THE ADIRONDACKS IS A LEAF PEEPERS PARADISE
Late September into Early October is typically when the Adirondacks region of New York sees peak fall foliage. If you love checking out the leaves changing and some hiking, this area is worth checking out this time of the year!
1. Mount Van Hoevenberg
4.2 miles out and back
Moderate Trail
885 ft Elevation Gain
Dog Friendly
Hiking Mount Van Hoevenberg is a fantastic adventure that allows you to bring your dog along. The hike begins on a serene trail through the woods with minimal elevation gain. Before you start the ascent, you’ll encounter a swampy area.
The views from the top of the mountain are truly breathtaking, especially during the fall foliage season. If you find the ascent challenging, don’t worry; the hike leading up to the ascent also allows you to enjoy the vibrant fall foliage.
During our visit, we were amazed by the spectacular scenery, with trees so brilliantly colored that they resembled candy! This truly was the best view we have ever seen during the autumn season.
2. Whiteface Mountain
If you’re not a fan of hiking but still want to enjoy a stunning view, you can drive up Whiteface Mountain Veterans’ Memorial Highway.
One thing to note is that the mountain road is only open during the summer and closes by mid-October. It reopens in May. Whiteface’s summit stands at 4,867 feet, and the road is open daily from 8:45 AM to 5:30 PM.
You can experience fantastic views here without the effort of hiking. This drive and lookout is also dog friendly!
3. Mount Jo
2.3 miles Loop
Moderate Trail
688 ft Elevation Gain
Mount Jo was my favorite hike in the Adirondacks. It’s worth noting that it’s a dog-friendly hike, but there is a bit of a rock scramble to reach the summit, which might be challenging with a dog. When we did this hike, Denali was just a puppy, so we were able to carry her at times. I doubt she could handle this hike now.
Despite its shorter length, this hike presented some difficulties on the way to the top. However, the effort was well-rewarded with panoramic views of Heart Lake and numerous boulders to explore at the summit. Once again, the mountain views with the changing colors of the leaves were breathtaking. With the stunning lake views, this became one of our favorite hikes, despite being the most challenging.
4. Cobble Lookout
2.4 miles Out & Back
Easy Trail
242 ft Elevation Gain
Dog Friendly
If you are a beginner hiker or prefer an easier trail with minimal ascent, Cobble Lookout is the perfect spot to enjoy the foliage. This hike is mostly flat and offers expansive views.
What made Cobble Lookout unique was that during our visit, we had the opportunity to observe rain showers moving in and out. As a meteorologist, this experience was particularly fascinating for me. We actually ended up spending more time here observing the changing weather than admiring the foliage!
5. Baxter Mountain
2.9 miles Out & Back
Moderate Trail
790 ft Elevation Gain
Dog Friendly
The weather the day we went on this hike, wasn’t ideal. It was misty, and we encountered on and off showers. Surprisingly, despite the inclement weather, the views were still amazing, and the hike itself remained manageable despite the conditions. This hike features switchbacks that assist in the elevation gain.
What was particularly captivating about the views from Baxter Mountain was the sight of fog settling in the valleys, with the stunning mountains still visible!
Where to Stay
There are numerous accommodation options in the Adirondacks Region of New York, and we decided to stay in Lake Placid. Justin is a huge hockey fan, and I love the movie ‘Miracle,‘ so we thought this would be a great place for us to explore! (Don’t forget to check out the Olympic Museum on a rainy day.) Lake Placid reminded us a lot of downtown State College without the University!
We chose to stay at the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort, which sits right along Mirror Lake in downtown Lake Placid. Denali certainly enjoyed spending time on our balcony, watching the activity on the lake every day. Additionally, we were treated to some spectacular sunrises and sunsets on the lake, showcasing why it earned the name ‘Mirror Lake.’
Our experience at the Golden Arrow was truly exceptional, and we wholeheartedly recommend staying there. It’s conveniently located in downtown Lake Placid, allowing you to stroll through the shops and easily walk to restaurants for dinner. The resort is pet-friendly, and the staff was incredibly kind and accommodating to Denali, especially since this was her first trip away from home as a puppy.
Have you been to the Adirondacks Region of New York? Where is your favorite hike and place to stay? Also, where is the best place you’ve been able to check out fall foliage? This was certainly a trip we will never forget!
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