Communities Along the Scenic Byways

When you travel through the Adirondack North Country, you’ll enjoy tracts of wilderness and woods, and scenic water views—expansive lakes, small ponds, meandering streams, and special wetlands. Another memorable aspect of your journey will be the many communities you encounter along the way.

Adirondack North Country Scenic Byways connect more than 200 colorful hamlets, villages, small towns, and larger cities. As you visit them, you’ll find that each has its own special character, obvious attractions, and hidden gems for you to discover. These are places rich in history. Some date from settlement by Native Americans, many were homes to early European immigrants, and were important in the outcomes of the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812. These communities, linked by their access to resources, their industries, natural and manmade water courses, and road and rail transportation corridors, played key roles in the growth of the early colony of New York into the great Empire State it has become.

Another common thread that has linked communities throughout the Adirondack Mountains region since the 19th century is hospitality. Around the turn of the century, the wealthiest industrialists in the East built their Great Camps here, to arrive each summer by train, horse carriage, and boat, with an entourage of families and friends, and all the luxuries of home to “rough it.” During this Gilded Age, communities grew as local craftsmen and laborers gathered to build and provide services for these special compounds. The philanthropists contributed to nearby communities through donations for churches, libraries, and other public buildings. It wasn’t long before rustic hotels, lodges, and cabins were welcoming all sorts of families and travelers. Those traditions continue today.

Many Adirondack North Country communities are enjoying a renaissance as people from large cities seek the calmer pace of life and the opportunities for all kinds of recreation, in all seasons. You’ll also find studios, workshops, and performing arts venues where you can meet painters and potters, fiber and wood artists, writers and poets. Some are long-time residents, some relative newcomers—all inspired by the scenic beauty and special connections they have with nature here.

Be sure to take time to enjoy firemen’s field days and community suppers. Have a cup of coffee and piece of home baked pie in the neighborhood eatery. Visit the community library or historical society where you’ll often find amazing collections of local memorabilia. You’ll meet plenty of friendly people who are proud to share the best of their communities with you.

For each of the three byways featured, you’ll find links to the hamlets, villages, towns, and cities, as well as counties. The “Towns”, as they are named in New York State, refer to what are often called “Townships” in other states. In some cases a village, and the town in which it's located, may have the same name.

Use the links below to explore what each Scenic Byway’s communities offer and plan your trips to take advantage of their year-round hospitality. Currently featured are communities along three of the region’s 13 Scenic Byways.

Adirondack Trail

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Central Adirondack Trail

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Olympic Byway

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