Your Perfect Fall Weekend Getaway in Ticonderoga: Foliage, Fort & Fresh Adirondack Air
Ticonderoga is a quieter corner of the Adirondacks, ideal for travelers seeking scenic relaxation without the crowds. Plan the ultimate fall weekend getaway in Ticonderoga using the itinerary and suggestions below for a seasonal hike, foliage views, and rich history.
When Is Peak Fall Foliage in Ticonderoga?
You'll start to see some colors in Ticonderoga around late September, with peak foliage hitting in early to mid October.
If you visit during this window, you're in for a treat - vibrant reds, oranges, and golds spread across the mountains and around the lakes, for a picture-perfect backdrop for a weekend away.
Remember, it's not an exact science. Foliage timing fluctuates each year based on rainfall, temperature, elevation, and other factors.
The above photo was taken in Ticonderoga on October 5, 2024.
See more tips on pinpointing when the foliage will arrive >>
Friday: Scenic Arrival & Local Flavor
Where Should I Stay for a Fall Weekend in Ticonderoga?
Start your weekend by checking into Trout House Village Resort in nearby Hague. This charming lakefront retreat sits on the northern end of Lake George, just a short drive from Ticonderoga. You'll find charming log cabins conducive to a quiet escape, and it's an ideal home base for exploring the southern Adirondacks.
Guests at Trout House enjoy access to complimentary kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards - perfect for a morning paddle if the weather cooperates. It’s peaceful, off the beaten path, and surrounded by natural beauty.
After settling in, head over to Hague Market for some essentials. This small general store is a great place to grab picnic supplies for your Saturday outing, along with any snacks or local goods you might want for your stay - including for a potential picnic Saturday afternoon!
Finish your day with dinner at Eddie’s Restaurant in Ticonderoga. Known for its casual comfort food and welcoming vibe, it’s a great way to start your Adirondack weekend on a warm note.
Saturday: History, Views & Small-Town Charm
What Is There to Do in Ticonderoga in the Fall?
Kick off your day with breakfast at Hot Biscuit Diner, a local institution. The hearty breakfast menu is just the fuel you'll need for a day of exploration.
Spend the bulk of your Saturday at Fort Ticonderoga, one of the area’s top attractions. In the fall, the historic site offers seasonal highlights like:
- A family-friendly corn maze
- A late-season bloom in the King’s Garden
- A narrated Carillon boat cruise on Lake Champlain (small add-on fee to admission)
- Breathtaking views of the mountains and lake
- Incredible exhibits and if you check ahead of time, maybe reenactments!
You can pack a picnic from your Friday market haul or grab lunch at the café on-site. Buy tickets online ahead of time to be prepared (although you can buy at the gate if you need to).
After Fort Ticonderoga, take the 10-minute drive to Mount Defiance. Admission is included with your Fort ticket (or $10 per car if visiting separately). A short drive to the summit rewards you with one of the region’s best panoramic foliage views - a must for fall photography lovers!
Before dinner, unwind at Bicentennial Park, located along the La Chute River. This peaceful spot features a covered bridge, waterfall, and well-maintained walking paths.
Directly across the street is the Ticonderoga Heritage Museum and Visitor Center, a small but informative stop that highlights the area's industrial past. It’s free and takes just a few minutes to explore.
For dinner, you have a couple of great options:
- The Wind Chill Factory is the place to go for burgers and ice cream in a super casual, family-friendly setting. They do typically have pumpkin ice cream, excellent for fall vibes!
- Seymour’s Restaurant at Ticonderoga Golf Club offers elevated pub fare and scenic mountain views.
Sunday: Foliage Hikes & a Peaceful Send-Off
Start your Sunday with a cup of coffee and breakfast on your cabin porch, soaking in the fall views over Lake George. Then lace up your boots for one last adventure before heading home.
Here are some excellent fall foliage hikes within a 15–30 minute drive from Trout House:
- The Pinnacle: Just 2 miles roundtrip, this trail is ideal for a shorter hike with a big payoff—an incredible view of Lake George and the surrounding peaks.
- Cook Mountain Preserve: A moderate 2.8-mile roundtrip hike with views of Lake George and Vermont's Green Mountains. The trail includes forested paths and a rewarding summit lookout.
- Putnam Pond Loop & Lost Pond Trail: This 5-to-6-mile loop is a bit more of a commitment, but you'll be rewarded by peaceful ponds, hardwood forests, and little to no crowds.
You can also stay close and explore the Trout House Village Resort trails, which offer peaceful wooded paths and direct access to the lake.
If the weather holds, take one last paddle on Lake George using the free watercraft available at the resort!
Note, the above photo at the Pinnacle was taken on October 29, 2021 - fairly late in the season, and past peak, but still gorgeous colors!
Bonus Tips for Your Fall Weekend Getaway
- Book early. Trout House and other local accommodations fill up fast during peak foliage season.
- Layer up. Adirondack fall mornings can be brisk, even if the afternoons warm up.
- Check the events calendar. There are always fall festivals and fall events going on, including the Heritage, Harvest & Horse Festival at Fort Ticonderoga!
- Although this is a weekend itinerary, consider a midweek trip if possible - it's even more quiet with less crowded trails for leaf peeping, and there are often offer lower rates or midweek lodging deals.
Explore scenic foliage drives >>
