From high peaks to river valleys, New York’s fall color arrives first in the north and at higher elevations, then rolls south and toward the coast. Use this fresh, non‑duplicative guide from Molloy to pick the right week and the right view for your trip.
When Will Leaves Peak in 2025?
As a rule of thumb, expect peak color in much of New York during the second and third weeks of October, with the Adirondacks and higher Catskill ridges often peaking earlier (late September into early October). Coastal and lower‑elevation spots—NYC parks and Long Island—tend to crest later in October into early November.
Fall Foliage Locations in New York
Close to NYC & Hudson Valley
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Bear Mountain State Park – Scenic Hudson River views, lakeside reflections, family-friendly hikes. (Typically peaks mid-October → early November)
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Harriman State Park – Hundreds of miles of trails, hidden lakes, and varied microclimates to offer color over several weeks. (Typically peaks mid-October → early November)
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Hudson Highlands State Park – Steep ridges, river vistas; pair hikes with nearby Hudson Valley towns. (Typically peaks mid to late October)
Catskills & Adirondacks
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Catskill Park – Early color at high trailheads cascades down to valleys; waterfall backdrops and wide vistas are highlights. (Typically early → mid October)
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Adirondack High Peaks – Among the first regions to turn; scenic drives around Lake Placid and short climbs/fire towers offer panoramic views. (Typically late September → mid October)
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Letchworth State Park – The “Grand Canyon of the East” with its gorge, waterfalls, and dramatic foliage vistas at sunrise/late afternoon. (Typically mid → late October)
Finger Lakes & Central New York
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Watkins Glen State Park – Stone gorge trails and cascading waterfalls framed by hardwoods; especially beautiful under cloudy skies. (Typically mid-October → early November)
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Taughannock Falls State Park – One of the tallest single-drop falls in the eastern U.S.; combining overlook views with lakeside strolls gives variety. (Typically mid October)
Long Island & Coastal / NYC Parks
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Bayard Cutting Arboretum – Mature trees along river views in an arboretum setting; color tends to stretch later thanks to coastal moderation. (Typically late October → early November)
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Central Park / Prospect Park – If you miss the upstate peak, these urban greenspaces often reach full color in late October → early November in NYC.
Pro Tips for Perfect Color
- Chase elevation: Higher first, lower later. If you’re early, go north; if you’re late, head south or to the coast.
- Watch weekly reports: Cross‑check a national foliage map with New York’s volunteer‑based foliage report before committing.
- Golden hour glow: Sunrise and late afternoon light intensify reds and oranges; overcast days saturate color for photos.
- Pair trail + town: A short hike plus a nearby village coffee or dinner makes a full day without long drives.
- Weekday wins: Popular overlooks can be packed on peak weekends—consider Friday or Monday for breathing room.
- Safety & access: Carry layers, water, and a paper map where service is spotty. Respect closures and private land.
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Resources & Weekly Updates
- Old Farmer’s Almanac Fall Foliage Map — broad national timing to sanity‑check your dates.
- I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report — weekly on‑the‑ground observations across the state.
- Visit Adirondacks – Fall — scenic drives & local updates.
- New York State Parks — check alerts, parking, and trail conditions before you go.
FAQ
When is peak fall color in New York?
Typically mid‑October for much of the state, earlier (late Sept–early Oct) in the Adirondacks and highest Catskill ridges, and later (late Oct–early Nov) around NYC and Long Island.
What if my dates are fixed?
Let timing guide your destination: go higher/north earlier in the season and lower/coast later. If you miss a peak, you can still find beautiful color a short drive away.
Are reservations needed?
Popular trailheads and state park lots often fill early on peak weekends. Aim for sunrise arrivals, consider weekday visits, and check park alerts for temporary closures.
Can I bring my dog?
Many New York parks allow leashed dogs, but rules vary by trail and season. Verify pet guidelines on the specific park’s website before you go.
