Fall Hikes for Every Level of Hiker

The Adirondacks are calling, and autumn is the perfect time to answer!

Crisp air, vibrant foliage, and golden light turn every trail into a masterpiece. From peaceful woodland strolls under canopies of red and gold to summit climbs with sweeping fall views, this season is bursting with hiking adventures for every kind of explorer. First-timer? We’ve got you. Trail regular? You’ll find new favorites. Peak chaser? Your next challenge is waiting. No matter your level, Lake Placid is the ultimate launch point for fall adventure. And when the day’s trek is done, High Peaks Resort is here to welcome you back with comfort, relaxation, and insider tips to fuel tomorrow’s journey.

Beginner: From "I've Never Hiked Before" to "I've Hiked a Few Times When I Had To"

Henry's Woods

Henry's Woods is a two-mile drive from High Peaks Resort, making it a great place to go for a hike with kids or anyone who has limited hiking experience. The nature path offers a groomed hiking experience over a two-mile loop with a couple of trails that shoot off to offer scenic views before threading back into the main loop.

John Brown Farm State Historic Site

John Brown Farm State Historic Site is the former home and final resting place of famed abolitionist, John Brown. The scenic spot is open year-round for hiking. Enjoy three interconnected trails about three miles from High Peaks Resort. Explore the Potato Field Loop at 1.8 miles round-trip, the Maple Grove Trail at 0.3 miles round-trip, and the Ski Jump Trail that is just under a mile round-trip. For scenic views and classic Adirondack forests and landscapes without traveling too far from town, these trails are perfect.

High Falls Gorge

High Falls Gorge is an eight-mile drive from the resort in the neighboring town of Wilmington, where Whiteface Mountain ski center is located. Experience the beauty and awe of walking along cliff sides and waterfalls at this scenic spot. The Gorge is a top attraction for the Lake Placid area, offering a cafe and shop, as well as year-round activities like summer hiking and winter snowshoeing. Explore the half-mile walk along the gorge, over walkways and bridges, groomed paths, and viewing platforms.

Intermediate: From "I Like Hiking" to "I Could Get Into This"

Marcy Dam

Marcy Dam trailhead is a 10-mile drive outside of town, past the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex, and down Adirondack Loj Road. This moderately used trail is a 4.2-mile out-and-back trail that skirts a lake and offers epic views for little hiking effort.

Paul Smith's College VIC Trails

Paul Smith's College VIC Trails is a network of interconnected trails open for year-round use about 22 miles from downtown Lake Placid. The trails crisscross 3,000 acres of mountains, marshes, forests, and streams. The Barnum Brook trail is a must-hike. See wetlands, walk along a brook, and enjoy scenic overlooks. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound with glimpses of snowshoe hares, Common Loons, Barred Owls, and more!

Lake Placid 9ers

The Lake Placid 9er challenge is a hiking gauntlet throwdown for all who enjoy bagging peaks without traveling too far from your home base or encountering large crowds of hikers! Enjoy a fire tower hike, a trip to the historic Adirondack Loj, and views of some of the most iconic landscapes in the Adirondacks. The peaks are: Cobble Hill, Mt. Jo, Baxter Mountain, Mt. Van Hoevenberg, Big Crow Mountain, Bear Den Mountain, Pitchoff Mountain, Catamount Mountain, and Hurricane Mountain. Hike all nine and get a 9er patch.

Expert: Hiking is Life

Saranac 6ers

The Saranac Six is a series of mountain summits that anyone who aspires to be a Saranac Lake 6er must complete! You can be an Ultra 6er, someone who hikes every peak in one day, or take your time and complete the challenge over a couple of visits in different seasons. Once you've conquered Baker, St. Regis, Scarface, Ampersand, Haystack, and McKenzie (15,080-feet total in elevation) ring the 6er Bell on the Berkeley Green in downtown Saranac Lake!

Tupper Lake Triad

The Tupper Lake Triad is a new hiking challenge that includes Mount Arab, Coney Mountain, and Goodman Mountain. Mount Arab is a two-mile round-trip hike with a fire tower at the summit for incredible views of the surrounding Adirondack Mountains. Coney Mountain promises great views for minimum effort on the 2.2-mile round-trip hike. Finally, Goodman Mountain at 2.4 miles round-trip features sprawling views from the summit. Register, complete all three hikes on the Triad Roster, and get a cool hiking patch!

Whatever your level of ability, always remember to leave no trace and use Lake House at High Peaks Resort as your hiking basecamp when you come to the Adirondacks.

Fall in the Adirondacks is unforgettable, and the fiery maples you’ll pass on your hikes are only the beginning. With our Mountains & Maple package, you can take home a taste of that brilliance in the form of locally crafted Adirondack maple syrup. Pair your autumn adventure with a sweet souvenir and let every drizzle on your pancakes bring you back to the trails. Book your Mountains & Maple getaway today and turn your fall escape into a story worth savoring!