Fall Activities in Lake Placid & Adirondacks

There’s fall, and then there’s fall in the Adirondacks.

Here, the season doesn’t just change the color of the trees. It changes everything. The air, the light, the pace of the day. One moment it feels like summer, the next you're reaching for your flannel and watching the first snowflake drift past your window. This blog is your guide to making the most of it all. We’ve broken the season into three chapters: September, October, and November, each filled with handpicked experiences, local favorites, and the kind of moments you’ll want to come back for.

Whether you're craving adventure, quiet, or a little of both, there's something waiting for you in Lake Placid.

September

September in Lake Placid feels like the golden hour of summer. The days are still warm enough for paddling and exploring, but cooler evenings hint at the season ahead. Trees begin their slow transformation, adding amber and crimson to the landscape, and there’s a sense of calm in the air as the crowds thin and the mountains breathe a little deeper. It’s a beautiful, balanced moment and perfect for climbing rock walls, skimming across quiet lakes, and diving into the stories that shaped the region.

Rock Climbing with High Peaks Mountain Guides

September in Lake Placid is still warm enough to enjoy full days outside, yet the first hints of autumn color start to peek through the treetops. It is the perfect time to take on one of the Adirondacks’ most thrilling outdoor adventures: rock climbing. Whether you are a first-time climber or a seasoned adventurer, High Peaks Mountain Guides offers guided climbing trips tailored to your skill level.

With a licensed guide at your side, you can safely explore some of the region’s best climbing routes while learning techniques that will improve your skills and confidence. The views from the cliffs are spectacular in September, with crisp air and vibrant landscapes that only get more beautiful as the month goes on. It is an experience that blends physical challenge with the reward of breathtaking Adirondack scenery.

Golf in the Adirondacks

September might just be the best-kept secret in Adirondack golf. The air is cooler, the greens are in peak condition, and the surrounding views? Absolutely stunning. With the leaves just beginning to turn, every fairway feels like it’s tucked inside a postcard.

Whether you’re teeing off lakeside or nestled between mountain ridges, the courses around Lake Placid offer a mix of playability and awe. Our Golf in the Adirondacks package makes it even easier to hit the links, with exclusive perks and access to some of the region’s top courses. It’s a great way to spend a crisp September morning and an even better excuse to book that fall getaway.

Adirondack Experience, The Museum at Blue Mountain Lake

September is an ideal time to explore the Adirondacks beyond its trails and lakes, and Adirondack Experience, the Museum at Blue Mountain Lake (The ADKX) offers a deep dive into the region’s rich culture and history. Located about an hour and a half from Lake Placid, the museum blends immersive exhibits with interactive experiences that bring Adirondack stories to life. From historic boats and rustic architecture to fine art and folk traditions, every gallery captures a different facet of mountain life.

In September, The ADKX hosts special programs and events that highlight seasonal themes, making each visit unique. Strolling the 121-acre campus surrounded by the first shades of fall is a feast for the senses, with crisp mountain air and lake views adding to the experience. Whether you come for a featured event or to explore at your own pace, it is a perfect way to connect with the heart and heritage of the Adirondacks.

September Highlights

• Glide through winding waterways and quiet coves of the Saranac Lake chain, surrounded by early autumn color. St. Regis Canoe Outfitters makes it easy with rentals and guided trips for every skill level.
• Roll down the windows and take in crisp mountain air as you ascend to breathtaking summit views at the Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway. Every turn offers a fresh perspective on the Adirondacks in transition,
• Tackle the Lake Placid 9er collection of nine rewarding hikes, each with its own charm; from tranquil forest walks to summits that deliver sweeping fall panoramas.
• Savor the flavors of the season at Keene Valley Farmers Market with farm-fresh produce, artisan breads, and local treats, all set against the backdrop of Keene Valley’s stunning peaks.
• Raise a stein to fall at Oktoberfest at Whiteface Mountain. This lively Bavarian celebration features music, dancing, hearty food, and the spectacular setting of Whiteface Mountain.

October

October in Lake Placid is a season of change, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. Early in the month, the mountains are ablaze with peak foliage, drawing visitors from all over to hike, paddle, and soak in the color. But by mid-October, the leaves begin to fall, the air turns crisp, and the pace slows. It’s a beautiful transition; one that invites cozy traditions, fresh adventures, and a deeper connection to the natural rhythm of the Adirondacks.

U-Pick at Rulf’s Orchard

October is harvest season in the Adirondacks, and few places capture that cozy, nostalgic feeling better than Rulf’s Orchard. Located in Peru, NY, just under an hour from Lake Placid, this family-run farm invites you to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of fall. Early in the month, apple trees are heavy with ripe fruit, perfect for picking and snacking as you go. As the month rolls on, the pumpkin patch takes center stage, offering every shape and size for your autumn decorating dreams.

Petting zoo, cider donuts, and warm mulled drinks round out the experience, making it an easy and rewarding day trip. Whether you're building a bushel of your own or simply soaking in the crisp air and farm charm, Rulf’s brings the spirit of fall to life in every row.

Hiking the Lake Placid 9er

October in the Adirondacks begins in a blaze of fiery color, then gracefully slips into a quieter, leaf-strewn stillness. It is one of the most dramatic seasonal transitions of the year, and the perfect time to explore the Lake Placid 9er. This collection of nine hikes ranges from gentle woodland walks to more challenging mountain climbs, offering something for every skill level.

The 9er peaks steer hikers toward less-traveled trails, making them a fantastic alternative to the busier High Peaks. With trailheads close to town and summits that deliver postcard-worthy views, these hikes are a fall favorite for good reason. Tackle one or two during peak foliage early in the month, or enjoy the peaceful, leaf-carpeted forest paths later in the season when the colors have faded but the air is brisk and clear.

The Great Adirondack Corn Maze at Tucker Farms

If you're looking for a classic “spooky season” adventure, the Great Adirondack Corn Maze at Tucker Farms delivers just the right mix of challenge and charm. Set on a working potato farm with wide-open mountain views, this 8-acre corn maze is both family-friendly and surprisingly tricky and even more thrilling when the sun goes down. Bring a flashlight for their evening maze nights and try not to get turned around in the moonlit stalks.

Located about 30 minutes from Lake Placid, Tucker Farms makes a perfect fall day trip. Explore the maze, take in the crisp October air, and snap a photo with the pumpkins while the surrounding hills still hold a little autumn color. It’s one of those only-in-the-Adirondacks experiences that blends natural beauty with just the right dose of fall fun.

October Highlights

• From October 3–5, world-class riders descend on Mt. Van Hoevenberg and Whiteface Mountain for high-speed cross-country and downhill racing. The event is packed with energy, featuring live music, local food, and fall colors at full brilliance.
• Join expert-led workshops from October 2–5 and capture the cosmos over the Adirondacks. With minimal light pollution and maximum stargazing potential, this conference blends creativity, science, and unforgettable nighttime views.
• On October 11–12, the Olympic Jumping Complex transforms into a festive fall hub with ski jumping competitions, live music, food vendors, crafts, and unbeatable foliage views.
• Just under two hours from Lake Placid, this 18th-century fort comes alive with historic reenactments, fall garden walks, and sweeping views of Lake Champlain from Mount Defiance.
• Explore the meticulously recreated sets of the Starship Enterprise in nearby Ticonderoga. Perfect for a rainy fall day or a cozy geek-out session with fellow fans.

November

November is a quiet kind of beautiful in Lake Placid. The crowds are gone, the forest is bare, and the mountains seem to exhale as winter approaches. It’s a time for slowing down, for exploring art studios, crafting candles, wandering through rustic galleries, and connecting with the quieter corners of the region. Snow may begin to dust the trails, and the first hints of the holidays start to sparkle. Whether you’re savoring stillness or leaning into seasonal celebrations, November offers a softer side of the Adirondacks that’s full of warmth and wonder.

Guided Sensory Walks with Adirondack Riverwalking and Forest Bathing

By November, the Adirondacks have settled into stillness. The leaves are gone, the trails are quiet, and a soft hush covers the forest. It’s the perfect time to slow down and tune in. Adirondack Riverwalking and Forest Bathing offers private guided sensory walks that help you do just that; to fully immerse yourself in the natural world, using all five senses to reconnect with the land and yourself.

These slow, meditative experiences are led by trained guides who encourage curiosity, calm, and presence. Walks are gentle, accessible, and deeply grounding, especially in November when the forest feels both bare and beautiful. It’s not about the destination, but about noticing the small details: the scent of damp earth, the crunch of frosted leaves, the hush between wind gusts. This is a side of the Adirondacks many never think to explore, and one that’s quietly transformative.

Candle Making Classes with Pure Placid

When the chill settles in and the last leaves fall, Lake Placid shifts into a slower, cozier rhythm and there’s no better way to embrace it than by creating something warm and inviting. Pure Placid, a local favorite known for its Adirondack-inspired scents, offers candle-making classes that blend relaxation with creativity.

You can choose a self-guided session for a peaceful, go-at-your-own-pace experience, or join an instructor-led workshop where you’ll learn more about scent blending and candle crafting. Whether you're designing a gift or keeping your creation for quiet evenings ahead, the process is soothing, sensory, and perfectly in step with the calm beauty of November in the mountains.

Explore Adirondack Rustic Furniture and Art

November is when the Adirondacks invite you indoors, not to escape the season, but to discover the soul of it. As the forest rests and snow begins to flirt with the mountains, it's the perfect time to explore the handcrafted beauty that defines Adirondack style. The region is rich with artisans who carry on a tradition of rustic furniture making and mountain-inspired art, blending natural materials with creativity and heritage.

Start with L. Post Rustics, operated by the acclaimed Post family and home to an inspiring collection of pieces by regional artisans. From intricately detailed chairs to tables built from reclaimed wood, the showroom celebrates the craftsmanship and storytelling that make Adirondack design so iconic.

Then wander through the aisles of Adirondack Decorative Arts & Crafts, where you’ll find everything from hand-carved furniture to locally made gifts. Dartbrook Rustic Goods in Keene Valley offers a refined take on rustic living, with a curated mix of furnishings and accents.

For a different kind of inspiration, head to Gallery 46 or the Adirondack Artists Guild, where you can browse paintings, photography, and sculpture created by regional artists. It’s a chance to take home a piece of the Adirondacks that doesn’t just remind you of the landscape. It’s made from it.

November Highlights

• Celebrate the season with a festive, locally inspired feast. No cooking required. Enjoy classic and creative dishes in a warm, inviting setting right here at the resort.
• From November 7–10, immerse yourself in a weekend of screenings, panels, and filmmaker Q&As. As the host hotel, High Peaks Resort puts you right in the center of the action.
• Explore the legacy of the Winter Olympics through compelling exhibits and interactive displays—especially fitting in November’s contemplative quiet.
• Watch world-class figure skaters take the ice at the Olympic Center, bringing elegance, athleticism, and international competition to Lake Placid.
• Beginning the last weekend of November, the Wild Center transforms into a glowing wonderland of light installations and illuminated trails. The most enchanting way to welcome the holiday season.

Fall in Lake Placid is a season of transformation, filled with golden light, crisp mountain air, and quiet moments that linger. It begins with brilliant color and the thrill of adventure, then gently shifts to stillness, reflection, and the first dustings of snow. Whether you're paddling across a mirror-still lake, exploring trails blanketed in leaves, or crafting something cozy by candlelight, autumn here invites you to slow down and savor. At High Peaks Resort, you’re perfectly positioned to take in every moment. Your fall story starts here.