The Best Places for Leaf Peeping within an Hour’s Drive of Saratoga Springs

Some great foliage spots all within an hour drive of Saratoga Springs

As the weather cools and the trees begin their stunning transition from green to yellow to red, people from all over travel to upstate New York to immerse themselves in the natural beauty that fall brings. Of course you can enjoy everything that fall has to offer right in Saratoga Springs, but if you want to extend your stay, there is so much to enjoy and explore within an hour drive of Saratoga Arms.

The Adirondack Mountains


Bolton Landing
is 41 miles northwest of Saratoga Springs. Get up close and personal with the colorful leaves by experiencing a treetop Adventure Course at Adirondack Extreme Adventure Park. This is an adventurous obstacle course set in the natural environment which includes zip lines, suspended bridges, scramble nets, swinging logs, surfboards, and more! There are also walking trails along the course that allow you to walk and observe others as they use and progress through the courses. The Adventure Course is open through early November so book your experience in advance.

 

Just south of Bolton Landing is beautiful Lake George. A perfect way to enjoy fall is on the lake during a Lake George Steamboat Company cruise. With three large ships and a variety of experiences there is something for everyone on one of these popular cruises. Interesting fact, on April 15, 1817 a company was incorporated by the New York State Legislature to operate commercial shipping on Lake George. The title given this company was the Lake George Steamboat Company. Get your ticket to experience a piece of history with over 200 years of service! 

 

Not interested in going out on the water? Why not take to the sky! Adirondack Balloon Flights offer hot air balloon rides by reservation seven days a week, through October, taking off at sunrise and just before sunset. Their flights offer views of the Adirondacks, Lake George, and Saratoga Springs and experiencing this at the peak of fall is truly breathtaking. 

 

The Green Mountains

Manchester, Vermont is located only 38 miles east of Saratoga Springs. The scenic drive over the state line will take you through the beautiful Taconic Mountains into a charming town nestled near the Green Mountains. We recommend visiting Hildene, the Lincoln family home, which is located on 400-acres in Manchester Village. The 1905 Georgian Revival mansion, grounds with 14 historic buildings, and farm tell the story of Robert Todd Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s only child that lived into adulthood. History, architecture, and nature make this a definite stop on your autumn adventure. If you are looking for more fun fall activities in and near Manchester be sure to visit the Manchester Business Association’s website for wonderful suggestions.

 

Underground Caves

 

Howe Caverns is 39 miles southwest of Saratoga Springs. The drive alone will be worth it to enjoy the changing leaves as you head towards Central New York but the unique experience exploring the caves 156 feet below the surface is an experience you won’t soon forget. In addition to its normal tours, in October Howe Caverns gets into the spooky Halloween spirit with Haunted Cave Tours. If you have not visited these underground caves then the fall is an ideal time to plan a trip.

 

The Berkshires

 

In the other direction, Williamstown, Massachusetts is 40 miles southeast of Saratoga Springs. Williamstown and the neighboring city of North Adams boast an impressive arts scene with nationally acclaimed The Clark Art Institute and MassMoCA. The Williamstown Chamber of Commerce has a robust events calendar to help you plan your day trip to the Berkshires. 

 

Another scenic drive includes the 90-minute drive to the summit of Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts at 3,491 feet.You can either drive to the summit, or take moderate-to-long day hikes, just keep in mind that the auto roads are only open through October 31st. 

Leaf Peeping Timeline

There are infinite places to visit within a one hour drive of Saratoga Arms, but there is even more to experience right in our backyard. Saratoga.com compiled a wonderful list of the best Leaf Peeping Opportunities in Saratoga Springs with a plethora of locations and hikes to experience this fall. Saratoga Arms Tip: Check out the I Love NY “Fall Foliage Report” to find the best time to view the ever changing leaves.

 

Saratoga Arms Pick Your Path

Room 201 bed

Let Saratoga Arms help plan your Autumn Adventure with our Pick Your Path Package and we can provide you with a hiking guide or Saratoga Springs history book, a backpack filled with picnic lunch, and a bottle of Prosecco and cheese platter to enjoy upon your return to relax with.

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