Best Fall Foliage Hikes in the Lake George Area

Written by Eric Pfau

Cover Photo: Pilot Knob, Justine Mosher 

Dedicate your autumn weekends to exploring these five easy-to-moderate trails that will get you up close and personal with the foliage. Reach the summit of an Adirondack peak with fall colors stretching out for hundreds of miles before you. Fall is a gorgeous time to hike, and a must-do for leaf peepers in the Lake George Area.


The Pinnacle

Difficulty: Moderate, 2 Miles Round-Trip

Topping all the lists for best views in the Lake George Area is the summit of The Pinnacle. This Bolton Landing hiking trail offers a spectacular perspective every season, but it’s all the more breathtaking as the leaves change in autumn. Follow several switchbacks up the steep trail for bird’s-eye views of The Sagamore Resort, Dome Island, and Huddle Bay.

Pinnacle Fall

Check out our Pinnacle Hiking Highlight!


Stewart Mountain

Difficulty: Easy, 0.84 Miles Round-Trip

Sometimes the best fall foliage views are found off the beaten path. Chestertown’s Stewart Mountain is a quick out-and-back jaunt (think 20 minutes) to an open summit overlooking Loon Lake. The top of Stewart Mountain has plenty of space for a picnic, and signage here describes the mountains that hikers should be able to spot in the distance, including Lake George Area’s Gore Mountain. This amazing hike is part of the Chester Challenge.

Check out our Stewart Mountain Hiking Highlight!


Dean Farm Heritage Trail

Difficulty: Easy (Mostly Flat), 3.6 Miles, 13 Trails

Walking the Dean Farm Heritage Trails in Stony Creek is an excellent fall family activity. Leaf peep without breaking a sweat; many of the paths are flat and covered in crushed stone with benches and educational signs placed throughout the trail system.

Dean Farm Heritage Trail

Check out our Dean Farm Heritage Trail Hiking Highlight!


Palmer Pond Hiking Trails

Difficulty: Easy, 2.1-Mile Loop & Trails

The lovely stroll to Palmer Pond doesn’t offer much incline, but the blazing leaves hanging over the glassy water is worthwhile. The 2.1-mile loop around this hidden pond is an Adirondack paradise in autumn with hikers, hunters, anglers, and leaf-peepers frequenting the spot annually. The Palmer Pond Hiking Trails are also a part of the Chester Challenge.

Palmer Pond

Check out our Palmer Pond Hiking Highlight!


Hackensack Mountain

Difficulty: Moderate, 1.5 Miles Round-Trip or 2.7-Mile Loop

To find the finest fall foliage scene of Warrensburg, you need to hike Hackensack Mountain. This recreation system has two main trailheads that lead to either the wide-open summit or a small pond. The summit boasts a panorama of Warrensburg and the colorful Adirondacks beyond. This is a great run for mountain bikers, and is dog-approved!