What better way to spend a fall day? Golden leaves crunching under your boots, blue skies, a cool breeze, and an Adirondack view filled with the colors of the season. Hiking is spectacular in this neck of the woods any time of year, but there’s something special about it in the autumn for sure.
Everyone has their go-to local trail, but it’s always nice to mix things up and see something new! We asked the experts at Adirondack Mountain Club, Lake George Land Conservancy, and Pure Adirondacks for some trail recommendations, and came up with a few hikes to add to your fall to-do list. Off we go!
Oh, first, a friendly reminder: if you’re not familiar with the principles of Leave No Trace, click here for a little refresher. Trails get a lot of use this time of year, so we encourage you to minimize your impact while you’re out there, and be prepared to change your plans if you see a crowd at a trailhead.
Looking north from Owls Head Lookout towards Hurricane Mountain during peak fall foliage in 2019. (Photo Credit: Ben Brosseau, ADK)
Owls Head Lookout
Submitted by: Ben Brosseau • Adirondack Mountain Club
Location: Keene Valley
From the intersection of Route 73 and Route 9N, follow Route 9N toward Elizabethtown. Continue for 5.75 miles to the trailhead parking for the Giant Mountain Wilderness Area on the right.
Difficulty: Moderate
Why It’s a Favorite: Owls Head Lookout is a small, rocky summit located in the northern section of the Giant Mountain Wilderness. The approach is gradual but consistently uphill and takes hikers through pleasant hardwood forests. The final 0.1-mile push to the summit is very steep and eroded, but worth the views from the summit. Hikers will be rewarded with panoramic views of high peaks Giant and Rocky Peak Ridge to the south, Hurricane Mountain to the north, and the Champlain Valley to the east. Surrounded by deciduous forests on all sides, this hike is an excellent choice for viewing fall foliage.
While You’re in Town: After your hike, you can stop by neighboring Keene Valley for a bite to eat or for a nice cup of coffee.
Cobble Lookout (Photo Credit: Evan Williams, PureADK)
Cobble Lookout
Submitted By: Evan Williams • PureADK
Location: Wilmington
From the four corners in Wilmington, take Route 431 for 3 miles. At the intersection with Whiteface Memorial Highway, head right on Gillespie Drive / County Route 18A. Continue for 0.3 miles to the trailhead parking on the right.
Distance: 2.6 Miles Round-Trip
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (depends on hiking ability and weather)
Why It’s a Favorite: Cobble Mountain is a gentle hike through the woods of the Wilmington Wild Forest. Great for families and pet-friendly, this short 1.3 mile one-way hike leads to a huge lookout area with 180-degree views. Off to the right, you'll see Whiteface and Esther and to the left farther in the distance (on a clear day) you'll see the Jay Range, Hurricane, and Giant Mountain. Down in the valley, you'll catch a glimpse of Santa's Workshop and the town of Wilmington.
While You’re In Town: After a hike such as Cobble Lookout or taking part in other recreation opportunities in the Wilmington area, we enjoy fueling up and grabbing a snack at The Little Supermarket (great subs!). If we're looking for some sweet treats, we'll make a stop at Adirondack Chocolates.
Pole Hill Pond (Photo courtesy of Michele Vidarte, Lake George Land Conservancy)
Amy's Park / Godwin Preserve
Submitted By: Michele Vidarte • Lake George Land Conservancy
Location: Bolton Landing (click here for directions)
Distance: Hikers can walk the entire Amy's Park loop from the main trailhead for 4.5 miles of mixed terrian over single track trail throughout the unique habitats of the preserve. If that's too long, hikers have many options with four different trailheads, a canoe launch, easy access to sweeping views of the wetlands and ponds or a quick steep hike to overlook Amy's, Godwin and High Nopit. At Godwin, just a half mile walk south from Amy's main trailhead, hikers can walk just over 1 mile to reach scenic Pole Hill Pond and/or take a 0.3-mile spur trail to the lookout, with views northwest to High Nopit and the wetlands of Amy's Park. Godwin also has its own, smaller parking lot.
Difficulty: Easy to Hard.
Why It’s a Favorite: These preserves are a perennial favorite for locals and visitors alike because there's something for everyone, in every season. Hikers can "create your own adventure", all within this beautiful, protected conservation area; easy walks through the mossy ledges of the wetlands to overlook the marsh, steep inclines in the forest to overlook Lake George and High Nopit and meandering trails over bridges and through beaver ponds. In winter, the trails are perfect for snowshoeing or cross country skiing and exploring the quiet preserve. Bring your binoculars: Amy's is an amazing place to spot birds, including owls, herons and osprey. Another tip: Amy's and Godwin are dog friendly as long as your dog is leashed. It's also a great spot for kids of all ages!
While You’re in Town: My favorite thing to do to start my hiking day is to grab a sub from Neuffers Deli in Bolton Landing to bring with me on the trail; mission is to find the best spot to post up and eat it! After my hike, I'll head back to Bolton Landing, grab a nitro cold brew and a bear claw (if there are any left!) from Bear's Cup to refuel and then kick back on the patio at Bolton Landing Brewing Company for a locally brewed Pinnacle Pilsner, some wings and a flatbread from their menu. It's a toss up for my favorite time of year to be out at Amy's... either on a crisp, fall day when the leaves crunch below your feet or in the winter, when it's cold and oh so quiet.
