Lake Placid is a perfect place to take in the colors of fall. There are so many ways to enjoy the season, from outdoor adventure to romantic evenings by a roaring fire. Invent your perfect day with adventure your way and fall in love with Lake Placid in autumn. 

1. Outdoor adventure

A group of people walk on a field amid mountain fall foliage.
A group of people walk on a field amid mountain fall foliage.

Finding outdoor adventure is very easy in Lake Placid. There are many hikes and even hiking challenges to take on if you would like to try something different. These challenges will take you off of the beaten paths of the most popular hikes. The fall leaves along the way will make every step beautiful and you will be rewarded with amazing views from the summit.

If hiking isn't the adventure for you, take a walk. The leaves changing all around Mirror Lake and through the town are breathtaking. Mirror Lake is known for its mirror-like reflection and when the autumn colors reflect off the water, there really is nothing more beautiful. 

Not much into a walk? Lake Placid is getting a great reputation for mountain biking trails. Rent a bike or bring your own. All the gear you need is available in town, so even if you are a beginner you can give biking a try here.

Imagine being out on the water in the fall, the colors bursting in the background, the air so fresh you actually notice that it is easier to breathe. You can rent a kayak, a canoe, or take a guided tour on Lake Placid, all provided by local outfitters.

2. Cool attractions

Two women descend a zipline.
Two women descend a zipline.

Soar and zip like an Olympian through the cool fall air! At the Olympic Jumping Complex, ride the Sky Ride gondola to the jumps! The ride is smooth and offers great views of the fall foliage! At the top, check out the elevator ride to the top of the 120-meter ski jump and take in wide open views.

On the way back down, get there even faster with a ride on the Sky Flyer Zipline! The 700-foot descent will get you up to speeds of 30mph for a ride that's Olympic-sized fun.

Just down the road, the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Cross-Country and Biathlon Center has great trails for hiking and biking, skiing in the winter, and special events. It's a sweet spot to take in fall magic and enjoy the fresh Olympic air.

Keep up the Olympic spirit with a visit to the Olympic center downtown, where you can view the rink that hosted one of the most famous games of all time, the 1980 "Miracle on Ice." Top your visit off at the Olympic Museum, where the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter Games come to life through cool exhibits, artifacts, and more.

3. Golf

A golfer tees off with the Adirondack High Peaks and Olympic ski jumps in the background.
A golfer tees off with the Adirondack High Peaks and Olympic ski jumps in the background.

Lake Placid has five golf courses to choose from and deciding which one to take in any season is a challenge in itself. They are all great to play, unique, and so are the views from each course.

There are two 18-hole courses and one executive 9-hole course at The Lake Placid Club. Pair these award winning courses with views of the ski jumps, high peaks, and autumn colors for a perfect afternoon.

Head out to The Whiteface Club for a round of golf for a great start to an autumn day. After golf, enjoy a delicious meal, a bonfire and views of Whiteface Mountain in the distance. You'll love the colorful leaves, the scent of pine in the air, and excellent service on and off of the course.

Enjoy the stunning views of Craig Wood's golf course and then grab a burger to enjoy on the deck. This Adirondack countryside course has dramatic vistas and the colors bursting in the trees in the distance offer some of the best views you can get in the Adirondacks.

The air is crisp and fall in Lake Placid is perfect for golf.

4. Romance 

A young woman drinking a beer in Lake Placid in the fall.
A young woman drinking a beer in Lake Placid in the fall.

Nothing says romance like flannels, craft beer, and fresh autumn air. Fall makes us want to get cozy. Indoor adventure, outdoor adventure, events, whatever you do, can be better shared with that special someone. In Lake Placid, romance is always in the air. Listen to the church bells ringing and birds in the air as you hold hands on your and walk down Main Street.

Enjoy a table for two set with views of the lake and mountains, or a paddle across Mirror Lake. Share a warm blanket by the fire at Top of the Park for amazing cocktails; their fun bartenders will help you design your own cocktails. Of course, fall is perfect for craft beer and there are three breweries in town.

Take a walk, dine with a view of Mirror Lake, sit by a fire, or cuddle in style. Romance, nature, and autumn are a perfect combination.

5. The views right in town 

A scenic view of Mirror Lake and a local church amid fall foliage.
A scenic view of Mirror Lake and a local church amid fall foliage.

Lake Placid has amazing views everywhere you look. Some of the best views are right in town. Walk up the Crowne Plaza Hill overlooking Main Street with views of Mirror Lake and the High Peaks.

There is a great little drive in town down Adirondack Loj Road that ends with hiking paths or the River Road loop with views of the Olympic ski jumps. Take a walk on the Heaven Hill Trails, Peninsula Trails, or Henry's Woods for great fall views with little effort. There is beauty everywhere you look in the autumn months in Lake Placid.  

You decide the perfect fall day or night. Crisp air, vibrant colors, s'mores, and gorgeous scenery, it is all waiting for you right in Lake Placid. Find your perfect view in Lake Placid. 


 

The reason you may see media of people not wearing masks on our website is because all footage is from prior years. More than ever we all need to be vigilant about maintaining social distance of 6 feet or more and wearing masks when we cannot social distance.