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 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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
