Foliage-filled hikes and sightseeing cruises close by, cozy accommodations and fun activities on-site, and an Autumn Overnight & Dinner Package deal to boot – what more could you ask for in a fall getaway to Lake George? Discover what’s in store when you center your trip around Dunham’s Bay Resort and get away from it all this season.
Soak in the Sights During the Day, Cozy Up to the Fire at Night
When we chatted with Dunham’s Bay Resort’s Marketing Manager Andrew Nolan and asked what his favorite part of the season is he answered unequivocally the breathtaking foliage. “It’s just extraordinary. Driving to work every day is a treat.”
Pictured above on the left is a view of the foliage guests can see when they dine at the on-site restaurant The View, and is just an example of what you can see on the property. Dunham’s Bay is situated on the bay of the same name, which is a quiet, not-as-busy corner of Lake George to take in the colors as the leaves change.
Dunham’s Bay keeps the fall festivities going once the sun goes down with the on-site fire and s’mores kits available for purchase. “Some people, when it gets a little chilly, they don’t like it, but I think that’s the best time,” he said about gathering around the fire in the evening. “S’mores around the fire pit is the best way to end a fall evening in Lake George.”
All the other on-site amenities – the grills, the tennis courts, the indoor swimming pool, and the playground – are all open through the fall. The only aspect that won’t be available is the beach across the street, not owned by Dunham’s Bay.
See Suggestions for Close-By Fall-Filled Fun
Dunham’s Bay is a bit off the beaten path on the east side of the lake, which gives guests easy access to prime foliage hikes. Buck Mountain, pictured above, is a six-mile hike round trip with the trailhead located just 10 minutes north of Dunham’s Bay. It has a few challenging spots but is considered a moderate hike.
Pilot Knob is a bit of an easier hike than Buck Mountain and is just five minutes from Dunham’s Bay. Follow the orange trail from the trailhead for a .7-mile somewhat-steep hike to the summit where you can rest at a gazebo to gaze at the foliage view. From there, hikers have the option to turn back or continue on for about another mile to the waterfall loop.
“We also recommend the steamboat cruises to folks,” Nolan said, referring to the Lake George Steamboat Company, 10 minutes from Dunham’s Bay in the Village. “They’re also a great way to see the lake and experience the foliage, for those who don’t want to hike.”
The Lake George Steamboat Company sails daily until the end of October. Their classic Full Lake Fall Foliage Cruise happens on October 10 and 17!
Enjoy Exquisite On-Site Dining or Takeout
Dunham Bay’s on-site restaurant The View is open for limited indoor dining and takeout. Their menu changes seasonally, they offer gluten-free and vegetarian options, and the current dinner menu includes creative choices like five-spice tuna salad, southern-fried Cornish hen, and grilled meatloaf.
The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday and they also serve lunch on Friday and Saturday, and brunch on Sunday. Starting October 11 they will be closed on Tuesday as well as Monday. Reservations are highly recommended, so check out the menu below and give them a call before arrival. (And remember grills are available to use on-site throughout the fall as well!)
Check out the restaurant’s fall hours >>
Get Your COVID-19 Questions Answered – Precautions Taken & What to Expect
If you’re wondering what’s different during the COVID-19 times Dunham’s Bay has done an impressive job of detailing out all the changes on their website. Most of it is what you would expect: Masks must be worn when unable to socially distance, only one member of the party is asked to check in at a time, and there will be no daily maid service during your stay; all guest rooms are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after guests check out before a new guest can check in.
The already-vigorous cleaning process has been amped up even more. They use cleaning products and protocols recommended by the CDC and New York State, they have increased the frequency of cleaning in all public spaces and at high-touch points, and hand sanitizing stations have been strategically placed throughout the property.
“We tried to be very transparent,” Nolan told us about the COVID-19 updates. “Obviously it’s of chief concern to people right now. The biggest thing is that we’re staying on top of everything right away. We’re using the Regional Chamber of Commerce, New York State, and American Lodging Association to update best practices as they roll out so we’re on the front end of what’s working best, and what’s keeping everyone – including the staff – safest.”
Read about the COVID-19 procedures >>
When to Schedule Your Fall Getaway (And Get a Deal!)
If you ask a Lake George local when the best time is to view the foliage you might get a couple different answers. Of course, it changes each year. Here’s Nolan’s take: “Typically the best range is at the very end of September through the first week or two of October. . .I’d say on average the first week of October is the strongest because there are still most of the leaves on the trees. Sometimes you get brighter colors after that but there aren’t as many leaves.”
And here’s that deal we promised before: The Autumn Overnight & Dinner is offered from now through November 30th. The deal includes overnight accommodations in one of the hotel rooms and dinner for two at The View complete with a shared appetizer, soup, or salad, and a bottle of Adirondack Winery wine.
Dunham’s Bay has cabin options available as well as the hotel rooms, and while they are open year-round we highly recommend you take advantage of prime fall foliage time this year.
