The Ironman Loop in Lake Placid. Image courtesy Lake Placid tourism.

8. Destination: Lake Placid, New York
The fall foliage covers the landscape in the Adirondacks and while hiking is your best bet to get up-close-and-personal with the great outdoors, it’s easy to cover a lot of ground by car. Once you’ve reached the area there are a handful of routes you can choose from that let’s you experience everything from panoramic views to lakeside viewpoints.

The 56-mile Ironman Loop is a three-hour drive that allows you to see highlights including the Olympic Center and High Falls Gorge. Just take the 73 south out of Lake Placid past the Cascade Lakes and down Keene Hill. Turn left on Route 9N north to Jay and left on Route 86 to Wilmington and Lake Placid. For a break from the main road, take a left onto River Road and then a right on Route 73 by the ski jumps. For more information on scenic drives in Lake Placid visit lakeplacid.com.