From the Adirondacks to the Catskills: The Best Fall Activities in New York State

Pumpkin spice lattes, crisp air, and colorful foliage: it's time to revisit the best things to do in New York in the fall. Let me tell you, when the leaves start to change, there is no better place to be than in the Empire State. Autumn in New York is magical, and not just because of the colors—it's also thanks to the plethora of fall events and activities in every corner of the state. With only a short window to enjoy the season, let's jump right into our favorite things to do.

New York Fall Foliage: Where to Go in New York For Fall Foliage

New York's fall foliage is among some of the best in the world, offering a fiery array of colors from our city parks to the highest mountains. Typically, the height of the season peaks around the last week in September and the first week of October. Make the most of it by planning your trip ahead of time to see the best places to visit in New York during the fall.

1. The Adirondack Mountains

• Location: A mountain range in North East New York.
• Wow Factor: These mountains house some of the most beautiful fall colors you have ever seen.
• Need to Know: Certain parts are very remote, so make sure you have a downloaded or paper map.

When we first visited New York in the fall, this was the location we chose. I still think this is the best spot in the entire state. The mountains become a canvas for fall colors, and everywhere you go, you will be treated to some of the greatest fall colors in the East. Some of the best places to visit while you are cruising around the Adirondacks are Lake Placid, Whiteface Mountain, and High Falls Gorge.

Even if you want to take a pretty drive, there are so many places to immerse yourself in the beautiful fall landscape. We have found charming little towns, windy mountain roads, and crystal-clear ponds that mirror the surrounding fall foliage. If you are keen on history, then find your way to the various covered bridges or witness the Olympic sights, all in this cozy mountain oasis.

2. The Catskills Mountains

• Location: South Eastern part of New York
• Wow Factor: Miles and miles of fall colors.
• Need to Know: This is a great place for scenic drives, hiking, and exploring during the fall foliage.

When it comes to beautiful mountains, the Catskills Mountains are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places you can go in New York. With miles and miles of mountainous acreage, you will have many places to explore, hike, or go for a scenic drive. One of my favorite ways to enjoy the foliage is to get out on my own two feet and hike through the forest. You'll fall in love with the scenery as the leaves drift gracefully from the trees to the ground, and then crunch under your feet. You can also witness waterfalls, overlooks, and interesting paths. No matter what your skill level is, you owe it to yourself to experience these mountains in the fall.

3. Central Park - New York City

• Location: New York City
• Wow Factor: A fall retreat in the middle of New York City.
• Need to Know: Spend plenty of time in this huge park with loads of pretty trees.

The mountains make sense as a go-to fall destination, but I bet you wouldn’t have guessed that the center of the concrete jungle of New York City boasts one of the prettiest fall spots. Have you ever been to Central Park in the fall? This brilliantly designed green space in the city comes alive with color in the fall! You can bring a picnic and sit on the lawn of the Sheep Meadow or the North Meadow, taking in all the sights like bridges, waterways, and fiery orange and red leaves. If you live in the city, then make sure you head into the park during autumn to take in this crisp and beautiful bliss.

4. The Finger Lake Region

• Location: Just slightly left of the middle of New York state.
• Wow Factor: Lakes, waterfalls, and fall colors!
• Need to Know: Make sure to visit the state parks in the area.

The Finger Lake region of the state has some of the prettiest views and state parks that get even better during the fall. Enjoy the crisp air while eyeing an endless horizon of the massive lakes, all of which reflect the fall foliage in a stunning array of colors. Places like Taughannock Falls—the tallest waterfall in New York—are a must-see in the autumn. The falls sit in a bowl-shaped canyon and are simply breathtaking. Watkins Glen is another prime location that's completely different than any other state park. The stone pathways and bridges look amazing, especially when colorful leaves frame every picture taken. Ultimately, these two parks are worth visiting any time of year.

Best Pumpkin Patches in New York

While the changing trees tend to take the spotlight in the autumn season, we can’t overlook everyone's favorite fall decoration: the humble pumpkin. Here, we'll dig into some of the best pumpkin patches in New York, so if you've been searching for "best fall activities near me,” you're in luck. Many of these farms offer much more than pumpkins, making them ideal day trip destinations.

5. The Great Pumpkin Farm - Clarence

• Location: Clarence, New York.
• Wow Factor: Pumpkins, games, cider donuts, and so much more!
• Need To Know: Weekdays are free, but most activities are on the weekend as well as the cider donuts.

The Great Pumpkin Farm is, well, pretty great. It's the biggest fall festival in the region and one of the best places to get all sorts of pumpkins. You can also score some pretty fantastic Halloween decorations and goodies, like freshly made donuts on the weekends. Several events take place each weekend from mid-September till the end of October, so check out the festival's calendar before you visit.

While there, kids will enjoy several carnival rides, games, and activities just for them. Bring your family and get lost in the massive corn maze, or come back for a terrifying Halloween event. Fall isn’t complete without a visit to The Great Pumpkin Farm.

6. Awald Farms - North Collins

• Location: North Collins, New York
• Wow Factor: Huge pumpkins, like really huge.
• Need to Know: Pick your own pumpkins right from the vine.

If you're looking for big pumpkins, and I mean huge pumpkins, there's no better place than Awald Farms. This farm boasts some of the biggest pumpkins in the state, with some growing up to 200 pounds! Don’t worry, you won’t need to bring along a wheelbarrow to bring home your orange treasures—there are normal-sized ones for sale, too. Walk among the grounds and pick your own right from the vine, or pick one out from the collected bunch. While you're there, shop at the country store, and let kids enjoy a variety of activities, including the play area and corn maze. Awald Farms is all about huge pumpkins each fall—it's a must-visit spot.

7. Abbott Farms - Baldwinsville

• Location: Baldwinsville, New York
• Wow Factor: A classic fall festival farm.
• Need to Know: There is an admission price to enter the farm.

Everything you could ever want in a classic fall festival awaits at the lovely Abbott Farms. Apple picking? Check. Corn maze? Check. Pumpkins? Your betcha! Everything you can think of, you'll find at this classic farm festival, and so much more. Chomp down on fresh, warm cider donuts, sip on delicious hard cider, and go on a good old-fashioned wagon ride through the rolling fields of the property. Maybe it's just nostalgia, but there's something special about a simple harvest festival on a farm. If that nostalgia for "the good old days" calls to you, Abbott Farms will greet you with open arms... and pumpkins!

Best Fall Festivals in New York

From fantastic light shows to launching pumpkins into the water and air, the Empire State has lots of unique and fun traditions to ring in the fall season. Here are some of the best fall festivals in New York State.

8. The Great Jack-O-Lantern Blaze - Hudson Valley and Long Island

• Location: Hudson Valley and Long Island, New York
• Wow Factor: The most spectacular jack-o-lantern art you’ve ever seen.
• Need to Know: This event takes place at various locations annually, so check the website ahead of time.

The Great Jack-O-Lantern Blaze is one of the most spectacular displays of carved pumpkins you'll ever see. Just imagine the over-the-top Christmas displays and events we've seen over the years, but replace twinkling lights with jack-o-lanterns and whimsical Halloween decorations. Each year, you'll find interesting artwork, pumpkins and souvenirs for sale, marvelous photo-ops, and even a tavern with pumpkin-flavored beer and light fare. The festival takes place from mid-September to early November each year. Experience the magic yourself and get your tickets to The Great Jack-O-Lantern Blaze.

9. Punkin Chuckin - Clayton

• Location: Clayton, New York
• Wow Factor: Watch pumpkins soar!
• Need to Know: BBQ and yeeting pumpkins... what more could you ask for?

There are two types of people in this world: people who quietly sip a cup of apple cider after admiring their perfectly crafted pumpkin display in the fall, and people who launch pumpkins from a trebuchet. If you line up more with the latter than the former, the Punkin Chuckin festival is the place for you. Watch as everyone’s favorite orange fall decoration gets helplessly flung high in the air and into the St. Lawrence River. It's enough to see pumpkins thrown around, but you'll also get to enjoy some delicious barbecue, fun activities, and games. If you want to celebrate fall a little differently, then make sure to check out Chuckin' Pumpkin.

10. The Oyster Festival - Oyster Bay

• Location: Oyster, New York
• Wow Factor: A cherished fall tradition.
• Need to Know: This is a family-friendly event.

Apples and pumpkins get all the attention in the autumn, but there's one cherished and standout tradition that's been taking place for over 40 years in New York. The Oyster Festival is a beloved fall event in Long Island, New York, that offers anything but an ordinary autumn experience. Enjoy all the oysters you can eat, as well as live entertainment, games, crafts, and much more. It's an amazing family-friendly event that seafood lovers will surely appreciate. Spend fall doing something a little different by attending The Oyster Festival.

Free and Cheap New York Fall Activities

If it's free, it's for me! Some of the best things in life won't cost you a single cent, and that's what I am all about. Getting in the car and finding our way to the best places to visit in New York during autumn is a dream come true, and I'm going to show you some of those places. Get ready for a super fun weekend trip without breaking the bank.

11. Take a Scenic Drive

• Location: All over New York
• Wow Factor: Enjoy the colors of fall.
• Need to Know: Find some of the best places to drive and take a trip through the countryside.

I've taken trips specifically to enjoy New York in the fall. And I love it so much that I come back all the time! I'm partial to the Adirondacks when it comes to New York autumn—I'm always blown away by the colors in this area, and the winding roads through the mountains. A scenic drive may take you past covered bridges, hidden waterfalls, and much more. But this is not the only spot in the state for a cruise—there are plenty of amazing scenic drives in New York. Find one near you and hit the road for a trip.

12. Visit a State Park

• Location: All over New York
• Wow Factor: Some of the best of the natural wonders lie within the New York park’s system.
• Need to Know: Most state parks charge a small entrance fee.

New York State Parks boast some of the most amazing natural wonders in the world, let alone in the state. This is the perfect place to get out and experience the beauty of fall by taking a hike, watching a breathtaking waterfall, or taking a calming break at an overlook. I would suggest visiting Letchworth State Park, also known as the Grand Canyon of the East. This massive gorge features show-stopping waterfalls and views that are simply unreal. The colors in the trees pop all along the canyon, making it one of the best state parks to visit in New York. However, there are plenty of great finds across the state, so do some research before setting off.

13. Take a Hike

• Location: All over New York
• Wow Factor: Seeing the fall foliage from a distance is amazing, but immersing yourself in the forest is wholly different.
• Need to Know: Practice all the standard hiking safety rules while out and exploring.

If you are an avid hiker like me, then chances are you already have a bucket list of trails you want to go on. You should see the lists I have piled up on AllTrails; trust me, it's a big list. That being said, fall is one of the best times to get outside and enjoy the trails. The weather starts to cool off, making a difficult climb a little bit more enjoyable. Whether you're taking a stroll through a wooded park or scaling a mountain, hiking is one of the greatest ways to witness fall foliage. Take a look at some of the best hikes in New York, and maybe you can add some to your bucket list.

14. Fall Camping

• Location: All over New York
• Wow Factor: Crisp air, campfires, and colorful trees.
• Need to Know: Dress really warm.

Just picture this: The air has a certain coolness you can feel in the breeze. You find comfort and warmth near the campfire, with a mug of coffee tightly clasped in your hands. The aroma of wafting smoke fills your nostrils, and in the background, as the sun is setting, you see the slight movement of leaves rustling in the breeze. This is the beauty of camping in the fall. It sounds pretty nice, doesn’t it? I always say there's no such thing as bad weather, just bad choices in clothing, so bundle up and fully immerse yourself in nature on a camping trip.

If that doesn’t sound like your cup of apple cider tea, then rent out a cabin. There are so many great places to go camping in New York, so do some research before booking your trip.

15. Visit a Farm

• Location: All over New York
• Wow Factor: Charming farms during harvest time is a classic fall activity.
• Need to Know: Some farms charge for admission during certain fall events.

Rural farmlands are always nostalgic to me. My grandparents owned a farm in New England, so there's something special about visiting these agricultural powerhouses in the autumn season. Finding awesome farms in New York isn’t hard, but picking one might be. I love apple orchards the most; there is nothing like picking your own apples. Bonus points if the place has fun animals to interact with, too. So find your way out to the countryside and visit this timeless tradition.

I can tell you firsthand that there are many fun things to do in New York in the fall. I have very fond memories of my time spent in the Empire State, from chasing waterfalls to scenic fall drives. There is no denying that this state is blessed with a pretty amazing autumn season. So get outside and enjoy everything that New York has to offer in the fall.

During one of my trips to upstate New York, we stumbled upon Roaring Brook Falls. It's a pretty fun adventure, so make sure you also check out that story. too.