What to do in the Adirondacks Now? Spring Leaf Peeping
A typical fall activity takes on a new meaning in upstate New York’s Adirondack Park.
![Spring wildflowers blooming in the Adirondack Park in Upstate New York.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60dc94af96288b177f7cc1d2/1713162215392-1S2NE8J3JO447S1YJVX6/image-asset.jpeg)
Spring wildflowers in the Adirondacks.
When one thinks of leaf peeping, one most typically imagines a spectacular fall when the beautiful Adirondack State Park landscape turns gold, red and amber with incredible foliage. However, one of the best-kept secrets in travel in New York State is spring leaf peeping in the Adirondack forest preserve may be nearly as rewarding as it is in autumn.
Breathtaking scenery over thousands of miles all year round.
Travelers visiting the 6 million acres of the Adirondack Park in the fall anticipate a stunning view. The trees offer their annual showy display of scarlet, yellow, gold, and chestnut against a backdrop of evergreens. Whether they are just going for a scenic drive or plan to hike, bike, or paddle in the Adirondack wildlife, they will experience a spectacular view.
![Kayaks paddling on the Opalescent river in the Central Adirondack region.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60dc94af96288b177f7cc1d2/1adb950a-8a71-42be-b822-3b0d658eb731/Paddling-Opalescent-River.jpg)
Paddling on the Opalescent River. Photo courtesy of: AdirondackHub.com (ROOST)
However, insiders know that spring provides another beautiful leaf-peeping adventure.
In the spring, visitors can witness trees sprouting their first verdant leaves of the season, wildflowers blooming, and chartreuse stalks of grass spiking through the soil. Hiking and biking trails through forests, past frozen lakes, and up to mountain tops offer incredible views.
What to expect during an Adirondack spring season.
The mountains, valleys, lakes, rivers, and streams provide beautiful scenery year-round; spring is no exception.
![High falls gorge in the Adirondack High Peaks region.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60dc94af96288b177f7cc1d2/a9b849bc-ffac-44dc-8e0a-a839f61ae34e/High-Falls-Gorge.jpg)
High Falls Gorge. Photo courtesy Whiteface Region (ROOST)
If you're planning to hike in the Adirondacks or have outdoor adventures from April to May, you can experience:
Trees and the mountainsides take on pink and green hues as buds emerge, swell, and unfurl.
The colors of the leaves get stronger and more vibrant as they grow, sometimes appearing suddenly.
In spring, lower elevations have blooming flowers and leaves before higher elevations and new leaves appear a little later in higher elevations.
We also think this is a good time to peer in on your neighbors' houses and camps through the trees. The foliage usually hides them in the summer and fall. Isn’t everyone curious about who is doing what to their house?
Where and when to see the spring foliage change.
Spring arrives first in the Central Adirondack region, including Blue Mountain Lake, Indian Lake, and Speculator, as well as the Lake Champlain, Gore Mountain, Schroon Lake, and Lake George areas.
![woman painting a watercolor in Keene, NY, in Plein air.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60dc94af96288b177f7cc1d2/4d658805-7895-4bdb-af74-7287ee2bbcc4/Plein-air-painting-keene.jpg)
Plein air painting in Keene, NY.
The Adirondack high-peaks region, which includes Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Whiteface Mountain, and Tupper Lake, is at higher elevations. Compared to lower-elevation areas, these regions can experience a delay of up to three weeks before they see the first bright shoots of spring.
The Adirondack Mountains offer excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation in a beautiful natural setting during spring. Luckily for many of us, they are just a day's drive of 25% of North America's population.
What to know about mud season in the Adirondacks.
In the Adirondacks, "mud season" also happens in early spring. During this time, the snow melts and the ground thaws. This makes trails and roads muddy and slushy.
![Family viewing the rushing waters of the Ausable Chasm in the Champlain region of the Adirondacks.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60dc94af96288b177f7cc1d2/cc1a1c3e-49be-4cb6-8075-99ab15cd433d/Ausable+Chasm.jpg)
The always spectacular Ausable Chasm. Photo courtesy: LakeChamplainRegion.com (ROOST)
Mud season occurs in March, April and even early May. During this time, temperatures rise above freezing during the day but drop below freezing at night. When the snow melts and rain falls, the soil becomes saturated, making it soft and muddy. This can make hiking and driving difficult.
Mud season can be challenging for outdoor enthusiasts. Trails may close or become difficult to navigate, and roads may require extra caution. Authorities may temporarily close some roads to prevent damage.
When hiking, always stay on marked trails to protect plants and wildlife. Avoid creating new trails or shortcuts, which can lead to erosion and habitat destruction.
Before heading out, check trail conditions and closures with local park authorities or online resources. Some trails may close or become impassable because of mud or lingering snow.
Spring, summer, winter or fall: it's always a great time to be in the Adirondacks.
As we like to remind our community, visiting the Adirondacks is always a good time. With some planning, you can have an amazing time in upstate New York, no matter the season.
Places to stay, shop, eat, and things to do in the Adirondacks.
An accessible yet wild and exciting interaction with mother nature less than 15 minutes from Lake Placid.
The home and final resting place of the famous anti-slavery crusader is near Lake Placid.
Celebrating 100 years of adventure along 138 miles through the heart of the Adirondacks from Northville to Lake Placid.
Step into a Norman Rockwell painting at one of our favorite lunch spots in the Adirondacks, including a lovely clothing and gift shop.
Timberlock is a rustic-style resort (but never uncomfortable) that enables guests to connect to the magnificent lakeside setting and focus on time with family and friends.
Leaf peeping isn’t just for the fall; it takes on a new meaning in upstate New York’s Adirondack Park in the spring.
Super popular waterfront restaurant in Bolton Landing with fantastic views of Lake George.
Indulge yourself at this historic grand hotel in the HIgh Peaks and Tri-Lakes region of the Adirondack Park.
Demand for lodging in the Adirondacks during the Total Solar Eclipse is at an all-time high.
North Creek holds a special place in ski history. March 4 marks the 90th anniversary of the first ski trains that would transform the Adirondacks into a winter recreation destination.
A delicious home for authentic German cuisine tucked between Lake George Village and Glens Fals.
Stay at this beautifully renovated historic resort on the shores of scenic Schroon Lake.
Upcoming events in the Adirondacks.
During PRIDE Month, Strand Center for the Arts in Plattsburgh hosts a new installation, Hues of Identity.
Experience equestrian excellence at the Lake Placid and I Love NY Horse Shows surrounding the July 4th Holiday.
The Adirondack Mountain Club is seeking volunteers for a five-day cooperative trail work opportunity.
Athletes will again descend on Tupper Lake on June 29, 2024, for the historic Tinman Triathlon, one of the oldest triathlon events in the USA.
Free Fishing Days are back in New York State. On Saturday and Sunday, June 29-30, 2024, residents and non-residents can fish without a freshwater fishing license.
Take your taste buds to Lake George for two days of local food, wine, beer and craft beverage makers.
Join The Hyde Collection in the southern Adirondacks for a creative journey inspired by the powerful work of artist Hill Werth to explore themes of inclusivity and unity.
Strawberry Shortcake and more at Raquette Lake’s strawberry festival in the Adirondacks.
Sons of Mystro open the Lake George Summer Concert Series using their violins to interpret reggae classics, American pop songs and their unique creations.
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter returns to Lake Placid to celebrate the release of her eleventh studio album, Lo.
The 3rd Annual Tri-Lakes PRIDE Festival will take place on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Saranac Lake’s historic and picturesque Riverside Park.
Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain hosts their four-day celebration of the 4th of July starting on July 1.
Fort Ticonderoga in the Adirondacks commemorates the eve of the American Revolution with a unique food event.
Local and regional artists converge to unveil their exceptional creations in the Adirondacks.
Fort Ticonderoga brings the Bravo-Real-Housewives-worthy drama with its “Drinsk + Drama” program. They will dish the dirt on all the scandals and hanky-panky that went down at Fort Ti.
Eventually Epic brings eclectic rock songs across diverse musical genres, ranging from classic rock to contemporary pop to (Hindi) Bollywood tunes, to Lake George’s Summer Concert Series.
Celebrate the 4th with family-friendly field games, fun contests, refreshments, live music and fireworks.
Enjoy the 4th of July on Lake Champlain in the Adirondacks with an Independence Day parade and a town-wide celebration.
Experience Independence Day at an iconic Adirondack lakefront town with music, magic and fireworks.
Celebrate the 4th of July in Ticonderoga — parades, food, live music, fireworks and more.
Attend a reading of the original Declaration of Independence in honor of July 4 at Fort William Henry on Lake George.
Celebrate the Fourth of July in Lake Placid with a home-town parade, live music and a fireworks spectacular.
Celebrate Independence Day at Tupper Lake’s Waterfront Park. Enjoy fireworks, live music and a baseball game.