September’s Supermoon: Harvest Moon in the Adirondacks

The Harvest Moon rising close to sunset in the Adirondacks.
On September 17, 2024, look skyward to see the Harvest Supermoon light up the Adirondack skies. The Harvest Moon is a breathtaking sight in the night sky, especially from the unspoiled wilderness of the Adirondacks. It's the perfect opportunity to slow down, connect with nature, and witness the beauty of the luminous moon.
Why is it called the Harvest Supermoon?
The full Moon closest to the fall equinox (this year on Sunday, September 22) is always known as the “Harvest Moon.” Historically, it has been a crucial time marker for farmers, signaling the start of the harvest season.
The Harvest Moon follows a shallower path across the sky. Unlike other full moons, it rises closer to sunset, and its brilliance remains longer in the sky. This gives farmers several hours of bright moonlight and allows them to finish their harvests before fall frosts arrive.
September’s full moon is also a “Supermoon.” A supermoon occurs when the Moon’s orbit is closest (perigee) to Earth while the Moon is full.
According to EarthSky, supermoons look brighter than ordinary full moons by a noticeable amount. That’s because a supermoon exceeds the disk size of an average-sized moon by up to 8% and the brightness of an average-sized full moon by 15%.

The moon in the September sky will be as big as a pizza pie.
It also creates a magical experience for moon watchers. The Harvest Moon becomes a mesmerizing spectacle in upstate New York, particularly in the Adirondacks, where light pollution is minimal. The moonlight bathes the mountains, lakes, and forests in a silvery glow, transforming the landscape into an ethereal dreamscape.
Native American names for Harvest Moon reflect seasonal changes.
Other lunar names for this month highlight September as the transition from summer to fall. Native American tribes in North America had several names for the September full moon.
Corn Maker Moon (Abenaki)
Someone Harvests Moon (Oneida)
Autumn Moon (Cree)
Falling Leaves Moon (Ojibwe)
Leaves Turning Moon (Anishinaabe)
Animal behavior is also a common theme, with Child Moon (Tlingit) referring to the time when animal moms wean their young, and Mating Moon and Rutting Moon (both Cree) describing the time of year when certain animals, like moose, elk, and deer, are looking to mate.
Celebrate the Harvest Moon.
As summer ends, we are winding down from a busy season of work and play. As we transition into fall, it's time to reflect on our accomplishments, celebrate with loved ones, and enjoy the rewards of our hard work.
Here’s how to celebrate all you’ve achieved this year.
Make a fire (or light a candle) and say “thank you.”

Celebrate the harvest moon with a bonfire.
Many cultures celebrate the harvest with a fire ceremony. During harvest time, a fire reminds us that the summer light is waning. It signals warmth, which will be necessary for survival in the coming months.
In ancient Celtic tradition, for example, the celebration of Lammas (between the Summer Solstice and Autumn Equinox) involved elaborate pagan rituals and ceremonies around large fires. People believed these ceremonies would secure a successful harvest and invoke spiritual support if harvests were less bountiful.
In a Native American context, a fire ceremony is also a way to make prayers, activate intentions, and engage with the natural cycles of life.
Tribes performed fire ceremonies during both the “new” and “full” Moon phases. At a new Moon, they made prayers and intentions, and during the full Moon, those prayers were released.
Celebrate the fruits of your labors.
Commemorate the bounty you’ve reaped this year by hosting a meal or dinner with family and friends. Gather your nearest and dearest around the table and show your appreciation for all they’ve done to support you this year.
Laughing and sharing what is within the heart expands a sense of gratitude and helps us acknowledge what we have cultivated in our lives.
Quit unhealthy habits.
The Harvest Moon signifies what is ripe, but as it reminds us of the winter to come, it also calls us to let go.
We may more easily let go of unhealthy habits.
Consider a shift in behavior that aligns with the Earth and sustainability.
Weed out the bad apples.
Take stock. What lessons have you learned this summer? What do you need? What gives you joy? What do you need to let go of?
Set aside time to contemplate what is no longer working for you.
Decide what deadwood you are letting go of as the seasons change.
Clean out your garden beds, prune your fruit trees, and clear your kitchen cupboards of items past their due date.
Winter is coming: prepare your cave or den.
It’s natural to lament the coming of the cold, but you can also find ways to look forward to snuggling in for the winter.
Get your knitting out, find those unfinished puzzles, and dig up the cozy blankets and wool sweaters. Where did I put my Uggs?
How about some new slow cooker recipes?
Make a list of fall books to read and movies to watch (or re-watch).
Making your cave cozy will leave you feeling comfortable and looking forward to the change.
Play and download our Full Moon playlist on Spotify.
We’ve compiled a Full Moon playlist to provide the perfect background soundtrack to your full moon activities.
The magic of the Harvest Moon.
There’s something undeniably magical about the Harvest Moon. It’s more than just a full moon—it’s a symbol of change, a reminder that summer is coming to an end, and a call to embrace the slower, more reflective pace of fall as you prepare for winter.
In the Adirondacks, the Harvest Moon takes on an even greater significance, illuminating one of the most beautiful regions in the country.
For locals in upstate New York and travelers alike, witnessing the Harvest Moon in the Adirondacks is an experience that stays with you long after the night is over. Whether standing on a mountain peak or by the edge of a quiet lake, observing the moon’s radiant glow will make you feel connected to the natural world in a humbling and inspiring way.
So, mark your calendar and prepare for an evening of lunar magic under the Adirondack sky. The Harvest Moon awaits.
Neil Young, Emmylou Harris and friends perform “Harvest Moon” at the legendary Ryman Auditorium.
Latest news and intel from ADK Taste.
Every summer, the quiet charm of Saranac Lake and Lake Placid erupts in a joyful scrum of fierce competition, unmatched camaraderie and community pride.
Lake George Waterfront Cruises provides an experience that is both timeless and unforgettable.
The Dog Cabin in Lake George Village has all the essential items for keeping your pup happy, healthy and well-heeled whether they’re on the road or at home.
What happens when world-class opera collides with the rugged beauty of the Adirondacks? Find out in this episode of the ADK Talks podcast.
Excellent seafood and steaks that will have you crooning like Bobby Darin: “Happy we’ll be beyond the sea….”
When was the last time you read the Declaration of Independence, one of the most consequential documents in U.S. History?
Crown Point Campground is a unique blend of natural beauty, colonial history, and modern camping comforts.
Love Loons? You’re Not Alone. ADK Talks podcast hosts the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation for an engaging conversation about loon behavior, habitat protection, and how to responsibly enjoy these iconic birds.
With over 65 farmers’ markets, the Adirondack Park is your place to savor locally grown produce and artisanally produced food products.
It doesn't get more farm-to-table than ANCA's Bike the Barns event in the Lake Champlain region of the Adirondacks.
Learn what happens when history, art, and community transformation converge in downtown Ticonderoga, NY.
Experience the rejuvinating benefits of halotherapy at Adirondack Salt Cave in Glens Falls.
Lodged along the tranquil shores of Lake Minerva, escape to a timeless Adirondack retreat.
9 Mile Coffee Co. brews excellent coffee and tea drinks and offers tempting baked goods, breakfast sandwiches and treats.
On the quiet waters of Lake Champlain, a ragtag American fleet held the line—and bought a nation precious time.
What do you get when you cross a farmer, a baker, a teacher, and a cooperative visionary? You get Dan Rivera of Triple Green Jade Farm.
Experience first-rate theater in an historic location on the shores of Lake Champlain in Westport, NY.
Scenic rewards, historic connection, and personal growth are some of the reasons to take on the challenge.
If you’ve ever fantasized about owning an inn, love classic road trip motels, or need tips for your next ADK stay, this episode is a must-listen
Shop for unique Adirondack gifts and merchandise.
Discover even more in the Adirondacks with ADK Taste.
Upcoming events in the Adirondacks.
The Lake Placid Center for the Arts presents some of the country’s best potters and vessel makers.
The Clinton County fair provides delightful, family-oriented entertainment in a spirited atmosphere.
The Lake George Arts Project presents the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic, America's premier youth fiddling show band.
Enjoy Gilbert & Sullivan’s classic comic opera “The Pirates of Penzance presented by the acclaimed Seagle Festival.
Enjoy a guided paddle on Little Clear Pond with the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation.
Experience an elegant Gilded Age team and get an an entertaining glimpse into Marcella Sembrich's 1909 concert tour.
Westport’s Ballard Park Summer Concert Series presents Cold Chocolate, a Boston-based duo fusing fold, funk and bluegrass.
Indie folk singer-songwriter Caity Gallagher and pianist Dan DeKalb perform at Tannery Pond Center.
An Adirondack car show featuring classic and unique cars on display, plus local vendors, DJ and community fun in Saranac Lake Village.
Gore Mountain’s American Jukebox Tour’s performers will transport you on a nostalgic trip through the best of pop music.
The 2025 Lake Placid IRONMAN is on July 20 in the Adirondacks. And there is plenty of action for competitors and spectators alike.
Tops of Trees perform at Lake George Summer Concert Series 2025 in Shepard Park on July 23, 2025.
Celebrate the summer and the local community with a day full of music, live entertainment, local food trucks, fun and games.
The Adirondack village of Whitehall, NY, hosts its annual Sasquatch Festival and Calling Contest in Skenesborough Park on September 28, 2024.