Photos by Kacey O'Brien
The Adirondack Park has always been a premier autumn destination. The southern Adirondack Mountains and these 12 towns in the Lake George Area boast an abundance of accessible leaf peeping opportunities with scenic fall foliage views.
1. North Creek
Experience some of the most stunning fall scenes in the Lake George Area from the hamlet of North Creek. Hop on the Northwoods Gondola and summit Gore Mountain. This scenic, half-hour skyride offers leaf peepers views of the southern Adirondacks, High Peaks, and more.
Enjoy the remaining three-season outdoor recreation opportunities before the transition to winter. Revolution Rail Co. offers several railbiking options from the North Creek Depot. Pedal through the remote wilderness and get up close to the changing leaves along the banks of the Hudson River.
2. Lake George
An autumn walk through the Lake George Village will fulfill a seasonal visitor’s need for impressive foliage. Start on Canada Street and look across Lake George from Shepard Park for a panorama of the eastern shore. Continue your stroll south and take a left on Beach Road to check out a sweeping view of the lake’s southern basin. Want to explore the rest of the 32-mile long “Queen of American Lakes”? You’ll find the Lake George Steamboat Company on Beach Road as well. Climb aboard and take a sightseeing cruise on any one of these impressive ships.
3. Chestertown
Conquer the Chester Challenge and discover brilliant fall foliage along the way. This hiking challenge includes both easy walks and moderate hikes to mountain peaks. Complete 6 to earn a pin or patch, but explore every trail to get your fill of a Lake George Area autumn. Pictured Below: Catch a glimpse of Meade and Beckman Mountain, two of the Chester Challenge peaks, over Loon Lake.
4. Bolton Landing
Get a glimpse of fall foliage and a bird’s-eye view from the summit of Cat or Thomas Mountain. These moderate trails offer stunning scenes of color covering Buck Mountain, Dome Island, The Narrows, and The Sagamore Resort. Expect to spend a few hours hiking to summit of both of these trails, immersed in the fall scenery. Thirsty for a post-hike beer? Check out the Bolton Landing Brewing Company and sip a refreshing ale on their patio.
If you own a kayak, launch it in Northwest Bay Brook's tranquil water for eye-catching foliage that can only be seen from a paddler's perspective.
5. Stony Creek
For an easy, family-friendly and pet-friendly walk among vibrant fall foliage, explore the Dean Farm Heritage Trail – a network of gravel trails and boardwalks that loop through woods and meadows.
6. Queensbury
Experience several unmatched leaf peeping opportunities without ever having to leave Queensbury. Take scenic chairlift ride to the top of West Mountain with views of Adirondack foliage stretching out towards the Hudson Valley. After you soak those up, head to the Aerial Treetop Adventure Park, also located at the summit, to climb, swing, and fly among the beautiful fall leaves.
Not to mention, the Town of Queensbury maintains several parks and preserves that offer a peaceful walk in the woods amid the fall foliage.
7. Warrensburg
Explore the Warren County Nature Trail & Nordic Ski System in Warrensburg for striking fall foliage. This four-season trail system can be utilized in the fall as simple walking trails that are mostly flat with a few short-lived hills. The Hudson River is easily accessed from the trail for fall fishing.
The Three Sisters Mountains are a sight to behold during this colorful season. If you’re just looking to capture a photo, a great landscape shot can be found from the Warrensburg Recreation Field.
8. Glens Falls
Explore the Feeder Canal & Towpath Trail and behold gorgeous foliage in historic Glens Falls. The Feeder Canal was once used to transport water to Fort Edward from the Hudson River. Today, the Towpath is a nine-mile multipurpose trail that follows the canal beginning in Queensbury, through Glens Falls, and beyond. The Feeder Canal & Towpath Trail is especially stunning in the fall with its arching trees and the colors of the leaves reflecting on the water’s still surface.
9. Brant Lake
The Brant Lake region is tranquil in the fall and affords visitors a number of ways to see the foliage. Hike or bike to the summit of Bartonville Mountain, then stop at The Hub for a craft beer, sandwich, and some local conversation. Take a scenic drive along the shore and loop around the entirety of Brant Lake via Route 8 and Palisades Road.
10. Lake Luzerne
For a hike that offers miles of uninterrupted foliage, try climbing Potash Mountain. This moderate hike begins on wide, well-marked trails before turning into steep, narrow switchbacks. The view from the summit is well worth the trek.
Ivy Island, visible from Wayside Beach, is postcard-worthy scene for snapping photos of your autumn getaway.
11. Thurman
Take the scenic route and admire fall foliage along backroads – enjoy a cruise through Thurman. Winding roads through this Adirondack town are flanked by towering trees covered in colorful leaves.
Revolution Rail Co. also has a railbiking run out of Thurman Station. Pedal towards Stony Creek and your destination of 1000 Acres Ranch Resort nestled in the changing colors of the surrounding mountains.
While in the area check out some of Thurman’s maple producers and stock up on jugs of pure, Adirondack maple syrup for the coming winter.
12. Hague
The best fall foliage in Hague is found along Route 8 and Route 9N. Drive Route 8 and stop at one of several pull offs for scenic mountain vistas.
Or, travel Lake Shore Drive that runs parallel to Lake George. Before reaching the center of Hague, pull off at the Sabbath Day Point Overlook for a photo op.
Some of the most breathtaking foliage in all of the Lake George Area lies near the base of the Tongue Mountain Range. Lake Shore Drive winds over the backside of Tongue Mountain on your way out of Bolton Landing and into Hague. It is a sight to see these vibrant leaves shake loose with an autumn breeze when touring this road.
