Fall Activities
Fall in the northeast is one of the most magical times of the year. The foliage change brings people from around the world to witness the rich green leaves turn orange, red, and golden hues. Here’s a list of activities in Ticonderoga that are perfect for enjoying foliage season.
Leaf Peeping
Fort Ticonderoga Birding
One of the best autumnal-activities, leaf-peeping is seeking out the stunning color-changing foliage in early to mid-fall. Any outdoor activity will do, especially hiking, walking/running, biking, or canoeing and kayaking
New York Foliage Report
Fall Foliage in the Adirondacks
Types of Fall Foliage in the Adirondacks
Hiking
La Chute River Walk Interpretive Trail
Go through downtown Ticonderoga’s Bicentennial Park on this 1.7-mile trail. You can go beneath a rustic covered bridge and go around the Falls, a 230-foot waterfall created by a dam. Dogs allowed but must be on a leash.
Cook Mountain
A great hike on Baldwin Road with a few different routes at varying levels. The easiest is a simple loop (.75 miles), the most difficult is a steep climb (1.1 miles, 2.2 round trip) to the top of the mountain that provides a beautiful view of either the Green Mountains of Vermont or a little further on the trail, a stunning view looking south over Lake George On the Blue Trail (reached via the Yellow Trail), you can walk by a sole grave-stone dating back to the Civil War. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. There is limited road-side parking. Trail Guide from Lake George Land Conservancy.
Roger’s Rock
This 3.4-mile loop starts at the Rogers Rock Campground. From the top, there is a stunning view both to the north and south of Lake George and over towards Vermont to the east. This trail requires a bit of a scramble at the top but the view is worth it. The name comes from Robert Rogers, a lieutenant colonel during the French and Indian War and his experience during the Battle on Snowshoes. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash.
Mt. Defiance
This small mountain provides incredible views of Fort Ticonderoga and Lake Champlain. An easy and well-traveled route on a paved road, just one mile to the top (two there and back). There is a small parking lot at the trailhead.
Fort Ticonderoga’s Carillon Battlefield Trail
Walk through history on the Carillon Battlefield Trail. This 1.7-mile loop goes along the historic battlefield where the Battle of Carillon took place during the French and Indian War. The Fort Ticonderoga provides a trail map and the full history of the trial. Only accessible June through October.
Treadway Mt. Trail
A moderate, 8.5-mile trail with a variety of terrain. Around ¼ of a mile from the top, there are beautiful views. There is a fee to get in and dogs must have proof of a rabies shot.
Lost Pond Route
A 3.4-mile loop outside Ticonderoga with a moderate terrain trail used primarily for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching. At the top of the trail, you will loop around a small pond, though there are a few rock scrambles on one side. Dogs are allowed on the trail.
Record Hill on Anthony’s Nose
A 0.80-mile trail (1.6 miles total) is protected land and provides a stunning view of Lake George and the mountains that surround it looking north, south, and west. The trail can be used from dawn until dusk all year and there is a designated parking area. Trail Map.
Biking
Birding
Canoeing & Kayaking
Roger’s Rock Campground
Launch a kayak or canoe from the campground and enjoy a beautiful paddle north towards Roger’s Slide, or go south towards the Waltonian Islands.
Black Point Beach
A great place to launch a canoe or kayak and head north or south on the lake. Enjoy an amazing view of Roger’s Slide from across the lake.
Hague Public Beach
Start paddling in Hague and head north towards the Waltonian Islands. Asas Island provides a perfect location for a picnic lunch and a swim.
Mossy Point
Launch a canoe or kayak at Mossy Point and enjoy the peaceful waters of the northern end of Lake George.
Ticonderoga
Launch a canoe or kayak directly from Ticonderoga at the La Chute River and paddle around Bicentennial Park, beneath our beautiful covered bridge, and even down the river into Lake Champlain and around Fort Ticonderoga.
Three Perfect Days of Fall in Ticonderoga
Day 1: Hike & History
Go for a hike up Mount Defiance and enjoy the view of Lake Champlain and Fort Ticonderoga. Then head over to the Fort and for their year-round programming. Depending on the season, you can even take a stroll to the King’s Garden.
- Grab sandwiches for lunch at the top of Mount Defiance at Libby’s Bakery Cafe and pick up some snacks for the kids at the Ti Natural Foods Coop.
- Enjoy the Heritage, Harvest, and Horse Festival at the Fort in early October, including a Corn Maze.
Day 2: A Day on the Lake
Take your kayaks or canoes out on the lake, park at the Hague Town Public Beach, and launch from there.
- Get lunch at the Hague Market and depending on your skill level, paddle out towards the Island Harbor and picnic on one of the islands.
- Safety first.
- Finish the day with some apple picking at Gunisons or Billy Bob’s Orchards, the perfect fall activity.
Day 3: Birding or Biking, you pick!
Go for a bike ride down Baldwin Road! You can even stop at the Cook’s Mountain preserve and go for a hike if you’re feeling particularly sporty, the views of Vermont’s mountains and Lake George are unforgettable, especially in the fall.
- The perfect way to enjoy the fall colors and our region’s unspoiled nature is birding, head over to Gull Bay and you can watch the impressive migration of Canadian geese as they head south.
- Why not Italian for dinner at The Foraging Bear?
- Trekonderoga: Calling all Star Trek superfans! Original Star Trek Series Set tours right in the heart of downtown Ticonderoga.
- Ticonderoga Heritage Museum & Visitor Center: This preserved building is the last surviving structure from the Ticonderoga Pulp and Paper Company and serves as a museum to Ticonderoga’s industrial past. The museum operates from Labor Day to Columbus Day with free admission.
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