I like to think
of this as a special loop for folks who really want to get out into the
out-of-doors and not just ride in the car. Not that this is a requirement but
to drive the whole loop takes all day. But more about this, later.
Take exit 45 of
I-81 (Hwy-3) eastbound and stay right on 3 all the way to Tupper Lake. You'll
drive a little more than 40 miles before you enter the Adirondack Forest
Preserve but you have scenery all the way. For the most part you are traveling
on the bottom land with the mountains on each side so you can enjoy the best
views of the autumn leaves.
At Tupper Lake
Hwy-3 and Hwy-30 intersect. Turn right onto 30 and follow it to Blue Mountain
Lake. There Hwy-30 goes off to the left and Hwy-28 to the right. Turn right
onto 28 and follow it to Old Forge. I do believe this is the best leg of the
loop if it is a calm day. You'll by driving by a series of lakes and the sight
of the autumn leaves reflected in the waters is the royal crown of vistas.
Now you're at Old
Forge. I recommend the Best
Western. Spend the night, enjoy indulging at their
on-premises restaurant and go hiking the next day. There are many great trails
and they can fill you in with all the information you would ever want.
To return to
Watertown, continue on Hwy-28 to Alder Creek. Turn right on Hwy-12 and follow
it all the way to Watertown. If you'd rather head south to Utica, turn left at
Alder Creek (staying on Hwy-28) and it leads you to Utica and the NY Thruway.
contributed
by RK
Most accommodations are 'booked
up' during the fall leaf viewing season. If you haven't made your hotel/motel reservations yet we
have included access to an on-line hotel reservation system for your convenience.
Hotel
reservations are available, usually at a discount,
in the following nearby communities:
|
