Top 4 Scenic Foliage Drives

Indian Lake to Speculator

Speculator fall foliage
Speculator fall foliage

 

Trip distance: 34 miles

This drive will give you gorgeous scenic views of the fall foliage, as well as views of two beautiful Adirondack lakes. Starting in Indian Lake, head south on Route 30. You will drive along the almost 14-mile-long Indian Lake. As you head south, you will pass by the Indian Lake Islands campsite as well as Lewey Lake Campground. You'll know you've made it to Speculator when you come to the infamous Pig Rock. At the four corners, take a right onto Route 8 then turn left on South Shore Road. This will take you around the back side of Lake Pleasant.

Oak Mountain fall foliage
Oak Mountain fall foliage

An opening at Cherry Beach will give you a picturesque view ofhttps://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/oak-mountain. Turn left on Gilmantown Road then left again on Route 30 to return to Speculator. 

Lower Arietta to Piseco

Adirondack fall foliage
Adirondack fall foliage

Trip distance: 27 miles

This drive starts on the lower end of Arietta on Route 10. The first 13 miles, all heading north on Route 10, are quite secluded and desolate. Take your time on the windy stretch of road. The canopy of foliage will seem to wrap around you as you curve your way to Piseco. Once you get to the end of Route 10, take a left on Route 8 and follow it for 3 miles. This will take you to Old Piseco Road, where you will turn right. Follow this road around the backside of the lake for 8 miles, past Point Comfort and Little Sand Point Campgrounds. You'll also pass by the small Piseco Airport. Once you get back to Route 8, turn right and it will bring you back to Route 10.

Long Lake to Blue Mountain Lake

More Adirondack fall foliage
More Adirondack fall foliage

Trip distance: 12 miles

This short but beautiful drive will take you from the northern end of Long Lake and into Blue Mountain Lake. Starting by the Long Lake Town Beach, head south on Route 30, following the road through the beautiful town. You will then turn right onto Route 28S. This trip will take you past Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake. The beach is a beautiful place to overlook the lake. 

Raquette Lake to Inlet

Even more Adirondack fall foliage
Even more Adirondack fall foliage

Trip distance: 11 miles

Start your tour off with a scenic boat ride of Raquette Lake on the WW Durant, and maybe have some lunch on the water. Then, hop in your car and hit the road! Take Route 28S toward Inlet and take a self-guided tour of a few of the Fulton Chain of Lakes: from Eighth to Seventh, then Sixth, Fifth, finally ending at Arrowhead Park on Fourth Lake. You can take a walk on the beach and take in the views.

Fall Fog Over the Lake
Fall Fog Over the Lake

If you are interested in taking a drive through the Adirondacks to observe the foliage, you can take one of these drives or create you own! Hit the road, grab a bite at a restaurant overlooking the lake, and snag a reservation at a cozy bed and breakfast