10 adventurous ways to see fall colors in Lake Placid (without hiking)

Hiking is a great way to experience fall foliage, but it's not the only way! Whether you're a thrill-seeking traveller or looking for a relaxing on-water getaway, Lake Placid has options to satisfy any adventurer's palette. Here are ten new ways to explore Lake Placid this fall before hitting the trails. Discover your own unique adventure!

1. Paddlling

With lakes and ponds surrounded by mountains, paddling is the perfect way to take in fall foliage views from a new perspective. Enjoy your time on the water, looking up at colorful ridgelines or gazing down at the reflection of changing leaves in the water. There are plenty of options if you need to rent a canoe or kayak, and, on those warmer fall days, you can even rent a stand up paddleboard!

If you're itching to explore waters deeper into the backcountry, guides are available to show you the way across our lakes and rivers. Explore one of our many campsites and see for yourself why the Adirondacks are known as a paddler's paradise.

2. Mountain biking

The Adirondack Mountains are known for their epic hiking and skiing trails, but the fun doesn't stop there. Looking for a new way to explore trails this fall? Mountain biking will take you whizzing through the trees, giving you a new sense of adventure as autumn leaves crunch beneath your tires. Bring your own bike or rent one from one of our local gear shops. 

Time your visit to line up with one of our fall events such as the UCI World Series and join in on this awesome spectator sport!

3. Golfing

If fairways are your preferred form of adventure, fall in Lake Placid will be a real treat for you! Spend some time on the green while taking in the surrounding fall colors and create your own hole-in-one experience. Planning your next golf getaway is easy when choosing from one of our many scenic courses, but keeping your eye on the ball might be hard with the distraction of beautiful mountains in the background.

4. Take a gondola

The destination might be adventurous, but the journey will be easy. If summits are calling your name, there's certainly more than one way to reach the top. 

Enjoy panoramic fall views from the comfort of an eight-passenger Cloudsplitter Gondola, journeying to the peak of Little Whiteface on a peaceful fifteen minute ride, or check out the Skyride to reach the oh-so-high top of our famous Olympic ski jumps!

5. Ride the Cliffside Coaster

Seeking a more thrilling fall adventure? The Cliffside Coaster at Mt Van Hoevenberg is guaranteed to get your adrenaline going while giving you the experience of a bobsled run. Zoom through the historic 1980 Olympic Sliding Track while witnessing staggering landscapes dotted with fall leaves. Between the stunning autumn views and exhilarating ride, you're sure to leave this experience breathless!

6. Cycle the Adirondack Rail Trail

The Adirondack Rail Trail is a great way to immerse yourself in the scenery of fall. Once fully complete, the 34-mile trail will connect the communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. Currently, 25 miles of open trail covers breathtaking views between Lake Placid and Lake Clear!

This wide and mostly flat trail is ideal for a range of activities, and the crushed stone surface is friendly for many strollers and wheelchairs. Enjoy a relaxing stroll between beautiful Adirondack towns or rent a bike! E-bikes are also available to rent for those seeking a new way of experiencing the trail this fall. 

7. Zipline (and more!)

Whether you're seeking a new fall experience or a fun family trip, the zipline at Experience Outdoors is sure to satisfy any adventurer's desire for outdoor exploration. Based on Scott's Cobble Mountain in Lake Placid, this unique location offers views of the Adirondack Mountains that are hard to beat. Enjoy reaching new heights and witnessing fall foliage from above, or explore their other treetop activities, like their adventure course and net park.

8. Fly fishing

The fish love fall too! As the water cools, the trout start biting. Fly fish in the famous West Branch Ausable River and try your hand at catching brook, rainbow, or brown trout. Explore the area's backcountry ponds for a more remote setting where anglers are in store for a truly wild catch.

New to fly fishing? Hire a guide for tips on the best spots to cast, or to learn the basics if you're a beginner! 

9. Rock climbing

Tie in and take your fall adventures to new heights! Rock climbing is an epic way to see the foliage from vantage points most people don't reach. Whether you've been practicing in the gym, placing trad for years, or just gripping rock for the first time, local guides can help you make the most of your Adirondack rock climbing experience.

10. Scenic flight

This one is so epic it puts all other views to shame. Take a scenic flight over the High Peaks for a fall foliage experience that simply can't be beat. Choose between 20 and 45-minute tours to observe aerial views of the Adirondacks and create unforgettable memories. Sunrise and sunset tours are available for those who want to take this experience to the next level!