One of the biggest nuisances that comes with being an Empire State resident is that we’re almost always listening to out-of-owners tell us just how great our amazing big cities are, or better yet, they’re assuming we’re from the Big Apple. When we passionately tell you that there’s so much more to our state than just New York City, we absolutely mean it. Some of our most inviting and adventurous locations can be found hiding out of sight in areas that you may never think to explore, including lots of quaint rural towns in Upstate New York. Ready to visit someplace new? Then dive into these rural New York towns that are downright delightful.

1. Cazenovia
Cazenovia, NY 13035, USA
Barbara Hobbs/Flickr
Located in the picturesque setting of Central New York, the small town of Cazenovia only has a population of just over 7,000 residents! The town features Cazenovia Lake, where you can find charming inns along the water and parks to enjoy all year round. One of my favorite parks that remains open 365 days a year in this town is the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, a fascinating place where you can experience the magical combination of art and nature. Along Albany street you'll find plenty of other great places to check out like amazing restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat, as well as an inn, the public library and a church!
2. Newfield
Newfield, NY, USA
Adam Moss/Flickr
Out past the city of Ithaca amongst some of our most beautiful forests, you can find the rural New York town of Newfield in Tompkins County. With a population of just over 5,000 residents, this small town is packed with all of the small town appeal you've been looking for. Whether you're looking to enjoy one of New York's many beautiful covered bridges or you just want to book a stay at one of the inns where you'll be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of this rural area, you won't regretting checking out this town.
3. Inlet
Inlet, NY 13360, USA
The Woods Inn/TripAdvisor
Tucked away in the Adirondacks up near our Fulton Chain of Lakes and Moose River Plains, you'll find the tiny town of Inlet right in Hamilton County. With just a population of over 300 residents, Inlet is the perfect place for any adventurer to escape to if you're looking to take yourself away from it all. From hiking to getting out on the water, you'll be able to find plenty of activities that will keep you busy. Another reason why I love Inlet? It's here that you can find one of New York's most unforgettable inns that's worth taking a trip to!
4. Aurora
Aurora, NY 13026, USA
Brenda M./Yelp
Right on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, you can find the teeny town of Aurora within Cayuga County. The remote area only has a population of just over 700 residents, still managing to bring in a significant amount of visitors every year with its local attractions. One of the most popular places to check out when taking a visit to Aurora is Mackenzie-Childs, a scenic property full of quirks that is worth crossing off of your state bucket list!
5. Phoenicia
Phoenicia, NY 12464, USA
GovMule/TripAdvisor
Hidden away within one of my favorite areas of the Catskills, the small hamlet of Phoenicia is only home to roughly 300 of our residents! Not far from some of our most scenic attractions, Phoenicia features the Empire State Railway Museum and some truly unbelievable places to eat, like the Phoenicia Diner.

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6. Hammondsport
Hammondsport, NY 14840, USA
Morgan Paul/Flickr
One small town in New York that's gorgeous to experience during our summer months, Hammondsport is often referred to as being the coolest small town in America. With a population of roughly 700 residents, you'll love this remote area that sits on the southern end of Keuka Lake! The town features unforgettable waterfront restaurants and wineries, also being home to the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, a fascinating spot to check out.
7. Roxbury
Roxbury, NY 12474, USA
Andy Arthur/Flickr
Hiding out in Delaware County, the small town of Roxbury is so rural that you can almost guarantee on not having any cell phone service out this way. Nearby to some of our favorite ski resorts and waterfalls of the Catskill region, there's plenty of scenic beauty to keep you occupied while you're no longer glued to your phone. Want to spend the weekend exploring this area but aren't sure where you should stay? Then check out the rooms of the whimsical Roxbury Motel that's like something straight out of a fairy tale!
8. Fairport
Fairport, NY 14450, USA
Bill Blevins/Flickr
Known as being the "Crown Jewel of the Erie Canal," the small town of Fairport is waiting to be discovered out in Monroe County. Outside of the city of Rochester, this location offers the beauty and adventure of the Erie Canal while also providing the delightful charm you'd hope any of New York's towns would have.
9. Greenport
Greenport, NY 11944, USA
Harvey Barrison/Flickr
Long Island is no stranger to charming rural towns! Far out on the north fork of the island you can find the quiet fishing town of Greenport. In this place that seems frozen in time, there are fascinating attractions and history to experience when you take the journey out to this scenic location.
10. Ellicottville
Ellicottville, NY 14731, USA
David/Flickr
A Western New York small town that doesn't even reach a population of 400 residents, Ellicottville was destined to be a part of this rural list! The tiny town is well-known for its ski resort that constantly draw in visitors to the remote area, while also offering a famous chocolate shop and adventure park that will bring smiles to your face!
11. Wilmington
Wilmington, NY, USA
Peter C in Toronto Canada/Flickr
If you're looking to explore the true outdoor beauty that New York has to offer, then the town of Wilmington is the perfect place for you to visit. Just north of Lake Placid and away from some of the more well-known outdoor attractions that people enjoy visiting, you'll find only just over one thousand residents here and a ton of adventures that are waiting to be taken. From visiting the heavenly High Falls Gorge to exploring the different ways you can reach the top of one of our highest peaks Whiteface Mountain, you'll find yourself speechless over the gorgeous scenery that surrounds you!

All of our different regions are home to such beautiful and charming rural New York towns! To enjoy as much of them as you possibly can, Take This Road Trip Through Western New York’s Most Picturesque Towns For An Unforgettable Experience!

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More to Explore

Rural New York Towns

Danielle Schwartz | September 18, 2022

What is the oldest town in New York?

The oldest town in New York is Albany. A European settlement way back in 1614, our state's capital has lots to offer visitors in terms of activities and entertainment. Check out the beautiful and unique Lark Street for great restaurants and fun shops. The charming and colorful architecture is unlike anywhere else in the state! There's a helpful visitor center that features plenty of locally made goods you can bring home as souvenirs. And while you probably think of Broadway when you think about live shows, there is also plenty to love in Albany for theatergoers. Check out a great show put on by one of the local theaters and you're sure to be impressed.

Are there any hidden gems in New York?

There are lots of fantastic hidden gems in New York that are certainly worth visiting throughout the year. If you're up in the Finger Lakes, you'll love The Olde Country Store for a taste of nostalgia and some great gifts and tasty treats to bring home with you. Grafton Peace Pagoda in Petersburg is another cool spot you can go if you're looking for attractions that are off the beaten path. Admire the gorgeous architecture while you stroll along the green gardens around the structure. Over in Utica, you can take the classic Adirondack Scenic Railroad for pretty views of the countryside along with fun seasonal themes like Halloween and winter holidays.

What are the most scenic towns in New York?

When you're looking for small-town charm and natural beauty, check out one of the most scenic towns in New York and take a memorable getaway. Lake Placid is an amazing choice if you enjoy water views and mountainous landscapes, as you'll find it in the Adirondack Mountains. It even hosted the 1980 Olympics, so you know it's quite a sight to see! Another gorgeous town is Skaneateles, where you'll get to experience the Finger Lakes in style. The houses are almost as charming and pretty as the striking water views.

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