Aerostat Balloon Company

Balloon rides turn the Adirondack foothills into a patchwork of color and quiet. From several hundred feet up, the usual landmarks—strip malls, back roads, the distant glint of Lake George—shrink into a living map. Aerostat Balloon Company operates from a field just off the main highway, where the launch site is as unassuming as the views are expansive.

At 3148 US-4 in Hudson Falls, the takeoff point sits midway between Glens Falls and Fort Edward. Morning flights catch the first light on the Hudson River, while sunset trips trade daylight for cooler air and longer shadows. The agency handles private charters, group outings, and occasional festival appearances, though each flight remains weather-dependent.

Passengers meet at the field before dawn or dusk, when winds are steadiest. Pilots carry liability insurance and FAA certification, and pre-flight briefings cover safety protocols. After landing, most crews offer a toast—tradition, not obligation—then pack the envelope while riders swap photos. Directions can be pulled from the map.

Questions about availability, group rates, or seasonal schedules can be answered by calling (518) 681-7773. Operators recommend booking several weeks ahead, especially for weekends when the Champlain Valley draws more visitors.