A Family Fall Weekend in the Adirondacks

Find good old-fashioned fun indoors with the Adirondack Carousel. An icon of Saranac Lake, the carousel is fashioned with 24 hand-carved carousel animals and rounding boards depicting regional scenes painted by local artists. Since our autumn months can get a little crisp and rainy at times, the carousel is the perfect way to keep the fun going while also keeping dry. P.S. Every animal touts a hidden ladybug (the New York State insect), making for a fun game while you ride. 

Looking to fit some biking, walking, or even rollerblading into the weekend? The Adirondack Rail Trail is primed for gentle outdoor recreation. A 34-mile, multi-use corridor through the Adirondacks, the Rail Trail connects the communities and landscapes of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake, while never surpassing a 2% grade. With a mix of gravel and paved sections, that means this trail is also stroller friendly!

Built along a historic rail line, the Rail Trail allows recreators to get up close to forests, wetlands, and mountain views that feel both accessible and distinctly wild. In fall, explore the trail and its collection of ecosystems, from dense forests to sprawling wetlands and wide-open lakes, now blanketed in fiery foliage.

Paul Smith's College VIC is the perfect place to immerse yourself in fall in the Adirondacks. The VIC works as a "living classroom," flaunting a diverse range of ecosystems paired with programs and wildlife experiences that offer hands-on teaching for anyone who visits. Outside of the visitor center, take the little ones to explore the 25-mile trail network, which takes you over marshland on stroller-friendly boardwalks and viewing platforms that plant you right in the heart of the natural world. 

Fall is a spectacular time to explore The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, where the vibrant colors of the Adirondacks provide a stunning backdrop for a day of discovery. Wander the Wild Walk among the treetops, explore immersive indoor exhibits, and get an up-close look at the plants and animals that call the Adirondacks home. As the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, take your time with the Trolls: Save the Humans exhibit. Witness six massive folklore-inspired troll sculptures throughout the grounds, inspiring visitors to explore themes such as recycling and reusing trash, the importance of plants and gardens, art, and more.

Pedal your way through the Adirondacks on a Rail Bike adventure in Tupper Lake! This 6-mile round-trip experience takes riders along the rails beside the scenic Raquette River, surrounded by towering forest and spectacular mountain views. While the landscape unfolds around you, it’s a fun and unique way to experience the beauty of the region at a leisurely pace. Rail Bikes can be reserved online for the whole family, seating four per cart.

Take the scenic route through the Adirondacks with the Tupper Lake Explorer, and travel the Adirondacks like a guest of the Gilded Age. The two-hour train ride will take you southbound on a historic ride along a legacy railroad, where you’ll first encounter 19th-century bridges, ruins of an old brick shingle mill, and Childwold Station. In between historic landmarks, take in the views of foliage-covered woods, sprawling marshland, and glimpses of distant Adirondack mountains.