21 Ways to View Fall Foliage in New York
People flock from all over to go leaf-peeping in New York once autumn rolls around, making the Hudson Valley and areas farther north sought-after destinations. Your New York fall foliage excursion can be calm and casual, adventurous and heart-pumping, or a little bit of each. Embark on a scenic drive, view the changing trees from above or hike right in the throes of them. No matter the type of experience you choose, you’re bound to see vivid golds, oranges, purples, and reds as you enjoy crisp weather and sip apple cider.
The Best Time to See Fall Foliage in New York
For most of the Hudson Valley and more northern spots (like the Adirondacks), the leaves start changing around mid-September and reach their peak in mid- or late-October. Temperature and rainfall impact how bright autumn leaves get and when they start to turn, but you can estimate the best time to see them when I Love NY releases its New York Fall Foliage Report in September. To guesstimate and plan your trip now, check out the general calendar from NY Fall Foliage for peak times based on the area of New York.
21 Ways to View Fall Foliage in New York
There’s a lot to do in New York during the fall, from apple picking and corn mazes to antique shopping and wine tasting. When you want to get a front-row seat to bright, show-stopping leaves, though, consider these 21 prime outings.
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1. Bear Mountain State Park
Bear Mountain State Park, an easy drive if you’re staying in Garrison, NY, has the Perkins Memorial Tower at the mountain’s summit. Not only will you see lovely leaves, but you’ll also catch a glimpse of the New York City skyline if it’s a clear day. During your climb up the tower, you’ll see vintage photos and placards with historical info, plus 360-degree views of the foliage.
2. Trophy Point at West Point
Less than 30 minutes from Garrison is Trophy Point at West Point. You’ll get a scenic overlook of the Hudson Valley and you’ll also see the Battle Monument, the former site of West Point graduation ceremonies (until class sizes became too large).
3. Kayak Tours
Hudson River Expeditions has several kayak tours to choose from, like the Bannerman Castle Loop and the Garrison Landing Tour. There’s also a Paint Tour if you’re so inspired by the fall foliage that you need to get it down on a canvas. Tours are available for all skill levels.
4. Breakneck Ridge
Rock scrambles and waterfront trails are par for the course at Breakneck Ridge, a scenic hike along the Hudson River. It can be dangerous, so it’s best if you have some experience, and always stay on the trail.
5. Red Trail at Mount Beacon Park
Photo by Lindsay Pietroluongo
For a challenging hike with phenomenal views but a bit more safety, try the red trail at Mount Beacon Park. You can turn back once you reach the lookout or you can continue to the true peak, where there’s a dizzying fire tower that you can climb.
6. Storm King Art Center
The 500-acre Storm King Art Center in Beacon has excellent leaf-peeping amongst the large-scale sculpture garden.
7. The Walkway Over the Hudson
Photo by Lindsay Pietroluongo
The Walkway Over the Hudson is a pedestrian bridge that connects Poughkeepsie to Highland and has phenomenal views of the beautiful Hudson River and the trees that line it on either side. Park on the Highland side, which has an easier walk to the river and its views. The Walkway is a great stop if you’re continuing north or west, and you can walk the entire bridge back and forth in under an hour.
8. The Skytop Tower at Mohonk
The Skytop Tower at Mohonk doesn’t just show off New York leaves, but also six other states in all of their fall foliage glory.
9. Minnewaska State Park
Photo by Lindsay Pietroluongo
Not far from Mohonk is Minnewaska State Park, with numerous trails whether you want a quick 45-minute hike or you’d like to get purposely lost for half the day. The easiest hike is the one that loops around the lake right near the parking lot – walk in either direction and make sure to stop along the way to take in the views.
10. Black Creek
Photo by Lindsay Pietroluongo
Black Creek, one of Scenic Hudson’s free-to-visit parks, is well-maintained and fairly easy to hike. Three loops interconnect, making it difficult to get off the right path, and you’ll eventually end up at the riverfront where you’ll want to take a break. You can complete the hike in an hour, under two if you stop along the way, and you’ll be surrounded by colorful woods the entire time.
11. Rail Biking in the Catskills
You and a pal can share a two-seater, sit-down bicycle to go rail biking in the Catskills thanks to Rail Explorers. The eight-mile round trip (don’t worry, there’s electric pedal assistance) will take you along Esopus Creek and through the wooded Catskill Mountains.
12. Zipline Canopy Tours
Travel 600 feet above ground at Hunter Mountain, where you can ride one of North America’s longest zip lines with Zipline Canopy Tours. If you dare, look down to glimpse the fall foliage as you whiz by. You can also view the Catskills and their changing leaves by riding the Scenic Skyride at Hunter Mountain.
13. Kaaterskill Falls
Kaaterskill Falls is among New York’s highest waterfalls, and there are several nearby hiking trails to choose from with varying difficulties. Just about all of them have beautiful, leaf-heavy Hudson Valley vistas.
14. Saratoga Monument
The Saratoga Monument is over 150 feet tall and has 190 stairs to climb, but once you reach the top, you’ll look out over the northern Adirondacks, the Taconic Mountains, and the Helderberg Mountains, making the trek worth it.
15. Saratoga Spa State Park
Saratoga Spa State Park has mineral springs and the National Museum of Dance, plus nature trails for biking, running, walking, and leaf-gawking. There are also two golf courses on the premises.
16. Mount Utsayantha
For a short, manageable hike with a rewarding view at the end, head to Mount Utsayantha. You’ll be at the peak in just one leisurely mile, and it’s easy enough for your pup to handle, too.
17. Adirondacks Scenic Railroad
A ride on the Adirondacks Scenic Railroad will take you through forests and the Adirondack foothills, above rivers, and into Adirondack Park.
18. Cloudsplitter Gondola
Whiteface Mountain has one of New York’s highest summits at nearly 5,000 feet. You don’t have to hike it, of course (though you can). Instead, get there by car via the Memorial Highway or take the Cloudsplitter Gondola.
19. Flaming Leaves Festival
Every October, the Flaming Leaves Festival is held at Whiteface Mountain, two days of folk music, storytellers, and a ski jumping competition, not to mention fall foliage.
20. Beautiful Balloon
For a truly unique perspective, take a sunrise or sunset ride on a hot air balloon in the Lake George region with A Beautiful Balloon.
21. Fall Sky Rides
The Bristol Mountain ski resort runs its chair lift even before the first snowflake falls, giving you the option to view New York fall foliage from above with their Fall Sky Rides.
Best Places to See Peak Fall Foliage in Upstate New York
When the fall foliage season arrives, Upstate New York transforms into a canvas of breathtaking autumn colors. Starting in September and extending through early November, this period offers weeks of incredible views as the leaves change into vibrant hues. The region is known for its fall foliage featuring brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds that spread across New York, creating a picturesque landscape.
Watkins Glen State Park: A Scenic Fall Wonder
Located in the Finger Lakes region, Watkins Glen State Park is stunning during the fall foliage season. The park’s scenic park trails offer spectacular views of waterfalls, gorges, and vibrant leaves that will take your breath away. The park is one of the most popular fall destinations in New York and a must-visit for nature lovers. You’ll also get to enjoy views of Lake Seneca, making this a perfect spot to take in the natural beauty.
Explore Fall Colors in Letchworth State Park
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park in western New York is a hotspot for leaf peeping during the fall foliage season. The deep gorge, complemented by stunning waterfalls, provides the perfect backdrop to the colorful foliage that blankets the area. With the leaves changing from green to shades of orange, yellow, and red, it is one of the best places to go in New York to witness the beauty of autumn.
Tracking Fall Foliage: Scenic Spots in the Hudson Valley and Adirondacks
The Hudson River Valley and Adirondacks are two of the most sought-after regions for fall foliage viewing in New York. The foliage here peaks in mid-October, creating an unforgettable autumn experience.
The Adirondack High Peaks: A Unique Fall Foliage Experience
The Adirondack High Peaks offer some of the most spectacular fall foliage in the state. The Veterans’ Memorial Highway provides a scenic route to the top of Whiteface Mountain, offering sweeping views of the colorful foliage that stretches for miles. This region also offers a ride on the fall foliage train, which lets visitors experience the vibrant colors of autumn from a different perspective. Lake Placid and Tupper Lake are also great spots to see the fall foliage reaching its peak, especially when viewed from the Olympic Jumping Complex, which provides a unique aerial view of the foliage.
The Wild Center: Explore Nature and Track Fall Foliage
Situated in Tupper Lake, the Wild Center is a family-friendly destination that lets you immerse yourself in nature while tracking the changing leaves. The center’s elevated trails allow you to walk through the treetops and witness the fall foliage up close. This site also offers opportunities to get a taste of local wildlife and learn about the surrounding ecosystem, making it a great educational experience as well.
New York Fall Foliage Report: Peak Fall and Must-See Locations
In the season, fall foliage in different regions of New York is expected to peak between late September and early November. According to the weekly fall foliage reports, Upstate New York will likely reach its peak fall foliage by mid-October, while western New York and parts of the Hudson Valley may peak closer to the week of November.
Unique Fall Foliage Experiences in New York
For a truly unique adventure, take a hot air balloon ride over the Hudson River Valley or Finger Lakes region. The aerial views offer a one-of-a-kind way to experience the fall season and witness the vibrant colors across New York. Alternatively, a visit to the site of two Revolutionary War battles in Saratoga or exploring the Legend of Sleepy Hollow in the Hudson Valley can offer a historical twist to your leaf-peeping adventure.
Leaf Peeping in the Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes region is known for its vineyards, lakefront views, and breathtaking fall scenery. One of the best spots is Taughannock Falls State Park, where the waterfall, which is taller than Niagara Falls, is surrounded by the rich hues of autumn. The changing leaves here create a stunning contrast against the cliffs, making it one of the most popular fall destinations. Fall visitors can enjoy a hike through the park while taking in the spectacular fall foliage.
Top Fall Events and Scenic Drives to See New York’s Peak Colors
New York’s fall season is packed with events and scenic drives that allow you to fully embrace the autumn beauty. From fall festivals to drives through the countryside, there are numerous ways to take in the season.
Scenic Fall Drives Through Upstate NY
A road trip through Upstate New York in the fall is nothing short of magical. Scenic routes like the Susquehanna River Valley, Whirlpool State Park, and the Seaway Trail offer endless opportunities to take in the changing leaves. For more adventure, drive along the Veterans’ Memorial Highway to reach Whiteface Mountain’s summit, where you can take in panoramic views of the surrounding foliage.
Autumn Adventures in Central Park and Beyond
Even in the bustling city of New York, you can still experience the magic of fall. Central Park becomes a kaleidoscope of orange fall leaves during autumn, perfect for walking, picnicking, or enjoying the cooler temperatures. For more foliage-filled fun, head to Congress Park in Saratoga Springs or explore Rock Island Lighthouse, both of which offer stunning fall foliage views. For history enthusiasts, the Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a fall event you won’t want to miss.
New York offers endless ways to experience the fall foliage season, from hikes in its beautiful state parks to scenic drives through colorful valleys. Whether you’re exploring the Hudson Valley, wandering through Letchworth State Park, or enjoying fall festivities, New York’s fall season provides experiences that will leave you in awe. Start planning your trip now to catch the peak fall foliage and make this autumn one to remember!
Few places have a prettier change of seasons than New York State, with the Hudson Valley, Catskills, and Adirondacks boasting the most intensely colorful leaves of all. If you plan to stay for a few nights, explore our selection of New York Vacation Rentals. And don’t forget to tell us all about your fall foliage experience!
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