The central Adirondacks contain vast swaths of wild forests, lakes, and ponds, as well as quaint towns and hamlets. The bright, delightful colors of fall add to the beauty and wonder that residents and visitors adore. With unique shops and restaurants, attractions, and all the water and land you could want to roam, the Adirondack Experience region has something for every type of leafy vacation.
Here are 7 ways to experience a fall-bulous autumn in the small town and big outdoors of Hamilton County!
1. Foliage road tripping
With so much wilderness and miles and miles of tree-lined roads, a classic road trip is the ideal way to see the region’s epic fall foliage. Gentle hills and sweet curves bring you an endless array of new views of mountains covered in changing leaves and sparkling lakes reflecting the bright colors of fall. If you want to see wide stretches of wilderness gleaming with color, this is the place to visit. As you drive, stop in our quaint villages for homemade meals and cool souvenirs. This road trip is a feast for the eyes!
2. Take the fire tower challenge
Hike into history by climbing one or all of the five historic fire towers in the Adirondack Experience region. These towers are more than a century old but still stand as sentinels in the Adirondacks. While not used for spotting fires anymore, the towers make great destinations and can offer unimpeded views of millions of acres of Adirondack wilderness. Pretty all year round, they’re at their best in fall, when the mountains are awash in fiery color. Hike all five mountains and earn a patch as a Hamilton County Fire Tower Challenge finisher!
3. Sleep under the stars
From RVs to backpacking hammocks, the Adirondack Experience region has every type of camping. Whether you’re looking for a fall family road trip, a weekend drive in to a campsite just for two, or a secluded spot deep in the wilderness, the central Adirondacks has a campsite that will suit your needs and sense of autumn adventure. Our campsites offer amenities such as fireplaces and picnic tables, as well as RV hookups, while the backcountry camping sites offer peace, tranquility, and unparalleled views of that amazing foliage.
4. Canoe with a view
While the Adirondacks may be known for its limitless trails, the original way to move about was on the waterways. And that tradition has never gone away. Paddling the Adirondack Experience region is just as limitless as ever and the arrival of fall doesn’t mean we put our paddles away! From quiet ponds to bustling lakes to remote rivers dotted by beaver dams surrounded by the blaze of fall color, Hamilton County and its environs have a paddling adventure that is perfect for your family.
5. Reel 'em in
Whether you like the fight of a bass or the slyness of a trout, fishing in the Adirondack Experience is unparalleled! Unlike the birds, cooler fall temps don’t mean that the fish go to Florida. In fact, many fish prefer cooler waters so you just might find that fall is the perfect time to catch the next big one. Hike or bushwhack to remote streams and land the famed Adirondack brook trout or troll a picturesque lake. Whatever your speed, the central Adirondacks has the water, the fish, and the guides that will make your trip unforgettable!
6. Explore on two wheels
Whether you like to log lots of miles on quiet, scenic roads under archways of colorful foliage or get down and dirty in the woods with fallen leaves under your tires, the Adirondack Experience region is loaded with superb fall biking options. From family-friendly cruising around town to well-maintained single track, the central Adirondacks embraces bicyclists because we love two-wheeled action too!
7. Get historic
Alongside the natural and social history in the region are some of the most celebrated and unique attractions in the Adirondacks. From Great Camps to great museums, this fall is the perfect time to soak up the scenery and learn a thing or two about the Adirondacks. History is all around you here, just waiting to be explored!
