We don’t know about you, but as soon as the air starts to cool down, we start looking forward to viewing the fall foliage in New York. Autumn is such an amazing time and it’s so great to see the vivid colors of the season sneaking up on us in the Empire State. There are a huge variety of ways to get out and enjoy leaf-peeping opportunities in New York, from hikes to road trips. However, none of them are quite like the adventure that we have in store for you today. This trip will take you down into the breathtaking Hudson Valley region to a very special bridge. The Bear Mountain Bridge Walkway will let you surround yourself with fall colors in New York like nowhere else.

The Bear Mountain Bridge in New York stretches across the Hudson River. At over 2,200 feet in length, it's quite impressive, but never more so than in the fall, when it is surrounded by amazing colors.
Tony Shi Photography/Getty Images
The bridge is actually formally known as the Purple Heart Veterans Memorial Bridge, but colloquially called the Bear Mountain Bridge. By any name, it's been wowing residents and out-of-towners alike for nearly 100 years now.
Jordan Confino/Flickr
The Bear Mountain Bridge was opened up in the fall of 1924. It's actually the oldest structure that is part of the New York State Bridge Authority.
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Since opening up almost a century ago, the bridge has become a popular route to travel along via car. However, it's also a beloved spot for taking a stroll on foot!
Gregory Bidwell/Google Maps

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That's right: if you want to soak in the sights from Bear Mountain Bridge, there's no better way to experience this historic structure than via the walkway that will allow you to cross it on foot.
Tim Taylor/Google Maps
Some may come to walk across the bridge after exploring nearby gems like Bear Mountain State Park. Others end up crossing it due to the fact that it's the Hudson River crossing on the Appalachian Trail.
Aung Thu/Google Maps
The bridge spans a total of 2,255 feet. You'll be amazed by all of the vibrant fall colors that surround you here, right above one of the narrowest points on the Hudson River.
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Every inch of the Hudson Valley is absolutely magnificent. Walking across this great bridge will give you a bird's eye view of it all, even the trains passing by along the riverfront.
Jordan Confino/Flickr
This will be your new favorite pedestrian walkway. It was once the world record holder for the longest suspension bridge in the world. See what it's like to view the fall foliage in New York reflecting off the river and sweeping across the mountains as you stand out on the Bear Mountain Bridge Walkway this year.
Tony Shi Photography/Getty Images

If you’re interested in checking out Bear Mountain State Park, you can make it a multi-day excursion with a stay at the lovely Bear Mountain Hotel. It’s right inside the 5,000-acre park, so it’s ultra-convenient!

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Fall Foliage In New York

Lisa Sammons | August 16, 2022

Where are some of the best places to see fall foliage in New York?

The leaves tend to change color a little early at higher elevations, so the Catskills and Adirondack Mountains are both excellent places to go leaf peeping in New York. The slightly colder temperatures affect how early the colors change, so you can expect the leaves to change a bit earlier there than down lower south. There are so many great places to observe the beautiful colors of autumn that we've got a whole fall foliage road trip in New York planned out for you!

When do the leaves generally change color in New York?

It can be difficult to predict exactly when the leaves will change color, as it depends on weather, particularly precipitation and temperature. In general, you can expect the leaves in New York to start to change by late September, particularly at higher elevations and the northern regions of the state. By late October, most of the leaves will have already fallen to make way for winter.

What are some fun things to do in fall in New York?

Sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, hay rides, oh my! There's so much to do in New York in autumn. Obviously, leaf peeping is a popular activity, particularly in our beautiful mountain regions. You also won't want to miss some of our wonderful locales for obtaining locally-made apple cider. Fans of the spooky and scary have plenty to check out in fall, whether you like haunted houses or abandoned places.

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