Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce Blog – Written by Katherine Rasmus
There is so much we can learn when we take a moment to step back and contemplate mother nature. There is such beauty when the trees begin their annual transition to dormancy, it is amazing what hidden beauty can emerge when we let go. Sometimes it seems in this life we think we have it all planned out, then suddenly there is the change that we never see coming. It’s almost ironic because stability is not guaranteed in this life but I can promise you change is! With change comes transition, and with that often a path so wonderful but, never would have been attainable had we not let our leaves change color and begin a new cycle!
As I sit here remembering the ridiculous 90-degree day we had in early September, I recall trying to practice the art of staying present and enjoying the now, but I am human and could not seem to resist that lust for a good crisp autumn day. I love to hop in my car to commute to work and see that blaze of glory in the trees as I cruise down Rte. 9. To see the sun sparkle diamonds in Lake Champlain, pink ripping through the morning sky, and the Lake Champlain Bridge flanked with reds, orange, and yellow!!
I want to pass along to you some of my favorite places to visit that will be knock out gorgeous when they drift into those glorious colors. Let’s start out in Ticonderoga. We are so lucky to have the La Chute River with a boat access point, so why not grab a canoe, a kayak, or a row boat, and travel out to Lake Champlain.
The trees will be draped over top to create a kaleidoscope canopy. Once in the lake you could take a paddle around Fort Ticonderoga and breath the fresh clean air, maybe even pull your boat ashore somewhere approved and have a lovely picnic! Take a tour of Fort Ticonderoga and then head up Mount Defiance, you will get a view of the fort as well as a panoramic view of Vermont. Something to not miss out on for sure!
Down in Putnam you could go for the fall classic of cruising for apples at Billy Bob’s Orchard, over in Hague you could pop into some of the sweet shops downtown, or take in the view at the public beach. If you head up to Moriah I recommend that you go up my FAVORITE mountain, Big Hollow. If you wanted a longer hike you can park out by route 7 but if you want something shorter you can drive almost all the way to the top. The view on a clear day will no disappoint! The valley to the right is predominately evergreens fading into a more deciduous forest. The contrast will be stunning I am sure. At the summit you can even see Gunnison’s Orchard where you should surely stop on your way home to grab a notorious cider donut with a local Macintosh apple.
For more information on planning your next trip to experience all this beauty and transition, be sure to visit www.lakechamplainregion.com.
