The ULTIMATE Travel Guide to Chasing Fall Foliage in Upstate New York
What would a perfect east coast autumn trip be without making a stop to New York? Sure, it's easy for travelers to go into the city to capture fall foliage, but what about Upstate New York? If you're willing to make the drive up north, then this will be a trip of a lifetime for you. In my opinion, Upstate New York has more beautiful locations to capture fall foliage than the city. It has the perfect combination of city living and forest escapes. Upstate NY is filled with beautiful hikes, stunning gorges that stretch for miles, and epic views from mountaintops that will make your jaw drop. Upstate NY should be on everyone's list when traveling to New York during the autumn season.
Many travelers disregard Upstate New York because of how far it is from the main city. On average it takes around 4 hours to travel from mid-city New York to Upstate New York. But let me tell you, it is SO WORTH THE DRIVE!
Before arriving in New York, make sure to have a rental car secured. We rented a minivan and it was perfect for a group of 4 people. For accommodations, we booked either on the morning of or the day before. In my previous blog post, I explained some reasons why not having a set itinerary would be better for chasing fall foliage in the east coast. It's important to check the weather forecast and peak fall foliage map from time to time as that will determine which location you'll go to. Another suggestion would be to check Instagram Stories of locations to see the weather conditions in real-time. Weather in Upstate New York can get very cold so I’ve made a list of essential items to keep you warm on your next trip. Here are some of the best spots to see the autumn colors and the best activities to do in Upstate New York during fall season:
Adirondack Mountains
One of the most breathtaking views of the autumn foliage lies here in the Adirondacks. This area is filled with beautiful hikes that will make your jaw drop. The view up to this mountain was an 11-mile roundtrip hike with 1,677 feet of elevation gain. The entrance to this hike is inside a residential neighborhood and may be hard to find. We walked down Ausable Rd down until the end and made a left to Lake Road. After walking for about 20 minutes, we came across the signboard that indicated that this was the start of the hike. The first two or three miles are pretty easy as there is not much elevation gain. After that be prepared for a steep incline to the top. It's not an easy hike, but for those that are up for a challenge, I recommend doing this hike for the spectacular and Instagram-worthy views.
This is one of the most popular hikes in the Adirondacks so I would recommend going early if you can. Parking can be very difficult to find on weekends and during peak foliage. This trail has two parking lots, one towards the entrance of the trail and one across the street. If either lot is full, there is also another parking lot a mile away for a different hike that you can park your car. Please be mindful and do not park on the side of the road where there are signs as park rangers patrol the area quite often and you may get your car towed.
Taughannock Falls
One of the most picturesque waterfalls in the United States is Taughannock Falls. The waterfall plunges 215 feet from the opening of the gorge which makes it the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. What's nice about this waterfall compared to others is that you only have to walk a few feet from the parking lot to get to the viewing platform. You also have the option of hiking down to the base of the waterfall. The hike is an easy 1.5-mile roundtrip. It is best to go in the early morning to avoid the crowds since it is a very popular spot.
Don't forget to visit North Point near Taughannock Falls! We went for sunrise and saw the lake covered in fog which made for a mysterious scene. You'll also be able to rent kayaks here to go kayaking in Cayuga Lake.
Rail Explorers in Catskills
Looking for a unique outdoor adventure to experience autumn colors? Peddle your way through a tunnel of autumn trees, serene lakes, creeks, and streams. Rated as #1 on things to do in Phoenicia, Rail Explorers is a must-do activity for any type of person. It's great for couples, individuals, or even families with young children.
The ride is an 8-mile roundtrip along the Esopus Creek that takes you through the woods of Catskill Mountain. The tour duration is about 2.5 hours with breaks in between. One thing you will notice when you sit in these cars is that the seats are adjustable so you can sit closer to the pedals. The rail cars are also equipped with electric motor assistance for those that want to go faster but want to peddle with less power. It's perfect for people like me who get tired easily. As someone who doesn't exercise that much, pedaling 8 miles wasn't that bad as long as you ride with someone.
If you want to experience Rail Explorers, make sure to book tickets months in advance as spots can fill up quickly. We got lucky with our tickets because they had two spots available since a couple canceled last minute. We were able to buy tickets on the spot and get on the ride as soon as possible. We also had to sign waivers before we got on our rail cart. Don't forget to dress accordingly as it can get pretty chilly during the autumn months. They ask you to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled tour. The tour will not start until everyone arrives. Please refer to their website to find out more information on purchasing tickets. Rail Explorers also operate in Las Vegas and Rhode Island. Make sure to check them out if you're ever in the area!
Address:
70 Lower High Street
Phoenicia, NY 12464
1(877) 833-8588
Days of Operation:
Spring until Fall (Usually until the beginning of November)
Ticket Pricing:
$85 for a Tandem Explorer (2 riders, $42.50 per person)
$150 for a Quad Explorer (4 riders, $37.50 per person)
Kaaterskill Falls
Deep in the woods of Catskill Mountains lies Kaaterskill Falls, one of Upstate New York's hidden gems. The waterfall stands at 260 feet, surrounded by tall deciduous trees making this one of the most beautiful hikes in Catskill.
There are two routes to get to Kaaterskill Falls. The first route starts at Laurel House Road and you will be hiking towards the Upper Falls. The second route takes you through a busy highway road and a pretty steep hike up to the waterfall from below, also known as the Lower Falls. I recommend hiking the Upper Kaaterskill Falls trail as it is the more scenic route, and you will get the best view of the waterfall. To get to the Upper Kaaterskill Falls trail, drive on Route 23A in the town of Haines Falls and go north on Route 18. This will take you to North-South Lake Campground. Before the campground, keep an eye out for Lauren House Road which will be on the right. Park your car in this parking lot and NOT the parking lot at Lower Falls Trail. Once you see the signboard of Kaaterskill Falls, follow the gravel path to the left and keep walking through the deciduous trees. After walking for a bit, you will come across the viewing platform, which is perfect for taking photos of this majestic waterfall. Keep following the trail and go down a long flight of stairs to reach the base of the waterfall! This fall is very reminiscent of the waterfalls that you find in Iceland and other Scandinavian countries for its black granite rock and sheer power.
Source: Flickr
Letchworth State Park
Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East", Letchworth State Park is an adventurer's dream. A combined 66 miles of hiking trails are in the park which can be used for biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Feeling more adventurous? The park also offers kayaking and whitewater rafting along the Genesee River. You can also take a hot air balloon for those that want a spectacular bird's eye view of Upstate New York. Visitors can also rent cabins and campsites inside the park. The park is open daily, year-round, from dusk to dawn with a $10 entrance fee per vehicle.
>> Read More: The ULTIMATE Travel Guide to Chasing Fall Foliage in New England
Cumming Nature Center
Despite the weird name, this location will make you feel like you're in a fairytale. With tall red pine trees, marshes, meadows, and streams, it's hard not to be mesmerized by what mother nature has to offer at the Cumming Nature Center. There are five hiking trails at this nature center with each hike highlighting a different type of habitat and ecosystem. Take a stroll through the Helen Gord Trail if you want to see various birds and animals in the surrounding area. If you're into conservatory practices, check out the Conservation Trail where you'll get to learn about the different tree species in the area and how they are used by animals and humans. If you want to know a bit of history of the early settlers, take a hike through The Pioneer Trail, where you'll come across infographics and signs about how the nature center came to be. The nature center also offers ski and snowshoe rentals during the winter, a field study program, summer camps, exhibits, and more.
Hours of Operation:
Wednesday through Friday: 9 AM – 3:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 9AM - 4:30 PM
Ticket Pricing:
$3 per person or $10 per family for the general public
$5 per person or $15 per family during skiing & snowshoeing season
Address:
6472 Gulick Rd
Naples, NY 14512
(585) 374-6160
*Please check the official website for updated hours and dates
Ithaca Farmers Market
If you're in the Ithaca area, I highly recommend checking out the farmer's market. There a lot of neat vendors and small businesses that come to the market to sell their products to the local community. In this market, you will find crafts, baked goods, a variety of street food, wine tastings, and local farm products. They are committed to selling high-quality, locally produced goods to the community. The market is situated near the waterfront of the Finger Lake Region with beautiful trees and flowers surrounding the area. During our time there, we decided to grab some lunch, so I got the scrambled egg chorizo crepe and my friend got the spicy mac-n-cheese which was amazing. I also recommend trying the maple donuts from one of the vendors in the market. Spend the ideal afternoon at this market by drinking some apple cider, sit back at the picnic tables, and take in all the autumn views.
Hours of Operation:
Saturdays & Sundays: 10 AM – 2 PM
Address:
545 3rd St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
Recommended Restaurants & Cafes in Upstate New York:
Top of the Park (Lake Placid, NY): Good for dinner. One of the best meals that we had on our trip, hands down. We got the Confit Chicken Wings, Kurobuta Bacon Mac and Cheese, and Sesame Encrusted Tuna.
Nicole's Restaurant (Albany, NY): Good for dinner. This restaurant combines Italian cuisine with modern American influences.
Yum Yum Noodlebar (Woodstock, NY): Good for lunch and dinner. One of the best Asian cuisines in the Upstate NY area.
Break Alone (Woodstock, NY): Good for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Known for their bread and pastries. They also serve traditional American meals.
Brio's Pizzeria (Phoenicia, NY): Good for lunch and dinner. Known for their delicious pizza with a large menu selection.
Accommodations in Upstate New York:
Willow Treehouse (Willow, NY)
Warner's Camp River Cabin (Upper Jay, NY)
Grateful Woods (Kerhonkson, NY)
Yurt (Accord, NY)
A Black A-Frame (Kerhonkson, NY)
The Barn in Tivoli (Tivoli, NY)
The Saltbox Lodge (Windham, NY)
The Catskill A-Frame (Hancock, NY)
Final Thoughts On Upstate New York
Even if you are going through New England to capture autumn colors, don't skip out on Upstate New York! The forest and mountain landscapes of the countryside provide the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. There is so much that Upstate New York has to offer, you're bound to find something new around every corner. From kayaking to riding in rail carts to exploring majestic waterfalls, there are activities for every type of person in this region. I hope this travel guide inspired you to take your next trip to Upstate New York in the autumn season.
If you would like to read up on more places to catch autumn colors in New York, check out my friend Derek’s blog post. And if you want to see more photos from my trip to Upstate NY, feel free to check out my Instagram (@makeetz)
Disclaimer – this Upstate New York travel guide blog post does contain some affiliate links, which means if you buy something my blog will receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!
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