There’s nothing quite like cruising down the open road, windows down, a gentle breeze embracing you. To get away from the bumper-to-bumper traffic pace of the city and travel alongside scenic routes.
It’s a specialty of the Lake George Area (and the Adirondack Park), to be sure, but what really heightens the experience is the mesmerizing backgrounds that the Fall Foliage creates. From miles upon miles of forests and woodlands, to the natural flowing beauties of the local lakes and rivers, there’s plenty of opportunity to embody the cozy autumn vibes just by driving around.
Here are some suggested paths you can take, and what type of journey you can expect.
Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway
Location(s): Lake George
Length: 5.5 miles
Est. Travel Time: 10 minutes
Want to see several mountains filled with autumn hues? Then, you’ll definitely want to check out the beloved Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway.
Beginning on State Route 9, before the heart of Lake George Village, this pathway takes you over 5 miles through gorgeous loops and curves. Trees line both sides of the road, with several scenic vistas to stop at along the way, including The Narrows, Lake George, and the Eagle’s Nest.
The grand prize, however, is when you reach the summit, where you are gifted a 100-mile view** of the local Adirondack Mountains. Not only that, but you can also see the Green Mountains in Vermont, the White Mountains in New Hampshire, and even the Laurentian Mountains of Canada. All decorated with leaves of warm, vibrant colors. Make a meal out of it by making use of the included BBQ grills and picnic tables at the top. This is a treasured scenic spot for a reason, and one certainly worth sharing with the entire family.
Pictured: Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
*Please note there are fees for travelling on the highway. Fees are $10/car, $5/motorcycle, $50/bus, $75/daily pavilion rental. For more information, check out our listing.
**The range of visage is dependent on the weather. Some mountains may only be visible under clear weather conditions.
Graphite Mountain Road
Location(s): From Horicon to Hague
Length: 12.5 miles (One-way)
Est. Travel Time: 17 minutes (One-way)
For majestic views of the Adirondack Mountains from the POV of a quiet, winding road, consider driving on Graphite Mountain Road.
In the northern section of Warren County, on NY Route 8, this road serves as a connecting point between the small towns of Horicon and Hague. Trees line along both sides of the road through twists and turns, offering peaceful scenery throughout. Aside from the picturesque views of the eastern Adirondacks at the peak of the fall season, travelers are also treated to the sights of the nearby majestic Brant Lake, featuring a magnificent 15 miles of shoreline.
Even more leaf-peeping opportunities exist on route. If you have time for a short hike, stop by the Swede Mountain Trail for a 1.8-mile roundtrip hike to the summit of the 47-foot-high fire tower, where you’ll find panoramic views of Gore, Crane, and 11th Mountains, along with Brant Lake. There’s also a pull-off rest area around the half-way point, with complementary views of the local North Pond. Plus, for an extra photo opportunity, don’t forget to be on the lookout for the locally renouned “Elephant Rock,” with chalk markings to help it make even more lifelike.
Peak fall foliage happens alongside Graphite Mountain Road, making it a premier location for nature-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Pictured: View from Graphite Mountain Road; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
*Check out this Google Maps link for reference and more information.
Palisades Road and Route 8 Loop
Location(s): Horicon
Length: ~ 20 miles (Total)
Est. Travel Time: ~ 30-35 minutes (Total)
If you’re looking for a complete drive around Brant Lake (and the surrounding flora), then this route is for you.
Traveling through both NY Route 8 and Co. Rd. 26 (Palisades Road), a canopy of trees overhead guides you throughout the Brant Lake perimeter, inviting you to savor the sight of millions of falling autumn leaves, accompanied by the cool blue of the water. A collection of houses and cottages decorate the surrounding road(s) and lakeside to provide you with a classic ‘homey’ and ‘cozy’ feel for any photos you may take.
A couple of scenic pull-off points in the form of park preserves are available for short rests and other opportunities to admire the surrounding nature, but besides that, this is a fairly straightforward loop that allows travelers a relaxing seasonal drive, but one nevertheless worth enjoying.
Pictured: View of Brant Lake from Palisades Road; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
*Check out this Google Maps link for reference and more information.
Lake Shore Drive
Location(s): From Lake George to Hague
Length: 32.4 miles (One-way)
Est. Travel Time: 47 minutes (One-way)
Consider making a day trip out of the longest roads in the area by journeying through Lake Shore Drive, filled with breathtaking backroad sights, as well as plenty of recreational opportunities.
Starting at the tail-end of Lake George village, Lake Shore Drive takes you on State Route 9N (known for being the largest suffixed route in New York) and has you travel through multiple towns and hamlets around, including Diamond Point, Bolton Landing, and Silver Bay.
With the combination of both the Adirondack Park as well as the “Queen of American Lakes” itself accompanying your drive, it’s hard not to find the perfect autumn scenery surrounding you. You’ll end up traveling almost the entirety of the 32 miles that make up Lake George and the forests and woodlands around it, so having plenty of room on your camera roll is a must.
However, if you’re craving more picturesque views, Lake Shore Drive contains many trailheads and hikes on its path, so if you don’t get everything done in one trip, don’t fret (this just gives you the chance to discover more next time). From easier and shorter hikes such as Pole Hill Pond and the Terzian Woodlot, to the elevating peaks of the Tongue Mountain Ranges (accessible via the Clay Meadows Trailhead), there’s plenty to experience. Even the historical sight of Sabbath Day Point Overlook offers a magnificent sight to behold.
If you wish to witness a good portion of the nature that the Lake George Area has to offer, then traveling on Lake Shore Drive is a terrific task to add to your itinerary.
Pictured: View of Lake George; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
*Check out this Google Maps link for reference and more information.
Warrensburg - Stony Creek Loop
Location(s): From Warrensburg to Stony Creek
Length: 12.7 miles (One-way)
Est. Travel Time: 20 minutes (One-way)
If riverside views are more of your preferred style, then check out this scenic route going through the towns of Warrensburg and Stony Creek.
This loop has travelers driving past two of the area’s distinct rivers, bunches of falling leaves from the hundreds of trees surrounding them, offering travelers postcard-worthy visages. Stony Creek Rd. and Warrensburg Rd. have you traveling alongside the famous Hudson River, while River St. provides a voyage alongside the smaller, yet still cherished, Schroon River.
Perhaps one of the biggest highlights of this trip is the Thurman Station Bridge, which offers a mesmerizing vantage point traveling across the Hudson River. Though that’s not to say there aren’t other “must-see” stopping points. We recommend checking out the dozen short paths through the fields, woods, and wetlands that make up the Dean Farm Heritage Trail in Stony Creek, as well as the perfect pull-off spot that is the Warrensburgh Historic Mills District Park.
The Warrensburg-Stony Creek loop captures the essence of the Adirondack experience, with the perfect blend of nature and small-town atmosphere that tourists and locals both love.
Pictured: View of Schroon River from Warrensburg; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
*Check out this Google Maps link for reference and more information.
**Make sure to travel through the included Athol/Thurman section for even more leaf-peeping.
Queensbury – Lake Luzerne Loop
Location(s): Queensbury – Lake Luzerne (optional choice of Lake George)
Length: ~ 25 miles (Total)
Est. Travel Time: 38 minutes (Total)
Take a trip through the western corner of Queensbury and the small, charming Lake Luzerne, for an unforgettable autumn drive.
This route features multiple stretches of long, quiet backroads colored with vibrant autumn colors that’ll leave you in awe. From the West Mountain Road trail to the near 10 miles of winding wonder that is the Glens Falls Mtn. Road, and the combination of Lake Ave. and Route 9N that has you travel alongside Lake Vanare. These open-ended passages bring peace and tranquility as your vehicle guides you along.
Besides the couple of scenic pull-off stops along the way, you can also take advantage of the 2.6-mile Rush Pond Trail on West Mountain Road, or perhaps use Goggins Rd. at the end of Luzerne to check out the trails at the Gurney Lane Recreation Area to take in that brisk fall air.
With multiple entry points to the Adirondack Northway (I-87), this loop is easily accessible for all travelers. Why not use this knowledge to head north to any of the above-mentioned scenic drives? Either way, this is a guaranteed great way to experience the southwestern portion of the Lake George Area.
Pictured: View of Lake Luzerne; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
*Check out this Google Maps link for reference and more information.
**Alternatively, you can go north from Goggins Rd. to quickly reach Lake George Village, but this is optional.
North Creek / Johnsburg Drive
Location(s): From Warrensburg to Thirteenth Lake (Johnsburg)
Length: 24.5 miles (One-way)
Est. Travel Time: 30 minutes (One-way)
In the far northwest corner of the Lake George Area lies the quiet, yet gorgeous trails of 13th Lake Rd. and NY-28.
Whether you choose to start in the town of Warrensburg (just past Main St.) or right along the shores of Thirteenth Lake itself, you’ll be rewarded with a relaxing drive through the wilderness, a mix of mountains and waters providing a complete, fall landscape.
This route has travelers moving alongside the Hudson River, as well as the North River, while also gazing out at the nearby lushness of the surrounding Gore Mountain woodlands. Besides a few pull-off points around the North River and the crossing of the Glen Bridge, this is a relatively serene drive. Instead, there’s plenty of trees and such around, meaning plenty of chances to observe the foliage, as well as the local wildlife.
If you crave therapeutic travel through the outdoors, or simply a tried and true fall-season nature experience, this route is highly recommended.
Pictured: View from North River; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
*Check out this Google Maps link for reference and more information.
With an abundance of scenic routes and locations around, it’s no wonder that the Lake George Area continues to be a featured destination for autumn tourists and travelers. No matter where you decide to go, we’re confident you’ll find your treasured spot(s) that’ll have you returning for more, much like the leaves each following year.
Time to get out there and admire that famed Adirondack Fall Foliage!