Fall in the Adirondacks: Scenic Drives & Mountain Lookouts
When autumn sweeps through the Adirondacks, Herkimer County becomes a masterpiece in motion. Roads wind through forests painted in gold and crimson, reflections ripple across quiet ponds, and the mountain air carries that unmistakable scent of pine and woodsmoke. For couples, photographers, motorcyclists, and road trippers, this is the season when every mile feels like a postcard — and every curve offers a reason to stop, look, and linger.
From the Mohawk Valley’s rolling farmland to the Adirondack foothills beyond Old Forge, Herkimer’s fall season unfolds gradually. The color begins in the valleys, climbs the ridges, and finally settles across the lakes, creating weeks of breathtaking drives and unforgettable views.
Rivers and Roads of Color
Begin your autumn drive along Route 28, the scenic backbone of Herkimer County. The road follows the Moose Rivernorth from the village of Herkimer through Middleville and Poland, winding into the Adirondack foothills toward Old Forge. In fall, the route becomes a corridor of color — maples and birches framing the highway in gold and red, while glimpses of the river sparkle through the trees.
Early morning mist rises from the water, catching the first light of day, while late afternoons bathe the surface in a copper glow. It’s a peaceful stretch to pull over for photos or simply listen to the steady rhythm of the current blending with the whisper of leaves overhead.
As the road climbs north, the drive captures everything that makes Upstate New York’s autumn so enchanting — quiet bridges over clear streams, winding forest turns, and the occasional deer stepping delicately through the trees. For motorcyclists, the gentle curves and open stretches of Route 28 offer one of the most scenic rides in the region. Detours along South Shore Road or North Shore Road, which trace the edges of the Fulton Chain of Lakes, reveal even more fall color reflected on the water.
Lakes, Lookouts & Autumn Reflections
Heading farther north, the landscape opens to mountain ponds and tranquil waterways. Near Old Forge, Old Forge Pond offers one of the most iconic autumn scenes in the Adirondacks — mirrored reflections of red and orange leaves glowing on still water. Early morning and late afternoon bring soft light that turns the pond into a painter’s palette, perfect for photographers and quiet travelers alike.
A short drive away, Moss Lake rewards those who venture just off the main road. Tucked amid the foothills, this serene spot captures the season’s peaceful side — rustling birch leaves, the occasional loon call, and a sense that time slows the moment you arrive. It’s a place for quiet reflection — and the kind of photo that sums up fall in Upstate New York.
Ride the Rails into the Season
For a new perspective on the landscape, climb aboard the Adirondack Railroad. This historic rail line departs from the village of Thendara, just north of Old Forge, carrying passengers through some of the most stunning fall scenery in the region. The train winds past lakes, marshes, and wooded valleys — all ablaze with color — offering a slow, immersive journey through the heart of the Adirondacks.
Couples can enjoy the nostalgia of vintage rail travel, while photographers find endless vantage points from the observation car. For motorcyclists and scenic road trippers, it’s a perfect complement to the drive — a chance to rest, relax, and see the same landscapes from a new angle.
