17 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in New York State

Discover the most beautiful spots for Fall Foliage in New York State. From the Adirondacks to the Hudson Valley, explore 17 destinations with vibrant colors, scenic drives, and real stories that bring autumn to life.

Introduction

Fall in New York feels like stepping into a living painting. The air is crisp, the light is golden, and every hillside bursts into shades of red, orange, and yellow. It’s the season when locals pack cider into the car, travelers plan road trips, and families return to the same overlooks year after year just to see the colors glow again.

I met a grandmother in the Hudson Valley who told me she drives the same country road every October. “It never gets old,” she said. “The trees change, the light changes, but the feeling is always the same—peace.” That’s what fall in New York is about.

17 Breathtaking Places to Experience Fall Foliage in New York State

There’s something about fall in New York that makes people slow down. The air turns crisp, the scent of woodsmoke lingers, and suddenly the hills and valleys look like they’ve been painted with fire. Locals and travelers alike wait all year for this short season, when ordinary roads become golden tunnels and every overlook feels like a living postcard.

One visitor I met in the Hudson Valley told me she drives up from New Jersey every October, just to breathe the cool air and remind herself that beauty doesn’t have to be far away. That’s the power of fall in New York—it pulls people back year after year.

1. Adirondack Mountains (Northern NY)

The Adirondacks stretch wide, with high peaks and lakes framed by red and gold leaves. Standing on a ridge in late September, it feels like the world below has caught fire in the most peaceful way.

A retired teacher from Ohio told me she’s been coming here for 15 years. Her favorite memory was drinking hot apple cider near Lake Placid after hiking Whiteface Mountain, the sunset making the trees glow like embers.

2. Catskill Mountains (SE Upstate)

The Catskills are famous for their waterfalls and quiet trails that feel untouched. In October, the forests turn into shades of amber and scarlet, wrapping small towns in a cozy blanket of color.

I once spoke with a Brooklyn couple who escape here every fall weekend. They said the drive alone—passing farms and mountain overlooks—feels like therapy after a busy week in the city.

3. Hudson Valley (Mid-Hudson)

The Hudson River reflects entire forests of orange and yellow, while historic estates sit proudly on its banks. Driving through, you catch glimpses of stone bridges and old barns surrounded by glowing maples.

A photographer I met in Poughkeepsie said he waits all year for this season. “The light and colors here,” he told me, “make every shot look like a painting.”

4. Finger Lakes (Central NY)

Fall in the Finger Lakes means bright hillsides sloping down into calm blue waters. Vineyards and waterfalls add to the charm, making it one of the most peaceful spots in the state.

A young couple from Rochester told me they come every October to tour wineries and end their day at Watkins Glen, where fiery leaves frame every cascade. They said it feels like stepping into another world.

5. Thousand Islands / St. Lawrence (North Country)

Up along the St. Lawrence River, the fall colors mix with the sparkle of the water. Cruising past castles and tiny islands under a cool October sky feels like a fairytale.

I met a Canadian family on a riverboat tour who said it’s their annual tradition. For them, the joy isn’t just the view but the crisp air that makes every laugh carry across the water.

6. Lake George (Adirondack Foothills)

Lake George in fall looks like a giant mirror surrounded by blazing hillsides. Scenic drives wind around the shoreline, where every turn opens to another breathtaking view of gold, orange, and red.

I once met a family from Pennsylvania who stopped at a lakeside diner after a long drive. They said eating pumpkin pie while looking out at the fiery reflections on the lake felt like the perfect autumn moment.

7. Letchworth State Park (Western NY)

Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth’s cliffs and deep gorges become even more dramatic when covered in autumn color. Trails lead you to overlooks where waterfalls crash against stone, framed by trees that look lit from within.

A hiker from Buffalo told me he always brings his kids here in October. He said their favorite spot is Middle Falls at sunset, when the sky turns pink and the leaves burn bright around the gorge.

8. Watkins Glen State Park (Finger Lakes)

Walking through Watkins Glen in fall feels like stepping into a storybook. The gorge trail winds past waterfalls and narrow stone bridges, with golden leaves drifting gently into the water below.

I met a college student from Ithaca who said this park is her escape during exam season. She comes here just to breathe and listen to the waterfalls, saying the colors make her feel calm and alive again.

9. Central NY Scenic Byways (Central NY)

The country roads of Central New York are simple but unforgettable. Maples line the quiet highways, farms glow in the autumn sun, and barns sit against rolling hills like scenes from an old painting.

A retired farmer I talked to in Madison County said he still drives the backroads every October. For him, it’s not about sightseeing—it’s about remembering the land he worked and watching it dress up in its brightest colors.

10. Niagara Gorge & Falls Area (Western NY)

Everyone knows Niagara Falls for its power, but in autumn, the scene changes. The rushing water contrasts with cliffs covered in fiery leaves, making the whole place feel like nature’s grand stage.

I once stood next to a tourist from Chicago who couldn’t stop taking photos. She told me the mist rising from the falls caught the orange glow of the trees, and it looked like the water itself was glowing.

11. Taconic Mountains (Eastern NY Border)

The Taconic Mountains are quieter than the big-name spots, which makes them special in fall. Trails wind along ridges where you can walk for miles with only the sound of leaves crunching under your boots.

I met a teacher from Albany who said she comes here when she needs peace. She loves how the trails glow in shades of amber and rust, and how the silence makes her feel like she has the whole season to herself.

12. Allegany State Park (Southwest NY)

Allegany is full of rolling hills that burst into color every October. The hardwood forests stretch wide, and when the fog lifts in the morning, the view feels endless.

A group of bikers from Ohio told me they ride through the park each fall. For them, the winding roads under red and gold canopies are the highlight of the year.

13. Chautauqua-Allegheny (Western NY)

This region feels like a hidden gem in autumn. Lakes shimmer under the fall sun, and small towns come alive with festivals, cider stands, and family gatherings.

I spoke with a local shop owner in Chautauqua who said fall is her favorite season. She loves watching visitors step out of their cars, stunned at how the lake reflects the fiery hillsides.

14. Mohawk Valley (Central NY)

The Mohawk River winds through towns that carry centuries of history, and in October, the valley glows with golden light. Old stone buildings and covered bridges look even more timeless against the backdrop of autumn.

A retired veteran from Utica told me he takes his grandchildren here each fall. He said he wants them to feel the same peace he did as a boy, standing by the river while the maples turned crimson overhead.

15. Taughannock Falls State Park (Finger Lakes)

Taughannock Falls drops taller than Niagara, and in autumn, the cliffs around it blaze with color. The waterfall’s roar echoes through the valley, softened by drifting leaves.

A couple from Syracuse told me they got engaged here in October. For them, the waterfall framed by fiery trees was more beautiful than any decorated backdrop.

16. Whiteface Mountain (Adirondacks)

Whiteface Mountain gives one of the highest views in New York. In late September, the alpine slopes are painted in scarlet and gold, while the valleys below stretch out like a quilt of color.

A skier I met in Lake Placid said he always hikes Whiteface before the snow comes. He told me nothing compares to standing above the tree line and seeing autumn spread out in every direction.

17. Harriman State Park (Hudson Valley Suburbs)

Close to New York City, Harriman offers an easy escape when you crave fall color. Lakes reflect the trees, trails are gentle, and the air feels cleaner than just an hour away from the city.

I spoke with a nurse from Manhattan who comes here after long night shifts. She said walking beside the water surrounded by red maples helps her recharge in a way nothing else can.

Best Scenic Drives for Fall Colors in New York State

If you prefer leaf peeping from the driver’s seat, here are drives that deliver frequent roadside overlooks and pullouts:

• Route 28 (Catskills to Adirondacks) — Takes you through small towns, forests, and high viewpoints.
• Palisades Interstate Parkway — Short, convenient, and dramatic Hudson River views.
• Seneca and Cayuga Lake loops (Finger Lakes) — Wine country roads that hug the lakes and offer reflections of color on water.
• Adirondack Northway (I-87) segments — Fast access to many overlooks if you want a long drive day.
• Scenic Byway 12 (Thousand Islands area) — Island views and river vistas.

Tip: start early in the morning for softer light, or aim for the golden hour before sunset. Both give the red and orange tones more depth in photos.

Outdoor Activities to Enjoy During Fall in New York

Fall changes the way you explore. Here are activities that work best with color season:

• Hiking and nature walks: Choose ridge trails for panoramic color and gorge trails for layered views.
• Boat tours and kayaking: Lakes and rivers mirror the canopy and add a different perspective.
• Photography and drone shots: Use leading lines (roads, shorelines) to add depth.
• Wine tasting and farm stands: Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley wineries often pair tastings with fall festivals.
• Train and scenic cruises: The Adirondack Amtrak route and local fall boat tours are low-effort ways to enjoy color.

Travel Tips for Fall Foliage Trips in New York State

Planning makes or breaks a leaf-peeping trip. Here are practical suggestions:

What to pack

• Warm layers and a waterproof shell.
• Comfortable hiking shoes with grip.
• Camera with spare batteries and a polarizing filter.
• Small daypack, snacks, and a refillable water bottle.

Timing and crowds

• Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
• Popular pulls like Watkins Glen or Lake George get busy; arrive early.
• Check local foliage maps daily as the season progresses.
  I Love NY

Where to stay

• Book cabins or small B&Bs early; October weekends often sell out.
• For quieter stays, try state parks or smaller inns away from main roads.
• If you want nightlife and restaurants, choose hub towns like Ithaca, Lake Placid, or Hudson.

Safety

• Watch for wet leaves on trails and roads. Tracks can be slippery.
• If driving narrow country roads, pull over at safe spots for photos rather than stopping in a travel lane.

Conclusion

Fall in New York is more than just colors—it’s the feeling of crisp air, golden hills, and quiet moments that stay with you. From the peaks of the Adirondacks to the trails of Harriman, each place offers its own kind of magic. Travelers return year after year, not only for the views but for the peace and memories they carry home.

FAQs About Fall Foliage in New York State

How long does fall foliage last in New York?

Peak color at a single location often lasts 7–14 days. The state’s overall season spans from late September in the high peaks to late October or early November in lower areas. Weather and wind can shorten the display.

Which New York region has the brightest colors?

The Adirondacks and parts of the Hudson Valley are known for vivid reds and oranges due to varied species mix and elevation. Finger Lakes offers dramatic reflections, which makes color appear even more intense.

Is October the best month to see foliage?

For much of New York, yes. Early October favors Catskills and mid-Hudson. Mid to late October highlights Finger Lakes and western regions. Use local trackers for the exact week.

Can I enjoy fall foliage without hiking?

Absolutely. Scenic drives, boat cruises, train routes, and park overlooks all give excellent views. Many parks have short, accessible loops near parking areas for quick stops.

Are there fall festivals or events during foliage season?

Yes. Counties and towns across New York host harvest festivals, craft fairs, and wine events during October. Check local tourism calendars when you pick a destination.