Following the heat of summer, crisp autumn air settles in and turns the lush, green foliage to a vibrant blend of yellows, oranges, and reds. With the natural beauty of its mountains and lakes, leaf peepers flock to the Lake George Area – one of the best regions in Upstate New York to take in the fall foliage.

*Data from Fall 2023; Photos from Fall 2020, 2021, & 2022

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Hague, Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien 

When to Go Leaf Peeping

The leaves begin their dramatic change as the temperatures start to drop in late September, through October, and into early November. The sweep of color spreads from the higher elevations of the Northern Adirondacks and moves south towards the Lake George Area.

According to our 2022 Fall Foliage Reports, the region was at peak during the week of October 18th. This year, spotters are predicting an earlier peak around Columbus Day, the week of October 10th.

Don’t fret, most fall scenes continue to last until late November when it is considered “past peak”. Stay up-to-date on how the leaves are changing by visiting the I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Map and Reports, as well as our own weekly Fall Foliage Reports on social media @lakegeorgearea.

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Thurman, Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien 

Where to Go Leaf Peeping

Avid leaf peepers should head north of Lake George to towns like Chestertown, Hauge, and North Creek to glimpse bursts of color early in the season and travel south to Bolton Landing, the Lake George Village, and Queensbury closer to peak.

First-time leaf peepers, here are some popular spots to check out this fall:

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Mill Park, Photo Credit: Jaynie Ellis