Each autumn, thousands of travelers come from around the world to see New York State's gorgeous fall foliage. New York has a huge variety of broad-leafed trees, which show an amazing range of colors. And because we have about as many acres of these trees as all the rest of the Northeast combined, you’ll see the most spectacular displays in New York.
The change in colors, from the greens of summer to the brilliant red, orange and yellow shades of fall, follows a pattern across the state. It begins high in the
Adirondack and
Catskill mountains, and then spreads out and down across the hills and valleys, generally reaching southeastern New York in late October to early November. With peak brilliance averaging about four days, the most dazzling colors last about two weeks in each area.
From the vineyards of
Long Island, to historic
Hudson Valley estates, to the sky-
high peaks of the
Adirondacks and the majestic
Niagara Falls, you can take in stunning views from
scenic vantage points in every region of New York.
And there are so many ways to enjoy New York’s magnificent fall colors. Take a
scenic drive along a picturesque country road or
scenic byway. Stroll in a botanical
garden. Go
camping,
hiking, biking, or ride a horse on a woodland trail in a
state park. Visit a family
farm or try
kayaking on a sparkling lake. Or head to a mountaintop in a
ski center’s chairlift or gondola.
You might prefer to have a professional guide show you around on a
motorcoach tour or another type of
excursion. Travel through mountains and forests on a narrated
train ride or take a
boat tour on an historic river. You can even take to the skies in a hot-air balloon, airplane, helicopter or soaring plane. However you choose to view New York’s autumn beauty, it’s an awesome experience.