Hot air balloon rides in Upstate NY: Where to go for breathtaking aerial views

Hot air balloon rides in Upstate New York offer passengers breathtaking bird eye’s views of the region’s scenic landscape. One ride is sure to create an unforgettable, thrilling and romantic experience. During the fall season, it’s one of the best ways to view Upstate New York’s impressive fall foliage. There are several companies in the region that offer hot air balloon rides, but before you float into the sky, here are a few things to know:

What to wear: Several hot air balloon companies suggest dressing as if you were doing any other outdoors activity. That's because the temperature in a balloon is no different than on the ground, so feel free to wear casual, comfortable clothes. Bring layers, like a light jacket or sweater, in case the temperature changes. Also bring a hat because the burner inside the balloons gives off radiant heat and can be quite warm at times.

Flying times: Balloon companies typically only launch early in the morning, right after sunrise, or late in the day, right before sunset. Since the sun is low in the sky during these times of day, the wind is calmest and make for the best flying conditions. Balloon companies typically won't fly during the middle of the day.

Flying conditions: Rain, fog, low cloud cover, too much wind and not enough wind can prohibit flying. The pilot of each flight usually has final say on whether or not the conditions are safe to fly.

Basket capacity: Hot air balloon baskets vary in size and capacity. Contact specific balloon companies for their limit.

Age and health conditions: Most companies don't allow children under 10 or over 80 to fly, though that varies with each company. Pregnant women, persons with osteoporosis, or those with recent trauma or surgery usually aren't allowed to fly.

Scams: Be aware of websites claiming to sell gift certificates for a hot air balloon company in the area. They could possibly be misrepresenting companies. Phone numbers that are 800 numbers should raise caution.

Here are companies and events that offer hot air balloon rides in Upstate New York:

Balloons Over Letchworth

Balloons Over Letchworth are the only balloon company that operates from Letchworth State Park, as they have an exclusive contract with that state to launch from inside the gorge. This allows the company to offer one-of-a-kind views of the iconic waterfalls and state park.

Launch site: Balloons Over Letchworth launch from the Middle - Upper Falls picnic area at the south end of the state park, near the snack bar.

Prices: Flights start at $310 per person

More info: balloonsoverletchworth.com

SunKiss Ballooning

Fly over Lake George and get the chance to see the farmlands of Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties with views of the Adirondacks and Vermont.

Meeting address: 40 Media Dr, Queensbury, NY

Prices: Ranges from $220-350 per person depending on package.

More info: sunkissballooning.com

Adirondack Balloon Flights

Adirondack Balloon Flights feature small group and romantic private hot air balloon rides over the Adirondacks, Lake George and Saratoga Springs region.

Meeting address: 607 Aviation Road, Queensbury 12804

Prices: $250 per person for shared space and private group flight; $725 for a private flight for two

More info: adkballoonflights.com

Majestic Balloon Flights

Majestic's balloons fly over Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties, offering views of small communities, rolling farmland, wildlife, the Green Mountain of Vermont and the Adirondack Mountains.

Meeting address: 192 Corinth Rd, Queensbury, NY 12804

Prices:  $195 per person from ages 17 - 75; $145  per kid from ages 7 - 16

More info majesticballoonflights.com

Balloon NY

Balloon NY takes passengers over a flying area that includes the Catskills, Hudson Valley, Cooperstown and Oneonta.

Meeting address: Columbia County Airport, 1142 Route 9H, Ghent, NY 12075 Neahwa Park, 248 Main Street, Oneonta, NY 13820 Aviation Mall, 578 Aviation Road, Queensbury, NY 12804

Prices: $240 per person for regular flight; $225 per person for groups of three or more; $750 for exclusive two-person flight package

More info: balloonny.com

Aurora Balloon Company

Aurora Balloon Company gives passengers a bird's eye view of Western New York, including the Greater Buffalo area, the Southern Tier, East Aurora and Lake Erie.

Address: 6893 Olean Rd, South Wales, NY 14139

Prices: $220 per person

More info: auroraballooncompany.com

Airborne Adventures Ballooning

Located 11.5 miles south of Turning Stone Resort and Casino, Airborne Adventures Ballooning offers riders views of Madison County and Central New York.

Launch address: Located in the Stockbridge Valley, on Haslauer Road, just east of Stockbridge. Specific directions will be given prior to the date of the flight.

Prices: $225 per person for standard deluxe flight; $550 per couple for exclusive flight for two; discount rates may apply for groups of four.

More info: flyairborne.com

Southern Tier Balloon Tours

Customers can either ride out of Binghamton and view the Southerly Hills of Broome County, or Owego and view the water and trees of Tioga County, or Ithaca and view Cayuga Lake and college campuses of the Finger Lakes region.

Launch address: Otsiningo Park, 1 Bevier St, Binghamton, NY 13901 Hickories Park, 359 Hickories Park Rd, Owego, NY 13827 Stewart Park,  Gardner Pkwy Ithaca, NY 14850

Prices: $195 per person out of Binghamton; $210 per person out of Owego; $225 per person out of Ithaca

More info: stballoon.com

Ballooning Adventures

Ballooning adventures offers rides in various parts of Upstate New York, including Saratoga Springs, Lake George and Glens Falls. Enjoy views of the Adirondack Mountains and Green Mountains of Vermont during the one-hour ride.

Address: Call (518) 798-4143 for more information about a meeting address.

Price: $225 per person for two passengers; $200 per person for 3-4 passengers

More info: ballooningadventures.net

Upstate Ballooning

Upstate Ballooning offers rides that fly by the Adirondack mountains in Warren, Washington and Saratoga Counties, in regions including Glens Falls, Lake George, Bolton Landing, Saratoga Springs, Hudson Falls, Whitehall and more.

Address: Upstate Ballooning offers rides out of Lake George, Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs areas. Contact  the company for specific launch locations.

Prices: $225 per person for standard ride; $600 per couple for private hot air balloon ride

More info: upstateballooning.com

Above All Balloons

Fly over the Syracuse area and Central New York with the opportunity to see rolling hills, valleys, waterfalls, wildlife and landscapes.

Launch sites: Above All Balloons typically launch from Jamesville Beach, Enders Road, Highland Road and the Cazenovia area, though other launch sites can be accommodated.

Prices: $200 per adult; $100 per child under 12 years old; private rates available

More info: aboveallballoonrides.com

Balloon Festivals

Upstate New York hosts several balloon festivals that offer simultaneous launch of balloons, creating a sea of hot air balloons in the sky. Put these on your calendar:

Adirondack Balloon Festival: Usually held in September ever year, this balloon festival takes place in Glens Falls and Queensbury. Website: adirondackballoonfest.org

Jamesville Ballonfest: Held every summer, usually in June, this balloon festival takes place at Jamesville Beach Park, just south of Syracuse. Website: syracuseballoonfest.com

New York State Festival of Balloons: Held every year on Labor Day weekend, this festival takes place in Dansville, an hour south of Rochester. Website: nysfob.com

Saratoga Balloon and Craft Festival: Held every summer, usually in June, this festival takes place at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds in Ballston Spa, NY. Website: balloonandcraft.com

Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally: Held every summer, usually in early August, this festival takes place in Binghamton. Website: spiediefest.com

Wellsville Balloon Rally: Held the third week of July each year, this festival takes place in Wellsville in the state's Southern Tier. Website: wellsvilleballoonrally.com

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