You might picture skyscrapers and big city lights when you think of New York, but the state is surprisingly rural. In fact, New York boasts an impressive 30 million acres of forest, covering 60 percent of the state.
You could easily spend a lifetime exploring New York’s forests, caves, valleys, lakes, and limestone gorges—not to mention its beautiful coastline. Put simply, we think it’s one of the best places in the US to build a log cabin.
We’ve handpicked some of the top spots to live in New York State, from the Adirondacks to the Catskills. Keep reading to find out which areas we love and why using a log cabin kit in New York makes sense for your home build.
Adirondack Mountains
One of Earth’s oldest and most geologically diverse mountain ranges, the Adirondacks are a top spot for mountain lodges and log home retreats. Glaciation helped create the spectacular gorges and waterfalls the area is famous for. The Adirondacks boast 2,300 lakes and more than 31,000 miles of rivers and streams, making it a true fisherman’s playground.
Why we love it: Cool mountain breezes in the summer and powdery snow in the winter make this a prime region for outdoor recreation.
North Creek
This quaint hamlet on the Hudson River is a popular spot for watersports. It’s also home to Gore Mountain, one of the largest ski resorts in the eastern United States. Spend your summers fishing, boating, and hiking, and your winters skiing and snowshoeing. Despite its small population, North Creek boasts some of the best restaurants in the region.
Why we love it: North Creek is a quintessential Adirondack town. Hop on the train for a scenic tour of the surrounding wilderness or explore the town’s charming boutique shops.
Population: 690
Elevation: 1,030 feet
Old Forge
Tucked into the Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness 2.5 hours northwest of Albany, Old Forge is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The town sits on the shore of Fourth Lake and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Vacant land is very affordable in the area, starting at around $10,000 per acre. It’s an ideal spot to build a fishing cabin on a budget.
Why we love it: Old Forge has a thriving arts and culture scene and hosts the annual Adirondack Plein Air Festival, attracting artists from all over the world.
Population: 600
Elevation: 1,850 feet
Lake George
Often called “Queen of American Lakes” for its beauty and size, Lake George is ideal if you love boating, fishing, and kayaking. The broader area boasts 20 lakes and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere. Spend your weekends hiking through the spectacular Adirondack Mountains or visiting the area’s many cultural and historic sites. Land is affordable here, starting at around $25,000 per acre—perfect for your vacation cabin or homestead.
Why we love it: From historic amusement parks to miniature golf, Lake George was made for families. It’s the perfect spot for a vacation cabin or forever home.
Population: 3,400
Elevation: 320 feet
Long Lake
From Buttermilk Falls to John Dillon Park, Long Lake is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Tucked into the central Adirondacks, the town is known for its cultural events, including concerts, plays, and art exhibits. Fish and swim along hundreds of miles and waterways or go boating on the lake for which the town is named. Snowmobiling is especially popular in the winter months.
Why we love it: This charming mountain town is brimming with specialty gift shops and boutique stores. It’s like being on vacation every day.
Population: 375
Elevation: 1,900 feet
Essex County
Essex County is a great place to get away from it all and connect with nature. Explore caves, discover the area’s many historical sites, and enjoy nature’s bounty in this stunningly beautiful region. Essex County is home to popular vacation home spots, including Lake Placid, and Ticonderoga. Land goes for less than $1,000 an acre in the country, so it’s a top choice for a new log home build.
Why we love it: Essex County is unrivaled when it comes to natural beauty. Hike to the top of Mt. Marcy, the tallest peak in New York State, or spend weekends on the water at Lake Champlain.
Lake Placid
This world-famous Winter Olympics venue is a hub for snow sports and outdoor adventure. Enjoy lakeside restaurants, rolling green hills in the summer and snowcapped mountains in the winter. Fish the area’s many lakes and ponds or take a jog around Mirror Lake right in town. Beautiful wooded lots with considerable acreage start at just $40,000 an acre near Lake Placid, perfect for your family home or log cabin vacation retreat.
Why we love it: Lake Placid’s downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Place, and the town hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including a film festival and a concert series.
Population: 2,250
Elevation: 1,800 feet
Ticonderoga
Nestled between Lake George and Lake Champlain, the aptly named town of Ticonderoga means “at the junction of two waterways.” History buffs will love visiting the 18th century French fort near Lake Champlain, while nature enthusiasts will be drawn to the area’s cascading waterfalls, hiking trails, and beautiful lakes. One-acre properties start at around $25,000 an acre, perfect for a hunting or fishing cabin.
Why we love it: Thanks to its historic fort—which played a key role in the American Revolution—Ticonderoga has a strong community of history buffs and preservationists.
Population: 3,460
Elevation: 150 feet
Saranac Lake
A charming village in Adirondack Park (the largest park in the Lower 48), Saranac Lake is nothing short of idyllic. You’ll love leaf peeping in the fall and visiting the town’s eateries, galleries, and shops. Living in Saranac Lake puts you right in the heart of it all when it comes to outdoor recreation. Fishing, boating, hiking, hunting, and skiing opportunities abound.
Why we love it: Saranac Lake has something for everyone. The town hosts an eclectic mix of annual events, from a weeklong winter celebration to a paddling festival.
Population: 4,800
Elevation: 1,550 feet
Catskill Mountains
Home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country and popular ski resorts—including Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain—the Catskills offer year-round outdoor recreational opportunities. Spend your weekends hiking, fishing, or taking scenic drives along the winding mountain roads.
Why we love it: The centrally located Catskills are a two-hour drive from major cities in virtually every direction, perfect if you need easy access to the city for work.
Greene County
Known for its natural beauty, Greene County is a popular spot for log home dwellers, thanks to the area’s abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, from hunting and fishing to skiing and horseback riding. Greene County is located in southeast central New York State, just west of the Hudson River and south of Albany, so it’s ideal if you need to work in the city.
Why we love it: With more than 120 miles of biking trails and miles of winding mountain roads, Greene County is paradise for those who love to ride on two wheels.
Partner with eLoghomes for Your New York Log Cabin Build
Whether you want to get out of the city for good or you’re thinking about a lakeside vacation cabin for summers and weekend adventures, eLoghomes is here to help.
As the nation’s leading log home manufacturer and builder, we are experts in the log home kit space. Our staff will guide you through the home-building process, from choosing the best log cabin model to the construction of your eLoghomes shell package.
Take a virtual tour of some of our most popular log home models, then explore our catalog to find your perfect Adirondack cabin plan. Get in touch to learn more and for pricing.