New York's 'Crossroads Of The Adirondacks' Is A Lakeside Town With Scenic Recreation

Once a day, from JFK airport, a plane departs on a non-stop journey from one of the loudest places in the world to reach one of the most idyllic destinations. Once it arrives, passengers will find themselves at a perfect trifecta of lakes, forests, and small-town charm. Their ultimate destination? The Adirondack Mountains of New York State. The Adirondacks are vast, and depending on what travelers are looking for, the destinations within them vary. But one, in particular, has earned the nickname "Crossroads of the Adirondacks" for good reason — it sits squarely in the center of the Adirondack Park.

Tupper Lake is one of the best of New York's mesmerizing Adirondack lake towns. It first became a destination when the logging industry saw an opportunity to leverage the area's dense forests and waterways, paving the way for the railroad to reach Tupper Lake and, with it, start bringing in tourists. But long before settlers arrived, the land was home to much earlier custodians, despite myths to the contrary, and was known as Oròn:ia or Tsi tkaniatareskó:wa. The Kanien'kehá:ka, who are often known as Mohawk, were some of the earliest inhabitants of the region.

That history is integral to the area known as Tupper Lake today, as well as to the scenery that draws so many visitors. Many Mohawk descendants still call the Adirondacks home and, in Tupper Lake specifically, have worked with area organizations (like the Wild Center) to invite visitors to learn about how this legacy is concurrent with the land. When enjoying the area's natural beauty and all the outdoor recreation it offers, acknowledge the traditions and land-caretaking practices that came before.

What makes Tupper Lake so scenic within the already gorgeous Adirondacks? The location is key. The 130-square-mile town runs between two picturesque bodies of water, Raquette Pond and Little Wolf Pond. But the town is also surrounded by mountains, keeping water and peak views accessible year-round. Sitting by Tupper Lake Waterfront Park, for instance, offers a landscape that includes nearby summits, like Mount Morris. Plus, being significantly removed from city lights makes Tupper Lake one of the best places to stargaze in New York. Visitors can check out the town's Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory for a unique stargazing experience.

In the summer, the most popular time to visit, warmer temperatures are ideal for hiking Tupper Lake's many trails. For instance, right along one of the town's main streets is the trailhead for the Adirondack Rail Trail: a 34-mile section of the whole Adirondack Trail. Paddling, too, is one of the most popular activities there, replete with the Tupper Lake Paddling Triad, which challenges participants to complete three routes ranging up to 15 miles. Similarly, Tupper Lake offers a hiking triad. The outdoor fun continues into colder seasons, when the landscape becomes a haven for winter sports like cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. 

In early September, leaves begin to change color, eventually transforming into a symphony of foliage, with fall colors covering most trees by mid-October. That's also when the town hosts its annual Oktupperfest: an autumn harvest celebration with local food and drink, live music, and games. Temperatures start to drop around that time of year, but the air is dry and clear, allowing locals and visitors alike to enjoy the environment.

As winter sports retreat with melting snow, Tupper Lake moves into spring,. Melting snow creates lots of mud and, with it, a regional mud season between March and June. Not only does that make hiking trails dangerously slippery, but foot traffic can endanger the early-season growth cycles of plant life. Late spring also brings a high volume of black flies (typically May through early July at the latest), which, while not poisonous, can leave itchy and painful bites. Bottom line: To make the most of Tupper Lakes' outdoor recreation, plan your visit for summer, autumn, or winter, depending on preferred activities.

Tupper Lake offers a range of lodging options. Within town — where visitors can find a range of places to eat, drink, shop, and more — the Trailhead Hotel receives positive reviews and has rooms starting at $119/night, depending on the season. Closer to Little Wolf Pond, the highly rated Faust Motel has rooms starting at $107/night, depending on the length of stay. The property boasts being television-free, but there's entertainment within walking distance, including one of the area's most popular breweries, Raquette River Brewing, right next door.

The closest commercial airport to Tupper Lake is Adirondack Regional Airport, roughly a half-hour drive from town, which offers limited daily nonstop flights to JFK and Boston Logan. Further out is Plattsburgh International Airport, which services other airlines. It's a longer journey to Tupper Lake — at least 90 minutes — but the drive boasts scenic views of stunning New York mountains. Finally, visitors can take a bus to the Keene Valley curbside stop, about an hour from town by car.