NEWSLETTER
I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Reports Launch on Wednesday, September 16
Reports and Progression Map Update Every Wednesday; Available Online Here
Fall Tourism Campaign Underway – New Television Spot Available Here
Empire State Development (ESD) today highlighted the start of the fall foliage and travel season throughout New York State. The I LOVE NY weekly foliage reports will launch on Wednesday, September 16, and will be shared every Wednesday throughout the season to showcase the progression of seasonal colors across the state. The reports will be complemented by an integrated I LOVE NY marketing campaign that encourages visitors to plan a fall getaway to explore and experience the state's 11 diverse and picturesque vacation regions.
ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York continues to invest in its statewide tourism industry, which is vital to both state and local economies. Fall offers a perfect opportunity for residents and visitors alike to take a trip and explore some of the diverse communities and local small businesses that make New York State so unique."
Thanks to one of the longest and most colorful foliage seasons in America, autumn is traditionally one of New York's most popular travel periods, attracting visitors from around the world. For more than 40 years, I LOVE NY – Empire State Development's Division of Tourism – has issued weekly fall foliage reports. This year, nearly 100 volunteers will track changes throughout the season and provide on-location accounts for the upcoming weekend that detail prevailing leaf colors, percentage of total transition, and progression relative to peak conditions, which are considered the best that the foliage will look during a given season. Historically, foliage reaches its peak between late September and mid-November, depending on the location within the State.
An interactive foliage map complements the reports on the I LOVE NY website, tracking weekly changes and progression throughout the season. The map offers recommended viewing locations, examples of peak foliage in certain areas, and travel information about popular local attractions. Additionally, travelers are encouraged to share their best foliage photos from around New York State on social media using the #NYLovesFall hashtag for a chance to be featured on the I LOVE NY website and official social media accounts, including Instagram, Facebook, X and Threads, which collectively reach more than two million followers.
ESD Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, "Fall brings a special magic to New York State, with nature’s dazzling colors and crisp temperatures creating the perfect environment for a memorable trip. Foliage watching complements hiking, cycling and paddling in the great outdoors, apple and pumpkin picking, visits to wineries and craft beverage makers, spooky Halloween activities and special Path Through History Weekend events at museums and historic sites. The I LOVE NY foliage report - our most popular digital initiative of the year - provides the latest info to help you plan your perfect getaway and find everything you love across the Empire State."
Reports are available online at iloveny.com/foliage, or toll-free at 800-CALL-NYS (800-225-5697) from anywhere in the U.S., its territories and Canada.
The fall foliage program is one piece of I LOVE NY's comprehensive fall marketing campaign, which includes digital and social media efforts and a new television spot airing across the state and in drive markets. Travelers can learn more about all the amazing attractions and seasonal activities waiting for them — from apple and pumpkin picking to haunted Halloween events, scenic hikes, craft beverage trails and fall festivals — at www.iloveny.com/fall.
Today's announcement complements Governor Kathy Hochul's recent launch of the NY LOVES CANADA promotion, designed to help encourage Canadian travelers to explore New York State. Tourism is a pillar of state and local economies, and Canada has long represented New York State's largest inbound international market for travelers. In 2025, overall visitation to New York State grew 1.1% to 321 million visitors — however, the number of international travelers fell 6%, led by significant decreases from north of the border. Spending from Canadian travelers dropped 28% over 2024.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
About New York State
New York State is a premier vacation destination with world-class attractions, picturesque natural beauty, locally sourced cuisine and a vibrant craft beverage scene, an array of accommodations, and iconic, year-round festivals and events. Its 11 diverse vacation regions feature some of the world’s top ranked beaches; two out of America’s top three favorite state parks; breathtaking Niagara Falls; more ski areas than any other state; one of the nation’s longest foliage seasons; multiple Halls of Fame; the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States; and the country’s longest multi-use trail. Add in the state’s unique museums, historic landmarks, cultural sites, charming small towns and urban playgrounds, and it’s no wonder New York has been consistently chosen as a top getaway by travel publications and experts.