Best Places to see Fall Foliage in New York

Who doesn’t want to go to New York? The skyscrapers and the big attractions in the “City that Never Sleeps” are simply amazing, and tons of breathtaking sites are scattered in the state’s cities. That said, fall is an exceptionally beautiful time in New York. When the leaves change color and the weather cools down, it’s the best time to relax and enjoy the beautiful nature in the state. Also, there are so many best places to see fall foliage in New York State. Today, we’re here to help you pick the perfect fall destination. The places below aren’t only beautiful but also offer you tons of exciting activities to keep you busy and happy. So, without further ado, let’s check them out!

Wave Hill, New York City

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Say hi to Wave Hill, a 28-acre estate set in the Bronx that overlooks the Hudson River and the Palisades. When the sun is shining bright, you should head to this garden. It’s home to a variety of trees, which all change their colors around late September to the beginning of November. A tip from us: You may want to visit Wave Hill on Thursday, as admission is free on that day.

If you’re someone who enjoys explorations on their own, feel free to have a self-guided walk through the gardens. But if you want, you can also have a guided fall foliage walk led by a horticulturalist. If you want to experience the peace and tranquility of nature, we think this is certainly one of the best places New York has to offer.

Where to Stay: Only a 10-minute drive away from Wave Hill is Hyatt Place, New York, Yonkers. One of the biggest selling points of this hotel is its location. It’s perfectly located right in the middle of a mall, so you’ll have endless options for restaurants and shops. We stayed in the King Room on the higher floors and greatly enjoyed the surrounding views.

Bear Mountain State Park, New York

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The Bear Mountain State Park is a certified attraction that deserves to be visited all year round. However, once you witness its leaves change their colors, you’ll know why it’s a popular spot for fall foliage near New York City. So, when is the right time to visit this amazing park? Well, you’ll want to come here in mid-October, but the colors usually start to change as early as September.

There are countless miles of trails in the park, making it a nice destination for those who want to check out the views from above. In addition, you should also look at Lake Welch, which is set within the park. It’s a popular place for fishing and boating. The views here are also worth your phone’s memory.

Where to Stay: The Sleep Inn & Suites Monroe – Woodbury is one of the most recommended hotels near the park. For us, this is a hidden gem as it’s set in a quiet and peaceful location. While we were there, everyone was so kind to us. We appreciated the nice touches, like the cookies in the lobby. Our room was nothing short of immaculate and comfortable. The breakfast was also great. We had eggs, waffles, and English muffins.

Ithaca, New York

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Best Budget Destination. Ithaca is a beautiful city, but it’s even more stunning during the fall season. If you’re at Ithaca in the middle of September and October, we’re sure you’ll be startled by how pretty it is. The once-green leaves will turn into vibrant reds and golds. With over 100 waterfalls within a 10-mile radius of downtown, this city is truly a paradise for nature lovers.

Do you need some recommendations for the best leaf-peeping spots in the city? Make sure to go to Taughannock Falls State Park! It’s where you’ll see the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. Surrounded by the changing leaves, you’ll never want to leave this place. We also love Ithaca Falls. Set in downtown, it’s a popular fishing spot and swimming spot.

Where to Stay: One of our favorite hotels in Ithaca is the Canopy by Hilton Ithaca Downtown. This is one of the most pet-friendly hotels in Ithaca, so feel free to bring your favorite animal along. There are many restaurants and cafes in the hotel’s vicinity, which is a huge plus. Our night at the King Room was really enjoyable. Thanks to the in-room coffee machine, we could kick off the day with a cup of coffee. The bathroom was immaculately clean, and everything worked perfectly.

New York Botanical Garden, New York City

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Another highly recommended leaf-spotting place in NYC is none other than the New York Botanical Garden. During the fall season, this place is exceptionally beautiful. The trees here are ablaze with color. From fiery reds to vibrant yellows, the trees here will never fail to captivate you. It’s truly a magical sight to behold. And while it can get pretty crowded in the summer, things usually are more quiet in the fall. The best time to visit this garden is in late October or early November.

Trust us; the New York Botanical Garden is one of the best places in the city to escape your daily hustle and bustle. It’s a tranquil place that offers the ultimate relaxation. However, you can also have fun by joining in one of its many special fall events and activities. One of them is the Fall-O-Ween celebration. From costume contests to pumpkin carving, there are so many exciting activities to participate in. Learn more about this event by watching the official video of Fall-O-Ween 2023!

Where to Stay: There are many hotels in the park’s vicinity, but if you’re on a budget, we recommend Wingate by Wyndham Bronx Haven Park. One of the best cheap hotels in the Bronx, our stay at this accommodation is a memorable one. With the subway station only a block away, getting around was a breeze for us. In addition to that, you can also enjoy its numerous amenities like a fitness center and free breakfast. Our room was spacious, it had good natural lighting, and the bathroom was spotless.

Prospect Park, New York City

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Prospect Park is one of Brooklyn’s biggest parks, so it’s only normal for us to recommend it to you. With over 526 acres of land, it’s home to a wide array of trees. From maples to oaks and tulip poplars, you can literally find anything. Leaf peepers usually frequent this park in late October or early November. But to avoid the crowds, you may want to visit early in the morning.

Since the park is massive, there are many spots for you to explore. The Long Meadow is a must-visit. It’s a long, grassy area at the heart of the park that’s great for picnicking. You can also go to Lookout Hill, the area’s highest point. From there, you’ll be able to witness the beautiful views of the surrounding area and foliage.

Where to Stay: Only a 15-minute walk away from the park is Hotel Le Bleu. One of the main reasons why we decided to stay here was because it offered many complimentary perks. We were able to enjoy our breakfast at the hotel for free, and there were free snacks, too. Our room was bright, airy, and clean. However, our favorite part was the balcony. It was the perfect place to enjoy the coffee and views of the city. For more choices in the area, take a look at these best Brooklyn hotels!

Saratoga Springs, New York

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Widely known for its restorative spas, Saratoga Springs is also a nice place to enjoy the fall foliage. The area is home to a wide variety of trees that beautifully turn into shades of red, yellow, and orange in the fall. The peak time for fall foliage in this city is usually between the second and third weeks of October. In fact, fall is arguably the best season to visit Saratoga Springs. Enjoy the crisp air as the leaves start to change colors.

There are plenty of exciting spots in Saratoga Springs you should visit. One of them is Congress Park, which is a 17-acre park with gorgeous landscaped grounds and mineral springs. Imagine taking a dip in the mineral springs bath after a day of walking and exploring the city’s fall foliage! It’s the perfect way to reduce stress and relax both your mind and body.

Where to Stay: What’s better than visiting Saratoga Springs to enjoy the fall foliage? Coming home with a bunch of cash! That’s why you should consider staying at the Saratoga Casino Hotel. The on-site casino features over 1,200 slot games and always offers jaw-dropping prizes. We didn’t test our luck during our stay, but we managed to stop by the casino, and it was huge. Our room was spotless and had everything we needed, plus a mural of the city’s history.

Poughkeepsie, New York

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Best Rural Destination. There are so many leaf-peeping spots in New York, but Poughkeepsie is undeniably special. That’s because it’s the only place with a footbridge to transport you to the Hudson River. The peak foliage here is usually from late September to early October. There are many parks and gardens to explore, all glowing in red, orange, and yellow during this time of the year.

Since Poughkeepsie has plenty of apple orchards, you can go pick your own or enjoy some apple cider donuts and other fall treats. Or you can also visit Locust Grove Estate. It’s a museum with a variety of colorful trees, including sycamores, oaks, and maples. We’re sure you’ll have a lot of fun in this town.

Where to Stay: The Hyatt Place Poughkeepsie should be your go-to hotel while in Poughkeepsie. It’s a modern hotel that offers everything you need. The King Room was more than spacious for us, and it came with a cozy seating area. During our spare time, we would hit the gym and take a dip in the indoor swimming pool. Also, pets are allowed on the property. If you’re looking for more hotels in New York that welcome your furry friend, check out these pet-friendly hotels in New York City!

Fort Tryon Park, New York City

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Are you wondering where to go for fall foliage in New York? Why not go to Fort Tryon Park? It’s one of the city’s most mesmerizing outdoor spaces. From oaks to birches and maples, there are tons of variety of trees here. This means you’ll be able to witness tons of colors in the fall, from shades of red to yellow and old. A popular destination, the park is well-maintained and has many trails to explore, too. They allow you to find a spot to enjoy the fall foliage without worrying about the sea of humans.

The best time to visit Fort Tryon Park if you’re after the foliage is between the end of September and early November. One of the best spots in the park is Linden Terrace. As one of the highest points in Manhattan, you’ll be able to take in the panoramic views of the Hudson review and the foliage. Oh, the park is also home to The Met Cloisters, one of the top tourist attractions in the USA. Go to this park this year and thank us later!

Where to Stay: If your main destination is Fort Tryon Park, you should book a room at Radio Hotel. One of the closest hotels to the park, this accommodation offers guests a modern fitness center, garden, and restaurant. We booked the Standard Studio, and though it wasn’t that big, it was comfy. The bed was plush, and we loved the all-blue bathroom.

Phoenicia, New York

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Set in the Catskills Mountains, you don’t have to question the natural beauty of Phoenicia. If you’ve never been here before, it’s time to make a plan! Once you enter the area, you’ll witness tons of stunning trees that start to change the color of their leaves in late September and peak in October. Leaf peepers will certainly have an adventure they’re going to remember for a lifetime.

There are so many spots to explore in the area, and Kaaterskill Falls is one of our favorites. It’s one of the tallest waterfalls in the state. During the fall season, the surrounding foliage turns this waterfall into the perfect place to relax. Another must-visit spot is Phoenicia Park, where you’ll find many hiking trails, picnic areas, and swimming spots.

Where to Stay: Become one with nature by staying at Phoenicia Lodge! This is a modest lodging that makes you feel at home. There’s a garden on-site, which becomes exceptionally pretty in the fall. We stayed at one of the cottages and enjoyed it a lot. It featured a fireplace, stovetop, refrigerator, and BBQ. The dining area is the icing on the cake. For more accommodations in Upstate New York, check out these best boutique hotels and spa hotels!

The Adirondacks, Northern New York

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Best Mountain Range. Another highly recommended place to enjoy the foliage in NY is The Adirondacks. This mountain range in North America is home to over 100 peaks, more than 3,000 lakes, and over 2,000 miles of hiking trails. It provides you with endless opportunities to see the changing leaves. They usually change colors in late September and peak at the beginning of October.

When you’re here, you’ll soon forget about all the skyscrapers and busy admiring the endless range of mountains. And if you do decide to visit Adirondacks, don’t just sit around and do nothing! You can hike one of the mountains, make a splash at Lake George, and take pictures of the gorgeous Keene Valley. Before you make your leave, visit a local brewery and try out their fall-themed drink.

Where to Stay: There are so many hotels in the Adirondacks, and the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Lake George is one of the best. Thanks to this lodging, we were able to relax and fully enjoy our time in the area. We stayed at the Studio Suite and had a good night’s sleep. We started our morning with a yummy breakfast at the hotel, and there were complimentary newspapers as well. You can bring your kids to the on-site playground and picnic area if you’re here with your kids. Also, Pyramids Aviation Mall is only a stone’s throw away.

Central Park, New York City

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Best Park. Among all of the best places to see fall foliage in New York City, we think nothing can beat Central Park. Home to over 18,000 trees, the scenery in this area is flawless. So many species change color in the fall, including red maples, sugar maples, oak trees, ginkgo trees, birch trees, and many more. The peak is usually in late October or at the beginning of November. However, the exact timing depends on the weather, so make sure to always keep yourself updated.

Some iconic spots in Central Park can give you the best views. You may want to go to the Reservoir. It’s a 1.58-mile loop that offers beautiful views of the park’s foliage. Another popular spot to visit is Gapstow Bridge. The surrounding trees are breathtaking, and many photographers come here in the fall. And since Central Park is set right in the heart of NYC, it’s very easy to access.

Where to Stay: Only steps away from the south entrance of Central Park, The Plaza is all about opulence. And if you want to pamper yourself, this 5-star hotel is the perfect choice. After all, it’s one of the most expensive hotels in NYC. We stayed here for a night, and we truly felt like royalty. Our room was nothing short of luxurious. We enjoyed the room a lot as it came with a bathtub, premium toiletries, a cloud-like bed, white marble vanities, and 24-carat Sherle Wagner fixtures. While the rooms are comfy and inviting, don’t forget to check out the spa center, gym, and champagne bar.

Our Verdict!

Need a quick summary of our favorite places? Check out our mini-list below! We’ve selected some of our favorite picks and categorized some of them according to the following criteria:

• Best Park: Central Park, New York City
• Best Mountain Range: The Adirondacks, Northern New York
• Best Rural Destination: Poughkeepsie, New York
• Best Budget Destination: Ithaca, New York

What is the best time to see fall colors in New York?

The best time to see the fall colors is generally from the end of September to mid-November. However, this depends on where you are and the weather conditions. The peak time in the Adirondacks is usually in late September and early October in the Catskills. The peak time in Central New York is usually at the end of October, and NYC is the last place to see the fall colors as the peak time is normally in mid-November.

Is autumn a good time to visit New York?

Of course! It’s an especially good time to visit New York if you want to witness the fall foliage and enjoy outdoor activities.

How should I dress in NYC in the fall?

When in NYC in the fall, you’ll want to wear warm but not too hot clothes. They should also be versatile enough to be worn in many ways. We recommend bringing your favorite sweaters, boots, and jackets.