This Quiet Adirondack Mountain Town in Upstate NY Is One of America’s ‘Top Places To Go in 2026’ — And It’s Not Lake Placid

Deep in the northeastern wilderness—four hours from Manhattan—one tiny Adirondack hamlet just earned a place on one of the most prestigious travel lists in the country. In its newly released *Go List 2026*, Fodor’s selected only six destinations in the entire U.S. worth traveling to next year , and [Keene Valley, New York](https://secretnyc.co/home-of-the-high-peaks-small-town-keene-valley-ny/) is one of just two East Coast picks — and the only one in New York State . For a mountain town with fewer than a thousand residents , it’s a major spotlight moment. Fodor’s calls it a haven for outdoor lovers , home to some of the state’s highest peaks, most historic trail systems, and a legacy of artists and naturalists stretching back to the 1700s . And while Lake Placid might grab the headlines, Keene Valley is where serious hikers, climbers, and photographers have always started their adventures. The Adirondacks’ quiet alternative -------------------------------------- Just 20 minutes from Lake Placid’s Olympic bustle, Keene Valley is the opposite—slower, smaller, and surrounded on all sides by dramatic mountain walls. It sits at the very heart of the High Peaks, giving visitors direct access to trailheads like The Garden, Roaring Brook Falls, and the AMR lot that leads to famous routes including Indian Head, Gothics, and the entire Great Range. Fodor’s notes that while the area has evolved over centuries—from artist colony to authentic outdoor enclave—its rugged beauty and community of hikers remain unchanged. Adirondack-style lodges, tiny cafés, and old gear shops still give it a mountain-village feel that’s hard to replicate anywhere else in the state . What a 2026 weekend in Keene Valley looks like -------------------------------------------------- 2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for the region , making the timing of Fodor’s pick especially fitting. In winter , Keene Valley becomes a basecamp for major events just up the road: * FIS Cross-Country World Cup Finals (March 19–22, 2026) at Mt. Van Hoevenberg — the biggest event on the ski calendar immediately following the Olympics. * Adirondack International Mountainfest (February 2026) — an iconic ice-climbing festival hosted by The Mountaineer, the legendary gear shop that’s been outfitting explorers since 1975. * Snowshoeing trails and cross-country routes weaving right out of the village. In summer and fall , it becomes the ultimate “choose your own adventure” town: * Easy hikes like Cascade Falls or Owl’s Head for breezy, big-reward views. * Moderate classics including Snow Mountain, Hopkins, and Blueberry Mountain—beloved by NYC weekenders for their sweeping valley panoramas. * Iconic cascades like Roaring Brook Falls and Beaver Meadow Falls, perfect for anyone wanting stunning photos without committing to a full 46er slog. * Paddling and swimming at Chapel Pond, one of the Adirondacks’ most photogenic water mirrors. If you prefer low-key days, stroll to The Birch Store for Adirondack-inspired goods, grab pastries at Cedar Run Bakery , or check out Keene Arts , which hosts rotating exhibitions and the long-running High Peaks Artists Show each summer. While Lake Placid offers resorts, Olympic history, and nightlife, Keene Valley is the insider pick —the place where seasoned hikers and quiet-luxury travelers actually stay. It’s for people who want: * Trailheads minutes from their front door * Mountains instead of main streets * A calm base with real local culture rather than a tourist-centered village * Authentic Adirondack character —wood-scented lodges, riverside cabins, morning fog rolling over the peaks Where Lake Placid can feel busy, Keene Valley feels like the Adirondacks distilled. Where to stay ----------------- * Rooster Comb Inn — A cozy, wood-trimmed lodge in the heart of the village with direct access to trail systems. * Keene Valley Lodge — Classic Adirondack inn with fireplaces and easy access to The Garden. * Johns Brook Lodge — The Adirondacks’ only backcountry lodge that is widely beloved by hikers. * Lake Placid Lodge (20 minutes away) — For readers craving a five-star lakeside stay with dramatic mountain views. When to go -------------- * Winter (Jan–March) — Ideal for ski events, snowshoeing, and Mountainfest. * Summer (June–August) — Peak season for hiking, paddling, and swimming holes. * Fall (Sept–Oct) — Foliage season, with fewer crowds and crystal-clear ridge views. How to visit from NYC ------------------------- Keene Valley is about 4 hours and 15 minutes from Manhattan via I-87 North to Exit 30. Albany Airport is the nearest major airport (about 2 hours away), and Amtrak’s Westport station offers taxi/rideshare access directly into the valley. Source: https://secretnyc.co/top-place-to-go-2026-fodors-keene-valley-ny/