Best Fall Hikes in the Adirondacks: Hike or Bike
The ADK is the place to be for an outdoor adventure this autumn! We rounded up the best fall hikes in the Adirondacks below, plus biking hotspots for another way you can hit the trails and soak in the foliage.
Take a Hike This Fall
Check out our top picks for fall hikes in the Adirondacks, complete with comments and recommendations from reviews:
Bald Mountain - The total distance to the summit of Bald Mountain in Webb is just under a mile, and there's a fire tower.
One Google reviewer says: "The trail is mostly shaded, and the view from the top is amazing," so you can expect lots of great foliage!
Coon Mountain - At 2 miles round-trip, Coon Mountain in Westport is a family-friendly peak that overlooks Lake Champlain.
One Google reviewer says, "Easy climb, great views, great for kids - my 5-year-old did it."
Cobble Lookout - Located in Wilmington, Cobble Lookout offers great views for not too much effort. It's just about 2.4 miles roundtrip.
One Google reviewer says, "Casual shorter hike to a spectacular vista."
Gothics - Located in Keene Valley, Gothics is the tenth-highest mountain in the Adirondacks, making it fairly challenging for hikers - but highly rewarding.
One Google reviewer says: "I'd highly recommend the hike, though it is a bit of a long hike, and a bit of a scramble at times. I would not recommend it to beginners, and it's a hike that should be started early in the morning."
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 fire tower.
One AllTrails reviewer says: Trail was easy for the first two thirds, and difficult as you start getting towards the summit."
Hadley Mountain - Based in the Southern Adirondacks, Hadley Mountain is a short yet slightly challenging hike that features a fantastic summit and fire tower.
One AllTrails reviewer says: "Steep climb. Rocky in parts. Worth the view!!"
Discover more fall foliage hikes in the Adirondacks for all skill levels »
Browse Our Suggested Hiking Apparel
Ride Your Bike This Autumn
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.
The fall foliage is one of the most talked about aspects of McCauley Mountain by Google reviewers. One reviewer said, "This is a must do every fall. Absolutely beautiful."
Check out their annual Adirondack Mountain Bike Festival!
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!
Hiking or biking is great at Garnet Hill in the fall. "We thoroughly enjoyed our fall hiking holiday," said one Google reviewer.
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.
"Spectacular fall foliage," "Awesome place to view fall colors," and "the fall foliage is simply amazing," are what Google reviewers are saying.
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.
One TripAdvisor reviewer who visited in the fall said, "The views are absolutely gorgeous. Definitely add to your bucket list."
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.
One Google reviewer who visited in the fall said, "Many hiking trials are around for you to explore the wilderness area. Keep a watch out for deer, bear, and moose!"
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.
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Our team independently recommends products on Amazon.com, and we earn from qualifying purchases.
Check out even more biking trails in the Adirondacks »
