Upstate New York’s Top Spots for Spectacular Fall Foliage

Upstate New York is a treasure trove of autumnal beauty, offering some of the most vibrant fall foliage in the United States. The region’s unique mix of tree species—over 100 varieties!—coupled with the perfect combination of cool nights and sunny days, creates a stunning palette of reds, oranges, and golds that you simply can’t miss.

Adirondacks: A Leaf Peeping Wonderland

If you’re looking for a true wilderness experience, the Adirondacks are your destination. This vast area turns into a kaleidoscope of colors each autumn, with sugar maples painting the landscape in fiery reds and white ash trees adding splashes of purple.

For the best views, start with a scenic drive along the Olympic Byway, where you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of colorful mountains reflected in pristine lakes. For a closer look, hit the trails—Mount Jo is a great option, offering a moderately challenging hike that rewards you with panoramic views of Heart Lake and the High Peaks, a round trip that takes about two hours.

Or, if you want a view from above, take a balloon ride at the Adirondack Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Where to Stay & Eat:

• Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid offers luxury accommodations with rustic charm. Enjoy a meal at Kanu, their onsite restaurant, where locally sourced ingredients shine in dishes like venison loin and Adirondack trout.
• Big Slide Brewery is a must-visit for craft beer lovers, featuring seasonal brews perfect for fall.

Catskills: A Tapestry of Colors and Waterfalls

The Catskill Mountains blend rugged natural beauty with charming small towns. Drive along the Rip Van Winkle Trail (Route 23A) for a quintessential fall foliage experience, where quaint villages like Tannersville add character to the vibrant landscape.

A visit to Kaaterskill Falls is non-negotiable. At 260 feet tall, this two-tiered waterfall is framed by some of the most vivid foliage in the region. The hike to the viewing platform is a moderate 1.4 miles round trip, but if you’re up for a challenge, try the 2.6-mile hike to the base of the falls for an even more impressive view.

Where to Stay & Eat:

• Scribner’s Catskill Lodge offers cozy rooms with mountain views, perfect for a romantic getaway or a family retreat.
• Phoenicia Diner is a local favorite, serving up hearty breakfasts and comfort food with a side of stunning mountain views.

Hudson Valley: Scenic Serenity with Historic Charm

The Hudson Valley is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a mix of natural beauty and history. Walk across the Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie for sweeping views of the valley below, or take a leisurely fall foliage cruise along the Hudson River, where you’ll be surrounded by hills ablaze with color.

For a touch of history, visit Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate, where you can tour the grounds and take in the stunning views of the river and rolling hills, all set against a backdrop of brilliant fall foliage.

Where to Stay & Eat:

• The Roundhouse in Beacon offers boutique accommodations with river views and an on-site restaurant focusing on farm-to-table cuisine.
• Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Tarrytown provides an unforgettable dining experience with its seasonal tasting menu, making the most of the fall harvest.

Finger Lakes: Wine Country Meets Autumn Splendor

The Finger Lakes region is a dream come true for those who love both wine and fall colors. The hillsides around Keuka and Seneca Lakes turn into a patchwork of red, orange, and gold as the leaves change. A drive along the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway offers stunning lakeside views, perfect for a leisurely day of exploring.

For a more active adventure, head to Watkins Glen State Park. The Gorge Trail, a 1.5-mile hike, takes you past 19 waterfalls, all framed by the vibrant fall foliage—a photographer’s paradise.

Where to Stay & Eat:

• The Inns of Aurora offer lakeside luxury with a variety of activities, including wine tastings and cooking classes.
• Red Newt Cellars is a top spot for wine lovers, offering tastings with a view of the colorful vineyards.

Seasonal Activities to Make the Most of Your Trip

While leaf-peeping is the main event, Upstate New York offers a range of activities to enhance your fall experience. Apple picking is a must-do—Indian Ladder Farms near Albany is a great spot, where you can pick from over 40 apple varieties and enjoy freshly made cider and donuts.

For those who prefer to take in the scenery from the comfort of their car, the Olympic Scenic Byway in the Adirondacks offers one of the most picturesque drives in the state. The 170-mile route winds through the High Peaks region, with plenty of spots to stop for a picnic or photos.

If you’re traveling with kids, or just love a good corn maze, Wickham Farms in Penfield offers a challenging maze, pumpkin patch, and hayrides—a perfect fall day out.

Planning Your Perfect Fall Foliage Adventure

Timing is everything when it comes to leaf-peeping. The fall foliage season typically starts in late September and runs through early November, with the Adirondacks and Catskills peaking earlier than the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes.

For the most up-to-date information, check the I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report, which provides weekly updates on the best spots to catch peak colors. Remember to book your accommodations early—fall is peak season, and the best spots fill up fast!