Deep connection to nature and majestic views make the Adirondacks a magical place every day in every season. In the fall, the magic reaches its peak creating a surreal world with crisp autumn air, fiery reflections on the lakes and the mountains painted red, gold and orange. People flock to the ‘Dacks at this time of year to be wowed by the show. Many seek out leaf peeping excursions in the Adirondacks to make the most of their fall adventure time here.
At ADKPP, we live and work here and get to see the show every year, and we are still in awe each autumn. Whether you hope to purchase a home here, explore the area while staying at a vacation rental or take a quick road trip through the Adirondacks, leaf peeping season is one of the best times to explore the region. With so many ways to explore, you can pick any direction and head out to enjoy the colors. Here are some of our favorite ways to leaf peep this fall.
10 Leaf Peeping Excursions in the Adirondacks
Scenic Drives
Hopping in the car is one of the best ways to experience leaf peeping excursions in the Adirondacks. From small secondary roads winding through the mountains and small communities to busier thruways, there are plenty of roadways to explore. Here are some of our favorite drives to take in the fall colors:
1. Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway
One of the most popular scenic drives in our region is Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway in Wilmington. Drive to the summit of Whiteface Mountain and continue up a short stairway or elevator to a viewing area at the top. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views that stretch to Vermont and Canada and explore a native stone castle! Stunning views are also plentiful on the road up the mountain with vibrant foliage blanketing the slopes. If you plan on taking this drive, get there early to avoid busy peak times and crowds.
Explore further: If you finish with Veterans Memorial Highway early and want to explore further, head back down the mountain. Just past the toll house, there is a sharp left turn onto Gillespie Drive, a winding country road that goes down the backside of the mountain. Enjoy seeing the fall colors in smaller communities and roll along next to waterways including Franklin Falls and the Saranac River.
The end of this road brings you to Bloomingdale. Turn left onto Route 3 and take another left at the four corners to continue following the Saranac River towards Saranac Lake. Continuing straight at the first light and turning left at the second, make your way into the charming downtown area. Once you reach the next light, turn left again to enjoy views over Lake Flower. Stay on this road to wrap around the lake and continue on 86 towards Lake Placid.
Lake Placid offers another charming fall community experience. Take in the sights of Mirror Lake and surrounding mountains. Drive through the downtown area and continue on Route 86 to pass through Wilmington Notch tol be amazed by fall colors, steep rock walls and the Ausable River. This road leads you back to the heart of Wilmington where the Veterans Memorial Highway starts.
Real Estate Tip: Properties near Wilmington and Lake Placid see a strong seasonal rental demand due to year round tourism. If you want to rent a home for your visit, book your vacation rental early. If you plan to buy a property to rent, look at current rules and regulations to determine what area is best for you.
2. Route 30
Route 30 is one of the most iconic north to south corridors running right through the heart of the Adirondacks. This route connects various charming communities and pristine lakes. If you are looking for areas to pull to take in fall beauty or snap a pic, this route is a go to! Make sure you have your camera ready, because most of the views are post card worthy.
Notable Communities: Northville, Speculator, Long Lake, Tupper Lake, Saranac Inn, Lake Clear, Paul Smiths, Malone
Notable Waterways: Great Sacandaga Lake, Indian Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Long Lake, Big Tupper Lake, Upper Saranac Lake, Fish Creek Ponds, Lake Clear
While these are just a few Route 30 area communities and waterways, each community offers its own unique charm. Make sure you leave time to stop for a quick meal or shop locally owned stores. You may find a hidden gem that will make you fall even more in love with the region.
Why Buyers Love It: Homes along Route 30 can offer privacy, waterfront access, long-term appreciation potential and various communities to choose from to fit a range of lifestyle and goals.
Paddling Through A Kaleidoscope
While driving around the region is one of the most common ways to take in the fall colors, another way to connect with nature during leaf peeping excursions in the Adirondacks is paddling! With the Adirondacks offering over 3,000 lakes and ponds and 30,000 miles of rivers, brooks and streams, there is ample opportunity to explore a new waterway and its surroundings each day.
3. Mirror Lake
Beyond its Olympic fame, Lake Placid offers breathtaking fall paddling and hiking. Mirror Lake is a local and visitor favorite as a non-motorized waterway making it a peaceful paddle right off Main Street. Take in a mixture of modern luxury homes and rustic camps with the Adirondack Mountains as backdrop. Don’t be surprised to hear the loons calling morning and night during the early fall season.
4. Lake Flower
In the heart of Saranac Lake, Lake Flower provides miles of paddling opportunities as part of the chain of lakes including Oseetah, Kiwassa, Lower Saranac and Middle Saranac Lakes. This lake allows motorized boats, but still offers wonderful paddling opportunities to take in autumn colors.
5. Saranac River
The Saranac River is one of the largest rivers in our region with miles to explore during the fall season. This river offers various let ins with most people starting in Saranac Lake and paddling toward Bloomingdale.
Hikes Worth The Climb
Hiking is one of the best ways to experience leaf peeping excursions in the Adirondacks. From beginner and accessible trails to more challenging 46’er hikes, each community has plenty of hiking options. Here are some of our favorites:
6. Cascade Mountain
Located between Lake Placid and Keene, NY, Cascade Mountain provides the perfect opportunity to climb a high peak without an all day commitment. The true reward comes when you reach the summit where you will enjoy gorgeous High Peak Wilderness views.
7. Cobble Hill
If you are looking for an even quicker hike with big rewards, Cobble Hill just off of Mirror Lake Drive in Lake Placid provides the perfect early morning or afternoon hike when time is limited. From the summit, enjoy views of the community below as well as the High Peaks and Ski Jumps.
8. Ampersand Mountain
Similar to Cascade Mountain, Ampersand Mountain in Saranac Lake can provide a slightly more challenging hike that is not an all day commitment. This mountain also rewards you with lake, forest and mountain views from the summit, even more gorgeous during peak fall foliage.
9. Mount Baker
Mount Baker in Saranac Lake offers the perfect quick hike for your day, but also has rewarding views. This hike is only 1.6 miles round trip with magnificent summit views of the community and Lake Flower.
10. Adirondack Rail Trail
If you are looking for more relaxed and flat hike, the Adirondack Rail Trail provides the perfect opportunity to take in the fall colors. This trail runs from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake offering various starting points and views to enjoy. A multi-use trail, you can also bike or use an electric bike if you want to venture further!
Why Fall Is the Best Time to Explore Adirondack Real Estate
Whether you are just visiting or looking to relocate here, autumn showcases everything buyers fall in love with:
- Privacy and natural beauty
- Vibrant local communities
- Year-round recreation
- Strong vacation rental potential
And here’s the secret: many serious buyers begin their search during leaf season with the plan to close before winter. Those who start their real estate journey during this period will be able to enjoy viewing properties framed by peak foliage making. This makes a powerful first impression and often creates a competitive advantage as the summer rush has started to dissipate.
Thinking About Owning Your Own Slice of Fall?
Whether you’re dreaming of a lakeside retreat, a cozy cabin near the High Peaks, or an investment property with strong seasonal returns, the Adirondack real estate market offers opportunities as expansive as the views. We’d love to show you around especially while the mountains are putting on their most spectacular show of the year.
Ready to schedule a fall tour? Reach out to one of our knowledgeable real estate agents to explore the possibilities together. Contact us here or call 518-523-3333 today!