A beautifully wild stretch of Upstate New York that rewards determined hikers with breathtaking views is one of the best places in America to visit this year, according to a trusted travel guide.
The Keene Valley, nicknamed the “Home of the High Peaks,” has been dubbed one of the top spots to go in the United States in 2026 by Fodor’s Travel, which has been publishing travel guides since 1936.
The scenic Adirondacks hamlet was one of only six spots included on Fodor’s list of the top places to visit in the United States in 2026. The roundup included spots in North Carolina, Washington state, California, Florida and Massachusetts.
The town of Keene is home to over half of New York’s mountains at or above 4,000 feet, making it a popular spot for aspiring 46ers aiming to hike the Adirondacks’ 46 highest peaks. The Keene Valley includes some of the most popular High Peaks, including Mount Marcy, the highest mountain in the Empire State.
The hamlet is less than an hour’s drive from some of the Adirondacks’ other popular draws. That includes the Ausable Chasm, a stunning gorge dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks, and Lake Placid, a winter wonderland famous for twice hosting the Winter Olympics.
In its explanation of what makes the Keene Valley a traveler’s dream, Fodor’s called the hamlet an “enclave for outdoor enthusiasts” steeped in breathtaking hikes, like Cascade Falls and the iconic Indian Head trail, and charming small businesses, such as The Frenchman’s Bakery and The Birch Store.
“Over the years, it has become a destination marked by Adirondack-style buildings, like the Keene Valley library,” the travel guide wrote. “But what truly makes Keene Valley worth visiting is its rugged beauty and loving community of hikers, many of whom have traded life in the city for the calm of the mountains.”
Fodor’s Travel recommended visiting Keene Valley in the summer, a prime time for hiking and other outdoor activities, or in the early autumn, when fall foliage transforms the area into a leaf-peeping paradise.
