Fall in the Adironack High Peaks

Flaming Leaves Festival, Olympic Jumping Complex, Lake Placid, NY

Celebrate fall at the Flaming Leaves Festival, October 10–11, 2026, at the Olympic Jumping Complex in Lake Placid. Enjoy live performances by Austin and the In-Laws and Muddy Ruckus Band, along with craft and food vendors, beer, face painting, caricature portraits, children’s crafts, and a kids’ barrel train.

The highlight of the weekend is the U.S. Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined National Championships, where some of the country’s top athletes will compete and soar overhead against a spectacular backdrop of Adirondack fall foliage.

Oktoberfest, Whiteface Mountain, Wilmington, NY

Celebrate Oktoberfest at Whiteface Mountain on September 26 and 27! This weekend-long Bavarian festival features authentic German music, dancing, food, beer, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Recognized by SKI Magazine as one of North America’s five must-visit Oktoberfest celebrations, the event brings the sights, sounds, and flavors of Bavaria to the Adirondacks.

Enjoy performances by die Schlauberger, The Adlers, the 3 Alphorns, and the Alpenland Tänzer dancers in the Main Entertainment Tent, along with Schachtelgebirger Musikanten (Scha-Musi) in the Cloudspin Bar & Grill.

Activities for all ages include craft vendors, pumpkin painting, children’s entertainment, bounce houses, scenic experiences, and more.

2026 World Figure and Fancy Skating Championships

Attend the skating event on October 7–11 at Herb Brooks Arena in the Lake Placid Olympic Center.

This extraordinary international event celebrates the connection between figure skating and art. Over five days, skaters perform on dramatic black ice, using their blades to create intricate, artistic patterns known as “fancy figures.” The result is a captivating combination of athletic skill, creativity, and artistry unlike any other skating competition in the world.

WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, Whiteface Mtn and Mt Van Hoevenberg

Come cheer on the world’s top mountain bikers, October 2 to October 4, as they compete in the final round of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series! Experience three action-packed days of downhill racing at Whiteface Mountain and cross-country competition at Mt. Van Hoevenberg. As the series reaches its thrilling conclusion, the stakes will be high, titles will be decided, and champions will be crowned!

Lake Everest, Wilmington, NY

Have a picnic lunch at Lake Everest and launch a kayak. There are picnic areas, BBQ grills, a playground, and dog-friendly grassy areas.

Mirror Lake, Lake Placid, NY

Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding with beautiful mountain views surrounding the lake. Public access areas and rentals nearby make it easy to spend a relaxing afternoon on the water, and one end of the lake is dog friendly for guests traveling with pets.

Stop and get your lunch at the Little Supermarket Deli before leaving!

Before heading to Whiteface Mountain, make a stop at the Little Supermarket Deli in Wilmington. This local favorite is known for its freshly made sandwiches, deli subs, snacks, and drinks—perfect for a day of hiking, sightseeing, mountain biking, or exploring the Adirondacks. Grab a hearty lunch to take with you and enjoy a picnic at the summit, along the trails, or beside one of the region's beautiful lakes and rivers. It's a convenient and delicious way to fuel your Whiteface adventure.

Hiking

Whiteface Mountain offers incredible hiking opportunities with breathtaking views of the Adirondack High Peaks. Visitors can explore scenic mountain trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging summit hikes, all surrounded by alpine scenery, fresh mountain air, and panoramic vistas. Adventurous hikers can ride the gondola on the weekends or drive the Whiteface Memorial Highway before continuing on foot to the summit for unforgettable 360-degree views.  You can stop at the Base Lodge and purchase an lunch to go for your day on the trails.

Make sure you layer your clothes, it will be cool in the mornings and warmer during the day.

Whiteface Memorial Highway

For one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the Adirondacks, take a trip up the Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway. This five-mile paved mountain road climbs more than 2,300 feet to the summit of Whiteface Mountain, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Adirondack High Peaks, Vermont, and Canada. At the top, visitors can explore the historic stone castle, enjoy dining and shopping, and experience unforgettable 360-degree mountain vistas. Open daily from spring through fall, it’s one of the most popular attractions near Lake Placid.

Whiteface Mountain Gondola Ride

Winter 2025–26 Cloudsplitter Gondola rides change in September and October. Check the schedule before going. Visit the Whiteface Conditions Page for current information. The weather changes quickly and often snows here in October.

Take in the Adirondacks from above aboard Whiteface Mountain’s eight-passenger Cloudsplitter Gondola. The scenic ride travels from the Main Base Lodge to the summit of Little Whiteface in less than 15 minutes, carrying you over mountain streams, ski trails, rugged rock faces, and dense forests.

Tickets for the Cloudsplitter Gondola must be purchased on-site at the Whiteface ticket area

On the way to Lake Placid, Visit the High Falls Gorge - 2 May 2026 to 25 October 2026

This family-friendly destination features safe, accessible walkways and bridges that lead visitors alongside the breathtaking Ausable River as it rushes through a stunning granite gorge. Guests can enjoy cascading waterfalls, scenic overlooks, nature trails, and unforgettable Adirondack photography opportunities in every season. Just minutes from Whiteface Mountain, High Falls Gorge is a must-see stop for anyone exploring Wilmington, NY, and the Lake Placid region.



Olympic Center

Step back in time and discover the rich Olympic legacy of Lake Placid Olympic Center on a guided tour led by knowledgeable local historians. Visitors can explore the iconic venues where unforgettable moments in sports history took place, including the legendary 1980 "Miracle on Ice" hockey game and Eric Heiden’s remarkable five-gold-medal performance. Filled with fascinating stories, insider insights, and historic highlights, these tours offer a unique look at Lake Placid’s role as a two-time Olympic host. 



Play miniature golf at Boots & Birdies

 Looking for family-friendly fun in Lake Placid? Boots and Birdies is a western-themed family entertainment center offering one of the area's most enjoyable miniature golf experiences. Challenge friends and family on the scenic 18-hole mini golf course, then step up to the batting cage for even more outdoor fun. Perfect for kids, parents, and groups of all ages, Boots and Birdies combines classic family entertainment with Adirondack charm, making it a popular summer attraction and a great addition to any Lake Placid vacation itinerary.

Explore the Main Street Shops

Lake Placid’s picturesque Main Street is one of the Adirondacks’ premier destinations for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Visitors can explore unique boutiques, outdoor outfitters, art galleries, gift shops, and specialty stores while enjoying stunning views of Mirror Lake and the surrounding High Peaks. The village is home to a wide variety of restaurants, from casual cafés and family-friendly eateries to lakeside dining and upscale cuisine featuring local flavors. After a day of shopping and sightseeing, catch a movie at the historic Palace Theatre.