Birds, bikes, and bucket list destinations.
Bring on the Pumpkin
1.
Scenic foliage drives
You don’t need to be an avid hiker, paddler, or outdoor explorer to enjoy the beauty of fall in the Adirondacks. Wherever you go within this six-million-acre park you will find brilliant fall foliage. From the shores of lakes and rivers to the tops of mountains and the bases of valleys, changing leaves transform the landscape into a vibrant color show.
Experience the blazing reds, oranges, and yellows from the comfort of your car when you take a fall foliage road trip through Hamilton County. With as many as seven scenic stops along the way, this route is perfect for nature photographers and leaf peepers who want to maximize their fall views. Download your favorite tunes, throw on your coziest travel sweater, and hit the open road to see the best color show mother nature has to offer.
2.
Late summer cycling
I will never forget the first day I clipped into a bike here in the Adirondacks. It is the moment that started everything for me and brought me closer than ever to this area in a whole new way. I remember when I first clipped in I also felt nervous and unsure of what I was doing. Now I feel that click of the shoe and I’m home, my bike and I working as one powerful little machine to take me all over the Adirondacks.
There are many different routes to ride here in the Adirondacks, so I want to share a few of my favorites with you that start and end in Wilmington. Here are three of my favorite bike loops.
3.
Placidly perfection
Fall is here! The leaves are changing, the air is cooling down, and morning walks are enhanced by picturesque mist and the promise of pumpkin spice latte. Fall in Lake Placid is a great time for adventure, exploration, and relaxation. We've put together a few perfect activities to make your fall vacation one to remember.
4.
Hot bucket list activities
Mountains and lakes are only made prettier by the natural fireworks display that is the Adirondacks in fall. Just imagine a stunningly beautiful natural area, then add reds, yellows, and oranges to the color palette and you'll start to get the idea. And even though it's true that you don't have to go anywhere in particular to see the fall foliage, we do recommend taking a look at our fall bucket list to discover some new ways to connect with autumn!
5.
Songbird serenade
Fall may be the best time of year to go birding in the Champlain Valley. After all, fall migration stretches from mid-late summer straight up until winter, and it brings with it an endless stream of arriving and passing birds. This year, the warblers and other songbirds of late summer have already been parading through the region, and although our late summer shorebird migration season started a bit slowly this year thanks to high water levels along the lake, it began to gain some traction as the season advanced – starting with common species like Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, and Solitary, Least, and Semipalmated Sandpipers, with Noblewood Park in Willsborotaking up the mantle as the best place to observe them, as usual.
6.
Gear up for fishing
Curious about fall fishing, I recently stopped in to Blue Line Sports, an outdoor gear store located on Main Street in Saranac Lake, to ask for their tips. I approached one of the many friendly employees, Bob Visicaro, who is an avid fisherman as well as a certified fishing guide. I had three key questions on my mind: the species of fish that are biting in the fall, the lures I can use that will help me catch these fish, and the type of gear I should be wearing. Bob was able to guide me in the right direction. While fishing, no matter the season, be sure to buy a fishing license, which also can be purchased at Blue Line Sports.
7.
Tiptop fall hikes
Ready for fall views? We are! Check out our list of great hikes with great views, from easy to challenging, in the Malone Region.
8.
Flavorful fall
Fall is in the air, and in the kitchen. This time of year the Adirondacks is ablaze with fiery colors and warm kitchens. Schroon Lake, with its shimmering blue lake located right off Main Street, is perfect for leaf peeping and eating fall treats. Check out these not-to-miss fall delights around town.