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Great Trails for Fall Hiking & Biking in the Adirondacks

Take a Hike This Fall

The Adirondacks are the place to be for an outdoor adventure this fall. Throughout the region, there are dozens of hiking and biking trails that would be perfect for fall foliage viewing. Plan a trip to one of the recommended trails below and see the colors of the season!

mountain range in the fall

Photo credit: Alan Nudi

Fall hikes in the Adirondack Mountains offer great outdoor experiences for everyone, especially leaf peepers. During the fall months, the following trails become even more spectacular:

Bald Mountain - Plan a trip to Old Forge this fall and hike Bald Mountain! The total distance to the summit is just under a mile, and the historic Rondaxe Fire Tower has been restored for hikers to climb to the top.

Coon Mountain - At 2 miles round-trip, Coon Mountain in Westport is a family-friendly peak that overlooks Lake Champlain. It's the perfect mountain for beginner hikers who want to see the fall foliage around the lake.

Gothics - Located in Keene Valley, Gothics is the tenth-highest mountain in the Adirondacks, making it fairly challenging for hikers. However, the hike is well worth being able to see a 360 degree view of the region from the summit.

Owl's Head Mountain - Owl's Head is one of the most well known peaks in the Long Lake area because of its multiple summits, two of which are referred to as the horns (like a great horned owl's head). The highest summit has a historic fire tower that is open to the public.

Hadley Mountain - Based in the Southern Adirondacks, Hadley Mountain is a short yet slightly challenging hike that features a fantastic summit. You can see all of the surrounding mountains and then climb the fire tower for an even better view.

Discover more fall foliage hikes in the Adirondacks for all skill levels »

Ride Your Bike Through The Adirondacks

biker on mountain in the fall

If you're looking for a true fall bike route, try these local favorites located all around the Adirondack Park.

McCauley Mountain - McCauley Mountain, a skiing haven in the winter, turns into a biker's paradise come summer and fall. This gem in Old Forge features 15 miles of professionally designed mountain biking trails that can accommodate all levels of mountain bikers. 

Garnet Hill Outdoor Center - Garnet Hill Lodge in North River is the place to go if you need a bike rental, because they have all the gear you need on-site at their Outdoor Center, plus mountain biking trails on site. If you stay at the lodge, you get a discount on rentals!

Gore Mountain - Open during specific dates in summer and fall, Gore Mountain is an excellent choice for mountain bikers who want to ride along fun yet challenging terrain. The trails offer amazing views of the Adirondacks, and you can ride to the top via the Northwoods Gondola.

Whiteface Mountain - In Wilmington, Whiteface Mountain features over 20 different mountain biking trails for all skill levels. Experts can ride the gondola to the top of Little Whiteface, while less experienced bikers can explore the area around the Main Base Lodge.

Warren County Bikeway - If you're visiting Lake George this fall, then the Warren County Bikeway is the trail for you. The 9.5-mile paved bikeway brings riders along a scenic path from the shores of Lake George south to Queensbury and Glens Falls.

Elizabethtown-Westport Loop - Lake Champlain also offers great views of the surrounding fall foliage. Head over to Elizabethtown and follow the 19.5-mile bike loop to Westport and back for stunning scenic views of the Adirondacks and the lake.

Moose River Recreation Area - Known as the home of the annual Black Fly Challenge, the Moose River Recreation Area contains over 40 miles of dirt roads and 30 miles of marked trails between Inlet and Indian Lake.

Johnson Pond/Paradox - Try this fun bike loop in North Hudson! The 22-mile loop begins on Johnson Pond Road in North Hudson and provides a tour of the surrounding area.

Check out even more biking trails in the Adirondacks »

Enjoy views without as much effort - check out top five scenic driving routes »

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