Take A Beautiful Fall Foliage Road Trip To See New York Autumn Colors
If there’s ever a time to take a road trip through New York, it’s when our foliage season is taking place. Some of us will simply hit the road with no destination set in sight, just because all that we’re seeking out are the views of the surrounding vibrant forest. There’s nothing more beautiful than taking a scenic drive through the beautiful landscape as you’re surrounded by vibrant reds, marigolds, ambers, and yellows. If you’re looking to do something more structured than just driving around our state, then take a look at this gorgeous road trip that will take you to the best fall foliage in New York. Gas up the car: it’s leaf-peeping time!
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
No need to start planning -- we've mapped out this entire road trip for you!
If there's one thing great to do in the fall, it's enjoy a scenic train ride along the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. For this road trip, the first stop is right up in Lake Placid, but this train also can be taken out of Utica as well. Central New Yorkers: if you can't make it up to Lake Placid, then this scenic ride is just as beautiful. The railroad features a ride where you'll be able to view all of the colors on the beautiful Adirondack trees.
The schedule for this fantastic train ride in New York is available on the Adirondack Railroad website .
Address: 321 Main Street, Utica, NY, 13501
2. Cloudsplitter Gondala Ride - Whiteface Mountain, Lake Placid
Cloudsplitter Gondola, 5021 NY-86, Wilmington, NY 12997, USA
We've featured this incredible gondola ride before, but there's no better time than now to take a ride through the clouds. Right in the heart of the Adirondacks and amongst all of Lake Placid's history, you'll find the perfect way to enjoy a view of the foliage from up above.
To buy your tickets to the Cloudsplitter online, click here.
Address: 5021 NY-86, Wilmington, NY, 12997
3. John Boyd Thacher State Park - Voorheesville
John Boyd Thacher State Park, New Scotland, NY 12186, USA
We've featured this incredible state park before because of the waterfall that you can walk behind! But, there's also another huge reason why you should take a trip out to this area of New York: the fall foliage. Let the trails be your guide and make your way to the top of the park where you'll have panoramic views of our state and beyond that are perfect for viewing the foliage. A great way to get out and enjoy the fresh air!
Address: 830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville, NY, 12186
4. Five Point State Lookout - Windham
Captain's Inn Point Lookout, 7604 NY-23, East Windham, NY 12439, USA
Did you know that there's a lookout in New York that allows you to see five states at once? Right along the scenic Route 23, this drive will take you through the mountains and give you an insane view of the Catskills. Right next to Captains Inn Point Lookout, you can find a small parking area where you can pull off from the road and soak in all of the states that you can see. So, what states are you able to see? From here: New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and, of course, New York are all visible!
Our advice? Park your car and enjoy the views and then walk on over to Captains Inn to enjoy a tasty meal before you hit the road again!
If you're interested in the history of this historic walkway and how it came to be, you can click here to read more about it. For the sake of this post, we'll simply explain all the reasons why this is a great place to view the foliage. Handicap accessible and great for visitors of all ages, you'll be able to see for miles down the Hudson Valley from this point of New York.
This wouldn't be a New York road trip if we didn't throw in at least one waterfall, right? Many may think that summer is the only time worth visiting our waterfalls, but true residents know that there's nothing like seeing the water flowing all while you're surround by the vibrant colors of fall. As always, we urge visitors to be safe. Mother Nature can get a bit slippery and dangerous during our fall and winter months! This is one of the best waterfalls in New York.
Did somebody say more waterfalls? An amazing state park that should be on everyone's bucket list if they've yet to visit, Taughannock Falls State Park will make you feel small in the best way possible. The looming land that surrounds the gorge leading you to one of New York's tallest waterfalls will steal your breath away. To read more about one of the tallest waterfall in America and why you should visit, click here.
Speaking of breathtaking state parks in New York, here's one you can't forget! While Letchworth tends to keep a steady crowd during the summer (an amazing place to go camping), the best time of year to visit this park is during the fall. With waterfalls for days and miles of trails to explore, there's nothing like looking down the Grand Canyon of New York to see our gorgeous fall foliage. To read more about this dream-like state park, click here!
Address: 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY, 14427
9. Mount Hope Cemetery - Rochester
Mount Hope Cemetery, 50 Jackson Ave (Jackson Ave at, Saw Mill River Rd, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY 10706, USA
Featured in our post about some of New York's most haunted cemeteries, many of the people who come here don't show up for the supposed ghosts. It may not be the first place that would come to your mind, but taking a stroll through this historic cemetery while all of the leaves are changing is like something out of a charming Halloween movie. One of the most well-known graves you'll find in Mount Hope is that of Susan B. Anthony, another excuse to come and check out this place. We promise you'll leave with some stunning pictures if you decide to bring your camera!
Are you looking forward to the leaves changing color this year? Are you planning on taking this road trip in New York? Do you have a favorite spot to view the best fall foliage in New York? Let us know if we missed it!
What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in New York?
The best time to see peak fall foliage in New York is in the final week of September leading into October. Of course, this varies from county to county, but the more north you are, the earlier you will see the leaves begin to change colors. The southern part of New York is typically about a week or so behind its northern counterpart.
Where are the best places in New York to see fall foliage?
There are many beautiful places to see the leaves changing color in New York. Some of the best places in New York to see the peak fall foliage include the Adirondacks and the Catskill mountains. The Finger Lake region including Seneca County, Monroe County, and Chemung County are also popular places to see New York in peak fall foliage. Whiteface Mountain, the fifth highest mountain in New York offers an incredible panoramic view of the Adirondacks and the summit is reachable by car.
What are the best New York hikes to take in the fall?
If you’re looking for beautiful hikes with stunning views of the fall foliage in New York, you have several options. Some of the best New York hikes to take in the fall include the trails at Letchworth State Park and Watkins Glen State Park. For the adventure seeker, seek out the Skytop Tower in New Paltz and Overlook Mountain in Woodstock, which both feature stunning views. Kaaterskill Falls in Greene County is less than a mile in length and the out-and-back trail ends with a truly spectacular 260-foot waterfall.
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
