We all look forward to the fall festivals and exciting events that happen in the Adirondack region every year, not to mention the spectacular fall foliage. You’ve probably heard of, or been to, the Harvest Festival at Gore Mountain which is always a great time and is coming up soon. Perhaps you’ve been meaning to get to Gore to enjoy the foliage from their gondola as well.
But, you might be surprised to learn about the wide array of other incredible recreational activities that happen at Gore every fall (and in fact, all year long). And we’re not just talking about hiking and biking on their many trails, which is excellent to do in the fall, but a number of other awesome things to do as well.
Don’t Miss Out on a Unique Harvest Festival
The Gore Mountain Harvest Fest is happening on Saturday, October 7th, and Sunday, October 8th. There a number of harvest festivals and fall festivals in the area to choose from, but this one family-friendly event is a little bit different.
In addition to free admission and live music, you’ll find a wide variety of activities for kids and attendees of all ages that you will not see at other fall festivals.
Kids get to enjoy pumpkin field games, a petting zoo, pony rides, a giant tic-tac-toe, making their own hiking stick, embarking on a nature hike, and more.
Also, there will be a family mini-golf tournament on Saturday, a fun Halloween Egg Hunt on Sunday, and you can see Adirondack raptors like a great horned owl, a Eurasian Eagle Owl, and a Harris Hawk on Sunday.
See Stunning Fall Foliage From The Gondola
Fall is a special time in the Adirondacks, when people travel from all over to see the striking foliage our area is known for. When you ride Gore’s gondola in the fall you’ll have a view of the vibrant foliage like no one else does. You’ll enjoy picturesque sights of the High Peaks and Southern Adirondacks from the best possible vantage point.
The Gondola Skyride tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids ages 7 to 12 and seniors, and kids six and under are free. Pro tip: buy in advance online at their website and pocket some savings.
Enjoy Hikes, Bikes & a Labyrinth
The gondola ride is more than just seeing great sights from up above – all scenic gondola riders also have self-guided hikes at their disposal in the Base Area and to Bear Mountain Summit at the top of the Northwoods Gondola. Gore has “eco-loops” designed for 30-minute walks with decent signage to keep you on track.
Interested in something a little more physically challenging? Try your hand at downhill mountain biking on terrain descending 1700 feet.
And there’s more: a complimentary Skills Park in the base area offers teeter-totters, a log ladder, a ramp jump, stairs, planks, and more fun.
Downhill mountain biking is $30 for a full day, or $20 for a single ride, and $18 for kids 7 to 12 for a full day or $10 for a single ride.
Did you know Gore has a labyrinth on site? See if you can find the exit in their mountaintop labyrinth, located where the Alpine Sky Loop interpretive trail meets Fairview.
Experience Adventure Village
Adventure Village includes a number of thrilling attractions: a bungee trampoline, a climbing wall, and obstacle inflatables. Perform stunts safely on the bungee trampoline, take on one of three challenging routes on the climbing wall, and try your hand at the obstacle inflatables that are made for all ages.
Single use of attractions is just $12, or you can get unlimited use of the Base Area attractions for the day for $29. Or, pay $36 and get access to the Base Area attractions as well as the Gondola.
Play Mini Golf or Disc Golf
Gore has an 18-hole, ski-themed outdoor miniature golf course right on site. Fall air a little too crisp to play 18 rounds outside? Try the indoor mini golf course of 9 holes. The outdoor course is $9 to play and the indoor is just $4.
If you’re looking for something a little different you might want to try disc golf, which is just $5 for a single round. Disc golf is played like traditional golf, except instead of a ball and clubs players use Frisbees that they attempt to toss into a target (the “hole”) in as few strokes as possible.
You Can Have It All
Don’t want to choose from the array of awesome activities happening at Gore during the fall? If you purchase the off-season pass for $99 you can have unlimited use of all Base Area attractions, mountain biking, and scenic gondola skyrides.
