new title: one of the most captivating small towns in New York.