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!

No need to start planning -- we've mapped out this entire road trip for you!

To view the actual road trip mapped out using Google Maps, click here!

1. Adirondack Scenic Railroad - Lake Placid

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

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

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

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!

Address: Mohican Trail- Rt. 23, Windham, NY, 12425

5. Walkway Over The Hudson - Poughkeepsie

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.

Address: 61 Parker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601

6. Chittenango Falls State Park - Cazenovia

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.

Address: 2300 Rathbun Road, Cazenovia, NY, 13035

7. Taughannock Falls State Park - Trumansburg

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.

Address: 1740 Taughannock Boulevard, Trumansburg, NY, 14886

8. Letchworth State Park - Castile

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

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!

They've got some great tours listed on their website!

Address: 1133 Mt Hope Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14620

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!

And of course, with fall comes Halloween, so if you want something a little spookier, then check out The Ultimate Terrifying Road Trip In New York That You'll Want To Take!