Well-known for winter sports, Lake Placid has grown into a popular summer vacation destination, but it’s also an incredible place to experience the fall foliage in the Adirondacks. This quintessential mountain town is the perfect base camp for a fall getaway, offering easy access to hiking, biking, fall festivals, scenic drives and more.
Fall Hikes
Nestled in the heart of the Adirondak High Peaks, Lake Placid is a popular access point for year-round hiking, but the trails are most magical in fall, when the trees are ablaze in bright reds, oranges and yellows. From a leisurely walk through the Heaven Hill trail system to the 2-mile out and back hike on the Mount Jo Trail to the more challenging 11-mile loop on the Indian Head & Rainbow Falls Trail, you simply can’t go wrong.
Bonus Tip: Fall hiking is very popular and parking at trailheads is limited. Consider hiking on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds, or plan to arrive very early in the morning to secure a parking spot. It’s also a good idea to map out a few different hikes, in the event that the first one you choose is full.
Mountain Biking
Lake Placid takes its mountain sports seriously, and trail riding is no exception. Mountain biking beginners can check out the relatively easy terrain at Henry’s Woods and the Heaven Hills trail system, while more experienced riders will appreciate the Lussi and Logger Trails, offering the highest concentration of single track in the area, and the Craig Wood Trails, which were built into the side of an old ski hill.
Bonus Tip: You can rent everything you need for a day on the trails at one of the bike shops in Lake Placid, such as High Peaks Cyclery and Placid Plant Bicycles. The staff are knowledgeable about the local trail systems and can often provide details on current trail conditions before you head out.
Trout Fishing
September and October are ideal for fishing in the Lake Placid Region. The fall foliage is breathtaking, the waters are less crowded, and the fish are more likely to strike. You also won’t have to contend with mosquitos and black flies in the fall. Search for Northern Pike in the Union Falls and Franklin Falls reservoirs, fly fish for trout in the famous Ausable River, and explore the many lakes, rivers, ponds and streams in the Region.
Bonus Tip: Trout season officially ends on October 15, but there are sections of the West Branch of the Ausable River, Saranac River, and a few other bodies of water, that remain open until they ice over.
Leaf Peeping at Whiteface
Arguably the best way to admire the fall foliage is atop Whiteface Mountain. Located about 15 minutes from Lake Placid in the town of Wilmington, Whiteface Mountain offers gondola rides to the summit, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of fall color and the vastness of the Adirondack Park. You can also drive to the summit via the scenic Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway, open through October 9.
Bonus Tip: Whiteface Oktoberfest 2023 is September 30 & October 1. This family-friendly event includes Bavarian-style food, music, and dancing, as well as arts and crafts for the kids from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday and 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased online.
Olympic Ski Jumps
Lake Placid hosted the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, and the Olympic Jumping Complex is a fun year-round attraction that is best enjoyed when the fall foliage is at its peak. Tickets can be purchased at the admissions office, just a few minutes down the road, and an elevator transports guests to the top, where you can take in the awesome views and appreciate the nervous excitement of Olympians.
Bonus Tip: The Flaming Leaves Festival is held annually on Columbus Day Weekend at the Olympic Jumping Complex. Featuring premier ski jumping competition, live music, crafts, food and beer vendors, this 3-day, all-ages event is scheduled for October 6-8. Tickets can be purchased online.
Stay in our Cabins Near Lake Placid!
With fewer crowds than in winter and summer, Lake Placid is an idyllic fall getaway, and Moreno’s camp-style cabins and cottages are the perfect place to stay. Located just outside of town, off Route 86, our Lake Placid cabins are tucked away from the road, under the pines and surrounded on three sides by the wild Adirondack State Forest. We are just steps away from world-class hiking and trekking trails and a short-drive from the many fall festivals, attractions and things to do in Lake Placid. Book online or give us a call at 518-265-5370.