When the leaves begin to change, that means a whole new season of fun and excitement is taking place in the Lake George Area!
Autumn adventures await, and there are numerous ways to navigate the changing temperatures, not to mention the first signs of picturesque Adirondack fall foliage. From crowd-favorite festivals and shows to recreational trails and sightseeing wonders.
Here’s what visitors can see and do in the Lake George Area during the month of September.
September Events
The month of September is packed with several beloved festivals and celebrations that have visitors coming from both near and far. No matter your interests, this is a good time to get outdoors, enjoy some great weather, and spend time with even better company.
Below are just a few examples of events to attend this September.
Adirondack Balloon Festival
Location: Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport
Date(s): September 18th – 21st
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Watch dozens of hot air balloons take to the skies above the Adirondack Mountains during this Lake George Area fall tradition.
This year marks the 52nd annual Adirondack Balloon Festival, and pilots and enthusiasts from all across the country will be in attendance. Come for the balloons, and stay for the various musical performances, family-friendly games, food vendors, and even a full-on craft fair with the Zonta Club.
Bring the entire family for one of the country’s biggest hot air balloon gatherings.
*To learn more, check out our Adirondack Balloon Festival event page.
Adirondack Nationals Car Show
Location: Fort William Henry Hotel
Date(s): September 4th – 7th
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Head to the Lake George Village—and the iconic Fort William Henry Hotel— to admire a spectacular collection of classic cars, hot rods, customs, and more.
Hosted by Albany Rods and Kustoms, the 36th annual Adirondack Nationals Car Show brings car enthusiasts from all over to proudly display their automobiles, with multiple awards being presented at the end of the event. Come and show support for your favorite vehicles.
Meanwhile, other happenings during the weekend include DJs, raffles, cruises along Canada Street, and more.
Whether or not you’re a big fan of cars, this show is a must-see!
Jazz at the Lake
Location: Shepard Park
Date(s): September 12th – 14th
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One of the Northeast’s finest jazz festivals is right at the heart of Lake George Village, at Shepard Park.
For 41 years, the Lake George Arts Project has hosted Jazz at the Lake, inviting some of the country’s most talented musicians for concerts and performances that showcase just how diverse the jazz genre is.
Various artists will be performing throughout the weekend in the park, and this event is entirely FREE.
There are plenty of terrific restaurants—as well as lodging options—available throughout the village, so consider staying throughout the whole weekend, and be swept away by the wonderful world of jazz.
*To learn more, check out our Jazz at the Lake event page.
September Activities
No matter if the weather is showcasing an encore of summer heat, or if the temperatures begin to dwindle into a refreshing autumn breeze, this is a great month to get outside and enjoy the Adirondacks firsthand.
From nature hikes along wooded trails to sightseeing cruises on the water, there’s nothing quite like the great outdoors on a beautiful, sunshine-filled day. Perhaps you may even get to observe the forests and mountains start to take on multiple shades of fall colors.
Below are just a few activities to do in the Lake George Area during the month of September.
Hiking
With an impressive collection of peaks and trails, the Lake George Area is a hiker’s haven. Ranging in length and difficulty, every level of hiker is accommodated for, from complete beginners to the most experienced navigators.
The Lake George Land Conservancy maintains nearly a dozen trails and preserves throughout the area, each one varying in length and terrain, but all of them providing scenic views of nearby mountain ranges and waterbodies.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking to accomplish multiple—or even a series of—hikes, then check out the selections listed in the Chester Challenge or the Brant Lake Challenge. These adventures are filled with beautiful vistas, overlooks, and summits.
*To learn more about hiking, check out our Hiking page.
Horseback Riding
For a more leisurely alternative to hiking, trail rides on horseback provide a fantastic sightseeing opportunity through the Adirondack woodlands.
Book a guided tour with an experienced guide, and set out on a designated route to witness the streams, forests, and peaks that make up the local area.
There are multiple ranches to choose from, such as Mountain View Rocking B Ranch or Ruggiero’s Public Horseback Riding in Lake Luzerne, to Circle B Ranch in Chestertown. Most ranches also offer several different themed trail ride packages, as well as varied length and time options.
*For more ranches and tours, check out our Horseback Riding page.
Golf
Take to the tee for a round or two of golf at one of the several professionally designed courses set around the Lake George Area.
These greens are set amongst some glorious scenery that you can only find in the Adirondacks, and as such are highly sought out by both amateurs and experts alike.
From simple 9-hole courses like at Green Mansions Golf Course or Sunnyside Par 3 Golf Course, to championship-level 18-hole courses at Cronin’s Golf Resort or the Hiland Park Country Club, there’s a spot for everyone to enjoy such a relaxing pastime.
*For more golf courses, check out our Golf page.
Biking
From forest trails to paved bikeways, biking is an essential recreational activity in the Lake George Area. With miles of available paths, varying in length and difficulty, this is a readily available sport for all ages and abilities.
Cyclists will love the networks of paved bike paths that crisscross the area. Pedal on the Warren County Bikeway, a 9.4-mile paved path that takes you through the communities of Glens Falls, Queensbury, and Lake George Village. Make sure to also check out other scenic trails like the Feeder Canal & Towpath Trail.
If you enjoy mountain biking, you’re sure to find your perfect spot here. Trail systems are plentiful and continuously growing, with well-developed options like the Gurney Lane Mountain Bike Park or the North Creek Ski Bowl Mountain Biking Trails. You can also discover more current and upcoming options with the Warren County Mountain Bike Trails story map.
Another exciting option is to book a railbiking tour at any one of four Revolution Rail stations. With Revolution Rail, bring your family or friends for a pedal-powered journey through some truly scenic Adirondack landscapes, including over rivers and alongside mountains. Your railbiking journey during the autumn season may very well take you through some remarkable foliage views.
*To learn more about biking and mountain biking, check out our Biking page.
Boating
Set sail on the clean, blue waters of Lake George aboard a boat, and discover why so many have favored the “Queen of American Lakes” for centuries.
One of the most sought-after attractions in the area happens to be the sightseeing steamboat cruises. Both the Lake George Steamboat Company and Lake George Waterfront Cruises allow passengers to view all 32 miles, while also providing various themed and specialty cruises all throughout the season.
Of course, if you desire a more personal experience, several private boat tours and charters make their home around the lake. Check out our Boat Cruises & Charters page to book an excursion with an experienced captain who will be more than happy to provide a memorable experience.
You can also rent a boat and captain your own crew as you sail for a day of lakeside fun. Various marinas, such as Brodie’s Lakeside Marina and Dockside Landing Marina, offer boat rentals, but you can also check out other companies in the area by visiting our Boat Launches, Marinas, & Rentals page.
What to Pack
Before participating in any of the above events or activities, it’s important to make sure you’ve adequately prepared for whatever weather and/or environment you might encounter.
Below are some helpful packing suggestions for your Lake George Area trip during the month of September.
Preparing for Cooler Weather
September can become quite unpredictable in regards to temperature, ranging from chilly mornings to warm afternoons and cool nights.
For those instances in which the temperatures begin to drop, it’s best to be prepared with a thicker layer or two, especially when outdoors. Items like sweatpants, sweatshirts, and thicker socks and shoes can really be quite useful to have on hand.
Interacting with Nature
Even after summer ends, you can still expect to see a good amount of bugs and insects around before the first frost hits. If you’re going to be outdoors, bug spray is crucial in order to stop those pesky bites.
For ticks specifically, make sure you constantly check before they bury themselves deep into the skin. You should also shower after any long bouts of outdoor recreation, such as hiking or mountain biking.
Speaking of hiking, come equipped with your hiking boots or shoes, as well as any hiking gear you feel comfortable carrying.