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Lake George Fall Getaway: 48 Hours of Autumn-Filled Fun

By Erin Nudi

Captivating colors in the trees. Summer crowds gone away. A scenic drive. Have we mentioned the stunning foliage? Don't let this memorable season blow away with the autumn wind! We have everything you need for the ultimate Lake George fall getaway.

Fit in all the fall fun in just 48 hours as we take you from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon in this fall weekend itinerary. Pick and choose what speaks to you, scroll to the bottom to check out fall lodging specials, and enjoy the season!

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Friday Evening: Dinner at the Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge

aerial view of Lake George in the fall
Come experience Lake George in the fall! Photo: Fort William Henry.

After you check into your hotel, vacation rental, or lodging option of choice, ease into your Lake George fall weekend with dinner at the Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge at the Fort William Henry Hotel.

burger with lots of pickles and beer
Treat yourself this fall!

Take in stunning views of the foliage and lake as you enjoy a hearty meal and unwind from your travels. You'll love their warm, welcoming atmosphere and meals that exceed expectations.

Saturday Morning: Get in a Round of Golf at Top of the World or Hike Up Prospect Mountain (Or Drive Up!)

golf cart with foliage in the back
Come see why they call it the "Top of the World!"

If you're a golfer there's no better way to start the morning off than getting a game in at Top of the World Golf, one of the main attractions in the Lake George region for fall foliage.

This 18-hole course on the side of French Mountain maintains a "player-friendly experience" for all golfing levels, so don't feel the need to be an expert to play here. They open at 6am daily. And if you're not into the sport? No worries, you can simply drive up to enjoy the sights!

Make your way up Lockhart Mountain Road from Bay Road in Lake George and you'll follow a winding route through the forest to Top of the World Road. There's a sign for the golf course both at the entrance of Lockhart Mountain Road and at Top of the World Road.

Once you go past the gate, turn around at the end of that road before you get to the parking area, and you'll have a chance to pull to the side of the road to grab some pictures before heading back down the mountain. 

fall foliage view from mountain
The hike up Prospect Mountain is about a 3-mile roundtrip and is steep in some spots. Photo credit: justinanewton, licensed by CC BY-ND 2.0.

Another option for an early morning activity is to hike (or drive!) up Prospect Mountain. This mountain is known as a top leaf peeping spot and you can find the trailhead on Smith Street in Lake George Village.

view from prospect mountain
The above photo was taken in early September - the foliage gets much more stunning come early to mid-October! Photo credit: Alan Nudi

If you'd prefer to drive you can head up Veterans Memorial Highway, at $10 per car. It's open through Veteran's Day.

fall foliage on mountain
Hike With Jackson can take you to sights like these!

Bonus tip: If you're interested in a fall foliage hike but aren't experienced or would prefer to go with a guide, you should check out Hike With Jackson.

This experienced "Low Impact Outdoor Guide" takes the lead on ensuring you have the best experience you can have on the mountain, going way beyond keeping you safe and on the trail.

Saturday Early Afternoon: A Walk Through Bolton Landing & A Waterfront Lunch

street in Bolton Landing in fall
You'll enjoy the drive up to Bolton Landing too! Photo credit: Hope Relly-Cobb.

Head up Route 9N from Lake George Village through Diamond Point and to Bolton Landing for a relaxing 20-minute drive, part of which offers lakeside views.

Before you reach the primary downtown area Algonquin Restaurant is an excellent place to stop for lunch, and they're right on Route 9N.

meal with drink
Fuel up for more fall adventures!

They have delicious seafood, sandwiches, and salads, and they offer three outdoor decks for dining. They do not take reservations and are typically open daily at 11:30am through the end of October.

After you leave the Algonquin keep going north on Route 9N and when you see the Bolton Visitors Center and Bolton Landing Marina on your right you'll know you've reached the main strip of town.

the indian tepee gift shop
Stop and pick up some Lake George souvenirs at the Indian Tepee Gift Shop.

Find a parking spot - there is free on-street parking for two hours and two public parking lots, also free, just no overnight parking - and take a stroll among the shops, restaurants, and foliage.

Bonus lodging suggestion: If you haven't nailed down where you're staying and have fallen in love with Bolton Landing, check out Bayview Lakeside Suites, located within walking distance of the Algonquin. Their spacious lakefront suites are open year-round.

Saturday Late Afternoon: Get High in the Foliage-Filled Trees

woman on treetop course in fall
An energizing climb awaits!

If you're itching for a fun and physically engaging Bolton Landing excursion, then check out Adirondack Extreme, a treetop adventure course that is usually open through early November.

They're about 10 minutes from downtown Bolton Landing. Same day reservations are available on most days, and you can also purchase online ahead of time.

Saturday Evening: Dinner at a Village Restaurant & Ghost Tour at a Historic Attraction

burger and fries with a beer in the background
You'll appreciate sinking your teeth into a hearty burger or sandwich after a day of Lake George adventures.

Following an afternoon in Bolton Landing, make your way back towards Lake George Village for a delicious dinner at The Garrison Restaurant and Bar. Their menu offers a variety of pub favorites, like burgers, sandwiches, and wings. They also have a great selection of craft beers.

blue spooky light on fort william henry
Fall is the ideal time for spooky tours!

After dinner, save room in your appetite for some spirits - ghosts, that is! For those who love a little Halloween vibe with their fall getaway Fort William Henry offers Haunted History Tours.

The area surrounding this historic site has been the scene of multiple battles, which undoubtedly leads to a good ghost story or two. Get your tickets online ahead of time through their website.

Sunday Morning or Afternoon: Cruise With the Lake George Steamboat Company

cruise ship on water in fall
End your weekend on that spectacular boat - think of the photos you'll have to remember the trip by. Photo credit: Larry Waimon.

Wrap up the getaway with a two-hour cruise on Lake George! Although this is yet another great way to see the foliage a cruise across the lake is a must-do activity for any trip to Lake George. 

fall foliage cruise
Experience the foliage from the lake!

The Lake George Steamboat Company typically offers a Canadian Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise in early October on one of the lake's most iconic ships, Fall Foliage Cruises, and many other cruise options, including on Sundays.

Pick and choose from the above suggested activities for your fall getaway and if you don't get to something? No problem - just put it on the list to check out next time you visit.

Don't forget to secure your lodging! 

Get started by looking at the Fall Lodging Specials »

« Back to the Fall Guide

woman in hat poses in front water
About the Author: Erin Nudi Erin is an avid reader, yogi, jogger, and hiker living in Queensbury. When she's not perusing books at Northshire, Owl Pen Books, or Beldame Books, you can find her at a local event or park with her family.
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