This guide highlights the absolute best destinations across the state — from the wild Adirondacks to the heart of Manhattan.
If you’re planning a fall trip, these are the places you need on your list.
Table of Contents
Adirondack Mountains – The Ultimate Fall Foliage Destination
If there’s one place that defines fall in New York, it’s the Adirondacks.
Spread over six million acres, this region is like stepping into a painting during peak foliage.
The mountains glow with sugar maples and birches.
Take a drive along the Olympic Scenic Byway or hike up Whiteface Mountain for panoramic views that stretch for miles.
Accessibility: Many Adirondack lookouts, including Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway, can be enjoyed without strenuous hikes.
Insider Tip: Foliage here peaks earlier than most of New York, usually between late September and early October.
Catskill Mountains – Classic Autumn Escape Near NYC
Just two hours from New York City, the Catskills are the perfect fall getaway.
Rolling hills turn golden, hiking trails lead to stunning waterfalls, and small towns come alive with fall festivals.
The Kaaterskill Falls hike is a must-do — the two-tiered cascade framed by autumn leaves looks like something from a fantasy movie.
Route 28 and Route 23 are popular drives here, with fiery trees on either side of the winding roads.
Entry Fee: Most trailheads and scenic byways in the Catskills are free, but parking fees may apply at popular spots.
Pro Tip: Visit in mid-October for the best colors, and don’t skip the local pumpkin patches and cider tastings that make fall in the Catskills extra cozy.
Hudson Valley – River Views, Vineyards & Golden Hills
The Hudson Valley has it all — riverfront views, charming small towns, and rolling hills.
What makes this region extra special are its vineyards and orchards, where you can sip wine or go apple picking.
Town highlights include Rhinebeck, Cold Spring, and the spooky village of Sleepy Hollow — where the Halloween season feels straight out of a storybook.
Public Transport Tip: Many Hudson Valley towns can be reached via Metro-North trains, making them perfect for car-free leaf peeping from NYC.
Must-See Event: The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Croton-on-Hudson features thousands of glowing pumpkins in dazzling displays.
Finger Lakes Region – Waterfalls, Lakes & Wine Trails
The Finger Lakes region is where fall feels both adventurous and relaxing.
Imagine hiking through gorge trails filled with waterfalls, sipping wine on a vineyard hill, and watching the sunset reflect on Seneca Lake.
Families love the region too, with corn mazes, apple picking, and hayrides adding to the fall fun.
Foodie Highlight: Don’t miss apple cider donuts, pumpkin spice treats, and winery tastings — fall flavors here are as rich as the landscapes.
Insider Tip: Watkins Glen State Park, with its 19 waterfalls, is a must-visit when dressed in fall colors.
Letchworth State Park – The Grand Canyon of the East in Fall
Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East”, Letchworth State Park is a breathtaking mix of cliffs, waterfalls, and forests that explode with fall color in October.
The Gorge Trail is the park’s star, offering incredible views of the Middle Falls surrounded by fiery trees.
Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle during peak season.
Pro Tip: Pair your visit with a Finger Lakes wine tour for a perfect fall weekend escape.
Watkins Glen State Park – Autumn Among the Waterfalls
Watkins Glen is already one of the most photographed places in New York, but in fall it becomes more special.
The Gorge Trail is relatively easy, making it great for families and casual hikers.
After your hike, stop by a local cider house for apple cider donuts — a fall treat you can’t skip in the Finger Lakes.
Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle for parking.
Taughannock Falls State Park – Iconic Autumn Waterfall Views
Just outside Ithaca, Taughannock Falls plunges 215 feet — taller than Niagara Falls.
Insider Tip: The main overlook is an easy stop, so even if you’re short on time, you can still enjoy one of New York’s best fall views.
Central Park, NYC – Urban Leaf-Peeping Paradise
Who says you need to leave the city for fall foliage? Central Park in New York City turns into an autumn wonderland by late October.
Stroll down The Mall for golden archways of elm trees, snap a photo at Bow Bridge with the skyline in the background, or wander through The Ramble, which feels like a mini forest in the middle of Manhattan.
Public Transport: Subway access makes Central Park one of the most convenient leaf-peeping destinations in the state.
Bear Mountain State Park – Quick Foliage Escape from NYC
If you want a quick day trip from the city, Bear Mountain is unbeatable.
Located just an hour north of Manhattan, the park offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and jaw-dropping views of the Hudson River Valley.
The climb up to Perkins Memorial Tower rewards you with panoramic views that are especially spectacular in mid-October.
Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle for parking.
Public Transport Tip: Shortline buses run from NYC directly to Bear Mountain, perfect for car-free day trips.
Pro Tip: Pair your trip with apple picking at nearby Hudson Valley orchards for a full fall experience.
Mohonk Preserve – A Hiker’s Autumn Paradise
Mohonk Preserve is a dream come true for hikers in fall.
The trails cut through forests and cliffs, leading to the Sky Top Tower, where you can enjoy sweeping 360-degree views of the Shawangunk Mountains glowing in fall colors.
Festival Highlight: Fall harvest weekends in nearby New Paltz offer farm markets, music, and local crafts that add charm to your leaf-peeping trip.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve – Lakes, Cliffs & Fiery Reflections
Neighboring Mohonk, Minnewaska State Park is equally stunning.
Hikes around Lake Minnewaska and Awosting Falls are especially popular in autumn, and the cliffside overlooks are a dream for photographers.
Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle for parking.
Foodie Tip: After your hike, stop by New Paltz for local farm-to-table meals and fresh cider.
Peak Foliage Timing by Region
- Adirondacks – late September to early October
- Catskills & Hudson Valley – early to mid-October
- Finger Lakes & Central NY – mid to late October
- NYC & Long Island – late October to early November
Planning Your Fall Leaf-Peeping Trip in New York
- Best Time to Visit: Late September through early November. Adirondacks peak earliest, NYC latest.
- Top Scenic Drives: Olympic Scenic Byway (Adirondacks), Route 28 (Catskills), Palisades Parkway (Hudson Valley).
- Bonus Experiences: Apple picking, local harvest festivals, cider tastings, and fall train rides.
Conclusion
From the rugged peaks of the Adirondacks to the golden pathways of Central Park, New York is easily one of the best fall destinations in the USA.
Each spot on this list offers its own version of autumn magic — whether it’s waterfalls, wine trails, or city skylines draped in color.
Read More: Best Pumpkin Picking Spots in New York This Fall
Share this content: