The Fall Group Getaway Guide to Lake George

If your gang of friends prefers cooler temps, fiery colors, and active adventures, look no further than a getaway together to Lake George in the fall.

Autumn always come early – and lasts longer – in the Adirondacks. Boasting one of the longest fall foliage seasons in the country, this region is home to one of the nation’s most striking displays of rolling landscapes ablaze in yellows, oranges, and reds. In fact, Lake George is like ground zero for this explosion of color, with an abundance of things to do – like hot-air balloon fests and foliage-themed photography tours – that make a trip during this unique season one your friends and family will never forget.

Where to Stay

Modeled after a Victorian Adirondack “camp,” the historic and magnificent Sagamore Resort features almost 400 rooms and suites surrounded by tennis courts, pools, fine dining, and some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country. While every accommodation offers first-class luxury, for groups really looking to soak in those Lake George fall views, book the resort’s First House. This 3,500-square-foot meticulously decorated home away from home boasts two levels, four rooms spread across two wings, and a full kitchen and dining room. Not to mention, it boasts a patio and great lawn that overlooks Lake George mirroring the colorful foliage.

Kick Start Your Morning

There’s nothing like a hot cup of coffee on a cool fall morning – and a pretty cup of coffee to boot. Ten miles south of the resort, Caffe Vero is manned exclusively by foam artisans – baristas who have mastered the standard latte designs of ferns, feathers, and hearts and elevated their repertoire to include teddy bears, puppies, and elephants. Even Attila the Hun has found himself recreated in one of their mugs. While their coffee is, quite literally, a work of art, it isn’t the only reason they have won a Tripadvisor “Award for Excellence” several years in a row. They are also a local favorite for breakfast and lunch with staples like French toast made from homemade bread and omelets and sandwiches like reubens, rachaels, and turkey melts.

Hike through the Colors

The best time to hike Cat Mountain, a popular trail in Bolton Landing, is in the fall. Why? Because the 3.5-mile ascent is shrouded in a thick colorful forest of maples, oaks, and birches. Once you do reach the 1,956-foot summit, you’re treated to the best view of southern Lake George and its rolling sea of fiery reds and oranges, from the Tongue Mountain Range to the north to Buck Mountain in the south. Have The Sagamore pack your group one of its picnic baskets to lay out at the top.

Cruising in Vintage Style

Sailing three times a day on Saturdays and Sundays until the end of October, The Morgan is a 72-foot replica of a nineteenth-century touring vessel that departs from The Sagamore’s dock and takes guests on complimentary hour-and-a-half-long tours northward on the lake. After navigating the Narrows, the brown and green two-level ship heads to the less populated areas for unobstructed and all-natural views of the fiery Adirondacks. Take photos from the sun deck or sip on bloody Marys in the warmth of the enclosed lower deck. Larger parties can even rent out The Morgan for longer, catered tours.

Riding the Wind

One of the most iconic activities to do in Upstate New York for a birds-eye view of fiery foliage? Hot-air ballooning. And there’s no better-known operation for private charters than SunKiss Ballooning. Founded in 2007, the principal pilot, Todd Monahan, has flown all over the world including Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. But he swears nothing beats soaring over the rolling hills, valleys, farmland, and mountains of his home: The Adirondacks.

Italian Al Fresco

Thanks to a smattering of heat lamps, guests can still dine on the outdoor slate patio of The Sagamore’s La Bella Vita – in view of the southern exposure of Lake George – even when the temps begin to drop. Might we suggest their Italian Sirloin “Piedmontese,” a heritage breed beef sirloin served beside parmesan gnocchi, pancetta, mushroom, and spinach.

Fall Foliage Tour

When the leaves begin to turn, local Lake George photographer, Carl Heilman II, starts offering his Fall Nature Photography Tours. This day-long workshop begins with a brief introduction to shooting landscapes before taking students to a handful of Lake George locations, including scenic outlooks, village parks, and shoreline vistas to practice capturing light and location in a spectrum of settings. By the time night falls, everyone has professional-level shots of the lake, waterfalls, and all of the majesty of the Adirondacks in autumn.

Toast Marshmallows In the Evening

What better way to take in the crisp chill of an autumn evening than a firepit? Right outside of The Sagamore Resort’s historic facade, you’ll find a stone-stacked fire pit surrounded by wooden benches and space heaters. But the best part of the experience isn’t just the drinks served from La Bella Vita, but the acoustic guitarist that sometimes plays in the evening beside you.