A Positively Moving Experience
Best Fall Foliage Locations
Fall is a fantastic and beautiful time in New York. The Empire State holds one of the most vivid and beautiful autumns out of any location in the entire world. Whether you want to experience it upstate, or from the city, there’s endless pristine beauty to witness. Here’s your guide to the most scenic and pretty fall foliage locations throughout the State of New York, based on what sort of activities you’re into.
Hiking
We recommend West Point’s Trophy Point, which overlooks the scenic Hudson River Valley – and is nearby to the Battle Monument, which is one of Earth’s largest granite columns. Another fantastic option is Lake George’s Prospect Mountain – one can take a bus up to the summit – but we recommend climbing the mile and half distance to the top for an unparalleled view of the leaves. Finally, we recommend the beautiful waterfalls and views from the Letchworth State Park Gorge – which runs 17 miles long.
Train
Explore the beauty of the Empire State’s foliage by rail – on Utica’s Union Station’s Fall Foliage Train drives you down the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, taking you through forests, past rivers, and into the deep beauty of the national park. Another Possibility is the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad Pumpkin Patch Train, which allows you to take in the changing foliage among a tour of pumpkins ideal for children.
High Up Views
Climb the stairs to the Saratoga Monument and spot the Adirondacks to the North, the Taconic Mountains in the East, and the Helderberg Mountains to the South. If you’re looking for a maritime view, check out the Montauk Point Lighthouse – which points out west towards the ocean, and out East towards the beautiful surrounding Autumn foliage.
Natural Water
Ithica’s Taughanrock Falls Overlook provides amazing views of the tallest waterfall in the state, while if you’re in NYC, the Staten Island Ferry provides amazing views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor – both illuminated with red-brown fall foliage.
Air
Check out the gondolas at Gore and Whiteface mountain from a high up distance, or go on North America’s longest zipline ride at Hunter Mountain Zipline Adventure Tours. If you want to be even higher up, and you’re brave, check out the gliders at Harris Hill Soaring Center – and fly way above all the trees while admiring their colors.
NYC
If you’re not trying to leave the Big Apple, go to the top of the Empire State Building for an amazing view, or walk over one of NYC’s best bridges – like the Brooklyn or Manhattan bridge. For a truly amazing view, check out the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center – it provides 360 views of the city, including Central Park in all it’s Autumn splendor.
