My hiking boots crunch fallen leaves as we approach the summit. I stop to take pictures as an excuse to catch my breath, but yet I’m about to lose it again – the view opens up through the trees to reveal a spectacular view.
A patchwork quilt of rustic reds, fiery oranges and bright golds stretches endlessly into the horizon. From my perch on top of Castle Rock, the lake sparkles, dotted with leaf-covered islands. The autumn air is fresh and refreshing in one of my favorite places to visit this time of year; Blue Mountain Lake Adirondack Mountains,
The hamlet of Blue Mountain Lake may be small, but it contributes big to the beauty. The Adirondacks have long been popular Destination for leaf-peepersThere are live performances at some point in September, and a wide range of outdoor activities available to get involved in.
While most of the tourists come to famous cities like Lake Placid High Peaks Area, Old Forge and Village lake georgeThese places are filled with tourists who marvel at nature’s masterpieces and walk elbow to elbow on popular trails. I grew up with this vast, six-million-acre park as my backyard and can confirm that it’s one of those lesser-known gems where it’s possible to feel like you’ve spent your own personal slice of autumn in the Adirondacks.
Located roughly halfway between Long Lake and Indian Lake, in the western area of the park, Blue Mountain Lake is the place to be for slow leaf viewing. The haunting call of the local vagrants is your alarm clock for the daily magic show. Sip coffee as the mysterious fog lifts, revealing strong colors glowing with morning light.
If you’re lucky, the wind will be cool, creating an extremely beautiful illusion; A mirror reflection, making it difficult to tell which way is up and which is down. However the attraction of this place is nothing new. Its most notable historical ties include none other than Thomas Edison, a regular guest of the distinguished Prospect House. In the 1880s, he built the first luxury hotel of its kind in the world, with electricity in every room.
The most famous resident is Blue Mountain itself, a 3,750-foot-tall giant that stands watch over this corner of the Adirondacks. The peak is one of 25 fire tower-adorned peaks in the park, attracting hikers with steep and challenging terrain (lots of exposed rock that can be slippery when wet). 4.4-mile trail Round-trip exploitation.
If you’re looking for more hiking bang for your buck, the approximately three-mile Castle Rock Trail is less technical (and sweaty) while still offering a spectacular panorama over the lake. Other great options for exploring this area of the forest on foot include Cascades and Stephens Ponds TrailThe Tirrell Pond Trailor a remote, long-distance section Northville-Placid TrailWhich can be accessed from the neighboring Lake Durant State Campground.
Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure
Another great way to admire the foliage is via paddle, whether you jump in or canoe, kayak, or motorboatWhatever you try in the fall, it’s wise to get fueled up with a homemade breakfast sandwich beforehand The Corner StoreA catch-all gas station, general store, deli, bakery and coffee shop. Do yourself a favor and order the French toast sticks too.
After the adventure, grab a beer and some delicious grub from the food truck Strong Rope Brewerytake some time out Museum at Blue Mountain Lake For an informative and interactive dive into Adirondack history. Be sure to also stop by the café deck for an excellent view of the area. check Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts To see what events and/or exhibits are currently going on, visit the historic Church of the Transfiguration, a lakeside heritage chapel built in 1855.
Most of the accommodations at Blue Mountain Lake have private campsites, some of which you can also rent small resort A collection of housekeeping cottages with a rustic feel. Finding a place to stay, especially if you have your adventurous pup tagging along, can be tricky. Since Indian Lake is nearby, Forest Renting a cabin on an Adirondack lake is a great pet-friendly option, and if you time your visit for the last weekend in September, you’ll be in the perfect position for Blue Mountain Lake and the foliage in the woods. Great Adirondack Moose Festival In Indian Lake. Oh, and out-of-this-world autumn sunsets from the Adirondack chair.
