Fall is starting to show in Lake Placid. In town and around campus, the leaves are beginning to change from green to red, yellow, and orange. It is still early in the season, but the hills near school and the trees along the main roads already look different from the way they did a week ago. This time of year usually brings more visitors to the Adirondacks. Lake Placid is one of the popular places to see the colors, so it is common to see more hikers on the trails and families walking around Mirror Lake.

For Northwood students, there are plenty of good spots nearby to see the leaves without traveling far. Cobble Hill is the favorite for many because it is close and not too difficult. From the top, you can look over the town with mountains in the distance. The loop around Mirror Lake is another simple option, and many students already take that walk during the week. Even just heading into town at the right time of day can give quick views of the changing trees.

Dr. LeBlanc, physics teacher at Northwood and a trail runner, said there are several local places worth checking out. “Our best resource is in our backyard, Cobble has a great lookout if you take the lesser-known trail past the top,” he said. He also mentioned another spot. “When you are at the rink, check out the balcony that overlooks the oval for a great view of the High Peaks.”

With Mountain Day expected soon, the whole school will have a chance to be outdoors together, and students will be able to see the colors from the trails and summits.

Fall in Lake Placid is not just about the views, though. It also marks the beginning of new routines, school events, and the sense that the school year is underway. Although the leaves are short-lived, they contribute to making this season one of the year’s highlights in the Adirondacks.