Pedal Through Endless Fall Foliage At These Must-Visit Upstate New York Mountains

The crisp air, leaves crunching beneath your feet, and the fresh scent of apple cider floating around — fall is officially around the corner. And as the autumn season arrives, there's no better time to start planning your annual trip to take in the vibrant display of reds, oranges, and golds that are starting to pop up throughout the country. However, while plenty of places in the Northeast might top your fall bucket list, there's one specific destination that stands out: New York's Adirondack Mountains.

Spanning over 6 million acres of protected wilderness — the Adirondacks provide the perfect backdrop for leaf-peepers seeking to immerse themselves in the season's beauty. Located about four hours north of New York City — and home to New York state's highest peak — this mountainous region transforms into a colorful wonderland each fall. Plus, brimming with lakes, hiking trails, and small towns that come alive during autumn, there's no denying that the Adirondacks are a prime fall destination that belongs on any East Coast bucket list.

However, when it comes to soaking up fall views in the Adirondacks, your visit doesn't have to mean simply driving (or hiking) to each viewpoint. Instead, you can enjoy your adventure aboard a different kind of four-wheel experience: a railbike tour. Railbiking takes advantage of legacy train tracks that are no longer in use by attaching a four-wheeled "bike" and pedaling along the track.

There's no denying that a railbike tour is the perfect way to experience the Adirondacks' fall splendor — especially if you're not the type to hike steep trails or navigate winding roads. Low-impact and accessible to most travelers with an average fitness level, these tours combine sightseeing with a pretty laidback outdoor activity to create an unforgettable and picturesque experience. Plus, once onboard the pedal-powered vehicle, you have the opportunity to cruise along historic railway tracks — surrounded by the region's most beautiful fall colors — without the need to break out a sweat.

In terms of options, one of the most popular railbike tour operators in the Adirondacks is Revolution Rail Co. With a handful of railbike tours available along different routes — varying when it comes to distance, price, and duration — they truly have something for everyone. For example, the popular South River Run features an 8-mile excursion with unspoiled views of the Hudson River. Alternatively, the North Bridge Run is for the more adventurous travelers and boasts a scenic bridge-crossing and journeys through a canopied forest.

Other trips worth highlighting include the company's newly-inaugurated Thurman Station Run, which runs along the course of the Hudson River; and the Hadley Station Run, a mostly-flat adventure that might result in some pretty exciting wildlife-spotting opportunities. As for pricing, the New York railbike tours generally start from $90 for a double railbike and $160 for a quad railbike. At the end of the day, though, and despite their differences and unique features, the tours all have one major goal in common: showcasing all of the different hues and facets of the region's natural beauty.

In order to fully experience the Adirondacks' autumn splendor, timing is key. The region typically sees peak fall foliage from late September through mid-October — with colors progressing from higher elevations to the lower areas. For the best views, you'll want to plan your trip during the first two weeks of October, when most of the region is awash in vibrant reds, oranges, and golds.

For an even better chance of catching peak fall colors, the official Visit Adirondacks website offers a live foliage report that's updated continuously throughout the season. This helpful tool highlights where visitors can find the best and most colorful leaves at that moment, which ultimately ensures that no one misses out on the show.

Additionally, while leaf-peeping is a must-do activity, the Adirondacks also offer plenty of other fall experiences to help you make the most of the season. From hopping aboard a hot air balloon ride over the Lake George area to getting lost in one of the local corn mazes, heading out on an apple-picking adventure, or signing up for a spine-chilling ghost tour, there's no shortage of fall-inspired activities to keep you in the mood for cozy sweaters and pumpkin-infused treats.