September 27, 2022

A Perfect Fall? It’s Here.

As we say goodbye to another speculator summer in the Adirondacks, it’s time to welcome in the next season. Fall is wonderful for many reasons: comfortable temperatures, delicious flavors (hello, apple cider and pumpkin spice!), fun holidays and events, and, best of all, the best show of colorful scenery. Wait, maybe the extra hour of sleep is the best. You won’t want to spend the whole season sleeping, though. Here are 10 of the best places around Lake Placid to get out and experience this vivid, beautiful, and perfect season.

Vibrant autumn colors on the shore of a lake with fog rising over the water and a kayaker paddling.
You can't beat fall mornings on Mirror Lake!

In no particular order …

Mirror Lake

This one needs no explanation. Around Mirror Lake you’ll find a perfectly placid sidewalk, cute coffee shops, views galore, and a small town spirit that’s alive in autumn! Pro tip: the earlier you go, the better. The waters of Mirror Lake, warm from summer, mixed with the cool morning air could create a mesmerizing fog over the lake that will give all your photos that quintessential Adirondack fall vibe.

Marcy Field Recreation Hub

If you’ve ever driven from Lake Placid to Keene Valley, you’ve seen the wide open meadows of Marcy Field. This recreation hub is a hiking trailhead, a shuttle stop, a farmers market location, an airport, and, obviously, a place of incredible beauty. Officially, there’s no "best day" of the week to visit, but Sundays would have my vote so you can visit the Keene Farmers Market, buy some local produce, and see the leaves on the slopes of some famous mountains. 

A mountain view with Lake Placid's iconic horseshoe shape below.
From 4,867 feet, the views from Whiteface Mountain are incredible!

Whiteface Mountain

You might think the best views are from the highest mountains. Yes, the views from the summit of Whiteface are magnificent, only accentuated by the foliage changing all around. But don’t forget to take in the sights as you move up the mountain! From the Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway or a gondola ride, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant colors.

Lake Placid (the lake)

From the water, we can take in 360-degree views of mountains and leaves! A boat tour (accessible and available for everyone) is a fun way to combine sightseeing with history. Soak it all in and learn a bit about the area, including the mysterious story of the Lady of the Lake. Trust me, the history is as colorful as the leaves.

Calm waters and fall colors from a boat in Lake Placid. The trees are starting to turn red.
Placid waters and fall colors are perfect!

Mount Van Hoevenberg

Mount Van Hoevenberg is a mountain that wears many hats. You can hike one of the newest trails in the Adirondacks to a summit with expansive views of the High Peaks and a valley full of color, or you can ride the Cliffside Coaster, a mountain coaster that seamlessly weaves together scenic panoramas and Olympic history. Don’t forget to stop by the hiking center for a snack or for a souvenir.

Vibrant orange fall foliage with distant mountains and a valley.
What splendid foliage seen from the summit of Mount Van Hoevenberg!

John Brown Farm

One of the best strolls around Lake Placid can be found at John Brown Farm. Slowly meander down gentle trails, by a relaxing pond, and through enchanting forests. This State Historic Site is not just a pretty site, it’s full of history, too. While admiring the foliage, you can tour the last home and burial site of abolitionist John Brown. 

Olympic Jumping Complex

When ski jumpers see the view from the top of the famous ski jumps in Lake Placid, the Adirondack landscape is covered in snow and ice. But when you visit this fall, it will be all red, orange, and yellow! Take a short, but sweet, gondola ride to the base of the ski jumps, then an elevator will bring you to the top! This is a unique opportunity to have a Winter Olympic experience, but with an autumn twist!

A couple walks on a path near a tree with red leaves and the towering Olympic ski jump.
It's all golden (and red!) here in Lake Placid!

The Wild Walk at The Wild Center

The best part about visiting the Adirondacks to see the foliage is that there are 6-million acres to see. Take the scenic drive from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake (literally over the river and through the woods) to get up close and personal with the changing leaves on The Wild Walk, a treetop path at The Wild Center. Little ones can play in a giant spider web and interactively learn natural history while you enjoy the sights and sounds of their laughter against a beautiful backdrop.

Paul Smith’s College VIC

Another place outside of Lake Placid where the foliage is always fantastic is the Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC). With 25 miles of maintained trails, you can spend a few hours or a few days taking in all the different views and sights. This autumn oasis is located only 30 minutes from downtown Lake Placid. The best part? The VIC is open 7 days a week! (Pro tip: if you miss “peak” foliage, don’t fear! Tamaracks, the only deciduous conifers in the Adirondacks, turn bright yellow in fall and usually hold their color into November.)

A yellow fall view from a boardwalk in a boreal habitat with conifer trees and fall colors in the background.
The Paul Smith's VIC is amazing!

A corn maze!

Fall isn’t all about pretty leaves, it’s also about fun experiences! Join in the festivities at a local corn maze. There are two located within driving distance of Lake Placid: the Great Adirondack Corn Maze near Saranac Lake and a maze at the historic Fort Ticonderoga. 

Orange you glad it’s fall!

The time is right, so start planning your autumn trip to Lake Placid today to fall more in love with your ADK! With cozy rooms, restaurants with splendid fall flavors, and endless outdoor opportunities, this is the best place in the Northeast to take it all in.

Vibrant autumn colors on the shore of a lake with fog rising over the water and a kayaker paddling.
You can't beat fall mornings on Mirror Lake!
A mountain view with Lake Placid's iconic horseshoe shape below.
From 4,867 feet, the views from Whiteface Mountain are incredible!
Calm waters and fall colors from a boat in Lake Placid. The trees are starting to turn red.
Placid waters and fall colors are perfect!
Vibrant orange fall foliage with distant mountains and a valley.
What splendid foliage seen from the summit of Mount Van Hoevenberg!
A couple walks on a path near a tree with red leaves and the towering Olympic ski jump.
It's all golden (and red!) here in Lake Placid!
A yellow fall view from a boardwalk in a boreal habitat with conifer trees and fall colors in the background.
The Paul Smith's VIC is amazing!

Packages and Promotions

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Woof and Wander

Bluebird Lake Placid

Your pooch will be as comfortable as their owners with our pet friendly package!

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Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Our Spa Escape package is ideal for couples or friends traveling together.

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Stay 2 Midweek Nights and Receive a 3rd Round of Golf with Cart FREE!

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

Stay 2 Midweek Nights and Receive a 3rd Round of Golf with Cart FREE! *Rates are per person, per night based on double occupancy in a standard room. Available Sunday-Thursday, Opening Day-mid June. Tax not included. Subject to availability. US $

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Lake Placid Lodge

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Winter Clearance - 40% OFF!

Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

40% Off Winter Merchandise

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Nordic Ski With Olympic Medalist Andrea Henkel Burke

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Stay and Nordic Ski with an Olympic Gold Medal Recipient!

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Green Goddess Natural Market & Catering

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Ampersand Bay Resort Sweetheart Package

Ampersand Bay Resort

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Lake Placid Pub & Brewery

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Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

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Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Pre-Season Golf from May 1- June 16. Stay two nights at the Cambria Hotel Lake Placid and play two rounds of unlimited golf and a cart at the Van Kleek-designed Award-winning championship course at Whiteface Club & Resort.

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Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

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Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

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MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDER OFFER

Bluebird Lake Placid

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Eastwind Lake Placid

Unwind in comfort with a luxurious hotel stay while enjoying the added delight of two complimentary cocktails.

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Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

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100th Anniversary Package

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

100 years at the Inn gets you $100 Resort Credit PER DAY!

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Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Nourish your body and mind by indulging in a weekend of growth with Todd Norian, founder of Ashaya Yoga.

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High Peaks Resort

Complete your Adirondack Vacation with a $150 dining credit to Dancing Bears!

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Babymoon

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

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Town House Lodge by the Lake

What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain than to enjoy an in-room spa experience for two?

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Stagecoach Inn

Enhance your stay at The Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn with an exceptional 3-course meal.

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Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

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2024 Eclipse at the Mirror Lake Inn

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Join us for a once in a lifetime opportunity to view solar eclipse with luxurious accommodations, breakfast at 'The View' Restaurant, Eclipse Viewing Glasses & $50 resort credit per room per night.

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Solar Eclipse Viewing Party!

Moose Lodge Boathouse Restaurant

Specialty cocktails featuring Angel's Envy whiskey, delicious buffet offerings, live music and a prime viewing spot to experience totality.

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Celebrate 2024 with 24% OFF!

Grand Adirondack Hotel

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The Bookstore Plus

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Romance Package

Placid Bay Hotel

Surprise your significant other with a romantic Getaway!  Includes roses, wine glasses, and chocolates upon arrival.

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The Adirondack Elopement

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

The ultimate, intimate "I do" experience.

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Ski with Olympic Medalist Andrew Weibrecht

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

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Town House Lodge by the Lake

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Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

40% off Select Items!

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4th Night Free!

Lake Placid Lodge

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Placid Bay Hotel

Enjoy an in-room spa experience for two with your stay. What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain!

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Play and Stay Package

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

Includes stay at Crowne Plaza Hotel with Golf at our Lake Placid Club Courses

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Stay 3 nights save 20%

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

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The Devlin

Book a 3-night stay with The Devlin and get 10% off your visit.

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Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

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Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

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High Peaks Resort

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