Awesome autumn adventures!
Discover a unique mix of wilderness and luxury amid magnificent autumn scenery. The six-million-acre Adirondack Park, just a few hours’ drive from most major East Coast cities, has 46 high peaks, over 3,000 lakes and ponds, and thousands of miles of trails and canoe routes. It’s a haven for fall adventures like hiking, mountain biking and kayaking in mountain streams.
More than 100 towns and villages offer distinctive Adirondack hospitality. Unique attractions include world-class nature museums: Tupper Lake’s W!ld Center and the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake. Places to stay range from family campgrounds and dude ranches to posh resorts like Lake Placid Lodge and Mirror Lake Inn, named one of the “America’s Top 50 Resorts” by Travel+Leisure.
Fall events abound! Wilmington’s Festival of Colors held September 8 at the base of Whiteface Mountain features an art show, farmers market and apple pie contest. Oompah bands fire up September 29 to 30 for the Whiteface Oktoberfest. A celebration of Bavarian music, dancing, food and beer, it features rides on the Cloudsplitter, called the most scenic gondola in North America!
At Lake George, see the colorful leaves reflected in crystal-clear waters on a steamboat cruise, drive to the top of Prospect Mountain for a spectacular view, or shop in the many antique shops and outlet centers. Cool music festivals include the Lake George Jazz Weekend, September 15 and 16.
Don’t miss the Adirondack Balloon Festival celebrating its 40th anniversary September 20 to 23 in Queensbury. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains, it’s the largest balloon event on the East Coast!
With over 1,000 vendors, you can shop for just about anything at the community-wide Warrensburg World’s Largest Garage Sale, September 29 and 30. The route stretches from south of Lake George to north of Warrensburg.
Lake Placid, with its famous Olympic venues, is renowned for luxurious resorts and great nightlife. Celebrate the season at its Flaming Leaves Festival, October 6 to 7, featuring great music and BBQ. The Gore Mountain Harvest Festival in North Creek October 6 and 7 features hearty fall food and drink, plus lively music. Try mountain biking amid the peak fall foliage or check out the views on the gondola skyride!
Saranac Lake boasts a thriving arts community and the historic Union Depot where you can board the Adirondack Scenic Railroad to watch the autumn scenery in style.
Follow the scenic Lakes to Locks Passage along Lake Champlain to explore historic lighthouses, great places for boating and camping, and Fort Ticonderoga, where 500 reenactors depict the American Revolution during Living History Weekend, September 1 and 2.
For more ideas and information, see Adirondack’s Culinary, History & Culture, Outdoors and Water listings.
View: Governor Cuomo at Boreas Pond, 9/12
Adirondack Region Video
Find more information at: Adirondack Regional Tourism Site