10 Must-Do Fall Hikes in the Adirondacks (Under 3 Miles)

If you’re looking for breathtaking fall foliage without a strenuous climb, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of the best short and easy fall hikes in the Adirondacks, perfect for beginners, families, and anyone who wants to enjoy autumn’s beauty.

In this post you’ll find 10 Adirondack Fall hikes that are under 3 miles in length with less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain. We’re also sharing 7 accessible fall foliage views throughout the Adirondack Park.

Adirondack Fall Hikes for Beginners

These 10 Adirondack Fall Hikes are perfect for beginners who want to experience autumn in the Northeast. Take a short, simple Adirondack hike through the most perfect fall foliage. To help you find your way, we’ve included an interactive map of all the trailheads below. Let’s get hiking!

1. Azure Mountain: Fire Tower Views Near Paul Smiths

This short but steep climb rewards you with incredible 360-degree views from the top of a historic fire tower, perfect for a quick autumn adventure.

Azure is located a few back country roads away from Paul Smiths College. This puts the trailhead in close proximity to several colleges. It’s location mixed with its easy of completion and beautiful views makes it a very popular mountain. 

The trail is very wide due to erosion which makes it incredibly easy to follow. A short, steep uphill will lead you to the Firetower. Please do your part by staying in the middle of the trail to prevent further erosion, no matter how muddy it is! No trail widening, please.

Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to find solitude on the summit, even on a busy day. Please clean up after yourself and feel free to clean up after someone else too! Leave it better than you found it. 

2. Baker Mountain: The Perfect Beginner’s Hike in Saranac Lake

A true village hike, this trail offers two routes to a summit with stunning views of the Saranac Lake High Peaks region, all within walking distance of town.

Baker Mountain in Saranac Lake offers two routes from its trailhead in town at Moody Pond. The slightly shorter .9-mile hike is steeper than the 1-mile hike to the summit. We suggest hiking Baker in a counter-clockwise loop to avoid the steep portion on the downhill.

The summit provides views over the Village or Saranac Lake towards the High Peaks Region.  

This hike is part of the Saranac Lake 6er Challenge. If you’re up for a challenge, give it a try and earn your patch. Know that to earn a 6er title, one must start and end their Baker Mountain summit (on foot) from the 6er bell, located in Berekely Green Park.  

3. Bald Mountain: A Family-Friendly Fire Tower in Old Forge

Ideal for all ages, this popular trail provides panoramic views of the Fulton Chain of Lakes from a fire tower, making it a must-do for families visiting Old Forge.

Bald Mountain, or Rondaxe Fire Tower, is located just outside of Old Forge. This popular trailhead gets very busy so I suggest hitting it up for an early morning hike to avoid crowds and lack of parking. 

With beautiful views of third lake from the summit and 360-degree views from the firetower, Bald Mountain is one of the more popular easy fall hikes in the Adirondacks for families. 

Bald Mountain is part of the Fulton Chain Trifecta. If you’re visiting Old Forge, try to hike all three to earn a patch! 

4. Belfry Mountain: The Easiest Fire Tower Hike in the Adirondacks

This is the quickest and most leisurely ascent to an Adirondack fire tower, offering spectacular views for minimal effort—a perfect sunrise or sunset spot.

To access Belfry Firetower, hikers are required to hike a .4 mile acces road to the summit. It’s a leisurely ascent and an obvious trail to follow. 

Please do not stray from the access road as this hike takes place on private property. The owner has allowed access to the fire tower via the road.

As one of the easiest and shortest fire tower climbs, this hike is quite popular. Enjoy these spectacular views for sunrise and sunset to avoid large crowds.

5. Castle Rock: Vibrant Fall Views of Blue Mountain Lake

Enjoy a steady incline to a stunning lookout point with expansive views of Blue Mountain Lake, all while experiencing some light rock scrambling near the summit.

Castle Rock is a beautiful hike on the North shores of Blue Mountain Lake. This hike provides vibrant views of the foliage surrounding Blue Mountain Lake.

The trail is fairly straight forward and steady until just before the lookout point. Be prepared for some very light, family-appropriate, rock scrambling and a bit of a squeeze to reach the viewpoint. 

If you’re looking for a much more challenging hike nearby, check out Blue Mountain Fire Tower. You won’t regret the birds eye view of Blue Mountain Lake!

6. Kane Mountain: A Short & Sweet Fire Tower Hike in Caroga Lake

A perfect escape for fall foliage, this trail leads to a fire tower where you can peer out over a sea of autumn colors and a truly magical sea of hardwoods.

This short and sweet hike just outside of Caroga, New York is perfect for fall foliage. When you peer out through the fire tower windows you’re met with a sea of hardwoods dipped in autumn delight. 

The initial trail is a steady climb that will leave you winded, but isn’t too difficult. Complete the trail in a clockwise loop to experience the more gradual decent and to avoid crowds on your return. 

If you’re into Mountain Biking the Wheelerville Trail System is located just a few miles from the Kane Mountain Trailhead. I highly recommend checking out these trails if you have your bike handy!

7. Mt. Arab: An Accessible Family Hike with a Fire Tower Museum

This hike is as educational as it is scenic, with a manageable climb to a summit featuring an observer’s cabin that now serves as a museum, complete with a fire tower for amazing views.

A truly amazing hike for the whole family! The initial climb can be a bit steep, but they’ve added stairs to make the ascent more accessible. 

As you near the summit, you’ll notice a handful of social paths. Please refrain from traveling those and stay on the main trail to the summit. 

The summit has an observers cabin which is now a museum ran by the Friends of Mt. Arab. Climb the fire tower or take a seat on the bench and eat lunch. No matter what you choose, you’ll be met with stunning views of the Adirondack Park in Fall. 

8. Mt. Jo: Classic Fall Foliage & Heart Lake Views Near Lake Placid

An iconic sunrise hike, Mt. Jo provides a breathtaking view of Heart Lake and the MacIntyre Range, with the added magic of morning fog slowly clearing over the autumn leaves.

If you are in the Lake Placid area for fall, Mt. Jo is a must. Be warned, you will need to arrive prior to 6 AM if you want a parking spot right away. Or you can wait until mid-morning/late afternoon.

Sunrising Mt. Jo is my favorite way to spend an Adirondack Fall morning. The view of the heart lake and the MacIntyre Range is actual fall foliage perfection. 

A sunrise hike here adds to the beauty as the fog over heart lake slowly clears and the most perfect sun beams hit the autumn leaves. Easily the best *easier* fall hike in the Adirondacks in my book!

9. Rocky Mountain: Big Views for Little Effort in Inlet

Super short and incredibly sweet, this hike climbs straight to a rocky summit with spectacular views of Fourth Lake, making it perfect for a quick trip or a family outing.

Super short, incredibly sweet, and less than 5 minutes from the town of Inlet. Rocky Mountain is the perfect Adirondack fall hike for an adventurer short on time or a family with young children who want to enjoy spectacular views. 

The trail climbs straight out of the parking lot until it reaches a rocky summit with beautiful views of fourth lake. Catching this hike at sunrise is sure to lessen the crowds and enhance the views.

Rocky Mountain is part of the Fulton Chain Trifecta. Hike all three Old Forge/Inlet-area mountains for a patch! 

10. The Pinnacle: A Scenic Lookout Over Lake George

This gentle incline brings you to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Lake George, providing a classic Adirondack scene without the strenuous climb.

Located on the Western shores of Lake George, The Pinnacle is a hike that proves popular in autumn. As far as easy fall hikes in the Adirondacks goes, this is at the top of the list.

A gentle and steady incline – with bench pit-stops along the way – will bring you to a beautiful view of Lake George. This expansive viewpoint provides views of the Lake George 12ster Mountains across the lake, as well as Lake George’s many islands. 

The Pinnacle is just outside of Bolton Landing which is a great place to stop for a beverage and a bite to eat!

7 Accessible Adirondack Fall Views

Check out these 7 accessible Adirondack Fall foliage views. Whether you’re physically unable to complete the above-mentioned hikes or you’re looking for an easier way to enjoy autumn leaves, these accessible Adirondack fall views are for you. 

• Drive High Peaks Byway

Drive route 73, the High Peaks Byway, between Lake Placid and Interstate 87. This 28-mile long road takes around 40 minutes to drive and will leave you speechless.  

• McCauley Scenic Chairlift

Take the McCauley Scenic Chairlift for amazing views of the Fulton Chain of Lakes. Experience nature’s amazing show of colors with ease. 

• Prospect Mountain’s Veteran Memorial Highway

For $10 a car, you can drive up Veteran Memorial Highway to gorgeous views of Lake George. Park at the parking lot and walk or take the shuttle to the true summit for a picnic area and the remains of the world’s largest cable railroad. 

• The Wild Center

Visit the Wild Center’s Wild Walk for treetop views of the Tupper Lake area. The Natural History Center provides additional opportunities for fun and exploration with the Forest Music and Live River exhibits. 

• The VIC

The Barnum Brook Trail, located at the Paul Smith’s VIC, is a .7 mile wheelchair accessible loop with perfect autumn Adirondack views. The trail surface is at least 4 feet wide and made of wooden boardwalks, pavement, gravel, and natural dirt. This is one of the only accessible fall hikes in the Adirondacks.

• Whiteface Cloud Splitter Gondola

Open Friday through Sunday from 8:30AM to 5:30PM, visitors can ride the Cloud Splitter Gondola to the summit of Little Whiteface. Be transported from the base to the peak in an awe-inspiring 15-minute ride among the tree tops. 

Pro Tips for Your Adirondack Fall Hiking Adventure

Planning an autumn trip to the Adirondacks requires a little preparation to make the most of the season’s beauty. Here are some pro tips to ensure your fall foliage experience is unforgettable.

When to Go: Timing Your Adirondack Fall Trip

The timing of peak Adirondack fall foliage can vary each year, but generally, the best colors in the High Peaks and northern regions (like Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake) appear in late September to early October. For the southern Adirondacks and Lake George area, peak season often falls in the first half of October.

To find the best peak colors in NY, it’s helpful to remember that foliage changes from north to south and at higher elevations first. The Adirondack Park is one of the earliest places in the state to experience this transformation. As the season progresses, the vibrant hues move down into the Catskills and then to the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes regions.

If you’re looking to avoid the biggest crowds, consider a weekday trip. For family-friendly Adirondack hikes and the most popular spots, arriving early in the morning is a great way to secure a parking spot and enjoy some solitude. For up-to-the-minute updates, we recommend checking the official I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report, which tracks the color change across all of New York’s regions

What to Wear & Pack for Beginner Hikes in the Adirondacks

Even on beginner hikes in the Adirondacks, being prepared for changing weather is crucial. The mountains can be much cooler than the valleys, especially in the mornings and evenings.

• Layers are key: Wear moisture-wicking base layers, an insulating fleece or jacket, and have a wind/waterproof outer shell. Sometimes it’s warm at the trailhead and chilly at the summit; you can’t go wrong with layering.
• Sturdy footwear: While these are easy hikes, sturdy, closed-toe shoes or hiking boots are essential to protect your feet on rocky and muddy trails.
• Essentials: Pack a small backpack with water, snacks, a map (or downloaded trail info), and a headlamp or flashlight, just in case your hike takes longer than expected. Don’t forget your camera to capture that vibrant Adirondack fall foliage!

Safety First: Emergency Preparedness

Even on a short, family-friendly Adirondack hike, it’s crucial to be prepared for the unexpected. While the trails on this list are considered easy, weather can change in an instant and accidents can happen.

• Tell a friend: Always let someone know your hiking plan, including where you are going and your expected return time.
• Carry the “10 Essentials”: While these aren’t all needed for a 1-2 mile hike, packing a small daypack with the basics can prevent a bad situation from getting worse. Essentials generally include: a map and compass, extra food and water, a headlamp, a first-aid kit, and a whistle.
• Cell service is spotty: Do not rely on your phone for navigation or emergencies. Many of these remote trailheads have little to no cell service.

Hiking with Your Dog

The Adirondacks are a dog-friendly paradise, but bringing your furry friend requires extra preparation. Many of these Adirondack fall hikes are perfect for pets, but remember to be a responsible owner.

• Leashes are required: Keep your dog on a leash at all times. This is a matter of safety for your pet, other hikers, and the local wildlife.
• Pack for them too: Bring extra water and a collapsible bowl, and don’t forget doggie waste bags. Always pack out your pet’s waste.
• Know your dog’s limits: Pay attention to signs of fatigue or overheating, and never push them beyond their comfort zone.

Hunting Season: Be Visible

If you’re hiking in the Adirondacks in the fall, you’ll be sharing the woods with hunters. It’s essential to be visible, especially on public lands where hunting is permitted.

• Wear bright colors: Dress in bright orange or other vibrant colors like red or yellow. Avoid wearing brown, white, or green. This is a simple but critical safety measure.
• Keep your pets visible: If you’re hiking with your dog, outfit them with an orange vest or bandana.
• Stick to the trail: While these are not deep backcountry hikes, staying on designated trails is a good practice, especially during hunting season.

Leave No Trace Principles

Preserving the beauty of the Adirondack Park for future generations is everyone’s responsibility. As you explore these trails, please follow these Leave No Trace principles. This is especially important on popular routes like the Adirondack fire tower hikes and the Adirondacks accessible fall views.

• Plan Ahead and Prepare: Check trail conditions and weather before you go.
• Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack it in, pack it out. This includes all food wrappers, bottles, and any other trash.
• Stay on the Trail: This protects the delicate ecosystem and prevents trail widening and erosion. Social trails are a major issue on some of these summits, so please stick to the main path.
• Be Considerate of Others: Share the trail, keep noise to a minimum, and yield to uphill hikers.
• Leave What You Find: Don’t take rocks, plants, or artifacts. Let others enjoy the same discoveries.

Conclusion

The Adirondack Mountains offer a breathtaking canvas for fall hikes. With vibrant foliage, crisp mountain air, and serene lakes, these trails provide an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.

Whether you’re seeking a challenging ascent or a leisurely stroll, the Adirondacks have something to offer everyone. So lace up your boots, pack your backpack, and embark on a fall adventure in this stunning region with the help of our list! You can’t go wrong with any of the Adirondack Fall Hikes under 3 miles that we’ve provided.