From the fiery red cliffs of the Hudson Valley to the golden forests of the Catskills and the sweeping peaks of the Adirondacks, the Empire State becomes a living painting every fall.
While some trails like Breakneck Ridge are closed for 2025, there are still plenty of open routes that promise unbeatable views of the season.
Here’s your guide to the very best fall hikes in New York for 2025.
Table of Contents
Hudson Valley Fall Foliage Hikes
Anthony’s Nose – A Classic Hudson River View
Anthony’s Nose is one of the most beloved hikes in the Hudson Highlands, and for good reason.
The short but steep trail (about 1.9 miles round trip with 675 feet of elevation gain) rewards you with sweeping views of the Bear Mountain Bridge and the Hudson River.
This trail is perfect for a crisp fall morning when the river mist still lingers below.
Accessibility: The trail is dog-friendly but not stroller-friendly. Parking is limited, so plan ahead. If you’re traveling from NYC, Metro-North to Peekskill plus a short ride-share is an option.
Pro Tip: town Cold Spring is great for a post-hike meal.
Bear Mountain State Park – Major Welch Trail & Perkins Tower
Bear Mountain is a fall staple for families and hikers alike. The Major Welch Trail is a 4-mile moderate loop, while you can also drive up to Perkins Memorial Tower for panoramic views over the Hudson Valley.
Accessibility: The Perkins Tower drive makes it family-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Parking is available for a small fee. Metro-North trains to Peekskill or Garrison connect with shuttles on weekends.
Insider Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy it at the top—it’s one of the best leaf-peeping spots close to New York City.
Shawangunk Ridge Favorites
Minnewaska State Park Preserve – Gertrude’s Nose
Gertrude’s Nose is a bucket-list hike for anyone chasing foliage. This 7.5-mile loop takes you across rocky cliffs that drop dramatically into a valley filled with vibrant trees.
It’s a longer, moderately challenging hike but one of the most rewarding in Ulster County.
Accessibility: This trail is not suitable for strollers or small kids but great for intermediate hikers. Parking is $10 per car.
Pro Tip: Start early in the day and bring plenty of water—this hike can take 4–5 hours round trip.
Mohonk Preserve – Sky Top & Labyrinth
Few hikes feel as magical as the Sky Top route near Mohonk Mountain House. The mix of scenic strolling, adventurous scrambles, and wide-open views of the Shawangunk Ridge make this a perfect fall outing.
Accessibility: Entry requires a day-use pass (about $15–$20). The Sky Top trail is family-friendly, though the Labyrinth scramble is best for adventurous hikers.
Insider Tip: Tickets often sell out on fall weekends, so buy them online ahead of time to guarantee your spot.
Sam’s Point Preserve – Ice Caves & Verkeerderkill Falls
This trail gives you a little bit of everything—brilliant foliage, a waterfall, and even ice caves that stay chilly well into autumn.
The loop is about 8 miles and moderately difficult, but it offers some of the most unique fall hiking experiences in the state.
Accessibility: $10 parking fee applies. Not stroller-friendly. Families with teens will love it.
Catskills Region Fall Hikes
Giant Ledge & Panther Mountain
This 3.2-mile round trip moderate hike opens up to a series of rocky ledges overlooking a valley carpeted in fiery colors.
Accessibility: Limited roadside parking. Popular with families who can handle a moderate uphill trail.
Kaaterskill Falls Trail
One of New York’s most famous waterfalls gets even more magical in the fall.
The short 1.4-mile trail to Kaaterskill Falls is worth it for the double-drop waterfall framed by blazing foliage. It’s a must-do if you’re exploring the Catskills in October.
Accessibility: Free parking lots are available, but fill up quickly. Trail is family-friendly but slippery with wet leaves.
Overlook Mountain Trail
The 5-mile round trip moderate hike takes you past the ruins of an old mountain hotel before reaching a fire tower with some of the best panoramic views in the Catskills.
Accessibility: Dogs are allowed. Parking lot is small and fills early.
Hunter Mountain Fire Tower Trail
Hunter Mountain’s fire tower is one of the best vantage points in the entire Catskills. From the top, you can see wave after wave of colorful peaks stretching into the distance.
The 6-mile round trip hike is moderately strenuous but rewarding.
Accessibility: Parking is free at trailheads. For families, the Hunter Mountain Skyride offers an easier alternative.
Adirondacks Fall Hikes
Indian Head & Rainbow Falls
Indian Head is often called the most photogenic view in New York, and in fall, it’s absolutely breathtaking.
The long 10-mile hike leads to a dramatic overlook where the Ausable Lakes shimmer below, framed by mountains glowing fall colors.
Accessibility: Requires a pre-booked parking permit at the Adirondack Mountain Reserve—no walk-ins allowed. This ensures limited crowds.
Insider Tip: Parking requires an advance permit—reserve yours early to avoid disappointment.
Mount Jo – A Short Hike with Big Rewards
Not every fall hike has to be a grueling trek. Mount Jo, near Lake Placid, is a 2.1-mile round trip family-friendly trail that delivers some of the best bang-for-your-buck foliage views in the Adirondacks.
The summit overlooks Heart Lake with the High Peaks rising in the background.
Accessibility: Parking is available at Adirondack Loj ($15 fee). Dogs are welcome on-leash.
Final Tips for Fall Hiking in New York 2025
- Timing is everything: Peak foliage runs late September to mid-October, with the Hudson Valley peaking earlier and the Adirondacks lasting later.
- Know the closures: Breakneck Ridge will remain closed until 2027 due to construction. Try nearby alternatives like Mount Beacon or Bull Hill for Hudson Valley views.
- Nearby towns: Cold Spring, Woodstock, and Lake Placid are perfect for post-hike meals, shopping, and cozy overnight stays.
Conclusion
From the Hudson Valley’s dramatic cliffs to the Catskills’ fire towers and the Adirondacks’ legendary peaks, New York’s trails are unmatched in fall beauty.
With trail lengths, parking tips, accessibility notes, and 2025 closure updates, planning is easier than ever. With vibrant colors, crisp air, and routes for every skill level, 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for leaf-peepers and hikers alike.
Read More: 11 Best Leaf-Peeping Spots in New York This Fall
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