New York's 'All-Season Vacationland' Is An Underrated Adirondack Town Full Of Outdoor Fun

If you're taking a trip to New York, you may have considered visiting the Adirondacks, a protected 6-million-acre region boasting breathtaking scenery and hiking trails. This diverse mountain landscape sees more than 12 million visitors annually, which means its top attractions are often afflicted with large crowds. To experience the raw beauty of the Adirondacks without fighting through throngs of tourists, head to the town of Speculator, among the region's most underrated towns.

Located in Hamilton County along the shores of Lake Pleasant, Speculator has a population of about 400 residents. The wealth of natural beauty surrounding it, from pristine lakes and dense forests to towering mountains and miles of trails, gives visitors excellent access to rewarding hiking experiences, stunning alpine lakes, and incredible outdoor recreation opportunities. What really sets this town apart, though, is its four-season year-round appeal, and this makes the town's nickname "all-season vacationland" well-deserved.

The fastest way to reach Speculator is by flying into Albany International Airport, less than a two-hour drive away. Being a remote town, Speculator has limited access to public transportation, so visitors will want to rent a car from the airport. If your journey starts in New York City, you'll need to be on the road for about four hours via I-87 North. For those already vacationing in Saranac Lake, a New York lake village in the Adirondack mountains that offers a scenic winter getaway, Speculator is just under a couple of hours away.

Head out to Oak Mountain, a resort dating back to 1948 that offers peaceful hiking trails and 8 miles of mountain biking trails in the summer. Come winter, the resort transforms with 22 ski runs and 3 miles of snowshoeing trails, with snowshoeing gear rentals available for $10. Tubing is another family adventure worth experiencing here, with a 90-minute ride costing $24.The 1.4-mile Oak Mountain trail is a moderate hike that takes about an hour and a half to complete, and works just as well for mountain biking. The mountain also features an on-site restaurant, Acorn Pub & Eatery, that serves delicious food alongside lively events.

Sacandaga River Community Park is another great spot. Visitors can hike a 1.5- mile nature trail featuring an 850-foot boardwalk and spot birds like American bitterns, great blue herons, and woodpeckers. This ADA-accessible park has a picnic area, restrooms, and a viewing spot where you can take in Lake Pleasant and the Sacandaga River. Along the Sacandaga River, visitors can hike to the 0.8-mile Auger Falls. There's a path leading to a swimming hole, but it is best to avoid it as it can be slippery and dangerous.

On the north side of Lake Pleasant along Route 30 sits Speculator Public Beach, your go-to spot for water activities, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer. Moffitt Beach is another place to get on the water for swimming, boating, and kayaking, and its 260 campsites are open from May 15 to October 12 at $27 per night ($22 for New York residents). The campsites are well equipped with facilities including picnic tables, fireplaces, and showers. Visitors can also stay at cabins, cottages, or guesthouses in Speculator. A half-hour drive from Speculator is The Balsam Inn & Cafe, which offers charming lodging starting at $115 per night.

Another attraction here is the Mini Route 66 village, which was built by John Van Buiten, a New Jersey resident and long-time Adirondack vacationer. John was inspired by his six-week honeymoon road trip along the original Route 66 — the iconic American highway stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles — and built seven buildings, including an ice cream parlor, barbershop, schoolhouse, and post office, each kept just under 100 square feet to avoid a building permit. While the village is free to explore year-round and visitors of all ages can peek into each tiny building through the low windows, the buildings are usually locked and only open on special occasions.

Speculator's downtown is lined with charming shops and restaurants worth wandering through. Charlie Johns Store, open for over 80 years, has everything from clothing and gift items to a garden center and bakery. The Inn at Speculator (which also offers a handful of rooms for lodgers) serves delicious French onion soup and maple-glazed pork chop, while Timberline Cafe and Bakery offers sandwiches, salads, and coffee. To continue your Adirondack adventure after leaving Speculator, check out Lake Placid, a stunning New York lake boasting pristine water and mountain views, a two-hour drive north.