Chasing New York’s famous fall foliage? You’ve come to the right place. From the rugged mountains of the Adirondacks to the serene shores of the Finger Lakes, New York State transforms into a breathtaking masterpiece of fiery reds, brilliant oranges, and golden yellows each autumn.
To catch this natural spectacle at its peak, timing is everything. This guide will help you pinpoint the best time to see fall colors in New York, ensuring your trip is filled with unforgettable views and vibrant memories.
Your Guide to New York Fall Foliage Peak Dates
Peak fall foliage occurs in Upstate New York at different times throughout the months of September, October, and even early November.
Vibrant colors can be expected at higher elevations earlier in the fall season, while peak conditions in lower elevations occur later in the season. We’re here to help you choose the New York peak foliage dates that best align with where you want to visit…
Late September
Late September offers a beautiful prelude to peak fall foliage in New York. While the Adirondacks and Catskills might be a bit early for their full splendor, the highest points of the Adirondack Mountains will start to show color.
Here are a few places that will have started to change by late September:
Adirondack Region
The best fall colors in the Lake Placid and surrounding High Peaks region of the Adirondacks can be found between the third week of September and the first week of October. Depending on temperature and rainfall, peak color can be found in much of the Adirondack Region in early October. Some of the best places to experience peak fall color include:
- The Keene Valley area, including incredible day-hikes such as Indian Head, Noonmark Mountain, and Giant Mountain,
- Small town Saranac Lake, with easier hiking options such as Mount Baker, Bloomingdale Bog, and Haystack Mountain, is great for families, and
- The Olympic town of Lake Placid offers a scenic downtown full of shopping and dining options along with seemingly endless hiking opportunities.
1000 Island Seaway
After the warm, summer sun has warmed the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario all summer, warmer-than-you-expect fall temperatures make the 1000 Island Seaway a perfect fall getaway.
This area of New York State offers really unique fall activities:
- This is the perfect time of year to stop at Boldt Castle and stroll around five-acre, historic Heart Island,
- Enjoy local grapes and grains by curating the person countryside vineyard, downtown brewery, and tasting room stops,
- Walk the 1000 Islands Bridge, connecting Wellesley Island to Northern New York, for a mile of stunning autumn views
Alleghany Park
Areas of Alleghany Park tend to show their fall colors early in the season. The park offers over 65000 acres of rugged beauty for year-round recreation that just happens to be more colorful in late September through mid-October!
Here are a few ways you can enjoy your stay:
- Visit the Old Quaker Store and Museum to learn more about the park and camping history
- Hike and/or bike miles of trails through this wild landscape
- Rent a cabin with family & friends to live amongst the fall foliage for a weekend!
Early October
Early October offers the best fall foliage for some of my favorite places, such as the Adirondack Park and the Grand Canyon of the East. Luckily, these locations start to turn in late September, so you can’t go wrong with planning an early fall foliage trip to any of these locations.
Here are a few places that will have stunning fall foliage by early October:
Adirondack Region
The best fall colors in the Southern region of the Adirondacks can be found between the final week of September and the second week of October. These areas are lower in elevation, allowing them to hang onto their foliage a little longer.
Some of the best places to experience peak fall color in the Southern ADK include:
- Visit the gateway town of the Adirondacks, Old Forge, late season boating and incredible family-friendly hiking,
- The famous Lake George Region area boasts beaches, hiking trails, and boating opportunities well into autumn,
- One of our personal favorite, Speculator, is a great Adirondack town to visit in autumn if you prefer small town vibes and friendly locals!
Catskill Mountains
A scenic drive through the deciduous trees of the Catskill Mountains will leave you pining for fall leaves all year long. Fall colors start to arrive in the last week of September, making the first two weeks of October ideal for peak and near-peak foliage viewing.
Some of the iconic leaf peeping locations in the Catskills include:
- Hunter Mountain for its great variety of activities including the scenic SkyRide, hiking, and a fall festival,
- Stop at Kaaterskill Falls for autumn views of one of the states more incredible waterfalls, and
- Take a scenic drive on route 28 through small towns and historic villages.
Western New York
Although Western New York might not be a popular location for a fall foliage trip, it should be on your list! Beautiful call colors can be found outlining the crop and cattle farms of Western New York, while a drive towards Lake Erie and Niagara Falls will leave you in awe.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to plan a Western New York fall foliage trip, take a look at the following locations:
- Letchworth State Park is known as the Grand Canyon of the East and for good reason. Explore several waterfalls and miles of wooded trails at this popular state park,
- Known as the either wonder of the world, Niagara Falls is a powerful location to enjoy vibrant fall colors, and
- A visit to Ellicotville, Western New York’s playground for outdoor fun and adventure, is a family affair!
Late October
Although peak fall color in these locations vary, there’s almost always still bright colors in these areas of New York even in late October. These lower elevation areas of New York hold onto their fall colors the longest making them a great option for an October fall foliage vacation.
As other area of the state start to fade, these places are still bringing the fall foliage beauty:
Central New York
Beautiful Fall colors outline miles of farmlands in the rolling hills of Central New York. A drive down any back road would change your mind about the beauty of this area! Not to mention, there are incredible State Parks boasting beautiful waterfalls and interesting history for you to explore.
A visit to these New York State Park’s will certainly fill your fall foliage cup:
- Green Lakes State Park features two glacial lakes surrounded by upland forest that boasts hiking and biking trails, row boat and kayak rentals, and a golf and disc golf course,
- Head to Herkimer for an educational and scenic cruise down the Erie Canal to lock 18 and learn how it’s done,
- Spend a day in historic Cooperstown to enjoy a variety of world-class attractions surrounded by beautiful fall foliage.
Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes region of New York is a year-round destination that is exceptionally beautiful for a fall getaway. Experience epic waterfalls and hike through stunning gorges on your visit!
These three waterfalls are known to impress visitors in any season, but especially in autumn:
- Lucifer Falls in Robert Treman State Park,
- The well-known Taughannock Falls located along Cayuga Lake, and
- Ithaca Falls, a short walk from town and easily accessible for most!
Hudson Valley
Along either side of the Hudson River sits the beautiful Hudson Valley and its adjacent communities. Steeped in history, natural beauty, culture, and known for its farmer’s market scene, the Hudson Valley region of New York is a great place to visit in October.
Some memorable ways to spend your fall trip to the Hudson Valley include:
- Visiting a local farm stand for apple cider, corn mazes, and pumpkin picking,
- Head over to Minnewaska State Park to do some hiking (you won’t regret it!),
- Cruise the Hudson River to experience various shades of autumn in a unique way!
Early November
Although most of the foliage in upstate New York is past peak and trees are shedding their leaves for winter, there are a few areas of New York that are likely jus reaching peak fall color!
Lower New York, including New York City and Long Island, will have bright colors the latest!
NYC & Long Island
Here are a few places you can plan to visit:
- Plan a trip to New York City’s Central Park for vibrant foliage surrounded by skyscrapers for a very unique autumn perspective,
- Located in Nassau County, Planting Fields Arboretum has over 400 acres of rolling lawns, gardens, woodlands, and nature walks,
- Sunken Meadow State Park includes miles of beach that meet tall, glacial bluffs along the Long Island Sound shoreline.
New York Fall Foliage Frequently Asked Questions
One of the best things about New York State is that there ae plenty of places to enjoy peak season foliage. Mother nature really puts on a show of golden yellow, red, and orange hues for all to enjoy. Let the answers to these questions lead to responsible and happy leaf-peeping by all!
1. What State has the Longest Fall Foliage Season?
New York State boasts one of the longest fall foliage seasons and also, the most colorful, in the country! Typically starting in late September and ending in November, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Maine are known for having the longest fall seasons due to their diverse ranges of tree species and northern latitude.
2. How Can I Avoid Fall Foliage Crowds?
This part of the year can be busy and we can’t blame visitors for wanting to experience the beauty of New York! Good news is we can avoid the crowds.
- Peak times to travel for fall foliage includes weekends, travel mid-week if you can!
- If you’re properly prepared, take the path less taken and opt for a longer, more difficult hike as opposed to a scenic drive to overlook.
- Most people aren’t willing to wake up early and don’t want to stay out too late – early, sunrise starts and sunset views will be less crowded.
3. Why does New England have such incredible foliage?
Although fall foliage is a natural process that’s influenced by a combination of climate, tree species, and season changes, it’s guaranteed New England will have a colorful fall and here’s why.
Most deciduous trees change color in the fall. Maple trees, especially red maple and sugar maple are particularly famous for their Fall foliage. Luckily, New York is home to a variety of beautiful trees making the best time to see fall colors in New York anytime between September and November.
4. How Can I Know What the Fall Foliage is like in New York?
Follow I Love New York on social media for fall foliage updates! They also share the foliage tracker each week so you can see where peak and past peak color is throughout the state.
Additionally, follow content creators who spend time in the outdoors in the area you’re looking to visit! Social Media can be a great tool to help you gain a better understanding of where the fall foliage stands.
5. Which Fall Colors Appear When?
The first trees to change are often sugar and red maples around the lake, which turn orange and red, respectively. The purple hues of an oak tree can be seen early in the season as well. The rest of the state’s foliage, which includes a variety of trees, but specifically elm, sassafras, and ginkgo trees, turn more of a golden-yellow turn throughout the season based on rainfall and temperature.
6. How Can I Be a Responsible Leaf Peeper?
This is a great question and I’m so glad you asked!
- Respect nature: Stay on designated trails, avoid littering, and leave wildlife undisturbed.
- Support local businesses: Choose accommodations and dining options that contribute to the local economy.
- Practice safe driving: Be cautious on winding roads, especially during peak foliage season when traffic increases and you’re easily distracted.
- Minimize your impact: Carpool or use public transportation whenever possible to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Private means private: Stay off private property, no matter how great the view may be and respect locals – they live here.
7. Where are the Best Spots to enjoy New York Fall Foliage?
If you’re a nature lover, travel to the Adirondacks, Catskills, or Finger Lakes Region to explore during peak foliage.
If you enjoy the city, explore New York City parks in late October and Early November. Visit parks on the upper east side, Prospect Park in Brooklyn, or Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx for a bit of nature therapy!
History buffs and culture lovers should check out the 1000 Island Seaway area, Hudson Valley, and Central New York.
8. Where Should I go on a Fall Foliage Road Trip?
Are you a road trip lover? You’ve come to the right place. We recommend an Adirondack or a Finger Lakes Region road trip if you love to travel.
Our ultimate autumn ADK road trip would include stops in Lake George, Keene Valley, Lake Placid, and Inlet/Old Forge.
A trip to the Finger Lakes wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Watkins Glen, exploring the State Parks of Ithaca, and enjoying Greek Peak’s adventure center for a high speed way to experience autumn colors.
9. Are there any Fall Foliage Festivals or Events in New York?
Many towns and regions host fall foliage festivals with activities, food, and entertainment. Look into the area you’re visiting to see if there are any nearby!
A few famous options include:
- The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze: Hudson Valley
- Adirondack Balloon Festival: Adirondacks
- Apple and Pumpkin Festivals at Harbes Family Farm: Long Island
- Harvest Festival at the Farmers’ Museum: Central New York
- Apple Harvest Festival: Finger Lakes
10. So… When is prime time for Fall colors in New York?
October. Although fall colors may start in September and last through early November, you’ll experience the most vibrant fall colors throughout the whole state in October.
Conclusion
Timing is everything when chasing New York’s vibrant fall foliage. While peak color typically occurs between late September and mid-November, the exact dates can vary based on factors like elevation and weather conditions.
To ensure you catch the best show, check the annual fall foliage reports and consider visiting different regions for a prolonged experience. Remember, no matter when you choose to explore, New York’s autumnal beauty is sure to leave a lasting impression.