Visiting Adirondack National Park, when is the best time to go?

[Lan-Lord]

Quite a few New York and NE JHO'rs here. Anyone been to Adirondack Natl Park? I always see good photos during the fall from up there. I don't see much color change down here in Texas and have been wanting to see some real color one of these days. Anyone have some recomendations for when is best, or if there are some other places to visit?

 

[clutchkiller]

Hey Chris,

I think the color viewing season starts around the middle of September for the higher elevations, and at the end of September for the lower regions of the park. It's pretty much over by the end of October.

If you are really considering taking a trip, book your hotel as soon as you can. A lot of people drive up from NYC and NJ... the hotels fill up fast. I would check out the Lake Placid, Lake Champlain, and Old Forge areas if you want to stay in the park. If you don't mind driving, then you might consider Saratoga Springs, NY. It's kind of a large Bed & Breakfast town (a stretch), and your wife would probably enjoy shopping at the stores on Rte 9.

And here is the best advice I can give you... Avoid checking in or out of JFK at all cost!!! It's not a bad airport for catching a connecting flight, but trust me, you do not want to check in for a flight at that airport!!! It would be well worth the extra money to fly to Syracuse or Albany, and then drive to the park from either city.

This is a pretty good site for planning a trip http://www.adirondacks.com/

 

[5.9cummins]

Dido Clutch

I would stay up in the high peaks region (Saranac lake / Lake Placid). Oldforge is nice I have a camp there but its not quite the high peaks, all in all not bad.

Be prepared for crowds. The adiroundacks get mobed during that time of the year, try and stick to the week days if you can its the only time i will go up anymore. There wont be AS MANY people.

Here are a couple more points of intrest.

Whiteface mountain has a gondola to the top of the mountain or you can drive or hike up. Although the hike is just under 8 miles I think.
White Face Mountain

The Adirondack Senic Railroad is also nice. It formerly ran from Utica to Saranac Lake. Utica to Thendera is still open and a portion near Saranac Lake is open. The rest is under construction / reconstruction. I have riden the lower protion and recomend it.
Adirondack Senic Railroad

If you want to travel a little the St. Lawrence seaway is quite nice. 1000 islands and Alex bay are'nt bad, Abay to the locals. Ive always wanted to take a hot air balloon ride at that time of the year.
1000 Islands balloon rides.

Or if you want to go south you could go to Lake George.
Lake George balloon rides

Hope this helps
Jared

 

[Brettski]

Dont forget about good ol' VT either. Vermont has a booming tourist economy, and welcomes visitors for the apple picking, pumping patch picking season, the corn maze festivals, the the views of the green (or should I saw orange, red, yellow) mountains is a sight in the fall.

Some sites to check out:
http://www.vermontvacation.com/seasons/fall.asp
http://www.foliage-vermont.com/
http://vtweb.com/foliage/guestphoto.html
http://www.vermontfallfoliage.com/

My significant other works at a cozy Vermont Inn, if you're planning on a stay in the Greater Burlington area this is a must stay establishment, plus I've gotta boost her business as well:
http://www.willardstreetinn.com/

 

[Lan-Lord]

Thanks for the local knowledge.

I can already tell a few comments from you guys will get me further than spending a lot of time doing research on the web.

This trip isnt an abolute, but it is definitely bright on the radar right now.