9 Best Places to View Fall Foliage in Long Lake – Written by Tim Helms, Town of Long Lake Parks and Rec. Outdoor Recreation Specialist

  1. Hike Buck Mountain – This easy to moderate hike was opened to the public for the first time ever in the Fall of 2023 and is establishing itself as one of the most popular hikes in the area. The hike is relatively flat for 60-75%, with the last quarter mile or so being relatively steep, but manageable with built-in stairs. The view from the fire tower offers views of Little Tupper Lake, Round Lake, Blue Mountain and much more. The trailhead is located off the Sabattis Circle Road just north of Long Lake off of Route 3

    Buck Mountain Photo by Shane Holmes.

  2. Hike Northville-Placid Trail – For the best foliage viewing, hike the NPT South toward Blue Mountain Lake from the trailhead on Route 28N across from Tarbell Road. The trail is very flat and has some new bog bridging in sections that improve the trail quality and usability. This is also a popular and excellent spot to go bird watching.
  3. Walk Forked Lake Campground Road – This isn’t listed as a hike per se because the road is basically flat and very wide; and it should be noted that while the campground is closed, it is a popular place to fish, hike and hunt, so use caution while walking. The road offers a phenomenal tree canopy that is extremely picturesque during peak season. About one mile from the intersection of the Campground Road and North Point Road is the trail for Pine Brook Lean-to, which is a beautiful camping location and worth the 5-minute detour to see.
  4. Drive to Little Tupper Lake – From Long Lake head north on Route 30 toward Tupper Lake, then turn left onto Sabattis Circle Road (County Road 10A) and drive approximately three miles to the launch parking for Round Lake. This drive has one of the prettiest canopies of color to drive under, and although the road doesn’t have any great vistas, it does feel as if you are driving through a tunnel in the forest. At the intersection where the launch parking is located, bear right to continue on Sabattis Circle Road another three miles to return to Route 30, then make a right and head back toward Long Lake. Just after you pass the first turn you took is one of the most iconic views of Blue Mountain in the Park and is worth pulling over for.
  5. Drive North Point Road – Another beautiful scenic drive is the North Point Road heading south along the shore of Long Lake and the Raquette River. Prior to Route 28/30 to Blue Mountain being built in the 1920’s the North Point Road was the main artery into Long Lake from the South. The beginning of the road is off Deerland Road (Route 28/30) about three miles from the “T” intersection with Hoss’s, The Park, Custard’s Last Stand, and Stewart’s. Also located off North Point Road are Buttermilk Falls, and the Forked Lake Campground Road.
  6. Hike to Mt Sabattis Overlook – One of the shortest hikes available for a good vantage point is the Mt Sabattis Overlook in the center of Long Lake. It can be accessed by following the Mt Sabattis Mountain Bike Trails, or by walking straight up the access road about a quarter of a mile. The grassy opening has great views of the South end of Long Lake, the Bridge, Triplet Hill, Big Brook Hills and Jennings Pond.
  7. Take A Boat Ride on Long Lake – One of the best ways to see the leaves is from a boat on Long Lake, especially if you can get north of the Bridge at least 3-4 miles. This is the section of land that is State owned and there are no camps or buildings on the shore, and the views of Kempshall Mountain and Blueberry Mountain are unmatched. Plan ahead and stop at one of the DEC lean-tos for a picnic lunch such as Kelly Point or Plumley Point.
  1. Paddle on Lake Eaton – Lake Eaton is a beautiful paddle in the fall with large stretches of pristine shoreline void of any camps. The boat launch and/or beach at the Lake Eaton Campground is an easy spot to put in or take out your boat, and the north and west shores of the lake offer the best leaf viewing, as well as views of the backside of Owl’s Head. Also look out for many bird species, including eagles that often nest there, loons, cormorants, and many others.
  2. Take A Plane Ride – Hamilton County is home to all three commercial seaplane operations in the Adirondack Park, Helms Aero Service in Long Lake, located at the Long Lake Town Beach, Payne’s Air Service in Inlet (315) 357-3971, and Bird’s Marina in Raquette Lake (315) 354-4441. There is nothing quite like taking in the fall colors from a plane, and it is the only way you can truly tell when the colors are at peak. Although it sounds counterintuitive, the best time to view them is when it is slightly overcast with a little dew or remnant precipitation on their leaves to help contrast the colors.