All the color, all the adventure

The love for autumn in Saranac Lake is real. Saranac Lake is full of eye-popping views year-round, but it’s hard to deny the unique beauty of autumn in the Adirondacks. From blazing orange to subtle yellow to fire engine red, the trees provide a landscape that is simply unforgettable. During your next fall outing, make sure to take in all Saranac Lake has to offer. While the brilliant red and yellow leaves may steal the show, there's festivities to be found all around town. Don't forget to pack your camera! The stunning fall foliage awaits.

The best activities for fall fun

Saranac Lake makes the most out of the fall atmosphere. One of these ways is hosting farmers markets! While you might think summer is prime time for farmers and artists to sell their product, fall offers up just as much fresh produce, art pieces, and tradition. Discover the ArtMarket! A collaborative event that allows you to visit and take in the arts of Saranac Lake, or frequent the farmers markets in the park. After you stock up on authentic fall trinkets and tasty foods, fall hiking should be next on your list! See the colors from right in town on the Riverwalk, or perched on top of a firetower

 

A fall foliage progression meter graphic, indicating "past peak"

2023 Fall Foliage Reports


October 11, 2023

  • Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 100% have changed, but 50% have dropped
  • Brilliance: average
  • Predominating colors: about half of the leaves have dropped, with some patches of yellow remaining
  • Rating: past peak

The heavy rains from this past weekend made a lot of the leaves drop. About 50% of the leaves have fallen, with patches of yellow remaining. The tamaracks have not yet started to change color.

October 2, 2023

  • Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 75-100%
  • Brilliance: bright
  • Predominating colors: a mix of colors, with lots of yellow, orange, red, green and even some purple, with the colors really popping in comparison to last week
  • Rating: peak

The leaves turned very quickly at the end of last week, so peak leaf change began this past weekend, and will continue into the coming week, with a bright mix of colors.

a view across a body of water, with brilliant foliage on the distant shore
a view in the town of saranac lake showing peak fall foliage behind rooftops
A view of a kayaker paddling a waterway with peak fall foliage on the distant shore
Brilliant red leaves with a blue sky
A view across a body of water, with brilliant fall foliage on the distant shore

September 25, 2023

  • Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 50%
  • Brilliance: average
  • Predominating colors: The foliage is a beautiful mix of color, with lots of yellow, orange, red, green and even some purple.
  • Rating: mid-point

The fall foliage in Saranac Lake is at mid-point, and most trees have started to show at least some change. The colors have really started to pop within the last week, and even more brilliant color is anticipated as we move closer to peak. 

A view of Saranac Lake's fall foliage
A view of Saranac Lake's fall foliage
A view of Saranac Lake's fall foliage
A view of Saranac Lake's fall foliage
A view of Saranac Lake's fall foliage

September 18, 2023

  • Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 25%
  • Brilliance: dull
  • Predominating colors: a mix of green and yellow with isolated pops of red, especially along the waterfront
  • Rating: just beginning / low

As mentioned before, heavy rain has prompted early leaf change in our area, notably along waterways and bogs, with colors remaining dull. In some cases, stressed trees are already shedding leaves. Leaves in healthier stands within the village are just beginning to change, which may prolong the fall foliage transition in parts of our area.

September 11, 2023

  • Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 20%
  • Brilliance: dull
  • Predominating colors: a mix of green and yellow with some isolated pops of red
  • Rating: just beginning

Heavy rain has prompted early leaf change, notably along waterways and bogs, but the colors remains muted. The progression of color is slightly more advanced in some areas, such as along the Saranac River near Bloomingdale and between Lake Clear and Tupper Lake. Leaves within the village have the least amount of change thus far.