As autumn rolls in, New York transforms into a canvas of stunning fall foliage. With its vibrant colors, crisp air, and breathtaking scenery, there’s no better way to appreciate the season than a road trip through upstate New York. On September 3rd, I, along with a few friends, embarked on an unforgettable journey from Ozone Park, Queens, to Lake Placid. This blog captures the essence of our adventure, exploring iconic attractions, indulging in delicious meals, and basking in the beauty of nature.
Table of Contents
Day One: From Queens to Albany, and Onwards to Lake Placid
Morning: The Journey Begins
Our journey began early in the morning as we departed from Ozone Park, Queens. As we left the hustle and bustle of the city behind, the scenic route towards Lake Placid gradually unfolded before us. The crisp September air and excitement of witnessing the renowned fall foliage created a palpable sense of adventure.
Lunch Stop in Albany: New York State Capitol After several hours of driving, we arrived in Albany, the capital of New York State, where we decided to stretch our legs and grab some lunch. Albany is home to some beautiful architecture, most notably the New York State Capitol building. We spent a bit of time admiring its grandeur before heading to a nearby local eatery for lunch. We feasted on classic New York-style deli sandwiches, with a side of fresh salad, perfect to fuel us for the rest of our journey.
Afternoon: Arrival in Lake Placid
After refueling our energy, we continued the drive, surrounded by a tapestry of fall colors along the way. By late afternoon, we reached our destination: Hampton Inn & Suites in Lake Placid. Situated close to Mirror Lake, the hotel offered a cozy retreat after a long day of driving. We checked into our room, took some time to unwind, and rested in preparation for the next day of adventures.
Evening: Dinner and Relaxation
As evening set in, we ventured out to The Great Adirondack Steak & Seafood restaurant for a hearty dinner. The restaurant’s rustic charm and delicious food provided the perfect ambiance to settle in and plan our itinerary for the following days. After dinner, we returned to the hotel and turned in early, ready to explore more of Lake Placid the next day.
Day Two: Exploring the Scenic Wonders of Mirror Lake and Whiteface Mountain
Morning: Complimentary Breakfast and Mirror Lake Visit
The next morning started with a complimentary breakfast at the hotel. It was the ideal way to start the day with a spread of fresh fruit, pastries, scrambled eggs, and coffee.
With a warm breakfast in our bellies, we headed to Mirror Lake, just a short walk from the hotel. Mirror Lake is aptly named for its crystal-clear, glass-like surface that reflects the surrounding mountains and trees in their autumn splendor. The lake offered a peaceful retreat, and we took some time to walk along the shore, absorbing the breathtaking views of the water and its mirror image of the fall foliage.
Afternoon: Whiteface Mountain Adventure
Following our leisurely morning at Mirror Lake, we decided to drive toward Whiteface Mountain, one of the most famous peaks in the Adirondacks and a must-see for any visitor to Lake Placid. As we climbed higher, the vistas became more and more spectacular. Along the way, we stopped to admire a beautiful creek running alongside the road. The crystal-clear water, framed by fall foliage, was a sight to behold.
Upon reaching the entrance to Whiteface Mountain, we paid a $20 entry fee. The drive to the summit was nothing short of mesmerizing as we were surrounded by a patchwork of golden, red, and orange hues. Once at the top, we parked the car and made our way to the summit, which can be reached either by climbing a staircase or taking an elevator to the peak.
Although we chose to take the stairs, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it, as it can be quite steep and challenging. If you’re not feeling up for the climb, the elevator is a great option. Once we reached the summit, we were rewarded with panoramic views that took our breath away. The vibrant autumn colors stretched as far as the eye could see, with the majestic Adirondack Mountains in the background.
Evening: Dinner and High Falls Gorge
After descending Whiteface Mountain, we headed back toward Lake Placid, stopping for dinner at Lisa G’s, a beloved local restaurant known for its comforting, hearty meals. We indulged in wood-fired pizza and locally brewed beer, which was the perfect way to wrap up a day of exploration.
Before calling it a night, we made a brief stop at High Falls Gorge, where we marveled at the power and beauty of the waterfalls. The Gorge is especially picturesque in the fall, with colorful leaves surrounding the cascading water. After our visit, we returned to the hotel to rest, excited for the next day’s adventures.
Day Three: Olympic History and Outdoor Adventures
Morning: Olympic Museum and Breakfast
Our third day began with another satisfying breakfast at the hotel before we set off to explore Lake Placid’s rich Olympic history. Lake Placid has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, once in 1932 and again in 1980. The town has embraced this legacy, and a visit to the Lake Placid Olympic Museum was a must.
The museum was fascinating, showcasing memorabilia from both Olympic games, including the famous story of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” when the U.S. hockey team defeated the heavily favored Soviet Union. It was a nostalgic journey through sports history, and we left feeling inspired.
Afternoon: Ski Jumping Complex and Kayaking on Mirror Lake
Next on our itinerary was the Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex. The towering ski jumps offer a glimpse into the thrill of Olympic ski jumping. While we didn’t witness any events, the view from the top of the jump provided a sense of the incredible skill and bravery these athletes possess. For a more thrilling experience, you can take a ride on the zip line that soars next to the jumps!
Afterward, we decided to enjoy the serene beauty of Mirror Lake from a different perspective—by kayak. We rented kayaks from a local outfitter and paddled across the still waters. The afternoon sun bathed the fall foliage in a golden glow, making for a tranquil and picturesque experience.
Evening: Dinner and Relaxation
As the sun set, we ventured out for dinner at The Cottage, a cozy lakeside restaurant offering spectacular views of Mirror Lake. We dined on comforting dishes like roasted chicken and mashed potatoes, savoring the flavors as we watched the sun dip below the horizon.
Back at the hotel, we enjoyed some quiet time reflecting on the beauty of Lake Placid and the many adventures we’d had so far. Tomorrow would be our final day, and we were determined to make the most of it.
Day Four: Bidding Farewell to Lake Placid
Morning: Final Day of Exploration and Breakfast
Our final day in Lake Placid began with one last breakfast at the hotel, giving us the energy to squeeze in a few more activities before heading home. We decided to revisit some of our favorite spots from the previous days, including a final walk around Mirror Lake.
Afternoon: A Scenic Drive Home
As much as we would have loved to stay longer, the time had come to head back to Queens. The drive back took us through more of New York’s beautiful fall scenery, offering a fitting end to our autumn adventure.
We stopped for a leisurely lunch at The Log Jam Restaurant in Lake George, where we enjoyed a cozy, rustic meal before continuing our journey home.
Evening: Returning Home
By evening, we arrived back in Queens, our hearts full from an incredible weekend away. The trip to Lake Placid had been everything we’d hoped for—a perfect mix of outdoor adventures, stunning landscapes, and a chance to immerse ourselves in the beauty of fall.
Top Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss in Lake Placid
While our itinerary covered some of the most popular spots, there are plenty of other attractions in and around Lake Placid worth exploring:
- Adirondack Scenic Railroad: Take a scenic train ride through the heart of the Adirondacks, especially beautiful in the fall.
- Wild Center: Located in nearby Tupper Lake, this natural history museum focuses on the wildlife and ecology of the Adirondacks. The outdoor Wild Walk is a favorite for families.
- John Brown Farm State Historic Site: Visit the former home and burial site of the famous abolitionist John Brown, just a short drive from Lake Placid.
- Mount Jo: If you’re looking for another hiking challenge, Mount Jo offers a relatively easy climb with rewarding views of Heart Lake and the surrounding mountains.
- Cascade Mountain: Another popular hiking destination, Cascade Mountain provides a moderately challenging trek with stunning views from the summit.
Final Thoughts
Lake Placid is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re visiting in the fall to enjoy the foliage or in the winter to experience the town’s Olympic legacy, Lake Placid offers something for everyone.
Our four-day road trip was filled with unforgettable moments, and it was the ideal way to experience the magic of upstate New York in the fall. From the serenity of Mirror Lake to the stunning vistas from Whiteface Mountain, every moment was a reminder of how special the Adirondacks truly are. If you’re looking for an autumn escape, I highly recommend putting Lake Placid at the top of your list.
Photo Credit: Image by montypeter on Freepik
