Every autumn, New York State’s parks burst with vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and everything in between, blanketing the Adirondack Mountains, the rolling hills and valleys of Central New York and Hudson Valley towns, and reflecting off of the crystal-clear Finger Lakes. Leaf-peeping in New York is a quintessential fall activity, and with more than 200 state parks to explore, you’re always close to a stunning seasonal scene.
Find A Park In The: Adirondacks | Capital-Saratoga | Catskills | Central New York | Chautauqua-Allegheny | Finger Lakes | Greater Niagara | Hudson Valley | Long Island | NYC | Thousand Islands-Seaway
Adirondacks
The Adirondack Park is a one-of-a-kind, 6-million-acre wilderness area and the largest National Historic Landmark in the United States, covering more ground than Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Glacier, and the Great Smokies National Parks combined. Unlike national or state parks, it has no entrance fees or closing hours. The state of New York owns approximately 2.6 million acres, and the remaining 3.4 million acres are devoted to forestry, agriculture and open space recreation. Adventure into autumn in the Adirondack on foot. For easy to moderate hikes, explore Castle Rock (pictured), Cat & Thomas Mountains, and Mount Jo. Or take on the challenge of iconic High Peaks including Cascade and Porter Mountains and Mt Van Hoevenberg.
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Carved into a three-mile-long gorge along the eastern edge of the Tug Hill Plateau, Whetstone Gulf State Park offers one of the most scenic vistas east of the Rockies. The park offers 56 wooded campsites, perfect for catching both sunrise and sunset in the crisp autumn air. Enjoy a scenic picnic by Whetstone Creek and meander a variety of hiking trails, including one that loops around the gorge. Lowville; $7 vehicle entrance fee.
Capital-Saratoga
Perched along the Helderberg Escarpment, Thacher Park is one of the world’s richest fossil-bearing formations and a spectacular destination for fall foliage. Soak in sweeping views of the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys and distant Adirondack and Green Mountains. The park showcases six miles of dramatic limestone cliffs, roaring and cascading waterfalls, 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, and an expansive visitor center. Voorheesville; $6 vehicle entry fee through 10/31/25.
Set on a forested plateau between the Taconic and Hudson Valleys, Grafton Lakes State Park offers vibrant foliage reflected across six peaceful ponds. With nearly 2,500 acres of woodland, you can wander 25 miles of trails among the colorful leaves. Grafton; $6 vehicle entrance fee collected on weekends only through 10/13/25.
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Explore the heart of Saratoga Springs at Saratoga Spa State Park, a 2,200-acre National Historic Landmark where nature, history, and culture meet. Wander along creekside and geyser trails to discover 11 naturally carbonated mineral springs, each with its own distinct taste and story. The park also features an array of attractions, including the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the Gideon Putnam, the Saratoga Automobile Museum, golf courses, and scenic picnic areas. Saratoga Springs; $10 vehicle entrance fee on weekends through 10/13/25. Free entry after 10/13/25.
Catskills
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The largest campground in the expansive Catskill Forest Preserve makes for a picture-perfect, fiery fall palette. North-South Lake boasts lakeside and mountain vistas and endless outdoor adventure. A short hike to the site of the historic Catskill Mountain House rewards you with sweeping views of five states on a clear day. More experienced hikers will want to trek the trails along Artist’s Rock, Sunset Rock, Newman’s Ledge, Boulder Rock, and the former Kaaterskill Hotel and Laurel House sites. Haines Falls; $6 vehicle entry fee.
Sam’s Point Preserve in Minnewaska State Park
Situated atop the dramatic Shawangunk Ridge, Minnewaska State Park Preserve presents over 85 miles of scenic trails winding through rocky terrain, hardwood forests, waterfalls, and three crystalline sky lakes. Sheer cliffs and ledges reveal sweeping vistas, while clear streams carve through valleys. Set on the highest part of the Shawangunk Mountains in the southernmost point, Sam’s Point Area offers a striking landscape of rare dwarf pine barrens, towering cliffs, and tranquil mountaintop lakes. Kerhonkson; $10 vehicle entry fee.
Central NY
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Chittenango Falls State Park is a prime place to experience the vivid colors of the season. The park’s centerpiece is a 167-foot waterfall carved from 400-million-year-old bedrock, which becomes even more enchanting when outlined by bursting treetops. Wander the winding trails for sweeping views from above, walk through the gorge, and stop along the footbridge at the base of the falls for the perfect photo. Cazenovia; free entry after Labor Day.
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Just 10 minutes from Cooperstown, Glimmerglass State Park offers a serene escape into fall, with vast views of Otsego Lake, brilliant foliage, and forested terrain filled with wildlife. Roam around five peaceful trails, including pleasant scenery along the Sleeping Lion Trail , and the Covered Bridge Trail leading to the historic Hyde Hall Covered Bridge, the oldest in the entire country and celebrating its 200th birthday this year! Cap off your visit with a ride aboard the Glimmerglass Queen (operating through October 12) for unbeatable lake views and a glimpse of the past along this storybook shoreline. Cooperstown; free entry after Labor Day.
Chautauqua-Allegheny
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Traverse 65,000 acres of alluring autumn wilderness at the largest New York State Park. A dazzling display of color lights up the park’s mixed Hemlock and Hardwood forests, creating stunning backdrops for its lakes, mountains, rolling hills, meadows, and the diverse wildlife that live along the park’s many scenic hiking trails. Also within the park lies the Thomas Kelly Covered Bridge, one of New York’s most photogenic bridges. For postcard views, take a short walk along a paved pathway from the Red House Lake camping area where the bridge spans 110-feet across Red House Creek. Salamanca; $7 vehicle entry fee through 10/13/25. Free entry after 10/13/25.
Gaze out over the seemingly endless beauty of high bluffs overlooking Lake Erie, the shallowest of the Great Lakes. Wander nearly a mile of shoreline and sandy beaches as sunlight glistens over the lake and flora. Mosey your way around 355 acres of the park’s hiking trails, recreational grounds, camping and picnic areas. Brockton; free entry after Labor Day.
Finger Lakes
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You’re not seeing double, that’s just the reflection of vibrant fall foliage mirrored on the crystal-clear Green and Round Lakes at Green Lakes State Park. Set within 2,100 acres of lush forest and glacial lake natural beauty, the park’s hiking trail is the perfect peaceful walk looping around the lake with perfectly placed viewpoints for soaking in the scenery. Fayetteville; free entry after Labor Day.
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Just outside of Ithaca you’ll find Taughannock Falls State Park, home to the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rockies. Take the Gorge Trail for an unbelievable view of the 215-foot waterfall framed by cliffs nearly 400 feet high. The overlook now features a new tower viewer equipped with an EnChroma Lens, designed to enhance colors for those with color blindness, making it possible for more visitors to fully enjoy the vibrant foliage. Trumansburg; $10 vehicle entry fee.
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Watkins Glen State Park is stunning in any season, but fall brings about a truly epic landscape. Hike the Gorge Trail (open through late October) to wind your way through 300-million-year-old rock formations and past 19 wondrous waterfalls. The crown jewel, Rainbow Falls, becomes even more magical as it’s enveloped by a vibrant display of autumn colors. Watkins Glen; $10 vehicle entry fee through mid-October.
Greater Niagara
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A kaleidoscope of colors envelopes the natural wonder at the nation’s oldest state park. Roam the scenic paths of Goat Island and the Gorge Trail, where numerous dramatic overlooks offer incredible views of the roaring Niagara Falls. Thanks to the park’s unique microclimate and the warm waters of Lake Erie, peak foliage typically arrives mid to late October. Niagara Falls; $10 vehicle entry fee.
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Just three miles north of Niagara Falls, Whirlpool State Park offers a quieter, but equally mesmerizing terrain. This 109-acre park overlooks the whirling rapids of the Niagara River and lower Niagara Gorge, and also connects to the picturesque Niagara Scenic Parkway. The park features trails on both the upper level and river-level, offering a range of lovely lookout points. For an even wilder perspective, book a Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour through the Class V Devil’s Hole rapids (available through October 12). Niagara Falls; free entry.
Experience peak fall beauty at Letchworth State Park, known as the “Grand Canyon of the East” and recently voted the best state park in the nation! 14,000+ acres of foliage, captivating cliffs and cascading waterfalls await. Whether you hike any of the park’s 66 miles of trails or take a scenic drive, you’ll find outstanding overlooks, including Inspiration Point. The Genesee River carves a 400-foot-deep gorge, producing three major waterfalls that are at their visual peak in autumn. For a bucket-list adventure, take it all in from the air with a Balloons Over Letchworth hot air balloon ride (open through November 1). Castile; $10 vehicle entry fee through 10/19/25.
Hudson Valley
Embrace the outdoors at Bear Mountain State Park, nestled in the rugged mountains along the Hudson River. With miles of hiking and biking trails leading to majestic mountain vistas, it’s a paradise for nature lovers. Cast a line in the lake or river, or follow the trail along Bear Mountain (check the website for current trail closures) as it winds beside the Greenwood River. Along the way, stop at the Trailside Museum and Zoo to explore exhibits on local wildlife and regional history. For panoramic views of the Hudson Valley, head to the Perkins Memorial Tower at the summit of Bear Mountain. Bear Mountain; $10 vehicle entry fee.
Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park
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Take in a bird’s eye view of the Hudson River and Hudson Valley as you walk, cycle, or rollerblade across the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world (1.28 miles). Perched 212 feet above the river on the site of a historic 1888 railroad bridge, this iconic walkway offers panoramic views of the mountains in all of their seasonal splendor. It’s an idyllic spot for sunrise and sunset, and the venue also hosts many seasonal events. Poughkeepsie; free entry.
Long Island
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Positioned on a picturesque peninsula leading to the Long Island Sound, Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve extends across 1,520 acres of beautiful fall foliage spots. Enveloped by Lloyd Harbor, the park offers a diverse landscape of woodlands, meadows, rocky shoreline, and salt marshes. Huntington; $8 vehicle entry fee on weekends through 10/14/25. Free entry after 10/13/25.
Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park
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Fall foliage is abundant at Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park, a “museum of trees” nestled along the Connetquot River on Long Island’s South Shore. The park is home to an arboretum designed by famed architect Frederick Law Olmsted, where you’ll see some of the oldest and rarest tree species on Long Island, including fir, spruce, holly, cypress, and Spanish firs. Unlike traditional parks, activities like biking, picnicking, and pets are not allowed to preserve the tranquil atmosphere. Spot wildlife like osprey and turtles, or join in seasonal events like Wellness Walks, Golden Hour Photography, and Forest Therapy Walks. Great River; $8 vehicle entry fee through November.
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Spanning 40 acres of rolling hills, Cold Spring Harbor State Park offers glowing autumn views over the harbor. Its woodland trails wind through a mixed hardwood forest, highlighted by majestic oak trees and dense thickets of wild mountain laurel. A haven for bird enthusiasts, the park is home to species like great horned owls and red-tailed hawks. Popular trails include the Nassau-Suffolk Trail and the Cold Spring Harbor Trailhead to Lawrence Hill Road. Cold Spring Harbor; free entry.
NYC
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Though not technically a state park, Central Park is a quintessential fall foliage setting in the city. Spanning over 840 acres and home to 18,000 trees, autumn brings an endless canvas of reds, yellows, and oranges draped over must-see spots like The Mall, North Woods, and the Conservatory Garden. Take a serene stroll through Strawberry Fields, marvel at the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace, or take it all in from the iconic Bow Bridge for a view of the Central Park Boathouse and lake. Manhattan; free entry.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park
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Seek serenity from the city on Roosevelt Island, where Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park shows off peak foliage scenes framed by rows of trees bursting with autumn color. Set at the southern tip of the island, the four-acre memorial offers unparalleled views of Manhattan and the East River, as well as public programming and family-friendly events. Roosevelt Island; free entry.
Thousand Islands-Seaway
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What was once the private estate of conservationist, artist, and animal enthusiast Robert G. Wehle is now a 1,100-acre state park with 14 miles of scenic trails winding along dramatic 80-foot cliffs and more than 17,000 feet of Lake Ontario shoreline. Follow the Snakefoot Trail to walk along the lake for secluded, unique viewpoints. Henderson; free entry.
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Take the Thousand Islands Bridge to Wellesley Island State Park, a 2,600-acre retreat showcasing exclusive views of rich foliage against the St. Lawrence River. Walk along miles of scenic hiking trails, three miles of sandy shoreline, and prime spots for fishing. Also within the park is the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, home to nine miles of hiking trails through forests, fields, and wetlands, educational exhibits, and a seasonal butterfly house. Fineview; free entry.
