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Best Ways to Experience the Magic of Fall in Saratoga County

Need an excuse to make a trip to Saratoga County this fall? We’ve got you covered with the top reasons to visit! To kick it off, Saratoga County comes alive with autumn spirit, and being there will make you feel as if you’ve stepped out of your favorite fall comfort movie. Picture quintessential fall scenes: cozy cafes, fall festivities, vibrant foliage, and more.

If that wasn’t enough of a reason, don’t worry, we have more! Join us as we dive into why a fall adventure in Saratoga County is a journey worth embarking on.

Enjoy the Delicious Fall Flavors

The fall season brings a variety of delicious flavors, and Saratoga County’s culinary scene is serious about their offerings. From pumpkin spice lattes to apple-infused treats, local eateries and cafes serve up an array of yummy delights.

Country Corner Cafe

split image. on left is apple cider mimosa. on right is plates of breakfast food on a table

Cozy up with warm autumn flavors at the Country Corner Cafe in Saratoga Springs. In past years, they have added enticing creations to their menu, like apple cider mimosas, a perfect blend of bubblies and crisp apple flavors. For our coffee fans, the cafe has offered toasted cinnamon apple coffee and, of course, the ever-popular pumpkin spice coffee.

Indulge in more delicious fall flavors at these top spots >>

Prepare for Apple Picking & Pumpkin Patches

Fall in Saratoga County wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the numerous apple orchards and pumpkin patches scattered across the region. Many of the region’s orchards and farms also offer hayrides, corn mazes, and fresh apple cider donuts.

Bowman Orchards

split image. on left is girl shooting an apple cannon. on right is woman picking apples from a tree

Pluck apples straight from the tree at Bowman Orchards in Rexford. Bowman is a local favorite fall destination, offering apple picking adventures, a farm store, and a variety of on-site activities. Visitors can enjoy a corn maze and pony rides, shoot an apple cannon, and hop on the Bowman Orchard Express for a tractor ride through the orchard.

Check out more orchards that allow u-pick >>

Ellms Family Farm

split image. on left is kids riding on a tractor ride. on left is people in a pumpkin patch

Experience a day filled with fall activities and memories at Ellms Family Farm in Ballston Spa. This farm offers a pumpkin patch and more than 25 family-friendly activities like pumpkin shooting, a corn maze, gem mining, and the largest jumping pillow in the Capital Region! 

Explore the region’s pumpkin patches >>

Face Your Fears at Spooky Attractions

For those seeking thrills and chills, Saratoga County features a variety of spooky attractions that beckon the brave. Explore haunted houses, corn mazes, and creepy woods for the ultimate adrenaline rush this season. Or, unveil the county’s haunting tales and legends on ghost tours.

Haunted Corn Mazes, Houses, & Hayrides

entrance to a haunted house

Venture into the region’s most terrifying haunted houses and hayrides for a frightfully fun time. Navigate through spooky attractions at Double M Haunted Hayrides in Ballston Spa if you dare. This spine-tingling experience combines a haunted house, a haunted hayride, and eerie trails for a night of thrills and screams.

For those seeking a sinister adventure, Schuyler Farms’ ‘Field of Screams’ haunted corn maze offers an unforgettable experience. As you make your way through the twists and turns of the maze, prepare to encounter hair-raising surprises and the frights that only the shadows of a moonlit cornfield could provide.

Haunted Ghost Tours

cemetery in fall

This fall, embark on an adventure through Saratoga County’s spooky side with Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tours. Visit haunted locations throughout the county, listen to spine-chilling stories, and perhaps even encounter a ghostly presence during the trip. 

Did you know Saratoga Springs has a history of ghoulish happenings throughout it? For another historical haunt, visit the Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs, where guided ghost tours unravel tales of the supernatural within this iconic building.

Mark Your Calendar for Fall Festivities

street filled with kids dressed up in halloween costumes

Upstate New York is known for its fall traditions, and Saratoga County doesn’t disappoint! Throughout the fall season, Saratoga County comes alive with festivals, concerts, art exhibits, and more. From the annual Saratoga Fall Festival in October to each town’s Halloween and fall events, there’s something for everyone.

Get Ready for Fall Foliage & Outdoor Adventures

Of course, one of the best reasons to take a trip to Saratoga County in the fall is for the endless amount of leaf peeping opportunities! Whether you’re in downtown Saratoga Springs or in the region’s countryside, you’ll find vibrant-colored sights everywhere you look.

Additionally, with cooler temperatures, it’s the perfect time for hiking, biking, and exploring the outdoors. The county offers plenty of trails and parks for all skill levels, allowing you to see beautiful scenery while enjoying the crisp weather.

Take a scenic drive in Saratoga National Historical Park or head to Moreau Lake State Park for hiking and nature walks among the stunning autumn scenery.

Find more leaf peeping spots in Saratoga County >>

Embark on a Scenic Fall Journey

people at a pumpkin patch posing

If you want to kick back and relax this season, take an autumn adventure with Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway! Their “Autumn Explorer” train ride is a scenic trip through the Southern Adirondacks. Revel in the beauty of fall-colored views and catch a glimpse of wildlife in their natural habitat!

Saratoga County welcomes the fall season with open arms and offers an array of exciting activities to participate in. Whether you’re sipping a cozy beverage at the Country Corner Cafe, embarking on a day of apple picking at Bowman Orchards, or taking in the beautiful colors, the seasonal charm is everywhere.

So what do you say? Come experience the magic of fall in Saratoga County!

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man with glasses with forest background
About the Author: Joe Legault Joe is a dedicated editor from Lake Luzerne, NY, with a passion for hiking the Adirondack high peaks, running half marathons and 5Ks, and visiting local craft breweries like Common Roots and Dancing Grain. He enjoys writing about the region's can't-miss attractions and activities.