There are all sorts of festivals this time of year but as much as I love a good get-together, sometimes it’s the simple things my family appreciates the most. When we get bogged down with school openings and away games, we have to stop and take a moment to look around us.

My daughter’s favorite autumn color is pink. You may think that the trees don’t really become pink, but if you look at the blending of some of the yellows, oranges and brilliant red, the leaves do indeed have a pinkish cast to them.

For some reason this year seems particularly spectacular for leaf peeping. I think I may say that every year because I forget what an amazing sight it is to see the Adirondack Mountain ablaze with the rich colors of autumn. The higher elevation areas, like the High Peaks, are the usually the first areas to start changing color. To better plan an Adirondack leaf peeping experience, try this weekly report that is posted each Wednesday. Reports are collected from field observers and foliage spotters.

My family’s favorite way to celebrate this change of season is to go for a hike. If not everyone in your party is able to hit the trails, try driving to the top of Prospect Mountain in Lake George or the Whiteface Memorial Highway. There are fees to access both mountains, but the views will more than make up for it.

Other options are to take a scenic chairlift to the top of one of the local ski hills like Big Tupper, Gore or Whiteface.   Speculator’s Oak Mountain and Old Forge’s McCauley Mountain have live web cams that allow you to keep taps on the changing colors. If none of those ideas are appealing, just take a drive on any side road or Adirondack street to witness this amazing time of year! Enjoy.

Photo of fall foliage over Lake Placid used with the permission of Diane Chase, AdirondackFamilyTime.com.