A favorite fall activity of mine is to leaf peep and there are so many different ways you can do it in the Adirondacks. You can take one of many scenic drives, hike to a summit, paddle a lake, and even check out the view from the top of a waterfall. I am speaking about High Falls Gorge, a 22-acre nature park with hiking trails and four cascading waterfalls on the West Branch of the Ausable River.
This is more than your average park, though. Each trail is groomed and suitable for all levels of hiker, especially for newbies. And aside from the trails, there is a walkway with bridges and glass floors that traverse all four waterfalls from top to bottom. This way you get the full effect of the rushing water and magnificent views from all angles and levels. The best part of this park, aside from its beauty, is that it takes no effort, and all ages can enjoy the views. There is also wheelchair access in some parts.
No need to worry or feel pressure to do anything quickly here. You can take your time and sit back to enjoy the powerful and pristine waterfalls from one of the many benches scattered throughout the park.
By the time you read this, it will be peak foliage in the Adirondacks. This means that High Falls Gorge will be bursting with vibrant reds, golds, and oranges. Right now, which was a week ago, the colorful foliage was beginning to emerge. And the views from High Falls are stellar because its nestled in the mountains and across from Whiteface, enabling an up close feel to it all.
The park has added some new features, including a picnic area right on the water and an indoor/outdoor banquet space where they host weddings and other events. High Falls Gorge deserves to be on your fall bucket list, and you could spend all day there, eating at the River Walk Cafe, shopping at the gift shop, hiking the trails, or just taking in all the surrounding fall colors. You can hike one of the forested trails, which are also open for snowshoeing in the winter. These paths lead you into a serene landscape. If you have ever wondered how to best plan your fall foliage trip to the Adirondacks, check out this blog post on scenic drives and view the foliage report for updates. There are plenty of ways to see the fall colors. But, certainly don’t miss High Falls Gorge. Start planning your trip today! There's plenty to see and do in the Adirondacks.This week in ADK news: