As Fall bursts into the annual colorful display of reds, purples and yellows and the season gives way to cooler air and crisp blue skies, the Adirondack Region boasts one of the finest fall foliage seasons. The region is rich in history, offers a variety of vistas and tempting dining options, which are uniquely the Adirondacks.
The Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Lake Café Deck
Formerly known as the Adirondack Museum, the Adirondack Experience will take you on an unforgettable, interactive journey that brings the spirit of the region and its people to life. The deck at the café is a great place to check out the Autumn beauty. Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, shares the history and culture of the Adirondack region in 24 historic and contemporary buildings on a 121-acre campus in the Central Adirondacks.
The Top of Blue Mountain Trail
Blue Mountain is one of the taller mountains in the Adirondack Park and one of the most popular hikes in the Hamilton County Region. Affording outstanding views for fall foliage enthusiasts, and a modest challenge to the summit, it attracts large numbers of people all year long. The trailhead is at the top of the long hill past The Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Lake. With a summit elevation of 3,760 feet, this destination boasts an incredible panoramic view.
McCauley Mountain Chairlift
For those who would prefer to ride to the summit instead of the hike, there is the chairlift ride to the top of McCauley Mountain. The cool, clear Autumn weather affords a profile of Whiteface Mountain and Mount Marcy on the horizon enhanced by the Fulton Chain of Lakes. You can pack a lunch and picnic with wildlife and all the beauty nature offers. Check the McCauley Mountain web site for the schedule of operation.
Raquette Lake Navigation Cruise Boat
Captain Dean Pohl will guide you as he navigates one of the most beautiful lakes in the Adirondacks; Raquette Lake. The added bonus that leaf-peepers may enjoy a dinner cruise along with the fall foliage. Raquette Lake Navigation is known for delicious food, attention to detail, meticulously clean and well-maintained vessel offering cruise and tour options for visitors for 26 years.
Bald Mountain – Rondaxe Fire Tower
This popular hike of a little over 1.5 miles culminates at the restored fire tower which may be climbed to enhance viewing. The summit area is above the tree line, hence the name Bald Mountain, and can accommodate a large number of hikers you might expect to see. There are many viewpoints along the trail which concludes at the fire tower at the 2,350-foot summit.
The Adirondacks also offers unique attractions for fall such as the Wine Trail, the Wild Center Walk, Fort Ticonderoga, Ausable Chasm and View, which will enhance any leaf-peeping experience. Go to visitadirondacks.com to plan your Adirondack fall foliage tour augmented by any number of destination locations.
Special thanks to Mike Farmer, Publicity Director for the Town of Webb for his contribution to this list of places to enjoy fall foliage in the Adirondacks.
No matter where your adventure takes you, enjoy one of Old Forge’s finest accommodation locations, rustic Adirondack experience at Old Forge Camping Resort or rest assured at Old Forge’s premier lodging destination, Water’s Edge Inn.
