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Autumn Escapes: Best Places to Stay in the Adirondacks in Fall

For a breathtaking fall foliage experience you'll want to stay in the ADK! Find the best places to stay in the Adirondacks in fall below.

Friends Lake Inn for a Couples Getaway

Friends Lake Inn is situated on the shore of the private 450-acre Friends Lake in Chestertown. They offer upscale accommodations, outstanding dining, and everything you need for a private fall retreat - including foliage surrounding the lake!

Little touches like an in-room fireplace and double steam shower are excellent for those cool autumn evenings.

One TripAdvisor reviewer said: "The inn is charming, comfortable, quiet, and the furnishings are lovely. The food is also delicious, but the best part of the stay, however, was the staff."

Garnet Hill Lodge for Hikers & Mountain Bikers

Great for couples or families, Garnet Hill Lodge in North River boasts a variety of accommodations to suit your needs, plus an outdoor center with bike rentals and more outdoorsy gear.

Explore their professionally designed biking trails and on-site or nearby hiking trails for another way to enjoy the vibrant leaves.

One TripAdvisor reviewer said: "We thoroughly enjoyed our fall hiking holiday. . .the lodge is well managed. . .the views of 13th Lake are beautiful with the changing leaves."

Bonus tip: Gore Mountain is just 20 minutes away, for fall foliage gondola rides!

The Haus on Mirror Lake for Lake Placid Lovers

Mirror Lake and Lake Placid in general are a huge draw in the fall for tourists who can't get enough of the Adirondacks in autumn. The Haus on Mirror Lake is a boutique, chic hotel in the center of all the action. Consider springing for a fireplace suite!

fall foliage by mirror lake
Photo credit: Lake Placid Region

"The best location you can ask for quite honestly," said one TripAdvisor reviewer. "We were in the area for the first time in the summer and fell in love. Coming back in the fall was even more beautiful," another reviewer said.

The Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake to Get Away From It All

Any waterfront destination in the Adirondacks should have those fall foliage views around the lake or river that you're looking for - did you know that trees near water tend to have higher soil moisture and more vibrant leaves? - but Blue Mountain Lake is the best if you're looking for that classic Adirondack escape.

Choose from lodge rooms or cabins at The Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake, depending on how large your group is, and plan to explore nearby hiking trails, like Castle Rock and Blue Mountain. the latter of which has a fire tower.

As one Google reviewer said, "I don't know what to say really, the world just sort of melts away up here. It's a place I love telling all my friends about, and yet at the same time, I want to keep it a secret."

Bonus tip: Adirondack Experience: The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake is 5 minutes away and typically open through Columbus Day Weekend.

Hotel Saranac for Terrace Views & A Charming Downtown to Explore

The historic Hotel Saranac is surrounded by foliage come autumn! Saranac Lake is a less touristy area than Lake Placid, although they still have a bustling downtown and a lively arts scene, for the best of both worlds.

Enjoy a fall foliage hike at Baker Mountain or Ampersand Mountain, or if it's warm enough, paddling on Saranac Lake or Lake Flower. You'll have somewhere spectacular to return to.

"On the 2nd floor is a terrific great hall, with a bar, lounge area, walk-out terrace, and fire place," a Google reviewer pointed out.

Fun fact: This hotel is rumored to be haunted, for those looking for some Halloween vibes along with the foliage!

See fall foliage lodging specials >>

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woman in hat poses in front water
About the Author: Erin Nudi Erin is an avid reader, yogi, jogger, and hiker living in Queensbury. When she's not perusing books at Northshire, Owl Pen Books, or Beldame Books, you can find her at a local event or park with her family.