Top Scenic Views in the Adirondacks

Driving any route in the Adirondacks is sure to be an adventure, but in the fall the mountains come alive!

At every turn you will see new vistas and incredible scenic views of lakes, ponds, waterfalls and rivers. Experience marshlands teeming with birds and other wildlife, mountains up close and in the distance, quiet winding roads away from the crowds. Believe me, you will definitely need a designated driver, you will spend so much time looking everywhere but at the road lol.

Here is one of the quiet gems to tour the area. You will see something of just about everything that makes the Adirondacks so special.

Sarananc Lake – Wilmington Loop

NYS Route 3 > County Route 18 > County Route 48 > County Route 18A > County Route 431 > NYS Route 86

Beginning on NYS Route 3 in Saranac Lake heading toward Bloomingdale, turn right at the four corners in Bloomingdale, then turn right onto River Road (County Rte 18). This is a winding road for most of the trip, so obey the speed limits. River Road leads into Franklin Falls Road (County Rte 48), eventually following the Saranac River on your right and passing over Franklin Falls Flow Pond. Once over the small bridge over the pond, continue on Franklin Falls Road (County Rte 48) as it turns right and begins its ascent leading to Whiteface Mountain. County Route 48 turns into County Route 18A. When you reach the end of the road at Whiteface Mountain turn left onto County Route 431 to go down the mountain into Wilmington. Your final leg of this beautiful loop is to turn right onto NYS Route 86 which will take you into Lake Placid, and then back to Saranac Lake.

Side Trips

View or paddle the Saranac River
Hike Catamount Mountain
Drive to the Summit of Whiteface Mountain
Flume Falls
High Falls Gorge
Numerous stops along the Ausable River
Visit Wilmington, Lake Placid and Saranac Lake