Located in upstate New York, inside the protected wilderness of Adirondack Park, the town of Lake George is a destination in itself; its main feature is the pristine freshwater Lake George, which is 32 miles long, 3 miles wide, and more than 12,000 years old. The area holds significance in American history — it held witness to territorial battles between the British and the French in the mid-18th century until the American Revolution. Today, travelers from all over the world come to see the picturesque views of the Adirondack wilderness. It’s a place where families can come to retreat and discover the 100-mile high vista of Prospect Mountain. There are many outdoor activities to enjoy, including boating, golfing, horseback riding, and spending long days grilling under picnic pavilions on the beach.

Albany International Airport (ALB) is only 50 miles south of Lake George and serves many major airlines. From there, rent a car to take the breathtaking drive into the hills of upstate New York. It’s a memorable drive from the start and only gets better the closer you get to the lake. Other ways to get into and around Lake George include shuttle services, buses, and trains. Amtrak offers daily stops to Fort Edward, which is about 20 minutes from Lake George. Whether you are staying in cabins in Lake George or cottages, there are many scenic routes accessible to take in the natural beauty, like Route 9N, Lake George to Hague & Route 8, and Hague to Brant Lake.

To make the most of your vacation at Lake George, plan your visit from May to September, when temperatures will be moderate enough for you to hike and bike around the lake. Some other activities perfect for this time of year include whitewater rafting and playing golf. Throughout the year, the weather in Lake George is a nice mix of cool temperatures with light humidity.

If you travel to Lake George from October to November, you’ll see the leaves reveal their legendary autumnal colors. Along with the foliage, what makes fall a special time to visit Lake George are the many festivities that you can experience like the Adirondack Balloon Festival, Oktoberfest at the Great Escape, or the Fort By Firelight. Another favorite local fall tradition is to head out in the woods and spend a weekend camping.

Leaf peeping

Prepare to be wowed by the foliage and all of the amazing photo opportunities that Lake George affords visitors in fall. A couple of key vantage points include the hiking trails of Shepard Park and the views from the Lake George Steamboat. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find beautiful perspectives that make Lake George a memorable trip.

Adirondack Balloon Festival

The Adirondack Balloon Festival is a local tradition that’s drawn visitors from all over the country to this corner of upstate New York for over 40 years. The day begins with an early Big Balloon Breakfast followed by a morning launch of dozens of balloons. The festival features concerts, barbecues, a car show, a craft fair, and flashlight-friendly views of balloons flying in the moonlight.

Cruise Paradise Bay

A local steamboat company has been taking passengers around Paradise Bay for over 200 years. Board one of America’s longest-operating tour boats, as it cruises around the bay showing off the stunning scenery of the lakeside homes, the Island of the Narrows, and the Adirondack Mountains.