Fall is in the air and that means in just a few weeks the mountains surrounding the Whiteface Region will erupt into a sea of color. It’s no surprise that travel has changed over the past six months and in many ways is still restricted. While we’re all eager for things to return to our old normal, there are still ways to embrace the now and travel while keeping safety a top priority. Many people are referring to 2020 as the year of the road trip and the Whiteface Region is the perfect destination. Eager to hit the road? Here’s how you can visit the Whiteface Region safely this fall.
Outdoor Activities
The Whiteface Region is home to world-class fly fishing, mountain biking, and hiking making it an outdoor-lovers playground. While getting outdoors is a great way to keep socially distant, trail heads and summits tend to be higher traffic areas. It's good stewardship to carry a mask or neck gaiter for when passing others. It is also good to have a plan b! With many people looking for an outdoor escape this year, trailhead parking spots may fill up earlier than usual. If the parking is full, the trail is full too. Luckily, there are plenty of Adirondack hiking trails to choose from! It’s also a great time to try a less popular outdoor activity like fly fishing or mountain biking!
The Ausable River runs through the Whiteface Region and each year anglers visit its banks in search of trout. With less crowds and scenic fall foliage, autumn is the perfect time to give fly fishing a try. There are two fly fishing shops in the Whiteface Region, the Hungry Trout Fly Shop and the Ausable River Two Fly Shop and both have guides eager to introduce more people to the sport!
Mountain biking is growing in popularity across the Adirondacks and the Whiteface Region has become a must-visit biking destination. The major trail networks in the Whiteface Region include The Flume Trails, Hardy Road Trails, Poor Man’s Downhill, and the Wilmington Skills Park. Each offers something unique, with trails ranging from easy to expert. Nearby bike shops offer rentals and guided tours if you don’t have a bike of your own.
Attractions
The Whiteface Region is also home to unique attractions, perfect for families and those looking for great views with a little less work. Currently, High Falls Gorge, the Whiteface Veteran’s Memorial Highway, and the Whiteface Cloudsplitter Gondola are open. Masks are required and some restrictions are in place. High Falls Gorge claims - rightfully so - to be the Adirondacks' most breathtaking, year-round, 30-minute walk. The Whiteface Veteran's Memorial Highway is a road that winds its way up Whiteface Mountain (New York's fifth-highest peak), with scenic views and pull offs along the way. Currently, access to the Whiteface Mountain summit from the highway is closed. The Cloudsplitter Gondola takes you up and over the ski trails on Whiteface, dropping you off atop Little Whiteface. From there you will see views of Lake Placid and the surrounding area.
Stay
When it comes to lodging, the Whiteface Region has it all. Whether you prefer a hotel, motel, farm stay, or campsite, the lodging properties are working hard to keep their guests' safety a priority. Covid Policies can be found on nearly all of the lodging sites as well. Area restaurants are also offering indoor dining, outdoor dining, and take out. With fall views so picturesque why not opt for a picnic?
We're All In This Together
Don’t forget, this is a stressful time for everyone and each person has their own level of comfort surrounding the risks of Covid-19. Restaurants, lodging properties, and attractions are also operating with reduced staff and added sanitization steps could mean longer wait times. Sit back, relax, and know everyone is doing their best to provide a perfect travel experience for you!
Additionally, New York maintains a list of states where the infection rates of Covid-19 are high enough to cause concerns. Visitors from these states and NY residents returning from these states are required to self-quarantine for two weeks. As infection rates change, states are removed and added to this list. For the most up to date information on quarantining visit governor.ny.gov/. For more information on visiting the Whiteface Region during Covid-19 visit our travel updates page.
Ready to plan your fall visit to the Whiteface Region? Start planning your visit now!
