Best Things to Do in the Adirondacks in the Fall (according to me)
It's no secret that we've been enjoying the hell out of the West Coast. A quick scroll through my Instagram history will reveal that I am really *really* enjoying the mountains and the ocean and the people and the wine. But in my heart I will always and forever be an East Coast child, and what does the East Coast have that the West Coast does not? Fall.
(Just to fight off anyone who is going to come at me — I *know* that the West Coast also has Fall and leaf changes and sweater weather. But there is something about an East Coast Fall that is...well...better. In my opinion. Let's not fight.)
Anyway, I've been missing my northern New York Fall fix this season, particularly in the Adirondacks, so I’ve been losing myself in the first two books of the Forever Adirondacks series. This three-book series of romance novels was written by one of my oldest and very best friends, Lauren Accardo. Two of the three are already out and I am telling you that if you love a good story, beautifully built-out characters (and a steamy sex scene or four), these books have me hooked. I think they’re great for beginners to romance novels, too, because the stories alone, even without the sexy scenes, are so engaging. And I know no one out there will complain about touch of eroticism — especially as we’re about to bundle it all up for winter. I’m just saying that the books are really, REALLY good. (And no I do not make any money if you buy them.)
Anyway, that’s how I’ve been escaping into fall in the Adirondacks this season, where October in California means 85 degrees and sweat everywhere. If you want to take your Adirondack immersion a little bit deeper, here are some of the best things to do in the Adirondacks in the Fall. If I was in New York right now, this is what I'd be doing.
Quick Recap: What and where are the Adirondacks?
Great questions! The Adirondack Region ("The Adirondacks") is a protected area in Northern New York. It was established in 1892, and today the Adirondack Park is the largest park in the lower 48. Yes — It is bigger than Yosemite, Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Canyon, and the Great Smokies National Parks COMBINED. That is millions upon millions of acres of public protected forest, lakes, rivers, and towns.
It is so mesmerizingly beautiful in absolutely any season, but fall in particular. So here are the best things to do in the Adirondacks in the Fall...acccording to me.
1. Take a Scenic Drive
If you haven’t figured it out by now, we like road trips. They don’t have to be cross-country ones. We really enjoy loading up the playlist and getting in the car to drive anywhere. Fortunately, the Adirondacks has many, many scenic drives to keep you occupied.
During our time in Saratoga Springs last fall (and winter [and spring]) we were all about the scenic drives in upstate New York. The Adirondacks make the perfect backdrop for a beautiful fall drive. The region is cut with miles of gorgeous New York State Scenic Byways, and they are certainly worth hitting the pavement for. Bring your binoculars so you can soak up all the reds and oranges along the way. This is great if you want to see the fall foliage but aren’t too keen about doing any actual physical activity. (No shame — happens to me all the time.)
Thirteen Scenic Byways criss-cross the Adirondacks. The Adirondack Trail, for example, cuts through the center of the park, while the Olympic Trail runs from Lake Champlain to Lake Ontario.
The High Peaks Scenic Byway is one of the most impressive, as it curls around the highest peaks in the state. Along the way you'll have plenty of opportunities to fish, boat, bike, or hike. Or, you can do what we do, and download episodes of the “Lore” podcast and creep yourself out as you drive through the misty, foggy foliage.
Another top drive to consider is the Lakes to Locks Passage, which runs by Lake Champlain. Or you can drive the Central Adirondack Trail through Lake George and on to the Erie Canal Village in Central New York.
If you do happen to be in Saratoga, we really love the drive along Fox Hill Road which leads to Great Sacandaga Lake.
2. Hike the Trails
But if you do like to hike, that happens to be one of the best things to do in the Adirondacks in the Fall...or anytime, actually. I will say that after so much time hiking Colorado this past August - where the air was crisp and cool even at this time of year - got me in the mood for gorgeous fall hikes.
When it comes to East Coast hikes, you really can't do better than the Adirondacks — especially in the fall. The Adirondacks has 46 "High Peaks," which are among the bucket list items for avid hikers. These 46 peaks are in this category for their elevations, ascent of climb, and difficulty. They include Mt. Marcy, which is the tallest mountain in New York State, just over a mile high.
The fall is really the most magical time to be surrounded by these gorgeous peaks. First of all, let's talk foliage. I dare anyone to challenge the colors of the northeast come the fall. So grab your coziest sweater and chunky socks, lace up those boots, and hit these beautiful trails:
Oak Rim Trail
Located in the Tug Hill State Forest, this gentle 2.2-mile trail is great for people who like to get all the beauty of hikes, without actually having to rough it. You'll be rewarded with views of Rainbow Falls, as well as thick forests of beech trees, white ash, and cherry trees. Picture large swaths of fluttering yellow leaves, rust-colored dirt roads, and plunging falls. End the hike with a piping cup of cider with a sprinkle of cinnamon and you'll be living life like the east coasters do best.
Indian Head Trail
If you are into getting "the shot" in the Adirondacks then you're going to want to hike Indian Head Trail, which is probably the best hikes in the Adirondacks — particularly in the fall. This is the trail that will get you that iconic Adirondacks shot for the panoramic views over Lower Ausable Lake. The blue lake with the fall leaves surrounding it is truly breathtaking. Bear in mind, though, that this hike is about 10 miles and becomes quite a scramble at the end. If you're in it solely for "the shot," you're probably going to be very *very* cranky.
Ausable Chasm
To counteract the aforementioned hike...you'll get just as many gorgeous colors without losing your breath if you take a walk towards Ausable Chasm. These cascading waterfalls are easily seen from a bridge that is near a parking lot. You're welcome.
Mount Jo Trail
This is another highly popular hike in the Adirondacks. It's a short trail, but you'll definitely feel the burn as you start climbing in elevation. You have two trail choices: the Long Trail or the Short Trail. The short trail is, well, shorter, but definitely more of a climb.
Of course, this barely scratches the surface of the best hikes in the Adirondacks. The park is so massive that it’s impossible to recommend the best. Find out where you will make your home base, and you can research on AllTrails.com from there.
3. Get Out on the Lakes
*Tries Kayaking once, recommends it forever.*
There is something truly ethereal about being out on a lake in the Adirondacks in the fall. The water is still pretty warm, while the air is much cooler, so you'll often see the mist rising up from the surface of the lake. It's spooky in a bizarrely comforting way. So grab a paddle and hit these kayaking spots:
Sprague Pond
South Pond
Rock Lake
Piseco Lake
Sacandaga Lake
Essex Chain Lakes (12 lakes and ponds)
Second Pond to Bluff Island on Lower Saranac
North Forest Canoe Trail
But, really, any body of water in the Adirondacks is worth taking a paddle down in the Fall. You'll see.
4. Explore the Quaint Towns
I love a New York State mountain town. These historic towns were (typically) founded in the 19th century and are packed with Victorian architecture, tons of exposed brick, have charming main streets, and are shrouded in thick pine forests.
A perfect day in the Adirondacks in the fall might include stopping at a local bakery for a steaming cup of hot coffee (or cider or hot chocolate) and a homemade pastry, followed by a stroll down the historic Main Street to peer into the shops, galleries and boutiques. Lunch will follow at one of the funky cafes that undoubtedly opened in a building that used to be a fur trapper's trading post (or a brothel). Then you'll want to walk it off along one of the many hundreds of miles of trails in the Adirondacks. Head back to your eclectic boutique hotel or Airbnb or revamped roadside motel for a rest, before you head out to your farm-to-table-style dinner at a local inn, or something like that.
Bear in mind that any of these food suggestions can easily be replaced with the local greasy spoon or dive bar. And that's the beauty of the Adirondacks — barebones or bougie. You can have both.
Some of the best towns in the Adirondacks, in my opinion, are:
Saratoga Springs (technically in the Capital Region of New York, but certainly the gateway to the Adirondacks)
Lake Placid
Lake George
Old Forge*
Inlet*
Saranac Lake
Tupper Lake
*For my book lovers out there, Old Forge and Inlet were the inspirations for the Forever Adirondack series. If you like putting yourself into the story, bring along your books and really get to know the characters.
5. Sit by the fire with a hot drink (or warm glass of red) and read Sweet Love
Listen, is she one of my best friends? Yes. But honestly I am telling you that these books are GOOD. Like, really, really good. And I could not be more proud of Lauren for sitting down, writing her ass off for the last few years, and getting them published in a three-book series.
I devoured the first book, Wild Love, and have leapt into Sweet Love, which has gotten me super homesick for the fall in the Adirondacks. While I cannot actually be home right now, I definitely feel like I’m right there among the leaves, the rolling hills, and the crisp, dew-scented air when I pick up the pages and let myself get lost.
This weekend, if you are in the Northeast, I would love it if you found a cozy fire somewhere in the Adirondacks, ordered your favorite glass of wine, and joined me in this beautifully told story.
Happy Fall to everyone out there, but the happiest to those who get to experience fall in the Adirondacks.