One fall to rule them all
In the Whiteface Region, fall, that season of crisp leaves, colorful views, and perfect harvest flavors, is the place to enjoy a fall getaway. We've put together our list of the best, most wonderful, can't-miss activities in the region for a fall that's truly unforgettable. Whether you take on all of them or mix and match, you're guaranteed a fall getaway full of color and adventure.
Leaf peeping
The Whiteface Region in fall is all about color. Big, bold color! We're talking fiery reds, shocking shades of orange, and crisp, sunshiney yellows. If you only do one thing this fall, make it leaf peeping from a scenic summit. At Whiteface Mountain, two options await: the famed Veterans' Memorial Highway, which winds up the mountain, offering people of all ages and abilities access to the summit, and the gondola at the ski center, which provides breathtaking views as riders soar to the summit of Little Whiteface. Both options get you up on the mountain with ease and memorable fun.
Want help planning your adventure? Use our Foliage Report to see updates on our progress towards peak beauty.
Farm visits
You might know that we're a flavorful region, abundant with small farms, but did you know that you can also stay at our farms? Many local farms in the Whiteface Region, from cheesemakers to goat's milk artisans, bring the farm-to-table experience to new heights with cozy, specially crafted farmstay experiences. Whether you prefer a classic farmhouse all to yourself or a cottage tucked into the activity of the farm, you'll find the beauty of farm life to be exciting, relaxing, and fascinating, all in one delicious getaway.
Family-friendly fall festivals
If you're one of those people who thinks fall is best served up with a golden ale, apple cider, live music, and a splash of adventure, then a fall festival or event is the perfect ticket. At Whiteface Mountain, Oktoberfest (you don't have to wear your lederhosen, but it's a fun bonus) is deservedly known as one of the best fests out there! From Bavarian-style beer, food, and music, to kids activities and soaring gondola rides over the slopes, this event has plenty of oompah to celebrate fall.
For even more fall fun, try the Olympic twist that the Olympic Jumping Complex puts on with the Flaming Leaves Festival! With a unique combination of local flavors and top flight ski jumping, you have to see this fall festival to be-leaf it!
Bonus event: This fall, the UCI Mountain Bike World Series is bringing intense, high adventure and awesome spectating to Lake Placid, along with a community rail jam, and much more!
Coffee, coffee, coffee!
That buzz you hear in the Whiteface Region? It's not just the vibrance of our fall events and the excitement of adventures on the trails, it's also the signal for fragrant coffee stops! In a region where flavor and quality go hand in hand and straight into your cup, local restaurants, bistros, and cafés take pride in offering robust, silky coffee drinks amid the colors of fall.
In Jay, don't miss the Adirondack Mountain Coffee Café, a local favorite overlooking the Ausable River. Indulge in a variety of brews, have a big ol' Adirondack breakfast, and don't forget to grab some beans for home. You also shouldn't miss a stop at NewVida Preserve, a relaxed, wonderful new lodge in a historic setting. The Bistro at NewVida is bright with fresh brews, lavish pastries, and healthy breakfast treats.
Adventures on the trail
Beneath your feet or beneath your wheels, the swish and crunch of fall leaves on the trail is one of the best sounds of the year. Spending time on the trails is a great way to enjoy the magic of a Whiteface Region fall, when the days are bright with color, and the weather is a perfect blend of summer sunshine and the cool crispness of fall. Bring a sweater or a jacket, your sunglasses, and head out for an adventure.
In the Whiteface Region, adventure comes in all speeds and at all levels. Easy, low-elevation trails wind and loop through the woods to scenic destinations like Copperas, Owen, and Winch ponds in the Sentinel Range Wilderness Area, for a walk in the woods that's relaxing and stunning. Another easy walk, one which features some of the Adirondacks' most interesting flora, is the Silver Lake Bog, a boardwalk trail maintained by The Nature Conservancy.
Mountain biking fans will find plenty of speed, thrills, and flow in this same area, making the Whiteface Region one of the most unique and exciting mountain biking areas in the entire state. Dedicated local groups and individuals keep the trails maintained, develop the skills park, host group rides and events, and so much more. Bring your own bike or rent one in an area shop and head to the Hardy Road and Beaver Brook Trails or the original local system, Flume Trails.
Pro tip: extend your stay and add more outdoor adventure with rock climbing and fly fishing on the world-famous Ausable River. You can even hire a guide!
Adirondack lodging
Fall isn't just about cider and leaves, it's also the perfect time to break out the cozy sweaters and book the coziest of cozy lodging for your colorful fall getaway. Get close to adventure — hiking trails, mountain biking, the mighty Ausable River — from rustic cabins, cabin-style motels, and retro lodges. Mountain views, hot tubs, fireplaces, and on-site dining are some of the amazing amenities you'll find here, along with peace, comfort, and relaxation that you simply can't put a price on.
Best of all, lodging options in the area are great for the budget-conscious, with many ways to make the most of your money. By saving big on cool lodging options, you'll have more opportunities for adventure and truly delicious dining.
Harvest dining
Family farms and chef-owned restaurants have made farm-to-table a way of life here. A really mouth-watering way of life. From the freshest of veggies making their way from the farm to your plate the same day to local, humanely-raised livestock, and some of the most amazing cheese you'll ever eat anywhere (seriously!), there's a bounty of deliciousness to pair with your outdoor adventures.
At the Ice Jam Inn, a historic home has been turned into a foodie favorite. Meanwhile, you'll want to be sure you hit Upper Jay early in the week, or else you'll miss the fun at Monday Tuesday Grill at Adirondack Trail Inn. Monday Tuesday is, indeed, only open those two days of the week and it's well worth the visit. Remember NewVida and its buzzy bistro? The resort also sports a restaurant that promises (and delivers!) on big flavor, live music, and some pretty epic views to go with that fresh, fresh bounty of Adirondack food.
Cozy handmade crafts
There's a Danish phenomenon that has made its way to the Adirondacks and we're totally into. It's called hygge and it's all about relaxing, contentment, and enjoying a cozy atmosphere with friends and family. Though it's associated with cheerful winter activities indoors, why not get a head start in fall and have even more fun? We even have stops on the official New York Fiber Trail for the ultimate in embracing the cozy!
Destinations like Young's Studio and Gallery, Jay Craft Center, and Unicorn Square bring together artists, a creative ethos, and the best handcrafted items in the region, period. Local wool that's been hand-spun and naturally dyed is ready for you to transform, and your mulled wine recipe definitely wants a new mug for the cooler months while you add carefully crafted herbal mixes to your hot bath. Sounds soothing, doesn't it? That's what the Whiteface Region can give you, here and when you get back home.
Local brews
Crisp fall colors and air call for crisp flavor. Local bars and a brand-new cidery are ideal for kicking off the cooler months indoors, where drinks can warm you up and the location and great company can warm your spirits.
Pro tip(s): Settle in at 20 Main Tavern in Au Sable Forks for the ultimate in feeling like one of the locals at this fun, friendly watering hole, and don't miss Sandy's in Upper Jay! A tart paradise with a scene that's ideal for a relaxed evening, Sandy's offers natural cider, cider slushies, and perfectly paired local nibbles.
Scenic drives
The road trip is an American classic and in places like the Adirondacks, it's easy to see why. Nature calls a lot of the shots here (woohoo!), and just getting from one place to another is a cool adventure in the middle of it all. This is the place you go when you don't care about how fast you get anywhere, where you live for the surprising joy of the next big view around every curve in these winding byways. This fall, prepare to roll the windows down, watch the falling leaves flutter by, and take it all in. It's kind of perfect here.
