FALL FOLIAGE IN THE ADIRONDACKS

The Lake Placid Retreat is nearby hundreds of miles of prime leaf-peeping roadways, rivers and lakes. A favorite loop follows route 86 along the Ausable River down to Route 9N to Route 73 in Keene and then doubles back to Lake Placid. Throughout you'll find turn-offs for wilderness hiking and if you're lucky you might catch a glimpse of the endangered peregrine falcon. The journey on Route 73 is strinkingly breautiful. Originally an old carriage path cut through the high peaks, this pleasant country road is flanked by walls of rock and mixed deciduous/confierous forest. Lovely foliage views can also be seen by taking the hour-long boat tour aboard the "Doris" on Lake Placid Lake. Cruising by the shores of the region's famous "Great Camps" this beautifully restored teak passenger ship heads out three times a day at 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM. Additional information can be obtained by calling 518 530 8183. If you'd prefer to see your leaves by train, try the Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness Train, a 45 minute ride from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake that passes through rugged mountains and valleys, alight with fall color. Last but not least there are hundreds of hiking trails leading into the most colorful and wild landscapes in the East, many of which can be accessed via Heart Lake, just five minutes from Lake Placid Village. High season for Adirondack foliage goes from mid-September until the end of October and for obsessive-compulsive leaf peepers we offer last-minute mid-week specials starting from $590. For the latest foliage updates call 1800 Call-NYS or log on to New York State's fall foliage report.