For as long as I can remember, I’ve spent the fall months enjoying the foliage across New England. It wasn’t until more recent years that I began exploring Upstate New York, and it has very quickly become one of my favorite places to visit during the fall season. Whether you’re looking to explore the mountains of the Adirondacks and Catskills or the waterfalls and gorges throughout the Finger Lakes region, New York truly has something for everyone.
After taking several trips throughout these different regions, I’ve put together this Upstate New York fall foliage guide to share the places to prioritize, when to visit each region, where to stay, the best things to do, and some of the best tips I’ve picked up from my own experience.
In a Rush? Here Are My Favorite Places to Stay
🏔️ Adirondacks: Eastwind Hotel Lake Placid • Mirror Lake Inn
🌲 Catskills: The Haus Windham • Eastwind Hotel Oliverea Valley
🍂 Finger Lakes: Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel • The Lake House on Canandaigua
🏡 Best Vacation Rentals: My Favorite Upstate New York Airbnbs
Upstate New York Fall Foliage: My Experience
Growing up in New England and having lived on the East Coast my entire life, I thought I had a pretty good sense of everything this part of the country had to offer. And after traveling to some of the most beautiful places around the world, I had generally considered the East Coast to be a bit… for lack of a better word, unimpressive in comparison. I always loved it during the fall because our foliage was beautiful, but outside of the foliage months, I never really thought many of the landscapes deserved a spot on the same playing field. I had spent most of my time exploring Vermont and New Hampshire, which were always beautiful, but I hadn’t explored nearly as much of Upstate New York.
Once I started traveling around New York, though, I was genuinely surprised by what I found. There were mountains and cliffs far more dramatic than I had imagined, with long, winding lakes through the Adirondacks that reminded me of landscapes I’d traveled across the world to see in Norway. There were huge, multi-level waterfalls hidden in the Catskills that felt more like something I would have expected to come across on a road trip through Iceland. And somehow, all of this had been sitting just a few hours from home the entire time. Fall is when I think Upstate New York really enters the playing field. Once the mountains turn shades of red, orange and gold, places that are already impressive become pretty spectacular. It’s a big part of why I continue to explore more of Upstate New York each year, and why the region deserves far more attention than I ever gave it growing up.
When Is Peak Fall Foliage in Upstate New York?
While exact dates and foliage conditions can vary year over year, late September through mid October is generally the best time to visit. That said, exact timing depends heavily on which region you’re going to. Upstate New York covers a huge area, and peak foliage can vary by several weeks depending on elevation, latitude and weather conditions that year.
Adirondacks: Peak foliage typically arrives first, with higher elevations beginning to peak in late September and much of the region reaching peak around late September to early October.
Catskills: Peak foliage generally arrives a little later, typically around early to mid October.
Finger Lakes: The Finger Lakes also tend to peak around early to mid October, with foliage often lasting later than in the Adirondacks.
Since timing can shift from year to year, I always recommend checking the I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report as your trip gets closer. It’s updated throughout the season with current foliage conditions across the state, making it one of the best resources for deciding exactly where to go.
Quick Tips for Visiting Upstate New York in the Fall
Avoid weekends when you can
Upstate New York gets extremely busy during peak foliage season, particularly in popular areas like the Adirondacks, and weekends are when you’ll see the biggest crowds. Many of the places in this guide are popular for good reason, but I’ve found that they’re much more enjoyable when you can experience them without the peak weekend crowds.
I know that many people with standard working hours may only have weekends available, so if that’s the case, my biggest piece of advice is to start your day as early as possible. Popular trailheads and attractions can fill up quickly during peak foliage, so getting an early start can make a huge difference. If you have the flexibility, though, I highly recommend planning your trip during the week instead.
Book your accommodation early
Fall is one of the most popular times of year to visit Upstate New York, and peak foliage only lasts for a relatively short period of time. That means a lot of people are trying to visit the same regions within the same few weeks, and some of the best accommodations can book up surprisingly early.
If you’re planning to visit over a weekend, I recommend booking your accommodation a few months in advance, particularly in popular destinations like Lake Placid and the Adirondacks. If you haven’t already booked your stay, you can find some of my favorite hotels and vacation rentals in the quick-reference section above.
Check the weather before you go
Fall weather in Upstate New York can be unpredictable, particularly in the mountains. Some years, foliage season can still feel surprisingly warm during the day, while other trips can bring cold temperatures, wind, rain, or even early-season snow at higher elevations.
I always recommend checking the forecast leading up to your trip so you can prepare accordingly. Regardless of what the forecast says, it’s a good idea to pack layers that you can easily add or remove throughout the day, especially if you’re planning to hike or spend a lot of time outside.
Download Google Maps offline
Cell service can be pretty spotty throughout parts of Upstate New York, particularly in the Adirondacks and other more remote areas, so I always recommend downloading Google Maps for the areas you plan to visit before your trip.
Downloading your maps ahead of time means you’ll still be able to navigate if you lose service along the way. Just make sure the entire area you’ll be driving through is included in your download before you leave so you can always navigate to your next stop or back to your hotel.
Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Upstate New York
After several fall trips throughout Upstate New York, these are some of my favorite places I’ve visited during the fall. I’ve included destinations across the Adirondacks, Catskills, and Finger Lakes, along with some of my best tips for visiting each one.
1. Indian Head
Indian Head is easily one of the most beautiful places in Upstate New York and one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Adirondacks. The overlook sits approximately 2,000 feet above Lower Ausable Lake, with steep mountains rising on either side of the water. Often referred to as the “fjords of the Adirondacks,” the landscape almost looks like something you would expect to see in Norway, especially when the entire valley is covered in fall foliage.
Reaching the viewpoint requires a fairly long hike at roughly 10–11 miles round trip with around 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Most of the approach follows Lake Road, so while the mileage may sound intimidating, a large portion of the hike is relatively gradual before the steeper climb to Indian Head. I recommend giving yourself around 5–7 hours depending on your pace, how long you spend at the viewpoint, and whether you add any other stops along the way.
One of the most important things to know before visiting is that a reservation is required to access the trailhead from May 1 through October 31. Reservations are free and can be made through HikeAMR up to two weeks in advance. Walk-ins are not permitted, and reservations can be especially difficult to get for peak foliage weekends, so I recommend planning ahead and trying for a weekday if you can.
I recommend starting early in the morning for fewer crowds and plenty of time to enjoy the viewpoint. Sunset is also absolutely beautiful here, but if you stay that late, be prepared to hike several miles back in the dark and bring a headlamp. Dogs, drones, and swimming are also not permitted on AMR property, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.
If there’s any fall hike that’s worth the effort, it’s this one.
2. Kaaterskill Falls
Kaaterskill Falls is one of my favorite places to experience fall in the Catskills and one of the landscapes that completely changed my perception of Upstate New York. The massive two-tier waterfall surrounded by colorful cliffs and forest honestly feels more like something I would expect to come across on a road trip through Iceland than just a few hours from home.
One of my favorite things about Kaaterskill Falls is that you can experience the waterfall from three completely different perspectives. I recommend parking at the Laurel House Road trailhead and starting at the upper viewpoint before hiking down to the base of the falls. The trail is roughly 1.4 miles round trip and is relatively short, but don’t underestimate it. The trail is steep and rocky in sections, with most of the hike to the falls being downhill and most of your return being uphill.
Kaaterskill Falls can have relatively low water flow, particularly later in the season, so I recommend visiting shortly after rainfall if you want to see the waterfall at its best. Just keep in mind that recent rain can also make the rocks and trail more slippery.
If conditions allow, you can cross the water near the bottom of the falls and continue to a third viewpoint behind the waterfall. Water levels can vary significantly depending on recent rainfall, so only cross when conditions are safe and never attempt it during high or fast-moving water.
3. Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park is easily one of the most photogenic hikes in the Northeast, but I think it’s particularly beautiful during the fall. Fallen leaves collect along the layered rock walls throughout the gorge, adding even more color to a landscape that’s already incredibly unique.
The main attraction is the Gorge Trail, which runs approximately 1.5 miles through the gorge and passes 19 waterfalls along the way. If you hike the trail out and back, plan for roughly 3 miles total. The trail takes you through stone tunnels, across bridges, and even directly behind waterfalls, with what feels like another incredible view around every corner.
There are a lot of stairs, and sections of the trail can become wet and slippery, so I recommend wearing shoes with good traction and taking your time. There can also be a lof of puddles, so I recommend waterproof shoes if you have them. Unfortunately, dogs aren’t permitted on the Gorge Trail either.
Watkins Glen is also extremely popular, especially during fall foliage season, so I recommend arriving as early as possible. You’ll have a much better experience exploring and photographing the gorge before the biggest crowds arrive.
4. Letchworth State Park
Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is easily one of my favorite places to visit in Upstate New York. The Genesee River runs through a massive gorge surrounded by forest, with three major waterfalls and cliffs reaching as high as 600 feet in some areas. During peak foliage, the entire gorge turns shades of red, orange, and yellow, making fall one of my favorite times to visit.
One of the best things about Letchworth is that you don’t need to do a major hike to experience some of its best views. There are scenic overlooks throughout the park, and many of the most impressive viewpoints are easily accessible from the road. I recommend making time for Upper Falls, Middle Falls, and Inspiration Point, which gives you one of my favorite views looking across the gorge toward the waterfalls.
For an entirely different perspective, you can also take a hot air balloon ride over Letchworth State Park. Balloons Over Letchworth launches directly from inside the park, with flights scheduled in the early morning around sunrise and again in the evening around sunset, weather permitting. Fall is an especially beautiful time to book a flight, when you can see the gorge, waterfalls, and surrounding foliage from above.
Even if you don’t book a ride, I recommend keeping an eye out for the balloons while you’re visiting. Sunrise and sunset are your best chances to see them floating over the gorge, and you can also watch the launches from inside the park. Because flights are weather dependent, I recommend checking the flight status before planning your visit around them.
5. Taughannock Falls
Taughannock Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Finger Lakes, dropping 215 feet into a massive rock amphitheater. It’s actually 33 feet taller than Niagara Falls, although with a much smaller volume of water, and the surrounding gorge is especially beautiful when the trees change color in the fall.
There are two main ways I recommend seeing the waterfall. For the easiest option, you can drive directly to the Falls Overlook, which gives you a beautiful view of Taughannock Falls from above with virtually no hiking required. For a completely different perspective, take the Gorge Trail to the base of the falls. The trail itself is about 0.95 miles each way according to the current park map, making it roughly 2 miles round trip, and it’s a relatively easy walk through the gorge alongside Taughannock Creek.
If you have time, I recommend doing both. The overlook is one of the easiest waterfall views on this entire list, while walking into the gorge gives you a much better sense of just how massive Taughannock Falls actually is.
6. Mount Jo
If you’re looking for a shorter hike with beautiful fall views, Mount Jo is one of my favorites in the Adirondacks. The Mount Jo Loop Trail is approximately 2.5 miles with around 718 feet of elevation gain, making it a relatively moderate hike with a great payoff. From the top, you’ll have beautiful views overlooking Heart Lake and the surrounding High Peaks.
One thing to know is that the viewpoint pictured here is actually slightly off the main trail. As you approach the summit, instead of turning left to go up the stairs, continue straight along the footpath and it will lead you out to this overlook. It’s easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there!
I also recommend arriving at the trailhead early, especially during fall. Parking at the Adirondak Loj is shared by several popular trailheads and the campground, so the lot can fill quickly during busy periods.
7. Ithaca Falls
Located just outside downtown Ithaca, Ithaca Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls to add to your Upstate New York fall trip. The waterfall drops approximately 150 feet and stretches 175 feet wide, making it especially impressive considering how little effort it takes to reach.
You can see the falls from the Lake Street bridge, but I recommend parking nearby and following the short, easy trail along Fall Creek for a much better view from the base. There’s no entrance fee, and unlike several of the other places on this list, leashed dogs are allowed here.
8. Chapel Pond
Chapel Pond is one of my favorite scenic stops in the Adirondacks during the fall. Located along Route 73 in Keene Valley, the pond sits between steep mountain cliffs and forest that completely transforms with shades of red, orange, and yellow during peak foliage. It’s also along one of my favorite stretches of road to drive in the Adirondacks, especially this time of year.
You can easily stop along Route 73 and walk down to the edge of the pond, but if you want to see the landscape from above, you can also hike Goat’s Nubble, which overlooks Chapel Pond and the surrounding mountains. The elevated perspective really shows just how dramatic this little section of the Adirondacks is during peak foliage.
Upstate New York Fall Foliage FAQ
How many days do you need for an Upstate New York fall trip?
I recommend spending anywhere from 3–7 days exploring Upstate New York during the fall. If you only have a long weekend, I would choose one region and focus your time there rather than trying to see everything. If you have closer to a week, you can combine the Adirondacks, Catskills, and Finger Lakes into a larger road trip and experience several of the places on this list.
Do you need reservations for any of these places?
Most of the places on this list don’t require advance reservations, but Indian Head is the major exception. If you’re visiting between May 1 and October 31, you’ll need to reserve access through the AMR reservation system in advance, and walk-ins are not permitted. Reservations can fill quickly during peak foliage season, particularly on weekends, so this is one part of your trip I recommend planning ahead.
Is Upstate New York dog friendly?
Upstate New York is generally very dog friendly, and there are plenty of hikes and outdoor areas where you can bring your dog along. However, dogs aren’t allowed everywhere on this itinerary, including Indian Head on AMR property and the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park. I always recommend checking the current rules for each trail or park before visiting with your dog, especially since policies can vary depending on the specific area.
Can you visit the Adirondacks, Catskills, and Finger Lakes in one trip?
Absolutely! If you have enough time, combining the different regions is one of my favorite ways to experience fall in Upstate New York. I would give yourself at least 5–7 days if you want to visit all three without feeling like you’re constantly rushing between destinations. If you only have a few days, I recommend choosing one region and saving the others for another trip.
Planning Your Upstate New York Fall Trip?
Thanks so much for reading! I hope this guide helps you plan an incredible fall trip through Upstate New York and experience some of my favorite places in the state.
If you’re looking for even more recommendations, my complete Upstate New York Fall Foliage Guide includes 93 of my favorite spots throughout the Adirondacks, Catskills, Finger Lakes, and Western New York, plus 3, 7, 9, and 12-day road trip itineraries to help you plan your trip.
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