13 Top Places to Visit In New York In Fall
New York in the fall is a sight to behold. As the weather turns cooler between late September and the end of October, the state’s bright green hues transform into glorious shades of deep orange, red, and yellow. Along tidy streets, cute and creepy Halloween décor pops up in shop windows and on sidewalks. Under bright skies and breathing in the crisp fall air, you’ll experience New York like never before. And there is no better place to start your NY fall visit than in one of the following places.
Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondack Mountains in northern New York is the best place to go if you want to immerse yourself in fall colors. Here, the bright yellows and deep reds turn the landscape into a storybook picture.
The Adirondacks offer mild temperatures and sunny days during the fall, making it an excellent time for hiking, biking, and paddling. If you love gorgeous water views, there are several lakefront resorts you can stay at while visiting the mountains. These include the luxury Sagamore resort on Lake George’s private island and Mirror Lake Inn with its unmatched location on the shores of Mirror Lake.
If you’re a photographer, you’d better lace up your boots and get cracking on those Adirondacks hiking trails. The warm mountain colors against the sheer blue sky backdrop beg to be immortalized in a series of photographs. Some of the best fall hiking trails include the ambling Oak Rim Trail and the challenging Six-Mile Creek Trail. If you’re looking for a majestic background for a photo session, the Champlain Monument along the Plattsburgh Heritage Trail is ready and waiting.
The area also offers stunning campsites, wildlife viewing, and exciting fall festivals like the Great Adirondack Moose Festival and Whiteface Oktoberfest. So, whether you want to get lost in a fall landscape or have an adventure, the Adirondacks have something to offer for everyone.
Lake George
A visit to the Adirondacks is incomplete without a stop-over at Lake George. Gaze at the magical fall colors while hiking or driving up Prospect Mountain. Then, stare at the awesomeness that is Lake George.
If you want to get a closer look at the area, ride a bike along the Warren County Bikeway or go on a leisurely cruise. To get your heart racing a bit, you can test your skills at the local obstacle courses or zipline parks.
For a thrill of a different kind, as Halloween looms, visit the eerie spot in Mayor Blais Park on Beach Road. If you scream out loud while standing in the center of this spot, your voice will return louder instead of in an echo.
Catskill Mountains
Three hours from the Adirondacks, the Catskill mountain range offers another spectacular fall tapestry. The mountains show off their gold, tangerine, and ruddy hues every year, while visitors go hiking and apple or pear picking in the impressive 200-year-old Stone Ridge Orchard, or the family-friendly Kelder’s Farm. At this time of year, summer’s heat has dissipated, and mild temperatures rule. You can explore the scenic Catskills trails while keeping an eye out for the local wildlife without breaking a sweat. Artist’s Rock, Sunset Rock, and Newman’s Ledge via the Mary’s Glen Trail are must-do. This is a moderately challenging hike, but the sweet views make it worth it. You may spot foxes, white-tailed deer, and fishers along the way.
The Catskills’ proximity to NYC makes it the ideal fall weekend getaway minus the hours of driving. It is one of the best places in New York to watch the sunrise chase away the morning mist or go crunching through the fallen leaves on horseback. The Overlook Mountain provides a dramatic vantage point to sit and wait for the start of the day, while the Bailiwick Animal Park & Riding Stables offers the opportunity to explore the mountain areas from the back of a horse.
Even if you’re just looking for a place to unwind and throw a line in the water, the Catskills range is home to several tranquil fishing spots amid all its fall splendor.
Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley provides yet another orange, red, and gold fall experience along with several craft fairs and pumpkin festivals. You can choose between the Hudson Valley Flea Market and Craft Fair, Phoenicia Flea, or the Windham 27th Annual Autumn Affair. Or, just pop in at all of them! The valley is just an hour’s drive from the Catskills and has been voted one of the best budget destinations for travelers visiting during the fall. It is also one of New York’s most popular leaf-admiring destinations (we refuse to call it leaf-peeping).
Fall is also harvesting season in the Hudson Valley, which means you’ll find juicy and fresh produce at the local markets. Stock up on apples, pumpkins, and more before visiting a local winery for delicious, spiced wine.
Before leaving the valley, take one of the scenic winding roads surrounded by a cascade of autumn colors, or take in a historic tour without the summer crowds.
Finger Lakes Region
At the opposite end of New York State, you’ll find the Finger Lakes region. Much like the Hudson, you’ll find a thriving agricultural community here. There are several U-Pick farms where you can choose your own apples, pumpkins, and grapes. Some of the most popular include the Grisamore Farms where you can pick anything from strawberries to currants. Owen Orchards is an exclusive apple farm, while you’ll find blueberries, nectarines, and gooseberries at Green Acre Fruit Farm. And you can do this while admiring the wonderful fall atmosphere, especially around the famous lakes.
Since fall is also grape harvesting season, you can kick off your shoes and participate in grape stomping events before relaxing with a glass of the fall season’s newest wine flavor. Or you can book your seat at the Naples Grape Festival to enjoy live music while soaking in the fall vibe.
Watkins Glen State Park
Speaking of Watkins Glen State Park, the Gorge Trail and Rim Trail offer unmatched foliage and waterfall views. The trees take on gold and scarlet colors as the temperatures gradually drop. Breathtaking views await around every winding turn, making hiking an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to visit the famous Rainbow Falls, which are even prettier during the fall.
The best time to visit the park is during the week when there are no crowds. This will allow you to immerse yourself in this intimate setting. While you’re at it, drive around Seneca Lake to take in the vineyards, and Hector and Glenora Falls. And, if you feel like a real fall adventure, see if you can find the gorgeous Watkins Glen swimming hole and go for a dip.
Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park, or the “Grand Canyon of the East, mimics the colors of the real Grand Canyon during the fall. As you drive up to this part of the eastern US, the park becomes a picture-perfect landscape of fall colors. The yellows, reds, and oranges add an extra layer of beauty to an already gorgeous landscape.
The autumn colors carry through to the Genesee River Gorge with its three waterfalls. Here, dramatic cliffs and overlook points are highlighted by the fall foliage. The trails surrounding the falls offer panoramic views of the gorge and falls.
Moreover, Letchworth offers thrilling whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities in the roaring Genesee River, as well as guided walks and history programs. As you explore the park, you may also spot wildlife preparing for the cold winter months.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid may be synonymous with a horror movie, which is apt for the Halloween season, but it is nothing but a wonderful fall picture from the last week of September to the first week of October.
While the autumn-colored leaves rain down in preparation for winter, Lake Placid offers a cozy atmosphere away from the stark city life. The Lake Placid Lodge offers accommodation in craftsman-style rooms or cabins on the water’s edge. The Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort is perfect for lazy fall days on the private beach area. The festive spirit is enticed here in the fall in anticipation of the upcoming holidays with food festivals and fairs, including the much-anticipated Flaming Leaves Festival. This festival is a true celebration of fall, with great food and live music.
Recognized as one of the top towns to visit in the US during the fall, Lake Placid also doesn’t disappoint when it comes to outdoor activities. You can take in stunning mountain views while walking on Lake Placid Beach or hiking the stunning trails.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs, two hours from Lake Placid, is another New York State attraction that comes alive during the fall. In addition to the unforgettable fall colors, apple picking is one of the highlights of the season. Picking begins as early as the end of August and continues until November. However, Saratoga Apple, Inc. is open all year for apple picking and to stock up on other fresh farm products. Or take a trip to DeVoe’s Rainbow Orchards where you can get apples, baked goods, and maybe even a scoop of delicious ice cream.
Saratoga County is famous for its mineral springs, which have continued to draw tourists over many centuries. Saratoga Springs also boasts fantastic weather during the fall, so you can stroll through the city streets or take a day off to explore the natural surrounding beauty.
Taconic State Park
The Taconic Mountains and the Taconic State Park are must-visit fall destinations. The mountains are painted in dramatic red, orange, and yellow shades as the tranquil atmosphere sets in. And, even better, you can return to the park any time of the year because it doesn’t close according to a seasonal schedule. You’ll find affordable lodging at the Fairfield Inn & Suites where you can relax in the pool after exploring the park. If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience to heighten the fall ambiance, The White Hart Hotel is the place to go.
The park is the oldest of its kind in the Taconic region and includes a portion of a massive multi-state forest. It is also home to the Copake Iron Works Museum and Visitors Center which keeps the region’s history alive.
Furthermore, you can choose between easy and very challenging hiking trails where the payoff is panoramic views of the surrounding area. The Bash Bish Falls trail takes on an amber hue in the fall and is an easy hike to the Bash Bish Falls. If you feel like a brisk hike, the South Taconic Trail will give you a real workout. Otherwise, have a picnic while enjoying the peaceful fall ambiance.
Thousand Islands
Another incredible place to visit in the fall is the Thousand Islands, which straddle the Canada-US border. You can enjoy the autumn colors on land or from the water by going on a boat tour. As is the case with most other attractions in the state of New York, the crowds dwindle from the Thousand Islands when the weather turns cool. This means you can take in the beauty without having to wrestle for space.
The Thousand Islands offers ample opportunity for fishing and hiking, and you can even go on a lighthouse tour. There are harvest events that celebrate the fall season and give you a chance to explore the local culture. These include Clayton’s Farmer’s Market and The Cape Street Market. You can’t possibly experience everything this place has to offer, so book a fall trip and stay in one of the gorgeous hotels like 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, or 1000 Island Hart House.
Niagara Falls
If you want to experience fall foliage combined with the force of nature, there is no better destination than Niagara Falls. While the falls are magnificent any time of the year, there is something very special about the autumn colors providing a backdrop for the cascading water.
In addition to this one-of-a-kind sight, you can enjoy one of the biggest wine events of the year when you visit the falls just before the start of fall – the Niagara USA Wine Festival. You can also go on one of the legendary boat tours (Maid of the Mist) to get right up close to the water. You may even be in time for some of the autumn-themed activities, making the overall experience that much more fun.
Cooperstown
Finally, Cooperstown, home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, rounds out this list of the best places in New York to visit during the fall. Known for its dazzling array of fall colors that enhance its scenic beauty, Cooperstown also boasts Otsego Lake and Glimmerglass State Park.
Glimmerglass offers a range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, while Cooperstown as a whole is a classic fall destination. This historic village hums with colorful birds and wildlife and you may even spot a home hawk or two while you’re there.
The town takes the fall feeling to the extreme by offering a Fall Foliage Train ride and paddling on Otsego, surrounded by the reflections of the autumn-colored trees around the lake.
In Conclusion
As autumn graces New York, it paints every corner with hues that speak to the soul. Imagine, feeling the serene presence amidst the golden canopy of Thousand Islands or witnessing the waterfalls at Niagara marrying the vibrant tones of fall. And then there's Cooperstown, where the past meets the present amidst a festival of colors. As the leaves change, find yourself rediscovering New York, one splendid scene at a time. It's more than a visit; it's an immersion into the very essence of fall.
