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Author: Michele Herrmann

Michele Herrmann is a freelance lifestyle/travel writer who covers different aspects of New York and other destinations. Her bylines include Mental Floss, Forbes, Fifty Grande, Thrillist, and USA Today 10Best.

Montauk Point Lighthouse seen at dawn as the sky glows orange
Credit: @roydotschneider on Instagram

Taking a winter train trip from New York City can showcase the very best of the Empire State’s picturesque scenery from inside the window of your cozy railcar. During wintertime, Metro North, Long Island Railroad, and Amtrak all have routes that chug along different parts of New York State, with station stops that can make for a day trip, an overnight stay, or a quick getaway.

Colorful foliage dons the trees surrounding a cascading waterfall at the Thain Family Forest at New York Botanical Garden

It’s easy to think of New York City as a concrete jungle, but this region of New York State has many green spaces across its five boroughs that become embellished with colorful fall plumage. The same can be said for Long Island. While its beaches make this a hot summer getaway destination, Long Island gets its fair share of fall foliage across its parks, arboretums, and other public spots. Here is your guide for where to wander amid the leaves and trees across New York City and Long Island. 

White and red buildings amid fall foliage at the Farmers' Museum
Credit: @thefarmersmuseum on Instagram

New York State’s quaint towns and villages can be as picturesque as a postcard or as captivating as a TikTok, especially in the fall when their nature spots sparkle with colorful foliage