In New York, autumn is undoubtedly the most picturesque season. Late spring and summer see the state's spectacular landscape's deep and light greens explode with vibrant and rich red, orange, and yellow hues. You can easily relieve stress by combining this natural setting with crisp, reviving winds. Taking a journey to see New York's vibrant fall leaves up close is the greatest way to see Mother Nature's wonderful autumn offerings.
When it comes to leaf peeping, it's best to carefully organise your vacation because New York has so many beautiful spots to see. Fortunately, there are numerous stunning drives that will take you through the state's most breathtaking fall landscapes. A journey across New York state in the fall won't let you down, whether you're wanting to view the breathtaking scenery from the top of the Adirondack or Catskill mountains or you're looking to cruise along the Hudson or Genesee River to witness spectacular gorges, blazing forests, and thunderous waterfalls.
Choose the perfect time to go leaf-peeping before you leave. Go in early October to see the mountains, such as the Adirondack and Bear, that have the most colourful foliage. A late-month visit (about October 19) will allow you to view New York City at its most dazzling, so leave a bit later (in mid-October) to take advantage of the greatest colours the Catskills have to offer.
Uncertain of where to begin your journey? With our list of the greatest drives to observe fall foliage in New York, you may pick the most appropriate route.
1. Veterans Memorial Highway in Whiteface
The summit of Whiteface Mountain, which is over 5,000 feet high, offers the prettiest view of autumn. It is the state's fifth-highest mountain, and if you visit at the appropriate time, you'll be rewarded with the most spectacular display of autumnal hues from the thousands of trees below. Visitors can literally see their heads in the clouds while looking out to Vermont and Canada from this incredibly high vantage point.
The Toll House is where the road begins. It runs five kilometres and ascends more than 2,000 feet from here. For a car with one driver and four passengers, the expected outlay on this toll road is $40. You won't mind spending more money once you get a glimpse of the breathtaking environment.
Take some time to stroll around the immaculate Lake Stevens before accelerating towards the summit. It won't take more than ten minutes, but each step is worthwhile. Also, you'll get a chance to get up close and personal with some of the region's genuine stars, the amazing trees, which are the main reason you started this drive in the first place. Go on an Old Forge Lake Boat for another breathtaking look at the mesmerising display of the autumn.
2. Letchworth State Park's Park Road
Letchworth State Park, known as the Grand Canyon of the East, is one of New York's most stunning state parks.
Letchworth is the location of three of New York's best waterfalls, Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls, which range in height from 70 to 107 feet. The valley, which is about 600 feet deep, is lined with the most stunning multicoloured foliage in the fall.
Park Road, which is around 17 miles long and follows the Genesee River, runs through the centre of this 14,350-acre picturesque wonderland. There are numerous lookout points that emphasise the region's best qualities (including the Mt. Morris Dam, the gorge, and multiple waterfalls).
The best vantage point for the falls and the surrounding fall colour display is Inspiration Point, so make sure to visit it. The park has eight entrances—four on its west side and two on its east—and is located about an hour and a half southeast of Buffalo. Each automobile costs $10 to enter.
3. US Highway 9
Almost 520 miles of US Route 9 pass through Delaware, New Jersey, and New York. One of New York's most charming tiny towns, Highland Falls, Cold Spring, Hyde Park, and Saratoga Springs, are passed along the most gorgeous portion of the highway, which travels north-south across the Hudson Valley.
This is the path to take if you want to see a lot of interesting things in one day. You'll fly across miles of picturesque landscape that has been painted in a rainbow of the autumn's most beautiful tones.
The Storm King Art Center, an outdoor museum with 500 acres of lush terrain that includes Schunnemunk Mountain, rolling hills, wide meadows, and beautiful woodlands, is located along the route. The center's goal is to accentuate or complement these magnificent natural characteristics with beautiful works of art (such as enormous statues).
4. Hudson Highlands State Park, Road 9D
The magnificent Hudson Highlands State Park, another gem of the Hudson Valley and one of the top tourist destinations in New York, is located on the east bank of the Hudson River, across from Storm King State Park.
Driving along Route 9D is the most convenient method to see it all in a single day. One particularly spectacular area of this park, which is not entirely contiguous, can be seen on an island in the middle of the river.
The park is 270 acres and extends over four miles from Peekskill in Westchester County to Beacon in Dutchess County, crossing via Putnam County.
Take a break from driving at one of the picturesque viewing points, or better yet, put up your hiking boots and ascend Breakneck Ridge for the most breathtaking views of the changing leaves. Particularly satisfying is the lusciously vivid girth of Storm King.
5. Palisades Interstate Parkway,
Just over 11 miles to the southwest of Hudson Highlands State Park, on the west side of the Hudson River, is the tranquil Bear Mountain State Park. For those who enjoy leaf-peeping and photographers looking for the ideal background, it is a must-see. Views of dazzling trees with a variety of hues are breathtaking from Perkins Memorial Tower.
The Palisades Interstate Parkway, which extends about 42 miles from the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, New Jersey, to the Bear Mountain Bridge in New York, is the most scenic way to get here. This historic route, which has been designated a State Scenic Byway, is dotted with arched stone bridges and bordered by towering trees. Talk about stunning! The National Register of Historic Places has also included it.
The picturesque parkway in New York travels roughly 27 miles along the Hudson River and through the southern counties of Orange and Rockland.
6. Mohawk Towpath Byway,
On the Mohawk Towpath Byway, travel from Schenectady in upstate New York to Waterford and Cohoes along the historic route of the Erie Canal. In addition to the Mohawk River and the Canal, this network of picturesque municipal, county, state, and federal routes also travels by tall woodlands dotted with vivid orange, yellow, green, and red hues.
The route of the byway illustrates the region's historical westward migration and informs travellers of the significant roles played by the area during the Industrial Revolution. Insider tip: To discover more about the history and to get advice on the most significant stops to make along the journey, download a copy of the "Discovery Guide to the Mohawk Towpath Byway" online.
Is there any place you must visit? Falls at Cohoes. As it thunders across 1,000 feet of the Mohawk River and then drops 90 feet to the raging water below, pause to take in the serene beauty of this enormous spectacle.
7. Great Lakes Seaway Trail
The Great Lakes Seaway Route is a vast driving route dotted with breathtaking scenery, storied cities, and dazzling lakes. You'll be glad you made the decision to ride along it. The St. Lawrence River, the Niagara River, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario are some of the state's most remarkable waterways, and this well-traveled (and gorgeous) route follows 518 miles of their shorelines.
You can enjoy stunning fall scenery along this lovely road, which enhances the already attractive seaside communities like Cape Vincent and Port Ontario.
This time of year also enhances the beauty of other, larger areas like Niagara Falls, the Thousand Islands, Presque Isle, and larger cities like Buffalo, Syracuse, and Rochester.
8. Scenic Byway around Cayuga Lake
Cayuga Lake, one of the loveliest lakes in New York, is an aquatic beauty worth seeing, especially when the fall foliage on the trees illuminates its beaches vividly. The Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, an 87-mile loop that takes travellers through steep gorges, expansive marshes, verdant meadows, cascading waterfalls, and lovely towns, is the finest way to see it by car.
Cayuga Lake, one of New York's Finger Lakes, is the longest at 40 miles in length. It's a fantastic location for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing while being surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Visit Ithaca, a peaceful city close by that is bordered by amazing natural beauties and is home to worthwhile museums, unique boutiques, and top-notch restaurants.
9. Upper Delaware Scenic Byway
The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, often known as Route 97, is a 70-mile stretch of some of the state's most breathtaking landscape. This picturesque road winds around mountain ranges, zooms past undulating hills, and travels through pastoral farmland as it follows the path of the Delaware River. This drive's exhilarating course is what distinguishes it from some of the other drives on this list.
Yeah, you can appreciate the straightaways surrounded by the stunning scenery, but this road's winding, adventurous twists will make you want to drive just for the purpose of driving. With more than 100 turns, this area is well-liked by vehicle enthusiasts who detest mundane, routine roads.
Although the Hawk's Nest segment of the drive, which is the most thrilling and winding, with few shoulders, be prepared to take it slow. Don't worry, it's a pretty easy, gorgeous trip for those who prefer a slower pace.
The beautiful lookouts and old towns dotted all around Delaware, Sullivan, and Orange Counties are not to be missed, according to a local insider.
10. Seven Lakes Boulevard
The Seven Lakes Drive has very little to be disliked. This well-traveled route's winding road starts in the quaint community of Sloatsburg in Rockland County, New York, and passes by dazzling lakes as it passes through Harriman State Park. You may be sure that you will see some absolutely spectacular views because it concludes at Bear Mountain State Park.
Hard to believe there's a blood shortage when there's no blood drives in new york city pic.twitter.com/hM35gW7nGh
— John (@ShitDrJohnSays) February 17, 2022
The trip isn't long enough to take hours; it is only a little more than 16 miles long. In reality, it wouldn't take you more than 20 minutes to go to Bear Mountain State Park. Having said that, this is one of New York State's most picturesque fall drives. It is stunning enough to merit a second trip, so you may take in the breathtaking views from the backseat.
Our top advice is to obey the speed limit. First of all, it's the safest way to drive, and secondly, you won't want to speed along this road because of how beautiful the scenery is. We advise moving even more slowly so you can take it all in if there is no one behind you.
11. The Amish Trail,
Don't expect to travel back in time soon if you take a drive along the Amish Route in western New York. You might find yourself following an Amish waggon or two as you navigate your way down winding country roads. Just sit back, unwind, and take it all in as you follow at a reasonable speed.
The Enchanted Mountains of Cattarugus County are a group of jagged peaks through which the Amish Trail snakes. Allegany State Park is also located here. The Enchanted Mountains are well titled and so beautiful that you'll want to spend hours adoring their natural autumn beauty. They are towering masses filled with rust-, orange-, and golden-hued trees.
You can see hand-painted signs pointing to unassuming stores selling elaborate goods made by Amish neighbours along the Amish Trail (quilts, wooden toys, and fudge are popular wares). If you want to find locally created furniture and people who are incredibly pleasant, go to Leon.
12. Roads 2 and 3 in Allegany State Park
Allegany State Park in Western New York offers visitors access to more than 65,000 acres of lush woodland (right next to Cold Spring). Routes 2 and 3 at Allegany State Park, the park's two main roadways, provide a close-up opportunity for leaf-peeping. Open the sunroof and see the tall trees fly by as you do so. Perhaps, even better, take a break at an overlook and spend some time in the lush forest there.
Red House Lake to the east and Quaker Lake to the west are the park's two main lakes. Have a picnic in the midst of nature's most vibrant display, explore one of the many forest trails, or simply marvel at the beautiful multicoloured display as it is mirrored in each lake.
Go to the water in a boat to go fishing, cruising, or kayaking while you're not gawking at the leaves. Two campgrounds and 230 cottages are available in the park, making it simple to spend more time in this breathtaking location.
Insider's tip: For the best chance of seeing leaves, visit in late October, ideally around the third week of the month.
13. Loj Adirondack Road
The Adirondack Mountains are beautiful, what's not to adore, especially in the fall? Even the most stubborn cynic may relax when the air is crisp, the leaves are blazing, and the lakes are sparkling.
Driving along the Adirondak Loj Road in North Elba, little over six miles south of Lake Placid, is the ideal way to take in these breathtaking views. From Heart Lake in the south to Cascade Road in the north, the route is more than 4.5 miles long.
One of the most beautiful roads in the area is the route itself. When you look up, the towering peaks of the Adirondack Park will make you feel little. There are several nature trails in this area, luring visitors to stroll through (and up) the alluring scenery.
14. NY-22 and NY State Highway 4
Oh my, colourful trees, lakes, and tiny towns! On Highway 4, the fall season offers a lot of breathtaking scenery. One of New York's most beautiful drives is this one. Highway 4 (and later NY-22) from Hudson Falls in the south to Putnam Station is your most picturesque choice. If you take your time to admire the beauty, it can take longer than an hour.
The path offers clear vistas of the Adirondack Mountains as it travels through dense forests like Clemons and Dresden. It follows that there will always be foliage to enjoy. Along the way, you'll witness the vibrant foliage of both Vermont and New York since this route also follows their shared border.
You'll pass the adorable village of Comstock along the gorgeous route, where you can pause to recharge your body and vehicle or go for a stroll. ATV trips and visits to ancient farms are just two of the interesting things to do in and around Whitehall, another charming community.
Before you know it, Putnam Station, a beautiful speck on the banks of Lake Champlain, will materialise. Another charming tiny town in New York, this lakeside gem offers family-friendly attractions.
15. Taughannock Falls State Park, Park Road and Route 89
Deep within the New York Finger Lakes region, at the southern end of Cayuga Lake, is Taughannock Falls. If you want to see Taughannock Falls, the park's main draw, Park Road is your best bet.
You'll probably hear it when you're close to this enormous cascade, which is one of the nicest waterfalls in New York, especially if you drive with the windows down.
You won't have to travel very far to take in the breathtaking splendour because Park Drive will lead you to a viewpoint with unrivalled views of the falls. It takes only a few minutes to walk from the parking lot.
Always drive cautiously for your safety and the spectacular scenery. Be prepared to be stunned as you go through the most magnificent trees on the park's main routes.
Follow Road 89 through the park, which has the gorge on its southwest side and the glistening lake on its northeast side, if you want to get some exercise by hiking.
A tiny parking area along Road 89 leads to the gorge. There isn't much space for automobiles to park here, so we advise getting there early. Plan appropriately and allow an hour to complete the gorge trail.
If you find it difficult to leave the scenery, reserve a campground. The park's campsite features 16 cabins and 68 spots. However, the campground closes for the season in the middle of October, so make sure to arrive before then.
16. Adirondack Scenic Railroad,
Even though it's not a "drive," a ride on the Adirondack Scenic Train gives breathtaking vistas of incandescent forests, glistening rivers, and winding streams while giving passengers a chance to unwind and take it all in.
Your face will unconsciously glue itself to the window as you drive north from Utica to Theandra or a little further to Big Moose (depending on which route you take). We're talking flamboyant yellow and orange tones, rolling mountains, and a sky with brilliant iridescence.
Old Forge is a small town nearby where passengers can get off the train for an afternoon visit to go hiking on surrounding nature trails, have lunch at a nearby restaurant, or shop at one of the unique stores.