Small Towns in the Adirondacks

When is comes to the Adirondacks, you may think of some of the larger towns like Long Lake or Speculator. But here, we are also famous for our small towns!

Hope and Benson

Lapland Lake Benson
Lapland Lake Benson

Let's start way down south in the Adirondacks, in a place called Hope. This little town runs along the Sacandaga River. Hope is home to The Alpine Grill, a family owned and operated restaurant that sits right by the road.

It is a beautiful drive down Route 30 from Hope to Benson, where you will find another small town that is a cross-country skiing haven! In Benson, you will find Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center, which is a winter and summer wonderland. They have year round lodging, miles of trails for cross-country skiing, and Woods Lake, a great place to canoe, kayak, or fish!

Wells

Wells Public Beach
Wells Public Beach

This small town is located just north of Hope. It is home to many great locations such as Auger Falls, a beautiful 40 foot waterfall that feeds into Sacandaga River.

Lake Algonquin Wells
Lake Algonquin Wells
There is also Lake Algonquin, located right in the heart of the town. There is a fantastic public beach on Route 30 that's complete with a diving board, as well as a public boat launch around the backside of the lake that opens up the possibility for hours of boating and fishing fun! You can also stop into the brand new Wells Edge Country Store for a sandwich or a hand scooped Italian ice!

Piseco

Little Sand Campground
Little Sand Campground

If you head west in the southern Adirondacks, you will find a small town called Arietta, better known as Piseco. As you head down Route 8, there doesn't appear to be much in Piseco, but most of the good stuff is hidden down the side roads.

For instance, if you head down Old Piseco Road and head around the backside of the lake, there is a lot to be found. There are two state campsites here, Little Sand and Point Comfort. There is also the Irondequoit Inn, a beautiful lodging property overlooking the lake, with cabins and an onsite restaurant. Just down the road from the campgrounds is Piseco Lake Lodge, a convenience store with groceries, camping supplies, and, most importantly: fresh homemade donuts!

Morehouse

Morehouse Town Hall Post Office
Morehouse Town Hall Post Office

This little town is known by many names to locals: Morehouse, Morehouseville, Whoville. As of the 2010 Census, Morehouse had a population of only 86 people. This town has a small post office and town hall in one, a large recreation center with pong and a playground, and a roadside flower shop. There isn't much in Morehouse, but it is a beautifully scenic drive. If you keep your eyes open, you might just see Bigfoot!

Morehouse Big Foot
Morehouse Big Foot

Take a drive and check out these small towns for yourself! With so many attractions and places to eat along the way, it's easy to make a day out of exploring the Adirondacks.

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