The lazy dog days of summer have passed and the air is crisp with fall. The Adirondacks is a unique place because all four seasons bring different adventures, and the amazing outdoor recreational opportunities never cease no matter what time of year. In the fall, you can expect pleasantly cool days making it perfect for a hike up an Adirondack mountain. The foliage is stunning and bursting with color, so for some great leaf peeping try paddling one of our many waterways. Our downtown is vibrant, and you can enjoy the fall harvest at the Farmers Market every Saturday at Riverside Park. Below are some suggestions for how to experience the best of fall in Saranac Lake. Expect to fall in love if you haven’t already.
Become a 6er
Hiking is an Adirondack tradition. We host endless opportunities for hikers of all skill levels. If you are interested in challenging yourself this fall, become an official “Saranac Lake 6er” by climbing all six mountains in the area. Each of these six hikes up an Adirondack mountain is a great way to see the foliage and experience the outstanding wilderness that abounds. For your first hike we recommend Mount Baker, a short, popular climb to several ledges from which a panorama of High Peaks can be seen. Once you have completed them all, mark your accomplishment in the trail register at Berkeley Green, then head to Bear Essentials in downtown Saranac Lake, where you can purchase 6er apparel to let the world know you conquered your first 6er! The most satisfying moment of it all, aside from the killer views from the top of the mountains, may be when you get to ring the bell located in Berkeley Green. It’s a longstanding tradition.
The six peaks:
Paddling
Saranac Lake is a paddler’s heaven because of our continuous waterways. There are three Saranac lakes — Upper, Middle, and Lower — and they're all connected by the Saranac River. If you want to be more immersed in nature, the nearby St. Regis Wilderness Canoe Area provides some of the finest secluded paddling and camping locations in the east. The opportunities don’t stop there, and no need to worry if you don’t have a canoe or kayak. We’ve got you covered. You can go out with a guide and you can rent any variation of water transport you might be looking for, whether it’s a SUP or a canoe that will accommodate all your camping gear. The air is crisp, the colors are popping, and the water is everywhere.
Historic downtown walking tours
The idyllic, historic village of Saranac Lake was once a healing destination for patients with tuberculosis in the late 19th century. Much of our architecture and major institutions have developed around the town as a healing center. The many cure porches were originally designed to accommodate Tuberculosis patients by providing direct access to sunlight. Aside from this unique history, there are plenty of other interesting details to the village’s quirky and sometimes irreverent culture that you can learn about on a historic downtown walking tour. You will be surprised by what this little town has been home to.
Farmers Market
Get ready for the fall harvest. Adirondack farmers are some of the most innovative farmers in the northeast. At the farmers market, you can expect to find handmade crafts, artisanal treats, and produce galore. It’s also cider donut season! Saranac Lake’s Farmers Market is located in Riverside Park right downtown. Expect more than a market, though. It’s a festive environment with live music and a warm community. You’re bound to find something you love there. It runs every Saturday through October 12.
The Great Adirondack Corn Maze
The title says it all. You can find this epic corn maze at Tucker Farms. Whether you’re a child or a child-at-heart, you will love this crazy adventure among the stalks. And this is not your average corn maze. Tucker tops it off by hosting flashlight nights for those that are more adventurous, and there are special nights in which the moon phases have been tracked to be your guiding light. After sunset they host their regular bonfires with all the fixings for s’mores. This is a family friendly tradition in Saranac Lake.
If this list didn’t convince, don’t worry, there’s plenty to explore while you’re here. Start planning your trip today.
