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Your Ultimate Guide to Fall in the Lake George Region

Posted: 10/2/2025

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Your Ultimate Guide to Fall in the Lake George Region

Crisp mountain air, brilliant foliage, and cozy seasonal traditions make fall one of the most magical times to visit the Lake George Region. From leisurely scenic drives and vibrant harvest festivals to challenging hikes with breathtaking summit views, autumn here offers something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic escape, or a weekend with friends, this guide will help you discover the best hikes, seasonal events, spooky adventures, and local flavors to make the most of your Lake George fall getaway.

The Lake George Region lights up each autumn with brilliant reds, oranges, and golds. Peak foliage often arrives from late September through mid-October, but timing varies with elevation.

👉 Stay up to date with the I Love NY Fall Foliage Report before your trip.

Warren County Recreation Mapper

Great Fall Hikes (Easy to Challenging)

Difficulty	Hike	Highlights & Best Use in Fall	Notes & Tips
Easy	Rush Pond Trail (Queensbury)	Gentle 2.6-mile loop through wetlands and forest.	Great for families or a shorter stroll.
Easy/Moderate	Amy’s Park & Pack Forest Trails (Bolton Landing area)	Woodlands, beaver ponds, and birdwatching.	Combine with a lakeside stop in Bolton.
Moderate	Cat & Thomas Mountain Loop	Panoramic views of Lake George.	Perfect mid-day hike with rewarding summit.
Moderate/Scenic	Prospect Mountain	Hike to the summit or drive Prospect Mozuntain Highway.	Iconic fall views across the lake and mountains.
Challenging	Tongue Mountain Range Trails	Rugged terrain with multiple overlooks.	Best for experienced hikers—check daylight hours.

🏨 Where to Stay: Cozy Fall Lodging in the Lake George Region

The right place to stay can make your fall getaway even more memorable. Whether you’re looking for lakeside views, rustic cabins, or a touch of luxury, the Lake George Region has accommodations to fit every style:

Lakeside Hotels & Resorts – Enjoy crisp mornings and colorful sunsets right on the lake. Many properties, like the Fort William Henry Hotel, Holiday Inn Resort Lake George and The Sagamore Resort, stay open into the fall and offer special seasonal packages.
Cottages, Inns & Cabins – For a true Adirondack feel, book a cozy cottage, cabin or B&B such as Diamond Cove Cottages, Motel Luzerne, or Rockwell Falls inn & Wine Bar where you can enjoy the comfort of a private stay with the beauty of fall foliage at your doorstep. See all cabins and cottages.
Glamping & Camping – Experience autumn outdoors without sacrificing comfort at places like Huttopia Adirondacks and Camp Hudson Pines, offering heated tents and wood stoves for a warm and rustic escape. See all campgrounds.
Boutique & Historic Stays – Stay in the heart of downtown Glens Falls at The Queensbury Hotel, a historic property with modern comforts, or explore charming inns and B&Bs scattered across the region.
Short-Term Rentals – For larger groups or families, vacation rentals through local companies like Northern Living or LakeGeorgeVacay.com offer spacious homes and unique properties open year-round. See all Rentals.

🍁 Tip: Fall is quieter than summer, so you’ll often find more availability and special deals — making it the perfect season for a spontaneous escape.

See All Lodging or Check out our Last-Minute Lodging Map for availability!

Fall Activities: Indoor & Outdoor

Outdoor Favorites

Historic Cruises on Lake George – Lake George Steamboat Company and Lake George Waterfront Cruises sail into the fall season with colorful shoreline views.
Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Escape – Haunted mazes, scare zones, and Boo Fest for kids (select dates Sept. 27–Oct. 26, 2025).
Ghost Tours at Fort William Henry – Evening candlelit tours and paranormal investigations bring history to life with a spooky twist.
Scenic Drives – Prospect Mountain Highway and byways along Routes 9 and 9N make for unforgettable foliage road trips.

View All Attractions & Activities

Indoor Options (Rainy Day Friendly)

Museums & Historic Sites – Explore the region’s rich culture and history at the Fort William Henry Museum, The Hyde Collection, The Chapman, and more.
Craft Beverage Tastings – Sample local flavor at breweries, wineries, and distilleries along the Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail with an opportunity to earn prizes along the way with the digital passport.
Shopping & Relaxation – Browse galleries and artisan workshops, then unwind with spa or wellness experiences.

Explore more Rainy Day Activities

Harvest & Fall Festivals in the Lake George Region

Gore Mountain Harvest Fest Spend a fall weekend at Gore Mountain with scenic gondola rides, live music, artisan vendors, outdoor fun like hiking and biking, and plenty of food and drinks. A perfect way to enjoy peak foliage from the mountaintop. October 11–12, 2025
World’s Largest Garage Sale – Warrensburg A can’t-miss fall tradition! This community-wide event features hundreds of vendors, antiques, crafts, food stands, and hidden treasures. The entire town turns into a giant shopping adventure. October 3–5, 2025
Harvest Bar at Lakeside (Fort William Henry / Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge) Celebrate fall evenings lakeside with fire pits, seasonal cocktails, live music, and cozy Adirondack vibes. A festive way to wind down after a day of leaf peeping. October 31 & November 1, 2025
Heritage, Harvest & Horse Festival at Fort Ticonderoga A short drive from Lake George, this unique fall festival highlights historic trades, working animals, heritage breed horses, and family fun. There’s also a corn maze and marketplace to explore. Early October
Lake George Oktoberfest & Fall Festival Lake George Village transforms into a Bavarian-style street festival with German food, beer gardens, live music, vendors, and carnival rides. It’s one of the biggest and most colorful weekends of the season. October 10–12, 2025 (Columbus Day Weekend)
Adirondack Pub & Brewery Oktoberfest Charity Block Party Enjoy unlimited beer and cider sampling, authentic German fare, games, contests, and live music — all while supporting local causes. A lively community event full of fall spirit. October 18, 2025
Apple vs. Pumpkin Fall Throwdown (Glens Falls / Shirt Factory) A playful competition between fall’s favorite flavors. Sample dishes, vote for your favorite, and enjoy kids’ activities, local vendors, and seasonal treats. Takes place annually in the fall

Check out the Complete List of Events

🍴 Taste of Fall: Dining & Seasonal Flavors

After a day of leaf-peeping and exploring, nothing tops off the evening like a hearty autumn meal or a seasonal drink. Many restaurants and tasting rooms across the Lake George Region highlight fall menus, from Oktoberfest platters to pumpkin-spiced treats and apple-inspired pairings.

🍁 Fall Dining Highlights in the Lake George Region

Garrison Restaurant, Lake George – Open year-round for lunch & dinner with outdoor patio dining, daily specials, and a pet-friendly deck.
Log Jam Restaurant, Lake George – A longtime favorite with cozy Adirondack charm, hearty steaks, seafood, and their famous salad bar.
Mama Riso's Restaurant, Lake George – Serving generous portions of Italian classics, seafood, veal, and chicken for over 50 years.
Mario's Restaurant, Lake George – Family-owned fine Italian dining since 1954, known for hand-cut veal, seafood, and seasonal breakfast buffets.
Rathbun's Maple Sugar House, Whitehall– A sweet stop for Belgian waffles and pancakes made with their own maple syrup, produced for over four decades.
The Inn at Erlowest, Lake George – Upscale dining in a historic lakeside stone mansion with steaks, seafood, and terrace seating overlooking the lake.
La Bella Vita at The Sagamore, Bolton Landing– Italian-inspired dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, paired with stunning lake and mountain views.
Feng Bistro, Lake George – Fresh sushi, hibachi, and authentic Japanese & Chinese cuisine with a vibrant, modern atmosphere.

👉 Explore our full Fall Dining Guide for the best spots to sip, savor, and celebrate the season.

View All Dining Options

Check Out our Fall Foliage Gallery!

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