Where to See the Best Fall Foliage in the Adirondacks This Weekend
We’re past peak in many places, but there are still good spots for spotting beautiful foliage right now.
The good people behind the I Love New York Fall Foliage Report released this week’s dispatch, highlighting the top locations to enjoy what remains of the stunning fall colors in the Adirondack Park and beyond.
Though some areas claim the leaves have peaked and it’s time to move on, like that one friend who leaves the party early, there are still plenty of spots in the Adirondacks where the autumn colors are absolutely thriving.
And what about when the leaves go? Some say that’s when the real magic happens. You get crystal-clear views of our stunning lakes and landscapes—plus a front-row seat to your neighbor’s questionable home improvement choices, all without the interference of those pesky leafy camouflage.
As we like to say, there's never a bad time to be in the Adirondacks—leaves or no leaves.
The Lake George Region and Southern Foothills are approaching peak season.
Towns in the southern Adirondacks are probably one’s best bet for seeing leaves that haven’t completely peaked. Reports from Queensbury and Glens Falls indicate that up to 80% of the foliage has changed, with lovely reds and yellows, providing a dramatic backdrop for West Mountain’s Fall Festival’s final weekend, and Fort Edward’s Locktoberfest on one of New York State’s scenic canals.
In Warren County around Lake George, spotters report that about 50% of leaves have transitioned (although we personally think it’s higher than that) to bright yellow and orange leaves just in time for the Adirondack Brewery’s annual October Charity Block Party.
The Lake Champlain Region and the Adirondack Coast offer abundant fall color.
Spotters in Crown Point report a 90% change to fall hues, including oranges, rusty browns, russets, golden yellows, reds, and occasional dark red leaves.
Crown Point Bridge on Lake Champlain. Photo courtesy LakeChamplainRegion.com (ROOST ADK).
Meanwhile, in the Ticonderoga area, leaf watchers note an 85% color change, with leaves transitioning from muted to average yellow, featuring some touches of orange and brightening into autumn hues.
This weekend is an optimal time to visit Fort Ticonderoga if you’re a Girl Scout for their annual Scout Day.
If you’re venturing further north to Plattsburgh, you will experience foliage at 90% peak, with mostly dulling season colors.
Fall foliage is past peak in Tri-Lakes and High Peaks towns.
Boots on the ground in Lake Placid and Wilmington report that the foliage is past peak, although some color remains on the trees and some is also lying on the ground. For an up-to-the-minute view, check the webcams at Lake Placid’s Olympic Center or at Whiteface Mountain.
According to I Love NY’s October 15 Fall Foliage Report, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake are also past peak. Leaf spotters report seeing remains of a blend of seasonal colors on some trees.
Adirondack Rail Trail near Raybrook, NY. Photo courtesy LakePlacid.com (ROOST ADK).
Up north in Malone, the fall foliage patrol reports 100% change and past peak with mostly muted orange and red leaves.
The Central Adirondacks have made a colorful curtain call.
We experienced some of the best colors this fall in the Central Adirondacks, so if you’re planning a leaf peeping trip in 2026, you might consider targeting the Raquette Lake, Blue Mountain and Indian Lake area.
Current reports indicate that leaves have changed to autumn hues 100% in Lake Pleasant, with rust, gold, yellow, and some orange and red leaves.
Entrance to Great Camp Santanoni near Newcomb.
As Foliage Forecasters reported last week, Lapland Lakes Nordic Vacation Resort in Benson is100% past peak, with mostly yellow and gold shades.
Leaf peepers declare that the foliage season is also past peak in Newcomb, with some muted reds and browns.
Dispatches from Wanakena, west of Cranberry Lake, indicate that the leaves have peaked for the season, with significant droppage and some yellow and orange leaves remaining.
How does New York State know where the best fall foliage is?
I LOVE NY, a division of the New York State Department of Economic Development, collects reports from over 90 volunteer field observers.
Using these observations, they prepare a report on expected foliage color conditions for the upcoming weekend.
Reports are issued every Wednesday afternoon. I LOVE NY defines "peak" as the period when the foliage displays its best overall appearance during the season, taking into account factors such as color transitions, brilliance, and leaf drop.
Source: I Love NY Fall Foliage Report, New York Department of Economic Development
2025 Adirondack Fall Festivals and Halloween Events
Fall brings not only spectacular foliage, it’s also a time for fantastic festivals and spooktacular activities to all regions of the Adirondacks.
Let ADK Taste be your guide to the best of the Adirondacks.
Adirondack regions.
ADK Talks Podcast
Love the Adirondacks? You’ll love our podcast. We take listeners beyond the guidebooks and into the heart of the Adirondacks. In a recent episode, we share our recommendations for the best things to do this fall in the Adirondacks.
More ADK Talks episodes.
