8 Unique Ways to See Fall Foliage In & Near Lake George: From Cruises to Rafting and Beyond
This year, step outside the box and explore fun and unique ways to take in the fall foliage in and near Lake George. Whether it's cruising on a steamboat, riding a gondola, or soaring in a hot air balloon, these are some of the best activities to experience the season's vibrant colors.
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Soak Up the Dazzling Foliage While Cruising on Lake George
Head out on the lake and cruise with the Lake George Steamboat Company or Lake George Waterfront Cruises, both of which typically offer cruises themed around foliage viewing, among a variety of other specialty cruises at this time of year.
Book a traditional sightseeing cruise and enjoy the surrounding mountain views from the lake as the colors multiply from the lake's reflection. Or, make plans for a lunch or dinner cruise featuring a delicious meal during the trip.
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Hit the Foliage-Lined Trails - On Horseback!
Giddy up! What better way to fully embrace nature's beauty than atop a majestic horse?
Hit the trails and enjoy scenic views of fiery red, orange, and yellow leaves. This is a perfect activity for couples or the whole family to do together.
To get started, consider Mountain View Rocking B Ranch, which is located 10 minutes from Lake George. The ranch offers different trail options for people of all skill levels, including a popular Dinner Ride to the top of Beech Mountain!
Find out about other horseback riding companies >>
Swing Into Scenic Views at the Top of the World
When it comes to leaf peeping with a twist, golf courses offer some of the greatest views, and Top of the World Golf Resort in Lake George is no exception.
Nestled high on a hill, this 18-hole course provides sweeping panoramas of bright autumn colors as you make your way through each hole. With towering trees framing the fairways and the sparkling waters of Lake George below, it's truly a unique fall experience.
As one Google reviewer put it, Top of the World is a “hole-in-one” for anyone looking to combine golf with amazing scenery.
And, after you've played a round of golf, we recommend a visit to the on-site restaurant, which is open for lunch and dinner.
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Try Hot Air Ballooning in the Lake George Area
For truly awe-inspiring, panoramic views of the fall foliage, book a hot air balloon ride. From the basket of a hot air balloon, you'll be able to see the Adirondacks, Vermont's Green Mountains, and even Saratoga depending on your flight path.
Adirondack Balloon Flights by SunKiss Ballooning offers hot air balloon rides in the Lake George area, and their goal is to help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
One Google reviewer described the experience as, "Peaceful, beautiful, and, believe it or not, not scary at all!" Book your trip today and prepare to take flight!
Get a Panoramic View From a Gondola
Nothing beats the view from a summit, especially when the mountains are covered in red, orange, and yellow hues. As you ascend Gore Mountain in a gondola, you'll be surrounded by the vivid hues of the deciduous trees.
Gore provides 360° views of the southern Adirondacks and High Peaks, which have some of the best foliage in the Northeast.
For a closer option, you might also check out West Mountain in Queensbury for scenic chair rides during the fall season.
Fly Through the Forest Set Ablaze With Color
Fly through the forest set ablaze with color for an unforgettable experience. Ziplining is a great way to get thrill-seeking friends and older kids on board with leaf peeping.
Adirondack Extreme in Bolton Landing is one nearby attraction that offers treetop courses and ziplining tours, and they're typically open through the first week of November. Their treetop course gets you as close to the foliage as possible.
Past visitors to Adirondack Extreme commend it for being a safe yet thrilling adventure. "Fantastic zip line and adventure course!! We'll definitely be going back," one Google reviewer said. Add the fall foliage on top of that, and you are guaranteed a good time.
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Go Whitewater Rafting Among the Vibrant Leaves
Immerse yourself in the stunning foliage as you conquer the river's rapids! Many whitewater rafting companies are open through mid-October, which is the perfect time for leaf peeping in the southern Adirondacks.
In addition, while spring features the strongest rapids, fall rapids tend to be gentler, especially in September and October. Round up the family or some friends for an exciting trip down the river.
See the Trees From the Top of an Amusement Ride at The Great Escape
Get your adrenaline pumping while you take in breathtaking views of the changing leaves at The Great Escape in Queensbury. Some of the best views can be seen from Sasquatch's drop tower and Flashback, which slowly lift you up above the trees.
The Great Escape is open for fun Oktoberfest weekends from late August through September, with rides, live music, food and drinks, and more entertainment.
Then, prepare for chills during the park's Fright Fest weekends. While the days are family-friendly, the scare factor turns up at night with spooky rides and coasters in the darkness.
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