Chasing Colors: The Adirondacks’ Best Fall Adventures
In this brisk, handy fall guide, we map the Adirondacks region by region—from Lake George up through the High Peaks and out to the Adirondack Coast—sharing on-the-ground tips, quick stories, and can’t-miss events. We cover:
Lake George & Southern ADKs
Spectacular baloon-age near Glens Falls and Lake George Village.
Adirondack Balloon Festival (Queensbury • Glens Falls) — One of the East Coast’s biggest balloon events (since 1973). Best time: dawn ascensions for calm air and magical mist.
Lake George Cruises — Ride classic boats (e.g., Mohican, in service since 1908) with Lake George Waterfront Cruises or Lake George Steamboat Company for mirror-like foliage views and island scenery, offering options ranging from 1-hour sightseeing cruises to meal cruises.
Hitching Post Tavern (Lake Luzerne) — This historic roadhouse is now home to Nettle Meadow’s award-winning cheeses, along with a cozy brunch/lunch/early-dinner menu.
Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery — Small-batch spirits just outside the village; an easy add-on to a Lake George day.
Lake George Oktoberfest (village) — Streets closed for food, beer, and oom-pah; typically held over Indigenous Peoples' Day/Columbus Day weekend.
Lake George Jazz Festival (Shepard Park) — A free, nationally regarded weekend of music by the lake.
Schroon Lake, NY.
Gore Mountain • North Creek • Schroon Lake • Warrensburg
Adirondack Glassblowing & Glass Pumpkin Patch (North Creek) — Hands-on glass art (from paperweights to pumpkins); seasonal hours available in the fall.
Revolution Rail (North Creek + other hubs) — Rail-biking along historic tracks with foliage canopies; easy, guided, and photogenic.
Ridin’ Hy Ranch (Warrensburg) — Family-friendly, all-inclusive dude ranch: horseback rides, lake fun, indoor pool, activities—open year-round.
World’s Largest Garage Sale (Warrensburg) — A town-wide treasure hunt; arrive patiently and prepared.
Natural Stone Bridge & Caves (Pottersville) — Private trail network with caves, waterfalls, and gem panning—great for families.
Whiteface Mt. near Lake Placid is one of many fantastic Oktoberfests destinations in the Fall in the Adirondacks.
Tri-Lakes & High Peaks (Lake Placid • Saranac Lake • Tupper Lake • Wilmington)
High Falls Gorge (Wilmington) — “The Adirondacks’ most breathtaking 30-minute walk”: bridges and boardwalks over dramatic waterfalls.
Wilmington Festival of Colors — A festive small-town fall celebration (mentioned as mid-September).
Whiteface Oktoberfest (Wilmington) — Enjoy Bavarian bands, food, and Cloudsplitter Gondola rides with sweeping foliage views; often cited as one of the region’s top Oktoberfests.
Eastwind Hotel & Glamping (Lake Placid) — Scandinavian-meets-ADK cabins, fire pits, wool blankets, and private baths—cozy without roughing it.
OkTUPPERfest (Tupper Lake) — Craft-beer-forward Oktoberfest on the waterfront (Racquette Pond).
Fort Ticonderoga’s Heritage Harvest & Horse Festival.
Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Coast
Fort Ticonderoga — Living history, a Corn Maze (open through fall), and a Harvest & Horse Festival. Don’t miss the scenic auto road up Mount Defiance for leaf-peeping panoramas.
North Star Underground Railroad Museum (Keeseville) — Compact, powerful museum illuminating freedom seekers’ routes through the ADKs.
Ausable Brewing Company (Keeseville) — Family-run outdoor beer garden; farm-to-glass ales, laid-back vibe.
Sugar House Creamery (Upper Jay) — Small creamery with cult-favorite cheeses (Dutch Knuckle!).
NewVida Preserve (Wilmington • Upper Jay area) — Revived former ski lodge with striking A-frame dining room, lodging, wellness and mountain views.
Central ADKs
Great Camp Sagamore (Raquette Lake area) — Vanderbilt-era Great Camp; tours, programs, and stays in a storied setting.
Great Adirondack Moose Festival (Indian Lake) — Moose calls, crafts, and wildlife programming, celebrating the species’ return to the park.
Endurance & Quirky Fall Events
Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival (Schroon Lake • Chestertown) — Full, half, relay, plus 5K/10K with lakeside scenery.
Cream Cheese Festival (Lowville) — A cheesy good time that earns a shout-out from the hosts.
Sasquatch Festival (Whitehall) – This epic event grows bigger every year.
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ADK Talks is brought to you by ADK Taste. We provide insight on the best places to stay, shop, eat and experience in the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park in upstate New York. Visit our website, ADKtaste.com, and sign up for our weekly newsletter.
Fall is a great time for paddlers in the ADK. Photo courtesy TupperLake.com (ROOST).
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