It’s that time of year again. Mother Nature is gearing up for her annual autumn spectacle.
It is officially time to put down the iced coffee, pick up a hard cider, and plan your next leaf-peeping escape.
If you want the ultimate seasonal getaway, look no further than the Adirondack Mountains. The region just secured the No. 9 spot for the best fall color destinations in the U.S.
Experts and readers alike praised the area for its breathtaking natural displays.
Here is everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip.
When to catch peak foliage
The Adirondack region boasts one of the longest fall foliage seasons in the country.
The vibrant canvas of red, yellow, and orange stretches from September through November.
Your timing depends on exactly where you go.
- Late September to early October: Peak colors hit the Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, and Whiteface regions.
- Early to mid-October: Head to Lake George, Malone, or the Adirondack Hub for the most vibrant hues.
- Late October: Catch the end of the season at the Lake Champlain Region or the Adirondack Coast.
Elevate your leaf viewing
Cruising down a scenic highway is great. But the Adirondacks offer incredibly unique ways to see the changing leaves.
Take to the sky in a hot air balloon with A Beautiful Balloon in Lake George.
You can also book a scenic private airplane flight with Payne’s Air Service in Inlet.
If you want an active adventure, pedal a two-hour rail bike tour through the forest with Revolution Rail Co.
You can even stroll directly through the colorful treetops on the Wild Walk at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake.
Classic autumn adventures
Embrace the season with classic fall activities. Get lost in the 8-acre Great Adirondack Corn Maze at Tucker Farms, or try the historic Heroic Corn Maze at Fort Ticonderoga.
For fresh treats, go apple and pumpkin picking at Chazy Orchard or Rulf’s Orchard.
You can also warm up with local wine and hard cider. Head to the shores of Lake Champlain for tastings at Highlands Vineyard or Elf Farm Winery & ADK Hard Cider.
Spooky thrills and natural wonders
Get in touch with your ghoulish side before Halloween arrives. Take a lantern-lit graveyard tour with the Greater Adirondack Ghost & Tour Company.
For more intense scares, visit Six Flags Great Escape’s Fright Fest, which runs on select dates from October 1 to October 30.
If you prefer natural wonders over haunted houses, the region truly delivers.
Explore the towering rock formations at Ausable Chasm, affectionately known as the Grand Canyon of the East. You can also enjoy a stunning half-mile waterfall walk at High Falls Gorge.