Last weekend (Sunday, September 27, 2015) provided our first opportunity to seek out Fall Foliage. So we headed to Mount Van Hoevenberg , a 4.4-mile round trip hike not too far from Lake Placid. It’s a moderate climb for both experienced and even out of shape hikers – just take your time.

The above photo -- untouched, as all photos in this story -- is taken from the summit. Here’s how you get to the primary trailhead: Google Adirondack Loj Road to Meadow Lane. There, take a left. Follow for 0.25 miles to the trailhead on the left. (There’s a bathroom nearby to the left indicated by a sign!)

This trailhead features bright blue trail markers! From the trailhead it’s a fairly flat walk on a wide, soft path. The route follows the side of a marsh (pictured below ) on a not too muddy trail. At the marsh take a close look up high to the the very top where you will see a rocky outcrop: that is going to be the summit you will soon enjoy amazing views from.

After a couple of small brook crossings the trail continues. Once out of the muddy area the trail becomes pleasant, but soon begins a moderate to steep climb, depending what shape you and your group are in.

After about an hour to 90 minutes you will reach the final approach to the summit. The first view you come to is not the summit...keep going a little further to reach the true summit and the best views .

You will be atop a rocky ledge with the gorgeous High Peaks right in front of you. To the far right from the top you can see parts of the Olympic Training Center.