Whether you’re looking for a short drive near the city or a multi-day road trip through the mountains, New York is one of the best states in the U.S. to experience fall foliage.
If you’re planning a getaway in 2025, these scenic road trips are guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable views and cozy memories.
Table of Contents
1. Hudson Valley via US Route 9
The Hudson Valley is practically made for fall road trips.
Driving along US Route 9, you’ll be treated to sweeping river views, rolling hills, and tree-lined stretches bursting with autumn colors.
The route is dotted with small towns like Rhinebeck, Hyde Park, and Poughkeepsie, each offering historic charm, local cafés, and fall festivals.
Don’t miss stopping by one of the many wineries or apple orchards along the way.
Additional Details:
- Peak Foliage: Late September to mid-October
- Start/End Points: Peekskill to Hudson, NY
- Distance/Time: ~120 miles, 3–4 hours (without stops)
- Parking/Rest Stops: Ample roadside pull-offs, state parks, and town parking lots
- Tolls/Fees: No major tolls along Route 9
- Photo Stops: Walkway Over the Hudson, Vanderbilt Mansion overlook
- Family-Friendly: Pumpkin patches, apple orchards, farm tours
- Cultural Note: Historic estates like FDR’s Home in Hyde Park
- Food/Drink: Hudson Valley wineries, cider mills, and farm-to-table cafés
- Nearby Attractions: Storm King Art Center, Minnewaska State Park
- Stay Options: Boutique inns in Rhinebeck or Hudson
2. Route 9D Along the Hudson River
For a shorter but equally scenic route, take Route 9D.
This drive hugs the Hudson River and offers dramatic views of the Hudson Highlands.
Make pit stops in Cold Spring and Beacon, two towns famous for their antique shops, art galleries, and farm-to-table dining.
The riverside viewpoints here are some of the most photographed in New York during autumn.
Additional Details:
- Peak Foliage: Early October
- Start/End Points: Peekskill to Beacon, NY
- Distance/Time: ~35 miles, 1.5 hours
- Parking/Rest Stops: Downtown parking in Cold Spring and Beacon; scenic overlooks along the route
- Tolls/Fees: None
- Photo Stops: Breakneck Ridge viewpoint, Hudson River scenic pull-offs
- Family-Friendly: Waterfront parks, short hiking trails
- Cultural Note: Historic Hudson Highlands region with Revolutionary War sites
- Food/Drink: Artisan cafés, bakeries, local breweries
- Nearby Attractions: Hudson Highlands State Park, Dia:Beacon Museum
- Stay Options: Inns and B&Bs in Cold Spring
3. Mohawk Towpath Byway
Running between Waterford and Schenectady, the Mohawk Towpath Byway combines history with nature.
Once part of the Erie Canal system, this route lets you enjoy both fall foliage and charming canal-side villages.
It’s a quieter drive compared to the Hudson routes, which makes it perfect for travelers seeking a more relaxed pace.
You’ll pass through farmland, historic sites, and plenty of cozy spots to stop for cider and baked goods.
Additional Details:
- Peak Foliage: Late September to early October
- Start/End Points: Waterford to Schenectady, NY
- Distance/Time: ~35 miles, 1–1.5 hours
- Parking/Rest Stops: Canal-side parks and visitor centers
- Tolls/Fees: None
- Photo Stops: Locks and canal bridges, small-town historic districts
- Family-Friendly: Picnic areas, short walking trails along the canal
- Cultural Note: Historic Erie Canal route dating back to the 1820s
- Food/Drink: Local bakeries, cider mills, small cafés
- Nearby Attractions: Mabee Farm Historic Site
- Stay Options: Hotels in Schenectady or Waterford
4. Great Lakes Seaway Trail
Stretching nearly 500 miles along the shores of Lake Ontario, the Great Lakes Seaway Trail offers a unique mix of coastal scenery and fall foliage.
The drive passes by lighthouses, waterfront parks, and fishing towns that feel worlds away from city life.
This road trip is ideal if you’re craving a mix of foliage and lakeside views.
Additional Details:
- Peak Foliage: Mid-October
- Start/End Points: Niagara Falls to Rouses Point, NY
- Distance/Time: ~500 miles, 10–12 hours (multi-day trip)
- Parking/Rest Stops: State parks, lakefront pull-offs
- Tolls/Fees: Some bridges may have minor tolls
- Photo Stops: Lighthouse overlooks, shoreline parks
- Family-Friendly: Beach walks, picnic areas, fishing spots
- Cultural Note: Historic Great Lakes shipping route
- Food/Drink: Lakeside cafés, seafood joints
- Nearby Attractions: Niagara Falls, Sackets Harbor historic sites
- Stay Options: Waterfront inns and B&Bs along the trail
5. Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway
If you’re heading to the Finger Lakes region, the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway is a must.
It loops around the longest of the Finger Lakes, offering stunning water views framed by fall colors.
Along the way, you’ll find vineyards, wineries, and farms selling fresh produce.
Stop in Ithaca, home to waterfalls, gorges, and a lively college-town atmosphere.
Additional Details:
- Peak Foliage: Early to mid-October
- Start/End Points: Ithaca to Aurora, NY
- Distance/Time: ~40 miles, 2 hours
- Parking/Rest Stops: Waterfront parks, winery lots
- Tolls/Fees: None
- Photo Stops: Taughannock Falls, Cayuga Lake overlooks
- Family-Friendly: Waterfalls, farm tours, winery events
- Cultural Note: Heart of Finger Lakes wine country
- Food/Drink: Finger Lakes wineries, cider mills, local farms
- Nearby Attractions: Cornell University Botanical Gardens
- Stay Options: Inns in Ithaca and Aurora
6. Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (Route 97)
Known for its famous Hawks Nest section, the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (Route 97) winds dramatically along the Delaware River.
Small river towns like Narrowsburg add extra charm, offering art galleries, farm markets, and riverside dining.
Additional Details:
- Peak Foliage: Mid-October
- Start/End Points: Hancock to Callicoon, NY
- Distance/Time: ~60 miles, 2 hours
- Parking/Rest Stops: Scenic pull-offs along the river, small town parking
- Tolls/Fees: None
- Photo Stops: Hawks Nest viewpoint, Delaware River overlooks
- Family-Friendly: Riverside parks, short hikes
- Cultural Note: Historic river towns, former industrial canals
- Food/Drink: Riverside cafés, farmers markets
- Nearby Attractions: Tusten Stone Arch Bridge
- Stay Options: B&Bs in Narrowsburg and Callicoon
7. Taconic State Parkway
The Taconic State Parkway is one of New York’s most classic foliage routes.
Since it connects New York City with the Hudson Valley and the Berkshires, it’s a convenient option for city dwellers wanting a quick fall escape.
Additional Details:
- Peak Foliage: Early to mid-October
- Start/End Points: Yonkers to Chatham, NY
- Distance/Time: ~104 miles, 2–3 hours
- Parking/Rest Stops: Scenic overlooks, state parks along route
- Tolls/Fees: Some minor parkway tolls
- Photo Stops: Rockefeller State Park, Bash Bish Falls overlook
- Family-Friendly: Hiking, picnics, playgrounds
- Cultural Note: Built in the 1930s, scenic design preserved
- Food/Drink: Local farm-to-table restaurants, cafés
- Nearby Attractions: Mohonk Preserve, Hudson River Valley towns
- Stay Options: Boutique inns in Hudson Valley towns
8. Hawks Nest (Route 97)
While technically part of the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, the Hawks Nest deserves its own spotlight.
This short but iconic stretch features dramatic S-curves carved into the mountainside, with sweeping views of the Delaware River below.
During fall, it’s easily one of the most photographed roadways in New York.
Additional Details:
- Peak Foliage: Mid-October
- Start/End Points: Near Lumberland to Barryville, NY
- Distance/Time: ~8 miles, 20–30 minutes
- Parking/Rest Stops: Overlook pull-offs
- Tolls/Fees: None
- Photo Stops: Hawks Nest viewpoint
- Family-Friendly: Safe viewing platforms for kids
- Cultural Note: Historic scenic drive along Delaware River cliffs
- Food/Drink: Small town diners
- Nearby Attractions: Delaware River access points
- Stay Options: Lodges and inns in Barryville
9. Lake Placid – Northway Loop
For a true Adirondack adventure, take the Northway (I-87) to Lake Placid and loop around the High Peaks region.
This road trip immerses you in the heart of New York’s most rugged mountains, with lakes, trails, and small alpine towns scattered along the way.
Additional Details:
- Peak Foliage: Mid to late October
- Start/End Points: Albany to Lake Placid, NY
- Distance/Time: ~250 miles, 5–6 hours
- Parking/Rest Stops: Pull-offs at viewpoints, state parks
- Tolls/Fees: I-87 tolls near Albany
- Photo Stops: Mirror Lake, Whiteface Mountain overlooks
- Family-Friendly: Hiking, canoeing, short mountain trails
- Cultural Note: Olympic village and Adirondack High Peaks history
- Food/Drink: Local diners, breweries, mountain lodges
- Nearby Attractions: High Falls Gorge, Olympic sites
- Stay Options: Hotels and lodges in Lake Placid
10. New York City to Lake George Route
If you’re craving a city-to-nature fall escape, the route from New York City to Lake George delivers.
Starting with city skylines and ending with Adirondack mountains, this road trip feels like two vacations in one.
Additional Details:
- Peak Foliage: Early to mid-October
- Start/End Points: NYC to Lake George, NY
- Distance/Time: ~200 miles, 4–5 hours
- Parking/Rest Stops: Scenic pull-offs, state parks along route
- Tolls/Fees: Major tolls on I-87
- Photo Stops: Hudson Valley vistas, Lake George viewpoints
- Family-Friendly: Picnic spots, lake activities, hiking
- Cultural Note: Historic Hudson Valley towns, Adirondack villages
- Food/Drink: Lakeside cafés, wineries along the route
- Nearby Attractions: Saratoga Springs, Fort William Henry
- Stay Options: Inns, lodges, and B&Bs near Lake George
Pro Tips for Fall Road Trips in New York
- Best Time to Go: Late September through the third week of October is prime foliage season.
- Track Foliage: Use apps like “I Love NY Fall Foliage Report” to know exactly where the colors are peaking.
- Plan Ahead: Book accommodations early, especially in popular areas like the Adirondacks and Finger Lakes.
- Bring Snacks: Local farm stands and bakeries make great pit stops for cider, donuts, and apple pie.
Conclusion
Whether you’re chasing mountain peaks, lakeside views, or historic byways, New York has a scenic fall road trip for every traveler.
Read More: Best Wine Tasting Spots in New York for Fall 2025
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