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A 16-Day New York Fall-Foliage Road Trip

This is a statewide fall-colors road trip built around scenic drives, hikes, lakes, waterfalls, and photography. Pack layers for changing temperatures and sturdy shoes for gorge paths and rocky trails; bring a camera, s…

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Travel inspiration for A 16-Day New York Fall-Foliage Road Trip

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Travel inspiration behind this plan

New York State Fall Foliage 🍁 25 Best Places to See Fall Colors | NY Road Trip | Worldly Traveler Watch on YouTube

Plan notes

Useful context before you go

This is a statewide fall-colors road trip built around scenic drives, hikes, lakes, waterfalls, and photography. Pack layers for changing temperatures and sturdy shoes for gorge paths and rocky trails; bring a camera, spare batteries, and an offline map for rural stretches. Fall color timing varies across New York’s elevations, so check current foliage conditions as you travel. The cost ranges are broad estimates in USD for a road trip, including lodging, meals, transport, and typical activities; actual costs vary by season and accommodation choice.

Itinerary highlights

What is in this plan

Days 1–2 — Central Park’s Autumn Landscapes

Start with the city’s named park landmarks and allow time for unhurried foliage photography. The park’s leafy paths, water, meadows, and skyline create contrasting compositions; light is especially atmospheric around sunrise and sunset.

  1. The MallThe Mall, Central Park, New York, NY

    Walk beneath the elm canopy along the Mall and look for layered compositions of the tree-lined promenade.

  2. Bow BridgeBow Bridge, Central Park, New York, NY

    Frame Bow Bridge with fall leaves and the surrounding city buildings; the bridge is a strong focal point for autumn color.

  3. Sheep MeadowSheep Meadow, Central Park, New York, NY

    Sheep Meadow is a good open foreground for photographing the autumn canopy and surrounding park scenery.

  4. Belvedere CastleBelvedere Castle, Central Park, New York, NY

    Visit Belvedere Castle for the panoramic park views; bring a wide-angle lens if you want to include both the landscape and surrounding foliage.

  5. North WoodsNorth Woods, Central Park, New York, NY

    Explore the North Woods’ peaceful trails beneath the autumn canopy, a quieter woodland contrast to the park’s landmark bridges and meadows.

  6. The LakeThe Lake, Central Park, New York, NY

    Row a boat on the lake for a water-level view of the park’s fall scenery.

Days 3–4 — Bear Mountain and the Hudson Valley

Use this leg for river panoramas, historic grounds, and outdoor sculpture. The Hudson views are particularly rewarding around sunrise or sunset; keep time in reserve for foliage stops along the way.

  1. Perkins Memorial DrivePerkins Memorial Drive, Bear Mountain State Park, NY

    Drive Perkins Memorial Drive for elevated views across the surrounding mountains and Hudson River. Check current seasonal access before setting out.

  2. Hessian LakeHessian Lake, Bear Mountain State Park, NY

    Pause at Hessian Lake for a relaxed waterside view and a foliage picnic.

  3. Walkway Over the HudsonWalkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, Poughkeepsie, NY

    Walk across the Hudson River on this elevated crossing for broad river and valley views.

  4. Storm King Art CenterStorm King Art Center, New Windsor, NY

    Wander the outdoor grounds among monumental sculptures framed by rolling hills and fall color. Allow time to explore the trails on foot or by rented bike.

  5. Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic SiteVanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Hyde Park, NY

    Visit the historic mansion and grounds for architecture set within the region’s autumn landscape.

  6. Perkins Memorial DrivePerkins Memorial Drive, Bear Mountain State Park, NY

    Take a fall-color hike in the park and look for overlooks above the Hudson River.

Days 5–7 — Catskills and Shawangunk Ridge

Base yourself in the Catskills and combine named mountain trails with the towns and routes mentioned for the region. The Shawangunk overlooks and lakes add a distinct cliff-and-forest landscape; prepare for rocky hiking terrain.

  1. WoodstockWoodstock, NY

    Use this Catskills town as a base for its local shops and seasonal festivals.

  2. PhoeniciaPhoenicia, NY

    Stop in Phoenicia for its small-town atmosphere and local shops while exploring the Catskills.

  3. New York State Route 28New York State Route 28, Catskills, NY

    Follow Route 28 for a scenic drive through the Catskills’ fall colors and overlooks.

  4. New York State Route 23ANew York State Route 23A, Catskills, NY

    Take Route 23A through the Catskills for a winding drive through colorful woodland and mountain scenery.

  5. Overlook MountainOverlook Mountain, Woodstock, NY

    Hike to the mountain’s sweeping autumn views; allow time for the uphill trail and changing conditions.

  6. Kaaterskill FallsKaaterskill Falls, Hunter, NY

    Visit the falls for a close view of the cascade and surrounding autumn woods; use care on wet paths and rocks.

  7. Giant LedgeGiant Ledge, Big Indian, NY

    Hike Giant Ledge for broad views across the Catskills’ autumn canopy.

  8. Esopus CreekEsopus Creek, Phoenicia, NY

    Kayak along the creek for a water-level view of the Catskills’ colorful scenery.

  9. Mohonk PreserveMohonk Preserve, Gardiner, NY

    Explore the preserve’s hiking and biking trails, including the named overlook locations for wide views across the fall-colored valley.

  10. Skytop TowerSkytop Tower, Mohonk Preserve, Gardiner, NY

    Head to the tower overlook for a sweeping panorama of the Hudson Valley in fall color.

  11. Eagle CliffEagle Cliff, Mohonk Preserve, Gardiner, NY

    Visit Eagle Cliff for another named overlook and a different perspective on the colorful Shawangunk landscape.

  12. Bonticou CragBonticou Crag, Mohonk Preserve, Gardiner, NY

    Bonticou Crag is a named rocky viewpoint in the preserve; allow time for the trail approach and the exposed rock terrain.

  13. Lake MinnewaskaLake Minnewaska, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Kerhonkson, NY

    See Lake Minnewaska beneath the ridge’s cliffs and colorful forest. The lakeside setting offers strong reflections when the water is calm.

  14. Lake AwostingLake Awosting, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Kerhonkson, NY

    Visit Lake Awosting for a second glacial-lake setting on the ridge, surrounded by autumn forest and cliffs.

  15. Minnewaska State Park PreserveMinnewaska State Park Preserve, Kerhonkson, NY

    Use the park’s trails to explore its forest, lakes, and cliffside viewpoints on foot or by bike.

Days 8–10 — Adirondack Lakes and High Peaks

Plan several days for the Adirondacks’ large distances and varied activities. Mix mountain trails, a lake paddle, scenic road time, and the Whiteface summit options; check access and operating conditions for the gondola and railroad before visiting.

  1. Adirondack ParkAdirondack Park, NY

    Begin with the Adirondack region’s protected wilderness, mountain forests, and broad fall-color views.

  2. Saranac LakeSaranac Lake, NY

    Explore Saranac Lake as one of the named Adirondack stops on this foliage route.

  3. Lake PlacidLake Placid, NY

    Use Lake Placid as an Adirondack base for mountain scenery and the nearby Olympic sites.

  4. Cascade MountainCascade Mountain, Keene, NY

    Hike Cascade Mountain for sweeping views across the colorful Adirondack landscape.

  5. Mirror LakeMirror Lake, Lake Placid, NY

    Paddle across Mirror Lake for reflections of Lake Placid’s surrounding fall foliage.

  6. Whiteface Mountain GondolaCloudsplitter Gondola, Whiteface Mountain, Wilmington, NY

    Ride the Whiteface Mountain Gondola for an elevated view across the autumn canopy.

  7. Adirondack Scenic RailroadAdirondack Scenic Railroad, NY

    Ride the scenic railroad through the forested Adirondack landscape; check its current schedule before planning around it.

  8. New York State Route 73New York State Route 73, Adirondacks, NY

    Take Route 73 through the Adirondacks for a drive among mountains, forests, and changing fall color.

  9. Adirondack High PeaksAdirondack High Peaks, NY

    The High Peaks region offers mountain trails and overlooks amid Adirondack fall color.

Day 11 — Saratoga Springs and Green Lakes

This transition day pairs the historic mineral-spring park with the unusual glacial lakes east of Syracuse. Keep the park walks relaxed and leave time to appreciate the lakes’ distinctive blue-green water and surrounding old-growth forest.

  1. Saratoga Spa State ParkSaratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs, NY

    Walk the tree-lined paths and visit the park’s mineral springs; the historic bathhouses add a glimpse of its past.

  2. Saratoga Spa State ParkSaratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs, NY

    Sample the naturally carbonated mineral water at the park’s springs.

  3. Saratoga Spa State ParkSaratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs, NY

    Walk the park’s tree-lined paths for an easy foliage break among its historic buildings and colorful canopy.

  4. Green LakeGreen Lake, Green Lakes State Park, Fayetteville, NY

    See Green Lake’s striking blue-green water, which contrasts vividly with the surrounding fall foliage.

  5. Round LakeRound Lake, Green Lakes State Park, Fayetteville, NY

    Visit Round Lake for another view of the park’s unusual glacial waters and surrounding old-growth forest.

  6. Green Lakes State ParkGreen Lakes State Park, Fayetteville, NY

    Follow the park’s forested paths for fall-color views beside its distinctive lakes.

Days 12–13 — Finger Lakes Waterfalls and Lakeside Color

Spend two days among the Finger Lakes’ named waterfalls and gorge trails. The stone paths and staircases can be wet, so wear shoes with reliable grip and allow enough time to take the gorge route at a careful pace.

  1. Watkins Glen State ParkWatkins Glen State Park, Watkins Glen, NY

    Explore the gorge trail, where stone staircases and bridges lead past a series of waterfalls and autumn foliage.

  2. Watkins Glen State ParkWatkins Glen State Park, Watkins Glen, NY

    Follow the park’s gorge trail past its waterfalls, stone steps, and bridges; watch your footing on damp surfaces.

  3. Taughannock Falls State ParkTaughannock Falls State Park, Trumansburg, NY

    Take the gorge trail toward the base of the falls for a close view of the cascade and autumn-colored cliffs.

  4. Taughannock Falls State ParkTaughannock Falls State Park, Trumansburg, NY

    The rim trail provides an elevated perspective over the gorge and the 215-foot falls.

  5. Taughannock Falls OverlookTaughannock Falls Overlook, Trumansburg, NY

    Pause at the falls overlook for a clear view of the cascade and colorful gorge.

Days 14–15 — Western New York Forests and Lakes

Give the western parks time for both scenic stops and outdoor activity. Letchworth’s gorge and waterfalls reward several viewpoint stops, while the larger forest landscapes farther west suit a slower day of trails, wildlife watching, or paddling.

  1. Letchworth State ParkLetchworth State Park, Castile, NY

    Explore the park’s 17-mile gorge, with high cliffs above the Genesee River and multiple foliage viewpoints.

  2. Upper FallsUpper Falls, Letchworth State Park, NY

    Visit the Upper Falls for a close look at one of the park’s three major waterfalls framed by fall foliage.

  3. Middle FallsMiddle Falls, Letchworth State Park, NY

    Stop at Middle Falls, a major cascade with gorge scenery and fall colors.

  4. Lower FallsLower Falls, Letchworth State Park, NY

    Include Lower Falls among the park’s waterfall viewpoints; the gorge setting makes this a rewarding autumn stop.

  5. Letchworth State ParkLetchworth State Park, Castile, NY

    Use the park’s gorge-rim trails to connect scenic overlooks and photograph the river and autumn forests from above.

  6. Allegany State ParkAllegany State Park, Salamanca, NY

    Explore the park’s extensive forest and trail network, and watch for deer, wild turkeys, and chipmunks.

  7. Allegany State ParkAllegany State Park, Salamanca, NY

    Paddle on the lake for a quiet view of the forested shoreline and autumn color.

  8. Chautauqua LakeChautauqua Lake, NY

    Take a scenic drive around the lake for changing perspectives on the fall-colored shoreline and surrounding hills.

  9. Bemus PointBemus Point, NY

    Stop in Bemus Point for the lakefront village atmosphere and named shoreline views.

  10. MayvilleMayville, NY

    Visit Mayville for a lakeside village stop and a stroll through its historic streets in fall color.

  11. Chautauqua InstitutionChautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, NY

    Explore the institution’s cultural events, art galleries, and architecture as part of a fall visit to the lakeshore.

Day 16 — Delaware River Valley Scenic Drive

Finish with a slower drive through the Upper Delaware landscape. The named byway links river views, small towns, historic sites, and overlooks; build in time to stop safely rather than rushing through the route.

  1. Upper Delaware Scenic BywayUpper Delaware Scenic Byway, NY

    Follow the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway for river and forest views, with small-town and historic-site stops along the route.

  2. Delaware RiverDelaware River, Upper Delaware, NY

    Paddle the river for a different perspective on the fall-colored valley and wooded riverbanks.

  3. Delaware River ValleyDelaware River Valley, NY

    Explore the valley’s wooded hills on foot for panoramic views across the river and autumn landscape.