10 Perfect Small Mountain Towns You Can Find In Upstate New York

Head upstate to these idyllic (and super cozy) small mountain towns whose hospitality, charm, and scenery is second to none.

Zen Mountain Monastery in Mount Tremper, Catskills, New York

Upstate New York is full of cozy mountain towns whose spectacular scenery; epic outdoor recreation; and a plethora of hip, eclectic eateries, attractions, and accommodations make for the perfect getaway. And the following spots are some of New York’s top tiny towns: from lakeside retreats with dramatic mountain backdrops; to quaint villages and hamlets bursting with stellar scenery and homey hospitality, these upstate gems are the best ways to experience NY’s most charming small-town getaways.

10 Mount Tremper

Located within the (slightly) larger town of Shandaken, this cozy hamlet of Mount Tremper is the epitome of Catskill cool—but don’t expect a bustling metropolis. The best reason to visit this small mountain beauty is undoubtedly its stunning surroundings—including its namesake Mount Tremper, and plenty of nearby outdoor recreation.

• Things To Do:
  Mount Tremper (hiking, fire tower); World’s Largest Kaleidoscope; Catskills Visitor Center; Brunel Sculpture Garden

• Stay The Night:
  Foxfire Mountain House; The Graham & Co. (Phoenicia)

• Wine & Dine:
  Phoenicia Diner; The Pines; Woodstock Brewing

9 Livingston Manor

In recent years, this cozy Catskills spot has undergone a renaissance of sorts with the addition of a number of chic stays and eclectic local businesses—making it the perfect place to set up camp for a small-town mountain adventure. Be sure to check out the hip downtown shops and eateries before heading out to one of the area’s super cool accommodations.

• Things To Do:
  Long Weekend, nest, and Upstream Wine & Spirits (shopping); Willowemoc State Forest (hiking, birding, fishing); Sonoma Falls

• Stay The Night:
  The DeBruce, The Arnold House, Beaverkill Valley Inn

• Wine & Dine:
  Main Street Farm; The Kaatskeller; The Smoke Joint; Upward Brewing

RELATED: These Are The Most Beautiful Lakes You Can Visit In New York State

8 Saranac Lake

Like many of New York’s best mountain towns, the scenic Saranac Lake is also famed for its lovely waterways—making it a bastion for year-round outdoor adventure and breathtaking, tranquil landscapes. A bustling downtown area complete with eclectic shops, eateries, and stays round out the Saranac Lake experience—and creates a one-of-a-kind upstate getaway.

• Things To Do:
  Saranac Lake Walking Tour; Adirondack Carousel; Dewey Mountain Recreation Center; Saranac Laboratory Museum

• Stay The Night:
  Saranac Waterfront Lodge; The Point

• Wine & Dine:
  Red Fox Restaurant; Left Bank Cafe; Boathouse Saranac Lake Pub

7 Lake George

A top upstate New York vacation destination for over 200 years, the Adirondack village of Lake George is often referred to as “the birthplace of the American vacation.” And with its towering mountains, its crystal clear namesake lake, and a year-round catalog of endless outdoor adventures, it’s easy to see why visitors are still flocking to this pristine and picturesque gem.

• Things To Do:
  Adirondack Park; Lake George (summer and winter); Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway; Coopers Cave Overlook

• Stay The Night:
  Fort William Henry Hotel; Georgian Lakeside Retreat

• Wine & Dine:
  Saluti; Adirondack Pub & Brewery; Biscotti Brothers Cafe

6 Catskill

The Great Northern Catskills has a number of charming small towns—however, none are as appropriately named as the village of Catskill. Situated on the banks of the Hudson River, Catskill is an outdoorsy paradise whose natural beauty has inspired artists for generations, giving the tiny town an artsy charm all its own.

• Things To Do:
  Thomas Cole House; Hudson River Skywalk; RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary; Dutchman’s Landing

• Stay The Night:
  Piale Catskill; The Kaaterskill

• Wine & Dine:
  Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company; New York Restaurant; J&J Smokehouse BBQ

5 Saugerties

Just a short drive away from the famed hippie haven of Woodstock, Saugerties is a scenic treasure located between the Hudson River and the Catskills. Full of laidback small town vibes and packed with plenty of outdoorsy and cultural attractions, Saugerties is the perfect balance of activity and idyllic charm.

• Things To Do:
  Opus 40; Saugerties Lighthouse; Esopus Bend Nature Preserve (hiking, canoeing; kayaking, birding); Saugerties Farmers’ Market

• Stay The Night:
  Diamond Mills Hotel; The Villa at Saugerties

• Wine & Dine:
  The Red Onion; Ohana Café; The Dutch Ale House

RELATED: 10 Best Small Towns In New York’s Hudson Valley

4 Hunter & Tannersville

Both outdoor enthusiasts and R&R seekers will find plenty to do in the picturesque Northern Catskills haven of Hunter. Including both the village of Hunter and Tannersville, this two-in-one town nestled among the area’s highest peaks is picturesque, welcoming, and full of Catskills coziness.

• Things To Do:
  Hunter Mountain Resort; Kaaterskill Falls; Mountain Top Arboretum; New York Zipline Adventures

• Stay The Night:
  Scribner’s Catskill Lodge; Hotel Lilien

• Wine & Dine:
  Hunter Mountain Brewery; Jägerberg Beer Hall & Alpine Tavern; Mama’s Boy Burgers

3 Windham

The historic haven of Windham is often referred to as “The Gem of the Catskills”—and with good reason. An idyllic combo of Main Street and mountain charm, Windham, is home to stunning natural landscapes that are perfect for exploring—while also hosting a number of hip hotspots where guests can max and relax at the end of the day.

• Things To Do:
  The Vineyard at Windham; Windham Mountain (biking, skyride, skiing, golfing); Elm Ridge Wild Forest; Catskill Mountain Country Store

• Stay The Night:
  Union + Post; Albergo Allegria B&B

• Wine & Dine:
  Bistro Brie and Bordeaux; The Windham Local Public House; Mill Rock Restaurant

2 Lake Placid

Another upstate lake and Adirondack charmer, Lake Placid, is famous for hosting the Winter Olympics not once, but twice—and once visitors scope the area’s dramatic scenery, it’s easy to see why. A year-round destination with everything from skating to swimming, Lake Placid is also home to a quaint downtown area with plenty of eateries, shops, and chances for mountain town R&R.

• Things To Do:
  Lake Placid Olympic Museum; Mirror Lake; John Brown Farm State Historic Site; Lake Placid (hiking, kayaking, canoeing, swimming); Ice Skating at the Olympic Oval

• Stay The Night:
  Mirror Lake Inn
  ; Lake Placid Inn; Eastwind Lake Placid

• Wine & Dine:
  The Pickled Pig; Salt of the Earth Bistro; Jimmys 21

RELATED: 10 Reasons To Visit Lake Placid In Winter

1 High Falls

Full of laidback small town vibes and stunning natural beauty, the Hudson Valley haven of High Falls also has its share of upstate mountain charm. While the nearby Shawagunk Mountains (aka The Gunks) provide plenty of natural beauty and outdoor adventures, the area is also home to plenty of unique eateries, eclectic shops, and historic buildings, too.

• Things To Do:
  D&H Canal Museum/Canal Trail; Mohonk Preserve Trails; Woodstock Farm Sanctuary; Stone Ridge Orchard

• Stay The Night:
  Minnewaska Lodge (Gardiner); Hasbrouck House (Stone Ridge)

• Wine & Dine:
  The Spy Social Eatery & Bar; Hash; Ollie’s Pizza