In autumn, the mountain air turns crisp and the emerald peaks don the brilliant shades of another breathtaking leaf season.
Ripened apples fall from the trees and are quickly gathered for the cider presses.
Pumpkins appear at roadside farmers' markets and leaf-peepers take to the hills for a glimpse at nature's fierce, passionate battle enacted among the trees. Amid all of nature's winter preparations, Hawk guests find autumn to be the ideal time to explore the foliage from within, on miles of wooded hiking trails that lace the Resort's 1200 acres, or to catch a few last rounds of mountain golf on one of seven area championship courses. Quiet, leaf-strewn country roads winding through the wooded peaks and valleys prove ideal for biking and jogging . Others may prefer to hunt for game or treasured antiques at country fairs and shops in the surrounding towns and villages . Out on Lake Amherst, the mountainsides lining the shores will appear ablaze in hues of red, orange and yellow, while sailboats from the Hawk Marina are propelled past them by the fall winds that are carrying leaves to their final resting places.