With meteorologists predicting a famously long and spectacular fall foliage season for 2026, the rush to catch autumn’s fiery colors is officially on. While city parks offer a quick seasonal fix, experiencing the Northeast’s legendary canopy at its absolute peak requires heading north to the Adirondacks—recently crowned America’s No. 1 fall foliage destination.
The ultimate way to take in these millions of acres of brilliant reds and golds? Rolling the windows down and cruising the High Peaks Scenic Byway.
The Route
Officially designated as New York State Route 73, this 30-mile scenic corridor physically threads a narrow path between pristine waterways and towering rock walls.
Connecting the Adirondack Northway (I-87 at Exit 30) directly to Lake Placid, the road offers dramatic, sweeping views of river valleys, lush forests, and mountain passes that stretch thousands of feet into the sky–up to 4,000 feet above sea level, to be exact, which is the height of three Empire State Buildings stacked on top of each other!
It’s widely recognized by regional experts and travel curators as the single most photographed autumn drive in the state’s 6-million-acre park.
Must-See Scenic Pullouts
Skip the heavy foot traffic and pull over at these direct roadside access points for prime photography and hiking:
- 🛶 Cascade Lakes Overlook: Unbeatable mirror-like reflections of the autumn foliage on the water
- 💧 Chapel Pond: A pristine resting spot surrounded by steep, colorful ridges
- 🌊 Roaring Brook Falls: An easily accessible waterfall roaring right through the autumn woods
- 🏔️ Indian Head & Dix Mountain Trailheads: Perfect gateway access for hikers looking to earn their panoramic views
Stops & Attractions Along the Way
Memorable attractions near the byway include:
- ⛷️ Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex: Catch sight of the towering jumps right from the road, or stop for an aerial view above the turning trees
- 🍎 Downtown Lake Placid & Keene Valley: Ideal basecamps for grabbing warm cider, mountain town cuisine, and browsing historic main streets
- 🏛️ Adirondack Experience Museum: A deep dive into the region’s rich outdoor history over on Blue Mountain Lake
Timing Your Drive & Bonus Detours
Because the Adirondack region’s elevation causes its leaves to turn much earlier than the five boroughs, plan your road trip between late September and mid-October.
If you head up early in the season, you can easily pair your scenic drive with the 2026 Adirondack Balloon Festival. Taking place just down the Northway in Queensbury from September 17 through 20, this massive free event fills the sky with over 70 hot air balloons drifting right above the turning autumn canopy—the perfect weekend addition to a quintessential fall road trip.
Just pack a camera, some hiking boots, and your favorite car snacks, and hit the highway.