Escape to the LCR this fall!

A legendary fall getaway awaits in the Lake Champlain Region in New York. If you're looking for the quintessential fall weekend of your dreams (and Hallmark-esque scenery) you’ll find it all here. Riddled with farms perfect for apple and pumpkin picking, history embedded into the fabric of the terrain, and summit hikes that display 360-degree views of the stunning foliage that blankets this sweet region, you’ll be basking in all the autumnal glory. See what’s in store for your next getaway!

Day 1: History 

Once you arrive in the region, head to Fort Ticonderoga. A revolutionary-era fort essential to securing the independence of the United States, the grounds are the perfect spot to dive deep into the rich history of the region. 

On October 5th, step into the season with the Fort's own Heritage Harvest and Horse Fest, set amid the King’s Garden heirloom apple trees. Discover how essential horses and other working animals have been historically in the region through exciting demonstrations, and meet the friendly oxen duo! After, head to Fort Ticonderoga’s farmers market and indulge in local food, beverages, crafts, and more! If you’re up for the challenge and know your way around a maze, take the family to tackle the six-acre Heroic Corn Maze. The day makes for the perfect autumn family tradition. 

Around the festival, explore the Ticonderoga Heritage Museum, exploring the industrial history of Ticonderoga’s paper mills, graphite mining, and pencils. Down the road, visit Crown Point State Historic Site. Long before the Revolutionary War, two fortifications from the colonial wars between the British and French stood, and remain today as ruins of colonial powers fighting in the region. Now, visitors can explore the preserved ruins of these forts and tour the museum which includes a multimedia orientation program, large-scale models, and an exhibit of original artifacts recovered from the site by archaeologists. Additionally, the site offers access to the historic Crown Point Pier, the Champlain Memorial Lighthouse, the walking paths on either side of the Lake Champlain Bridge, and fantastic views of Lake Champlain. 

Day 2: Hiking and big views

Getting on a hike is essential during fall in the Lake Champlain Region. The peaceful trails and calm of nature aside, you’ll witness the stunning transformation of our peaks and valleys, from the foliage covering the mountains to the crisp yellows and oranges that tinge the farmland around here. You’ll be able to see it all from the perfect vantage point!

Belfry Mountain - With a fire tower

Known as one of the easiest fire tower hikes in the Adirondacks, Belfry is excellent for any age or skill level. While this climb is uphill along an access road to the tower, it is an easy hike with little elevation change.

Rattlesnake Mountain - view of Willsboro Point

Rattlesnake Mountain gives you plenty of bang for your buck, or as hikers prefer to call it, “value for effort.” There are spectacular views of the entire area from the top, including Willsboro Bay and Willsboro Point, the Four Brothers Islands, Giant Mountain, and Rocky Peak Ridge.

Treadway Mountain - make it a paddle!

Small but mighty, this mountain offers some of the best views in the area and is quite a popular hike when the Putnam Pond DEC Campground is open. Combine the hike up Treadway Mountain with a paddle. Start from the campground and traverse the pond westward to a small bay, where a trail links up with the hiking trail up the mountain.

Day 3: Fall flavors

An argument could be made that you should schedule an entire trip around all the food you’ll eat here, but we had to showcase everything the Lake Champlain Region offers, right? The Lake Champlain Region is the cornucopia of the Adirondacks, boasting luscious farms, local breweries, and a bountiful harvest that fills restaurants and our plates at home. What’s more, the farms around here make the most of fall, with corn mazes to explore and apple picking to be done! 

Gunnison's Orchards Bakery & Gift Shop offers the highest quality and variety of apples from their family-owned and operated orchard in Crown Point, NY. Gunnison's also has a bakery that offers freshly baked pastries, bread, cookies, seven different types of fruit pies, donuts, and their famous cinnamon cider donuts. 

Deer's Head Inn

As the oldest tavern in the Adirondacks, the Deer’s Head Inn still has it! Serving delicious plates season after season, the restaurant is committed to serving locally sourced foods, with a rotating menu of familiar comforts and new creative dishes. Their fall-themed menu can’t be beat!

Ticonderoga Natural Foods Co-op 

For some local fall produce to jazz up your next meal, head to the Ticonderoga Natural Food Co-op. providing fairly priced products that support a sustainable regional food system, the co-op offers a seamless connection between buyers and local makers across the region, supporting our farms and local economy. 

The breweries around here are legendary, just like the Lake Champlain Region itself! Ledge Hill Brewing Co offers handcrafted ales and lagers, mindfully brewed, with a delightful and bright bar to take a seat and try their flavors. The Ausable Brewing Company keeps its Adirondack roots near and dear. This farm-based nano brewery serves a variety of high-quality ales, lagers, and house sodas in a relaxed and fun atmosphere! The kicker? You have to take the scenic drive through some of the best farmland in the Adirondack Park to get to it. Situated among two 18th-century forts, War Cannon Spirits is aptly named! With a tasting room built in 1820, the brewery hails its rich history for constant inspiration for its renovations and the drinks! The CannonBall Old Fashioned, The French Quarter, and Campfire Martini will have you sipping on the region’s storied history. 

Book your fall getaway today!

We’ve packed your weekend with fun and flavors, now all you have to do is pack the car and make the trek! You’ll be driving through some of the most stunning foliage in the country, and find yourself in an autumn wonderland. Book your stay, find the best eateries around, and set off!