The Top Spots for Experiencing Fall Foliage in New York State—and the Best Times to Catch Peak Colors

New York ranks among the finest states for autumn leaf watching. With one of the longest foliage seasons in the nation and a wealth of vibrant red maples, bigtooth aspens, and sugar maples, New York offers a stunning backdrop for experiencing breathtaking fall scenes.

However, planning a fall foliage adventure requires skill: Arrive too early, and the trees may still be green with only a hint of color; arrive too late, and you might encounter stark winter landscapes dominated by shades of brown.

To help you time your visit perfectly for the most dazzling fall colors, New York State has enlisted 85 volunteer leaf spotters to provide a weekly foliage map for travelers. These spotters gather data to create the I Love NY Fall Foliage Report (the official tourism organization for New York State), which outlines changes in leaf colors throughout the state and features an interactive map showing the current state of foliage.

The I Love NY Fall Foliage report will be refreshed weekly on Wednesdays until November, so be sure to check the report as you plan your trips upstate to ensure you visit during the peak period for fall colors across the region.

Based on data from the initial fall foliage report and predictions drawn from previous years’ findings, here are the top locations and times for experiencing fall foliage in New York State.

Cooperstown

The Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad offers a series of fall foliage-themed train rides aboard historic railcars. Start your journey in Milford and enjoy a scenic trip through the Susquehanna River Valley, taking in views of farmlands, forests, and shorelines. Leaf spotters have reported that trees in this region have shown a 5 to 15 percent change in color so far. Historically, the best time to catch peak fall foliage here is between October 21 and October 28.

Accommodation options: The Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown

Explore the charming town of Cooperstown by staying at the Otesaga Resort Hotel. This picturesque lakefront getaway in central New York is ideal for leaf peeping. You can also enjoy the stunning fall scenery while kayaking on Otsego Lake.

Hunter Mountain

Visit Hunter Mountain for breathtaking views of the northern Catskills. While you're there, hike to the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower, the tallest fire tower in New York State. Leaf spotters have noted a 10 percent change in foliage in the area so far, making it an excellent destination for visits from October 7 to October 14.

Accommodation options: Hotel Lilien, Tannersville

Hotel Lilien in Tannersville is just a five-minute drive from Hunter Mountain, renowned for its exceptional hiking trails in the Catskills. This boutique hotel features 18 rooms, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a cozy retreat. Guests can opt to stay in the main house, a beautifully restored mansion from the 1890s, or in one of several private guest houses that offer views of Plateau Mountain.

Letchworth State Park

Referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park in the Finger Lakes region offers stunning vistas of the Genesee River. Explore the 66 miles of trails on foot or horseback. For a unique perspective of the fall foliage, consider taking a hot air balloon ride over the park. The seasonal transformation is just beginning here, with leaf spotters reporting 5 to 8 percent of trees having changed colors. Aim to visit between October 21 and November 4 for the best experience.

Where to stay: Mirbeau Inn & Spa Skaneateles, Skaneateles

Indulge in serenity at Mirbeau Inn & Spa. Nestled in the charming village of Skaneateles in the Finger Lakes, this inn beautifully merges the allure of 19th-century New York with the refined luxuries of a top-tier spa. Enjoy the evolving scenery of Skaneateles with a stroll through the inn’s gardens and ponds, inspired by the gardens of impressionist painter Claude Monet in Giverny, France.

Niagara Falls State Park

Experience the best of both nations at Niagara Falls State Park. Here, you can admire fall foliage in Upstate New York and Ontario, Canada, with stunning views around the falls that are truly unforgettable. The Niagara Scenic Trolley offers visitors a great overview of the park. This location is particularly favorable for leaf-peeping trips later in the season due to its gradual color change, with peak foliage expected between October 21 and November 4.

Where to stay: The Giacomo, Niagara Falls

If you want to be close to all the excitement of Niagara Falls, consider the luxurious Giacomo. Just a short walk from Niagara Falls, Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist, and Niagara Falls State Park, this hotel is ideally situated for leaf watchers hoping to catch the beautiful autumn colors surrounding this iconic natural wonder.

Rock City Park

Make your way to Rock City Park in the Chautauqua–Allegheny region for an adventurous day among the massive rock formations in Olean, New York. The impressive monolithic rocks lead to trails offering spectacular views of the changing foliage. Take in the vibrant color transformations among the world’s largest quartz outcropping. It’s a perfect spot for a midseason fall foliage trip, with leaf spotters noting a 10 percent change in colors so far. In recent years, the ideal time to visit has been from October 7 to October 14.

Where to stay: The Athenaeum Hotel, Chautauqua

The Athenaeum Hotel offers guests a charming lakeside escape near the Chautauqua Institution, a historic center for adult education and cultural programs. This Victorian-style hotel, originally built in 1881, beautifully preserves its 19th-century allure.

Saranac Lake

For a unique view of fall foliage, visit Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks during the autumn months. Take a steamboat ride across the water to witness the vibrant trees contrasted against the lake’s stunning shoreline. Local leaf spotters have already reported a 25 percent change in leaf color, with trees bursting into brilliant shades of red and yellow. This location is ideal for those seeking early-season fall foliage.

Where to stay: The Point Resort, Saranac Lake

While in the Adirondacks, be sure to spend a night at the exquisite Point Resort in Saranac Lake. This all-inclusive resort is recognized as the first Relais & Châteaux member in North America, featuring a delightful pub, classic boats available for guest use, and numerous lookout points across the property, making it a memorable destination to savor the autumn foliage.

Saratoga Springs

For a more relaxed experience, visit Congress Park in downtown Saratoga Springs, where the leaves are beginning to shift into vibrant shades of orange, yellow, red, and gold. Leaf spotters have noted a 10 to 15 percent change in color in the Capital–Saratoga region, making it an ideal time to visit between October 15 and October 21. Don’t forget to treat yourself to an apple cider doughnut from Darling Doughnuts and bring along a book for a delightful afternoon in the park’s gardens.

Where to stay: The Adelphi Hotel, Saratoga Springs

Discover the finest of Saratoga Springs at The Adelphi Hotel. Situated on Main Street, this luxurious retreat is perfect for those eager to enjoy fall foliage while staying in one of New York State’s most charming towns. Congress Park is only a six-minute walk away, and you can dine at one of the many acclaimed restaurants in Saratoga Springs, such as Salt & Char or 15 Church.

Shawangunk Ridge

Hudson Valley is a prominent autumn destination in New York State, and Shawangunk Ridge boasts some of the finest fall views in the region. Locally known as The Gunk, it encompasses both the Minnewaska State Park Preserve and the Mohonk Preserve. Stroll along the Rosendale Trestle, a 150-foot-tall pedestrian bridge that offers sweeping vistas of the surroundings. Leaf spotters have noted a 15 percent change in foliage thus far; to experience peak colors, consider planning your visit between October 21 and November 4.

Where to stay: Wildflower Farms, an Auberge Resorts Collection, Gardiner

Immerse yourself in the stunning fall foliage of Hudson Valley by staying at the luxurious Wildflower Farms from Auberge Resorts. Located just ninety minutes from New York City, this exquisite retreat offers a natural paradise complete with an on-site farm (where you can feed chickens in the morning), a state-of-the-art spa featuring ice plunges, indoor saltwater pools, and dry saunas, as well as an engaging cooking school. For breathtaking views of the autumn colors on Shawangunk Ridge, reserve one of the resort’s standalone cabins.

St. Lawrence River

In northwestern New York, the crystal-clear waters of the St. Lawrence River provide an excellent opportunity for enjoying the fall foliage. Consider taking a cruise for a picturesque experience. A journey with Clayton Island Tours will allow you to see the dazzling Rock Island Lighthouse framed by the vibrant fall landscape. For those planning a trip upstate in mid-October, recent reports from leaf-spotters indicate a 10 to 15 percent change in foliage in the area.

Where to stay: 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, Clayton

For those eager to experience the autumn foliage along the northern shorelines of New York State’s Thousand Islands–Seaway, consider staying at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel. This hotel offers guests a prime location right on the St. Lawrence River within the Thousand Islands archipelago. Enjoy stunning fall sunrises along the shoreline vistas from the comfort of your room in this award-winning establishment.

The seasonal transformation in the Finger Lakes is just beginning, with leaf spotters noting a 5 to 8 percent change in tree colors in the area. The best time to visit the Finger Lakes for fall foliage will be between October 21 and November 4.

Water Mill

While many flock to Long Island in the summer, fall is arguably one of the most enchanting times to visit. With charming pumpkin patches, abundant vineyards, and the retreat of summer crowds, Long Island truly shines during autumn. Locals highlight Hank’s PumpkinTown in Water Mill as its crown jewel. Enjoy the scenery while navigating through a corn maze or take a hayride complemented by their famous apple cider doughnuts. Plan your visit between November 4 and November 11 to witness the peak foliage change.

Where to stay: The Roundtree, Amagansett

For a rejuvenating weekend escape from New York City, consider a stay at the Roundtree in Amagansett. This beautifully renovated barn house is nestled on two acres of picturesque Hamptons farmland, equipped with all the comforts needed for relaxation. Explore the Hamptons on complimentary bikes or socialize over free ice cream during happy hour. The property’s Fall Getaway package features a picnic basket for a beachside lunch and four wristbands granting entry to Hank’s PumpkinTown.