New York's Town In The Adirondacks Has Hiking Trails Perfect For A Serene Fall Getaway

One of the most lovely autumn road trips you can take is through the mesmerizing region of the Adirondacks lakes. Tucked between the more famous resort towns of the Adirondacks, Schroon Lake, New York is a secret little gem of a town. With its nine-mile-long lake, pine-scented air, and Main Street lined with diners and shops, it's a charming place to explore and recharge.

Scenic byways weave through the region, with I-87 and I-81 providing access by car. There's also public transit via Amtrak's Adirondack train or the Adirondack Trailways bus service. If you plan on flying, three regional airports serve the area: Adirondack International Airport, Ogdensburg International Airport, and Plattsburgh International Airport.

The rhythm here is slower, but never dull. Mornings begin with mist hovering over the lake, kayakers gliding silently through glassy water. As the sun warms the shore, families wander down to the beach, hikers pack their day-bags, and diners hum with talk of which trail to tackle first. It's easy to fill a day (or a whole weekend) without ever straying far from the lake's edge.

There's a certain kind of peace that only the Adirondacks can offer, and Schroon Lake delivers it in spades. Just outside town, Mount Severance is a local favorite — a short, rewarding climb (about 2.4 miles round trip) that ends with sweeping views of the valley and lake below. For a deeper dive into the wilderness, Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area offers dozens of trails that weave through forest and past quiet backcountry ponds.

Of course, not every adventure needs to involve elevation gain. Paddle a kayak across the lake, rent a pontoon for an afternoon, or follow Route 9 for a scenic drive that winds through towering trees and overlooks that seem built for autumn leaf-peeping.

Just 15 minutes south are the Natural Stone Bridge and Caves, where you can explore limestone caverns and marble caves formed during the last Ice Age. Whether you're the type to chase summits or sunsets, Schroon Lake gives you both — without crowds.

After a day outdoors, Schroon Lake's food scene will be much-needed. Pitkin's Restaurant has been fueling locals and travelers for generations with its hearty breakfasts and home-style dinners. Think pancakes the size of your plate and a mug of coffee that never seems to empty. For dinner, head to Sticks & Stones Wood Fired Bistro & Bar, where lodge decor meets crispy, bubbling pizza pulled straight from a wood-burning oven. If you're lucky, you'll catch live music on the patio, with a firepit flickering beside you.

When it's time to turn in, the Lodge at Schroon Lake offers a blend of modern comfort and rustic charm, with lake views, cozy cabins, and glamping tents for those who want a softer kind of wilderness. Maple Leaf Motel and Schroon Lake Motel & Cabins round out the options, both laid-back, family-run, and just steps from the water.

As evening settles, the lake quiets. Porch lights flick on, laughter drifts from a nearby bonfire, and for a moment, you might feel like you've stumbled into a forgotten era — one where days are measured not by Wi-Fi strength or deadlines, but by how long the sun lingers on the water. As you continue through the Adirondacks, make sure to stop at Inlet, another quaint small town. And there's really no better way to get there than by scenic Amtrak train ride.