Photo by Joe Samuelson III

Fall brightens the horizon and crisps the air

 

The fall season is upon us, and the leaves are beginning to lose their greenish hue. Soon, the landscape of the Adirondack’s will explode into more shades than can be seen in a child’s coloring book. Since winter and the biting cold will be here before we know it, everyone should take the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the splendor and beauty of the Adirondacks. Before it’s too late!

The leaves are shimmering with color, and the rolling hills and rock ledges are as picturesque today as they were when the Native Americans roamed the land centuries ago. A leisurely drive through the countryside will provide you with a great foliage viewing experience, and you will barely have to leave the comfort of your car, if you so choose. This is a great way to kickback and relax during the fall. Pick a day that is forecasted to be nice and sunny, as this will add to the vividness of the leaves and trees. There are many excellent drives to be had in the Adirondacks, and they are easy to find by automobile. A variety of exits off of I-87 will take you directly into a veritable world of reds, greens, yellows, and oranges like you’ve never witnessed before. Some of these exits include 21, 22, 23, 25, and 30, and they continue all the way up to Vermont. From this point it is really up to you where you’re exploration may take you. Don’t forget your camera! You don’t want to miss photo opportunities like the ones you will undoubtedly encounter.

Carolyn Harding, the Director of Champlain Shores Visitors Bureau for Plattsburgh, New York says that there are many ways to get out there and enjoy the fall, especially in upstate New York. “There are beautiful places to hike… where you don’t have to be a mountain goat…you can bring the kids, you can be on crutches and still take some wonderful walks in the Adirondacks.”

This brings up another great activity to do in the fall: Go hiking! There are 46 high peaks of the Adirondack Mountains, as well as many mountains that aren’t included in the 46 high peaks, like Pok-O-Moonshine. You can climb a variety of mountains that will take you between a three hour round trip to climb, and an 18 hour round trip, depending on your hiking ability. Suzanne Smith, who is employed by the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council, offers some insight regarding hiking and foliage viewing in the Adirondack Park. “The height of the foliage season is usually the last week in September of the first week in October, but this year it is occurring a little bit later.” Smith also says that, “Hurricane Mountain offers a beautiful 360 degree view from the top, as well as a fire tower, and it doesn’t take more than a few hours to climb.” For more information on the estimated length of time it will take to hike any of the 46 High Peaks, check out this site.”

Harding recommends that everyone interested in visiting or exploring the region should call the visitors bureau and inquire about the travel guide, or go on-line to view it. (www.goadirondack.com). “We have a travel guide that explains everything we have in this area. We have beautiful water, fabulous walking trails, hiking trails, bicycling trails…you name it, we’ll fulfill your desires.” The guide will help you in finding everything from great fishing spots to tasty food eateries, not to mention, “All the hotels are listed, as well as bed and breakfasts,” says Harding.

For those of you who may be monetarily drained, Harding explains, “You don’t have to have a lot of money. There are a whole bunch of free trails and free access to all kinds of things.”

What's your favorite fall fun?

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