Fall foliage is a breathtaking sight that brings out the beauty of nature in all its glory. In New York State, there are countless places to behold the stunning colors of autumn. From the bustling city of New York to the serene countryside, here are some of the best spots to enjoy fall foliage.
In the city, Prospect Park in Brooklyn offers a peaceful escape with its towering oak, gingko, and Japanese maple trees. The prime viewing spots include Lookout Hill, Nethermead Arches, the woodland Ravine, Meadowport Arch, and the Grand Army Plaza entrance. For a cemetery with a unique fall foliage experience, Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn is a must-visit. With its stone cherubs and gothic statuary, the cemetery’s expansive landscape and spectacular arboretum are filled with beautiful foliage. The Japanese maple trees on Vine and Cypress Avenues, around Dell Water, and on Locust Avenue are particularly noteworthy.
Upstate New York is a paradise for fall foliage enthusiasts. Mohonk Preserve in the Hudson Valley is just a short drive from New York City and offers stunning Shawangunk Ridge views. Hike the moderate trails and carriage roads to see canopies of fall foliage and climb the “Gunks” cliffs for even more aerial leaf peeping. Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow are also great spots, famous for their fall foliage and historical sites. The Old Dutch Church and Burying Ground, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, and Lyndhurst Mansion are all worth visiting. In Ithaca, Cascadilla Gorge Trail is renowned for its cascading waterfalls and breathtaking fall foliage. The lower trailhead in downtown Ithaca is accessible for a moderate hike, and as you ascend, you’ll be surrounded by colorful leaves. Scenic Route 20 in Onondaga County features the Iroquois Federation, Pratt’s Falls Park, and a 137-foot waterfall trail with vibrant fall colors. Carpenter Falls in Cayuga County is a 90-foot waterfall within Bahar Nature Preserve, with four falls to explore. The verdant trees and shrubbery turn pale orange and amber gold in autumn, creating a magical forest. Erlandson Overview Park in Frewsburg offers stunning aerial views, especially during autumn when the tree canopies show off in reds and greens. And in Jamestown, the Audubon Community Nature Center has a 600-acre wetland preserve with classic fall foliage trees.
Long Island also has its own beautiful fall foliage spots. Sands Point Preserve, known as “East Egg” in “The Great Gatsby,” is a historic estate surrounded by a preserve with landscaped and natural trails. The deciduous trees bloom bright red and pale yellow near the Long Island Sound. Avalon Park and Preserve is often overlooked by NYC day trippers, making it a great place to enjoy fall foliage and nature walks. It restores and preserves the sensitive ecosystem and has an eastern forest canopy of classic fall foliage trees.
Whether you’re in the city or exploring the countryside, New York State has something to offer for everyone during the fall foliage season. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and head out to experience the beauty of nature at its peak.