Leaf peepers welcome

It wouldn't be fall in the Adirondacks without a scenic drive. It’s pretty hard to avoid, given that every road we have here is hugged by sloping mountains, thick forests, and scenes framed by lakes and flourishing marshlands. Fall here transforms the landscape and is the sole reason why so many flock to this region year after year to catch peak week (when the leaves are at their most vibrant). Now is the perfect time to plan your course of action by pairing your scenic drive with an accompanying fall hike! While you might enjoy the cozy quarters of your car, there’s nothing quite like taking the time to comb through the trails that offer the most breathtaking views at their summits and viewing decks. Read on for our top picks and stops along the way.

Azure Mountain

To start your drive to Azure Mountain, you’ll be heading from downtown Saranac Lake to Paul Smith's College VIC via Routes 86 and 30. The 30-minute drive lands you smack dab in thick evergreen forests with bursts of color. Once you’ve made it to the VIC, explore the exhibits and enjoy the view of the marshland from the deck. You’ll be visiting the VIC again later on, but this is the perfect time to sneak a peek at the trail system. The colors here are phenomenal, and the entire environment transforms for fall, from the marsh grasses to the tree tops overhead.

After a stroll at the VIC, continue on Keeses Mill Road to Blue Mountain Road. These roads continue deep into the backcountry, following streams and looming evergreens for 18 miles, about a 40-minute drive to Azure Mountain.

Time to hike

Finally, to the hike! The journey up Azure Mountain is as straightforward as it gets. The beginning of the trail is seamless as it passes through a nice, open forest. The path soon begins to ascend the base of the mountain, but it doesn't get steep until about halfway to the summit. Once the steepness starts, it doesn't end until the top, where breathtaking views will reward you for your efforts. If you wish you were taller, there is a fire tower at the top, boasting even more views. At 1.9 miles round trip, this hike is gentle enough for beginners, with the views to match any hulking peak in the Adirondacks.

Paul Smith's College VIC

Coming from downtown Saranac Lake, the route to Paul Smith’s VIC will take you to one of the most stunning overlooks in the area, just past Donnelly's Soft Ice Cream (closed after Labor Day weekend). A sloping field leads to a sprawl of mountains in the distance, speckled with reds, oranges, and yellows, perfect for a photo op. Stop and enjoy the view before continuing for another 5.4 miles to Paul Smith’s College VIC.

Take a walk through the wilderness

Once on the grounds, explore the exhibits and select a walk or hike that best fits your level of fitness, time, and interest. Before exploring the property’s outstanding trail network, stop by the visitor center’s nature museum and learn a few things about Adirondack ecosystems.  

Our favorite trails

• Heron Marsh (3 mile loop): This easy, family-friendly route features extensive boardwalks, viewing platforms, an elevated observation tower, and diverse wetland and forest habitats.

• Woods and Waters (3 miles one way): A scenic 3-mile route showcasing the best of our diverse habitats in the Adirondacks. The trail features a floating bridge over wetland areas, mixed hardwood and conifer forests, and passes a lean-to near Little Black Pond. To shorten the trip, simply stop and turn back at any time!

Bloomingdale Bog Trail

To get to the Bloomingdale Bog Trail, make the drive from downtown Saranac Lake to the McCasland Bridge on Route 3, about an 8-minute drive. This is a favorite for leaf peepers, as you can catch plenty of scenic shots right from the bridge, showcasing the glistening river slicing through foliage. Speaking of the river, the bridge marks the end of the scenic 5-mile flatwater paddle starting from Pine Street in downtown Saranac Lake. In case you were daydreaming of a potential paddling trip!

From the bridge, continue through the village of Bloomingdale, then head north onto the Oregon Plains Road to the Bigelow Road. While on Bigelow Road, watch for people walking! This is a popular route for people to begin their trek, and the shoulders on the road are narrow. To access the Bloomingdale Bog Trail, park off the road and enjoy!

Start walking

And now, to the trail. The Bloomingdale Bog Trail is a scenic, end-to-end path that follows an old railroad corridor that connects Saranac Lake and Bloomingdale. The 3.7-mile route is wide, level, and mostly straight, making it perfect for a casual stroll or bike ride. In terms of foliage, you’ll find a variety of colors, from the wildflowers along the trail to the marshes that characterize this walk. With a smooth surface, the trail is suitable enough for strollers with big tires to make the journey!

Celebrate with ice cream!

After a colorful and relaxing walk, it’s only customary to stop for ice cream. Luckily, Teddy’s Ice Cream and Grill in Bloomingdale is only a short drive away, and offers plenty of flavors for your troupe to sit back and unwind (while still basking in the colorful scenery).

The best views of the season are here

This fall, the fun really is in the journey! With drives that follow the views to peaks and trails that showcase the best of the region, you’ll be spending your days surrounded by a world of colors, crisp days, and the coziest corners of Saranac Lake.