Fall on the water!

Last week I was fortunate enough to head out on Piseco Lake for a beautiful sunset cruise with some great friends. My husband, kids, and I  got to have a lovely lake-front dinner of homemade pizza, swimming, and a tour of the lake. 

Piseco Lake boatingWe sat lakeside and ate our pizza while the kids splashed around in the seemingly endless shallow water of Piseco Lake. It's a great place for kids because they can play without worrying about going into the "deep end." The water was a little chilly, but just right for Zoey and Zane. As the sun started to go down and the temperatures started to drop, I convinced the kids to come out of the water so we could head out on the lake. It wasn't easy, but the boat ride seemed to be just the right amount of bribery.  Piseco boat ride

We all piled into the boat and took our first-ever ride on Piseco. It is a beautiful, long lake that seems to go on forever. There are some beautiful houses along the shore, and it's easy to pick out places like Higgins Bay and the various campgrounds. This was all my first visit to the sandbar, a stretch seemingly in the middle of the lake that is barely waist deep on me, and I'm only 5-foot-4! The kids took advantage of the shallow water to get out of the boat and splash around again.  Zoey, Colleen, and RaChelle on Piseco Lake.

At that point, it was a little too cold for me to test out the water, but it did get me thinking about all of the advantages of hitting the water in the fall.

Quiet Waters Lake Pleasant in fall.

It's nice and quite in the fall, so it's the perfect opportunity to enjoy some cool, glassy water without all the hustle and bustle of summer. Colder temps and colder water means less water skiers and tubers. If you bundle up with a cozy hoodie and maybe a blanket, it's a great way to enjoy the fall scenery.  

Kayaking the Adirondacks.

KAYAKING

It's also a perfect time to traverse the rivers and enjoy some of the beautiful foliage the Adirondacks have on display. You can hop into your canoe or kayak and check out the Cedar River Flow. You not only have a chance to peek at some foliage, but you may also see some avian life that has yet to head south. You could see anything from the common loon to an Olive-sided Flycatcher.

Whitewater rafting the Adirondacks.

WHITEWATER RAFTING

Have you ever thought about whitewater rafting, but the idea of the rushing waters of spring makes you nervous? Then fall is the perfect time to hit the rapids. The water is much calmer than in the spring after the snow melts. The mild Class 3 rapids make it an opportune time give it a try. It's also an amazing way to view the foliage. You can enjoy 16 miles of beautiful, one-of-a-kind scenery on the Hudson River Gorge. 

 Fall is a great time to visit the Adirondacks, especially if you enjoy solitude. Book a room and come visit, because before you know it winter will be here!


 

Four Paddles for Great Summer Adventures

The Adirondacks are made up of countless lakes, rivers, and streams that create endless paddling adventures. From whitewater to leisure paddles, there is something for every skill...

Short Hikes

Known for its High Peaks and tough trails, hiking in the Adirondacks can seem a little daunting for beginners or those with families. But, I’m here to tell you, while we do have...

5 Great Options for Spring Hikes

We’ve all been there: winter (no matter where you have been) feels like it has stretched on forever. Every day the sun is creeping higher on the horizon and you’re feeling that itch...

Top 4 Ways to Enjoy Winter

You may be thinking “I’m getting the winter blues and I need a vacation,” and I know the first thing that pops into your head is somewhere tropical, but why not try something...

Skates, Skis or Snowshoes!

Wintertime gear includes so many innovative contraptions to strap onto your feet! And maybe you JUST got those brand new ones and you are DYING to try them out! Well, come on up to...

Your Guide to Holiday Shopping

Summer is now just a tiny speck in the rear view as we fly through fall, headed straight for winter. That means it's time to pack up the Halloween decorations, maybe put up a few...

Rainy Days: A Great Way to Enjoy the Adirondacks

Many Adirondack plans are made when you are picturing that perfect crisp royal blue sky day….But, the weather may have other ideas in mind. Instead of getting frustrated and feeling...

Put Your Best Foot Forward This Hunting Season

It was mid afternoon as I made my way to the tree that had been my “spot” for about a week now. I quickly assembled my climbing tree stand and then carefully worked my way up the...

It’s Time To Think Snow!

OK, I know what you're thinking: No. Way. "I haven't even gone trick-or-treating with the kids yet." "I have 17 relatives coming for Thanksgiving dinner!" But...YES, WAY! Now is the...

Top 4 Scenic Foliage Drives

Indian Lake to Speculator   Trip distance: 34 miles This drive will give you gorgeous scenic views of the fall foliage, as well as views of two beautiful Adirondack lakes. Starting...

Beach Cruiser Biking...Adirondack Style

There are different ways you can experience the Adirondacks on bike: bike tours, mountain biking, singletrack trails, bike races, triathlons, and even a quadrathlon. I’m not a racer...

Summertime = Beachtime

One of my favorite summertime activities here in the Adirondacks is taking my kids and spending the day at the beach. We love to go to the public beach in Speculator. This is the...

Skis and Snacks

The air is super crisp, cold, and clean as I drop my skis down at the trailhead. A fluffy poof of snow jumps into the air where the skis land. I take a deep breath and look around....

Things To Do Indoors

We are right in the thick of winter here in the Adirondacks and let me tell you what, it has been COLD! There have been many consecutive nights of negative temperatures — some...

A Gift For Everyone

We all know people who are just impossible to shop for. Well, let me break down the perfect Adirondack gifts — by personality! The Adventure Seeker Do you know someone who's an...

Holiday Shopping Ugh

We all know that sometimes holiday shopping can be a real drag. Going to the same stores, shopping for the same people - who seem to have everything ... This year, why not mix it up...

Plan Out Your Adirondack Winter!

C'mon, everyone! Get ready for some winter fun! (And maybe cross a few gift purchases off your list!) When I woke up this morning, it was 4 degrees. There's also a nice 2-inch layer...

Stories of the Adirondacks

A place this full of history needs people to tell its stories, which is why we are fortunate enough to have a rich supply of historians, songwriters, and storytellers.  INLET'S...

Adirondack Oddities

Driving through the Adirondacks, no matter what time of year, is always beautiful. But if you've ever driven though our little towns, you have probably seen a few of our roadside...

Fall on the water!

Last week I was fortunate enough to head out on Piseco Lake for a beautiful sunset cruise with some great friends. My husband, kids, and I  got to have a lovely lake-front dinner of...

Fall Events

We are just as sad as you that summer seems to be coming to an end far too quickly. However, just because summer is almost over, it doesn't mean the fun has to stop! There are tons...

My Favorite Restaurants

The Adirondacks are a great place for many things such as hiking, paddling, and camping. But one of the things done really well here is food! I haven't had the chance to eat at all...

7 Days at Lake Durant

My adventures in car camping began a few years ago. While paddling on a local lake, I encountered a friend paddling with other people from the Albany area. I was all ears when they...

Adirondack Experience The Museum On Blue Mountain Lake

As many of you know, our beloved museum in Blue Mountain Lake has undergone a lot of changes in the last few months.  They have changed from The Adirondack Museum to  Adirondack...

Adirondack Fourth of July

One of my favorite times of the year is coming up — and it's coming up fast! I don't know about you, but when I think about summer, I think about camping, s'mores, fireworks, and...

Golfing in the Adirondacks

The following was written by Christy Wilt, the director of tourism and economic development for Hamilton County. Christy has lived in the Adirondacks for over 20 years and has been...

Black Fly Challenge... Accepted!

 Editor's note: The annual Black Fly Challenge will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2017. Not sure what the challenge is or why you would want to take it? Check out this fun blog...

Things to Do Along the Way

Memorial Day is right around the corner, and you know what that means... It's time for the Great Adirondack Garage Sale! With sales from Speculator to Inlet to Indian Lake to Long...

Down on one knee in the 'dacks

What is romance? When some people think of romance, they immediately imagine the classics: candlelit dinner, fancy restaurant, picnic in the park... For romantic gifts, they revert...

RaChelle's Law

In my house, Murphy's Law is not a thing. We refer to it as RaChelle's Law... if it can go wrong, it already has - or it will! This is the way my life goes in general, but...

Got Cabin Fever?

Spring fever... cabin fever... Call it what you will — I'm feeling it! We've had a fantastic winter season, but lately we've had a lot of warm temperatures and rain, usually...

Cross-Country Skiing in the Adirondacks

So far this year, we have had a fantastic winter. There is certainly no shortage of snow! Storm after storm has dumped plenty of the fluffy white stuff on us.  The fantastic thing...

Valentine's Day Tradition

While this will be mine and my husband's first Valentine's Day as a married couple, it is hardly our first rodeo. This will be our 11th Valentine's Day together. Our first being on...

Ice Skating In The Adirondacks

With temperatures regularly lingering below freezing, don't forget to pack your ice skates this winter for your next Adirondack adventure! While most people come here to go skiing...

Winter Events

This year, I made a resolution to stay home more.  Well, that went out the window fast! There are just way too many great events going on to sit at home. There is a little something...