46 Things to Do in Fall

5. Take a “rail” family bike trip.

For a whole new P.O.V., hop on a railbike and pedal through the natural beauty of Tupper Lake. 

6. Was that shiver just from the wind or was that a... GHOST! 

Fort Henry William has been home to battles, cold hungry winters and widespread disease. Hear haunting stories passed down through the years and maybe encounter something paranormal yourself on a haunted tour. 

7. Thrilling coasters and chilling “scarezones”

With monsters and ghouls roaming about, thrilling and haunting halloween rides, and skin crawling shows you'll be shaking like a leaf at the Great Escape's Fright Fest.

8. Get toasty by a firepit

Wind down by a firepit with a glass of hot cider and a s’mores kit before just outside your beautiful pine lodge. Enjoy the privacy, comfortability, and Adirondack authenticity of renting an Adirondack cabin or cottage.

9. Experience where “vacation” began

Did you know the word "vacation" originated with Adirondack getaways? It was common to "take a holiday" until city residents began to "vacate" the city for a calming weekend in the Adirondacks. Learn some more fun Adirondack facts at interactive museums like Adirondack Experience—The Museum at Blue Mountain Lake.

10. Explore an island-bound castle

Located on Dark Island off the coast of Hammond, the boat-access only Singer Castle features secret passageways, a two-story ice house, indoor squash court and dungeon.

11. Enjoy a boat tour

Relax, feel the wind in your hair and learn some history and local lore on one of the many scenic, guided boat tours in the Adirondacks.

12. Walk on the wild side.

The Wild Center in Tupper Lake is filled with hands-on experiences and live animals, including resident river otters, birds and reptiles. Explore the 115-acre campus with trails and an interactive ball run—the Raquette River Roll— that winds through the woods. The Wild Center closes for the season in mid-October. 

19. Bite into the bliss of a warm cider donut

Once you’ve had a cider donut so fresh that it’s still warm in your hand, there is no turning back. At Rulfs Orchard in Peru, the doughnut maker starts preparing fresh donuts each morning at 6 a.m.

20. Quench your thirst on the ADK Craft Beverage Trail

Map out where you want to stop along the Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail consisting of 27 beer, wine, cider, soda and distilled spirits makers. 

21. Delight in outdoor dining

Throw on your warmest sweater for a fall-time outdoor dining experience. Whether it’s  for breakfast, lunch or dinner under the stars, savor your fleeting chance to dine outside before the temps get too brisk. 

22. Pack yourself a picnic of local yum.

Stock up on cheeses, charcuterie, butter, fruit spreads and freshly made baked goods–and spread out a blanket alongside freshly fallen leaves. Many small, local ADK general stores, such as Charlie John's in Speculator, carry an array of local ingredients and other fun, very Adirondack keepsakes.

23. Bike the ADK Coast Wine Trail

Cycle from vineyard to vineyard while taking in the spectacular views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack mountains. Find other award-winning regional wineries here.

33. Plan a yoga retreat

Practice your tree pose in the greatness of the Adirondack Park when you go on an outdoor yoga retreat at Kelpytown Kove, a farmette that offers yoga classes, workshops, and glamping retreats.

34. Tee off at masterfully made golf courses

Have an un-fore-gettable day at some of the Adirondack golf courses designed by golfing legends such as Craig Wood and Alistair Mackenzie. Enjoy the masterfully made courses and the astounding beauty of the Adirondacks.

35. Up your daily steps with a fire tower

For all you adventurous early birds, take a hike up Mount Arab to see a stunning sunrise from the lookout tower. See the sun illuminate Arab Lake, Tupper Lake and the northwest foothills of the Adirondacks. 

36. Run a Halloween 5k

Practice your flee from the monsters that emerge on Halloween Night by running the Goblin Gallop 5k in Glens Falls. Maybe try a warm up at the ADK5K at the Adirondack Pub & Brewery the month prior.

44. Hike the historic Upper Works Trailhead.

Explore major pieces of the Adirondacks history on the Upper Works Trailhead, an interpretive trail steeped in history including the MacNaughton cottage where Teddy Roosevelt began his midnight ride, a massive iron furnace, and views of the Hudson River.

45. Go antiquing

Take a peak into the history of the Adirondacks and bring home a treasure from any of the antique stores in the Adirondacks. A perfect place to find a souvenier to remember your trip by.

46. See a battle re-enactment

Step into the past during a day-long salute to the historic Battle of Plattsburgh with re-enactments, ceremonies, 19th century kids games, blacksmithing demonstrations, hands-on crafts, farm animals, live music, history talks, a parade, fireworks, and more.