Fall is my favorite season for many reasons. Think flannels, foliage, and festivals. The Whiteface Region is a prime location to enjoy a number of activities and amenities that will leave you feeling all the fall feels. Here are the top five reasons to visit this fall. 

1. Outdoor recreation 

Wilmington is known for its mountain biking, but that’s not all there is. While the mountain biking community is growing and the trails keep getting more epic, the hiking offers great fall foliage views. From hikes to a pond, to short summit hikes, to High Peaks, the Whiteface Region has it all. Or, you can view the foliage from the water while casting a line into the Ausable River. The fly fishing community in the region is thriving. There are two gear shops in town and plenty of trout in the river. 

2. Scenic drives

I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite things to do in the fall is to simply take a drive. The Whiteface Region has several really great options. If you’re coming from Lake Placid into Wilmington, the Notch is stunning. You’ll be engorged in towering trees full of bright leaves as you twist and turn down the road. Once you come into Wilmington, you can go right towards Jay, left towards Franklin Falls, or straight down Bonneiview Road. A right turn from there will take you towards Ausable Valley and a left will take you towards Silver Lake. The options and views are endless. 

3. Awesome attractions

Waterfalls, gondolas, and wolves. These are just a couple of things you’ll encounter in the area attractions of the region. High Falls Gorge is a spectacular place to visit in the fall with easy trails to walk along while viewing the foliage and waterfalls. Or, you can visit the animals at the Wildlife Refuge. The wolves are a crowd favorite, but the entire operation is incredible with a variety of different types of animals for viewing and to learn about. Whiteface Mountain has a couple of different ways to view the foliage. A gondola ride will take you to the summit of Little Whiteface, but you can also drive your car to the top of the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway and either hike or take the elevator to the top. The views at the top never get old, especially when drenched in fall colors. 

4. Camping and glamping

Something about fall always screams camping to me. Whether you want to hike to a lean-to, rent a private cabin, or pitch a tent, the Whiteface Region has options. Hike to a lean-to, pull in your RV at the North Pole Campground, pitch a tent at the Wilmington Notch State Campground, rent a glamping tent at the Lake Placid-Whiteface Mt KOA Campground, or rent a camper van from Wilderness Van and travel the Adirondacks. Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy the crisp fall air while roasting a marshmallow by a warm fire and then retreating to your humble abode for the night. Pack your warm clothing because the nights get cold. 

5. Autumn events

The annual Festival of Colors is a hometown celebration of fall full of kids' activities, vendors, food, art demonstrations, pumpkin painting, live music, and more. Each year Whiteface Mountain hosts an Oktoberfest complete with beer, dancing, food, kids' activities, and vendors. So, dust off your lederhosen and get ready to celebrate fall — German style. 

Pack your flannels, sweaters, and camera and head to the Adirondacks this fall for breathtaking views of the foliage from a number of vantage points.