Mount Jo, Adirondacks
Upstate New York’s Adirondack Park is one of the top places in the country to experience vibrant fall foliage. The park itself covers approximately 6 million acres, with autumn colors emerging usually from mid September to mid October. The display is something incredible to behold with your own eyes, as the landscape transforms into one of Mother Nature’s fine works of art. Whether you’re interested in hiking one of the High Peaks, taking it easy on a nature trail, cycling, or venturing out on a road trip to capture it all with your camera, there’s something for every type of leaf-peeper. From Lake George to the Keene Valley and over to the uncrowded shores of the western lakes, the Adirondacks do some serious shining during the fall months.
Let these photos take you through autumn in the Adirondacks and some of the best ways to embrace the season in the area.
Sunrise from Owl’s Head Mountain
A sunrise hike during the fall season in the Adirondacks will be worth the early wake-up, promise. Choosing a shorter trail to navigate in the dark for your hike up to the summit is a smart choice, and Owl’s Head Mountain just outside of Lake Placid is ideal. This 1.2 mile (round trip) trek lands you on a rocky summit with panoramic views of the surrounding area. A few fun rock scrambles make this more than your average easy hike, but it’s suitable for all skill levels, deeming it popular for families with younger children. Several overlooks along the way to the top are a big bonus. If you make the hike at sunrise, bring a headlamp and be prepared for an awe-inspiring start to your morning as the sky lights up; you may even have the whole place to yourself.
**It should be noted that this trail is on private land, and hiking is only allowed on weekdays.
Keene Valley Lodge
Keene Valley is one of the best locations to base yourself in the High Peaks region. Stay small, right on scenic Route 73 at the Keene Valley Lodge for a classic Adirondack bed + breakfast experience, as well as quick access to some of the most popular hiking trails in the area. Oh, and the homemade muffins, too. Centrally located in the midst of amazing trails, the scenic Ausable River, and breweries, the lodge is also within close proximity to Lake Placid, without all the hustle and bustle.
The recently renovated historic building is run by a warm and welcoming couple, owners George and Laurie Daniels. Here, you’ll find cozy common rooms to hang out and read Adirondack literature, pour over maps, plan your adventures, and chat with other lodgers during the daily breakfast, fit for fueling hikers. There’s a common kitchen area too where you can store and make simple meals if you get back from a hike post restaurant hours.
Roadside Adirondack Views in Newcomb
One of the easiest views of the High Peaks to enjoy is right off of Route 28N, at Newcomb’s Overlook Park. From here, you’ll have a sprawling view of the Santinoni Range, Iroquois and Algonquin Mountains, Mount Colden, and on a clear day, you might even spot Mount Marcy. The monument offers details about the mountains in view, including their towering height totals. Bring a picnic lunch, snap a few photos, stretch your legs, and use the onsite restrooms — this is an ideal rest stop in the heart of the Adirondacks.
Heart Lake, Adirondack Loj
Iconic Heart Lake at the Adirondack Loj is one of the gorgeous spots to view foliage with easy access. Although lodging is available both in the lodge and campsites, it’s possible to visit for the day and use the trail system for just a parking fee. Heart Lake is the easiest hike, suitable for all ages; a loop trail skirts the lake for an easy 1.2 mile walk with beautiful views. This is the perfect place to absorb fall foliage at a leisurely speed, capturing photos along the way from various angles. Not to mention the lake is shaped like a heart, so it’s pretty romantic, too.
**Pro tip: arrive after 1pm and pay a reduced parking fee.
Big Crow Mountain
For a littler lesser-known hike in the Keene Valley region, Big Crow Mountain is a great “bang for your buck” choice. The trail begins at the end of a dirt road (closed in winter) called O’Toole Lane, and although it’s a climb, the length makes this a doable trail for hikers of all skill levels. This 1.4 mile (round trip) trek will give your legs a workout without being too strenuous, and reward you with sweeping mountain views that will take your breath away as much as the steep sections of the trail. The summit offers plenty of space and various angles to take in the panorama, which includes nearby Hurricane mountain, The Great Range, and the High Peaks. If you want to extend your hike, continue further to Little Crow (another half mile), or complete the lengthier 6 mile Soda Range loop.
Floatplane Adventure
Hopping on a floatplane for a scenic flight is one of the most breathtaking ways to experience fall foliage in the Adirondacks with a bird’s eye perspective. Payne’s Air Service in Inlet, New York, offers scenic flights taking off from Seventh Lake in the western section of the Adirondacks. The knowledeable pilot will have you soaring over mountains, lakes, rivers, streams, while sharing information about the wild landscape. Flying high above the Adirondacks will grant you the opportunity to view remote sections of the park that you wouldn’t otherwise get to see. Payne’s offers fly-in fishing, camping, and hunting trips, as well as scenic flights.
Roadside Waterfalls
The Adirondacks practically beg for a roadtrip in the autumn with an abundance of scenic drives throughout the park. Discover roadside gems on the Route 73 through the High Peaks region, known as one of the incredible Scenic Byways. Roaring Brook Falls is one of these cascades located just before entering the Keene Valley. View it’s splendor from the roadside pull-off, or a less than half of a mile easy hike to the base of the falls. If you’re looking to check out the view from the top, continue on the trail for another moderate mile or so to the Upper lookout.
Mount Jo Hike
Mount Jo is another gem starting at the Adirondack Loj, and is perfect to pair with a visit to Heart Lake. Two trails lead to the summit; the short trail at 1.1 miles to the top, and the long trail (a little easier on the knees) is 1.3 miles to the top, one way. This venture can also be done as a loop trail. For a relatively easy hike, you’ll definitely still get a workout and be wowed with solid views at the summit. Peer down at Heart Lake from above, framed by hues of autumnal color and mountains in the distance. This is great option for sunset watching, provided you have a headlamp in tow. The sweeping views highlighted by the evening light is a memory for the books.
Paddle For Views
Paddling the many lakes and ponds in the Adirondacks is another enjoyable way to absorb the fall splendor. Seriously…there’s over 3,000 of them! Almost anywhere you go in the park, there’s a lake or pond not too far away. Bring your own kayak or canoe, rent one, or perhaps you’ll happen upon a canoe left for use by the state or private fishermen or hunters that use them regularly. To increase your chance of finding one of these special canoes, embark on a hike to a pond or lake; the remote spots tend to have one.
Elk Lake Lodge
Wake up to endless views of the High Peaks from the secluded Elk Lake Lodge, where loons and the breakfast bell provide the soundtrack. The cozy lodge is located near North Hudson, New York, and is positioned in the middle of some of the most incredible and unspoiled Adirondack scenery. Choose from one of the main lodge rooms, or the gorgeous individual cottages; all three meals are included. Almost anywhere you hang out near the lodge, you’re treated to views of Dix, Macomb, and Nippletop mountains, as well as the Colvin Range. A wide porch lined with Adirondack chairs, beach, or floating dock offer a relaxing post for absorbing the scenery, as does the onsite canoe, kayak, or rowboats. Or, hit one of the many hiking trails and check off some of the High Peaks.
Nature Trails
The Preserve at Elk Lake Lodge has 12,000 acres of Adirondack land with a myriad of trails to explore. If you prefer easier walks vs. tackling the High Peaks, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the property at a slower pace. The lodge provides a map for a choose your own adventure itinerary, with waterfalls, bridges, and stunning scenery await to be discovered. The suspension bridge trail is the perfect, easy hike along the picturesque Branch River with plenty of foliage. Or, head to Clear Pond, just a few minutes from the lodge, where you can hike around the shore’s circuit leisurely.
Adirondack Balloon Festival
Every September, the Adirondack region is host to a hot air balloon festival with autumn foliage as the beautiful backdrop. The Adirondack Balloon Festival is a four day event held at the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Queensbury, New York. More than 50 balloons of all shapes, sizes, and characters, inflate for several launches, the most popular being the sunrise flights and the evening “Moonglow.” A craft fair, food, and other activities make this a fun event for families. Whether you book a thrilling balloon ride yourself or watch from the ground with a hot coffee in hand, it’s a fall festival not to be missed.
Pinnacle Trail
A quick jaunt up the Pinnacle Trail near Bolton Landing, New York, offers sprawling views of Lake George in the southern Adirondacks. In about three quarters of a mile, you’ll reach the coveted summit overlook where you can feast your eyes on Buck and Sleeping Beauty Mountains, Shelving Rock, the Tongue Mountain Range, Dome Island, and the Narrows. You can even spot the famous and historic Sagamore Resort below. Dogs are allowed on a leash, and a bench at the top provides an idyllic spot to enjoy a snack or packed lunch.
Lake Camping
Fall camping is ideal camping; cooler temperatures, little to no bugs, and spectacular foliage, of course. Venture out in the Adirondacks and find a treasure trove of drive-in, hike-in, paddle-in, and island camping spots. Lake George, Saranac Lake, and Raquette Lake are just some of the bodies of water with island camping in the park. While some are first-come, first-serve, others like the Glen Islands in Lake George require a booking from May to October. There are also many campsites and RV sites available throughout the area. For more remote slumbering, consider primitive camping in the backcountry such as the Pharoah Lakes Wilderness or Cranberry Lake Wild Forest. Whether pitching a tent or cozy-ing up in a lean-to, this type of camping makes for the perfect fall adventure. Make sure to follow all rules and guidelines when camping in the Adirondacks (and everywhere else) and to always leave it better than you found it.