Heart Lake at Adirondak Loj
Adirondack High Peaks, New York · 2,164 ft
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.
Typical peak
Sep 28 – Oct 6
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Classic view faces SSW (197°)
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.
Color starts around Sep 11.
Light at peak
Heart Lake at Adirondak Loj on October 2, the day it typically peaks. Knowing when color arrives is one thing. Knowing where the sun will be is another.
| 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
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.
Based on the classic composition here facing 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.