Heart Lake at Adirondak Loj
Adirondack High Peaks, New York · 2,164 ft
Typical peak
Sep 28 – Oct 6
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Classic view faces SSW (197°)
From the north shore the MacIntyre Range fills the water to the south-southwest, with Algonquin and Wright reflected on still mornings. Birch and maple ring the shoreline and hold a warm band against the dark conifer slopes.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
high
Busy through peak. Be parked before sunrise or expect to walk in.
Getting there
Drive Adirondak Loj Road about 4.8 miles south from NY 73, pay the day-use parking fee at the gate, and walk two minutes to the shore.
What turns here
- paper birch
- sugar maple
- yellow birch
- balsam fir
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 2Typical color progression for Heart Lake at Adirondak Loj. No change from Aug 25 to Sep 11. First color from Sep 11 to Sep 20. Approaching peak from Sep 20 to Sep 28. Peak from Sep 28 to Oct 6. Past peak from Oct 6 to Oct 16. Bare from Oct 16 to Oct 30.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Sep 11.
This season so far
First frost
Oct 6
7 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
56°F / 34°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Heart Lake at Adirondak Loj on October 2, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:25 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 94° | 6:54 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 38 min of low, warm light | 7:33 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:45 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 38 min before sunset | 5:57 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 266° | 6:35 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:04 PM |
Times in America/New York · day length 11h 41m · computed from NOAA solar equations.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Both ends of the day: side-lit
Side light. Best for texture and depth across a ridge, and the safest bet for contrast.
Classic composition faces SSW (197°).
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.
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