Fall in New York is like nowhere else! Each year, visitors from all over the world come to see the vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues that transform the state into a beautiful autumn mosaic. Whether you’ve already crossed foliage hotspots off your fall bucket list or you’re just looking for something a little off the beaten path, there’s something for everyone. You may find yourself high above the Ausable River in the Adirondacks or admiring a view of the Hudson from one of Manhattan’s highest points. Check out this list of fall foliage hidden gems and plan your New York fall adventure. Credit: @mozmount on Instagram
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Listen to the calming sounds of Fox Creek as you admire the bright foliage surrounding this charming covered bridge in Schoharie. Built in 1982 as a replica of the original 1890 bridge, take in the rustic vibes, intricate Town Lattice design, and autumn atmosphere as you stroll this scenic landmark.
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It’s no secret that Niagara Falls is spectacular this time of year, but if you’re looking to escape the crowds pay a visit to Whirlpool State Park. Just three miles north of Niagara Falls, this 109-acre park overlooks the Niagara Whirlpool on the Niagara River and the lower Niagara Gorge. There’s a variety of trails for all experience levels showcasing breathtaking autumn views at the river level and from above.
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For hikers looking for a moderate route and spectacular 360-degree views, head 30 minutes south of Lake Placid to the Owl Head Lookout. The 2.6-mile trail will lead you over streams and through the woods towards the jaw-dropping overlook, where you’ll be greeted with sweeping mountain views decorated with fall colors.
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What better place to experience the fall season than from one of Manhattan’s highest points? Sitting high above the Hudson River, this 67-acre hidden gem offers unrivaled views of the 300-foot Palisade cliffs best seen from Linden Terrace. For more autumn hues, take to the eight miles of pathways or wander through the Heather Garden, the city’s largest public garden.
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Once the estate of avid conservationist, artist, and animal lover, Robert G. Wehle, this 1,100-acre park in Henderson is sure to display some superb fall foliage. Explore 14 miles of hiking trails, showcasing Lake Ontario shoreline, a forest of changing colors, and cliffs reaching as high as 80 feet. The Snakefoot Trail is perfect for those looking for an easy walk with breathtaking vistas.
Admire a birds-eye-view of Catskill Mountain foliage without a long trek into the woods at the Upper Esopus Fire Tower in Shandaken. Just a quarter-mile walk from the parking lot of the Catskill Visitor Center, the unrivaled beauty from this 80-foot tower is sure to take your breath away.
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Gold Coast elegance meets brilliant autumn colors at the Sands Point Preserve. Set out on a gentle walk throughout 216 acres, where you’ll discover the elegant castles, forests sprinkled with fall hues, and beautiful shoreline that inspired the Great Gatsby’s “East Egg.” The preserve is also holding a guided fall foliage walk on November 2, celebrating the changing seasons with hands-on nature discovery activities.
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For a view of Canandaigua Lake that’s sure to take your breath away, head to Carolabarb Park in Naples! When fall comes around, the colors surrounding this Finger Lake are truly a sight to see. Pack some snacks and have a picnic at the top or take a closer look at the lake through the viewfinders.
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Just 15 minutes from downtown Albany is a 3,350-acre ecological gem. As a rare inland pine barren ecosystem, the Albany Pine Bush is home to a variety of unique plants and wildlife. Take to the 20 miles of trails and stroll alongside rolling sand dunes blanketed in pine, oak, heaths, and prairie grass decorated with fall hues.
With a breathtaking lakeside vista, spectacular sunsets, vibrant foliage, and superb birdwatching, Luensman Overview Park has it all! Walk through the woods on the easy one-mile interpretive trail and admire the view of Lake Erie from lookout, on a clear day you may even see a glimpse of the Canadian Shore.
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Find peace and relaxation on a stroll through this Hudson Valley garden in Millbrook. Innisfree’s timeless design was influenced by Chinese and Japanese style dating back more than 1,000 years and is packed with changing fall colors around every corner. Take a self-guided tour through the garden’s waterfalls, sculptures, and bridges or experience a guided Curator’s Tour of the grounds. Plus, the garden is offering Fall Foliage Weekends on October 19-20, 26-27, and November 2-3.
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From 1823 to 1963 the Catskill Mountain House stood atop the Catskill High Peaks, serving as an enchanting mountain getaway for distinguished guests like President Theodore Roosevelt. Today, all that remains is the majestic view of the Catskill Mountains, which becomes even more spectacular in the fall. To unlock these historic views, follow the blue trail from North South Lake Campground for an easy half-mile hike to the lookout.
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28 historical buildings, 14 botanical gardens, and acres of wetlands make up the tranquil 83-acre campus of Snug Harbor in Staten Island. For superb color sightings, take a relaxing walk through the New York Chinese Scholar Garden, Healing Garden, or RCSF Tuscan Garden. Get the full Snug foliage experience with a fall foliage guided tour (November 7 and 9) through the garden’s best leaf-peeping spots.
Scenic vistas of Lake Ontario, 10 miles of hiking trails, and beautiful fall foliage await at the Sterling Nature Center. Throughout the 1,400-acre site, you’ll find glacially-formed bluffs and may even see some wildlife. For a truly stunning fall sight, take a stroll down the Lake Ontario shoreline or get out on the water in a kayak or canoe. Be sure to pop into the interpretive center with exhibits focused on the region before you go!
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Fall at the Reinstein Woods is truly a special time when the 292-acre preserve transforms into a sea of bright oranges, yellows, and reds. Just 15 minutes outside of Buffalo, stroll on the walking trails that weave through forests, ponds, and wetlands. Be sure to check the calendar for seasonal events such as an Autumn Colors Walk (October 23) and Birding 101: Fall Farewells (October 19).
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Whether you’re looking to check-off a hike on the Lake Placid 9er Hiking Challenge or just searching for surreal views of the Adirondack foliage, Bear Den Mountain won’t disappoint. Located high above the West Branch of the Ausable River, this 3.4-mile round trip hike is perfect for those in search of a challenge with a 1,350-foot elevation gain and one-of-a-kind views of Whiteface Mountain.
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Admire dazzling lakeside vistas enveloped in bright fall hues at Fahnestock State Park in Carmel. This sprawling 14,086-acre park covers land in Putnam and Dutchess Counties, making it an easy add-on if you’re visiting Beacon or Cold Spring. Trails of varying difficulty run throughout the park, including the Appalachian Trail, showcasing dazzling lakes, clifftop views of the valley, and forests adorned with vibrant foliage.
Looking for even more autumn adventures? Check out these must-try fall hikes and fall for these New York State waterfalls.
Don’t forget to post photos of your New York adventures on Instagram and Twitter with #ILoveNY and #FindWhatYouLoveNY and tag us on Facebook!
