Five Ways to Enjoy Autumn in New York State

Bear Mountain State Park

Fall in New York State is about much more than spectacular foliage. As the leaves change colour, the season brings opportunities to cruise scenic waterways, hike through state parks, pick apples, ride historic trains and enjoy outdoor adventures.

From the Hudson River and Catskills to the Finger Lakes and Long Island, these five experiences can add extra colour and flavour to a New York fall holiday.

1) Cruise the Hudson River Among the Fall Colours

A Hudson River foliage cruise provides a relaxing way to admire New York's autumn scenery from the water. Scenic cruises operate along the historic river, with views of colourful forests, mountains and riverside communities.

Options include Circle Line sightseeing cruises, Seastreak fall foliage excursions and Classic Harbor Line cruises aboard schooners and elegant vessels. Depending on the itinerary, travellers can visit destinations such as Cold Spring, Milton or Bear Mountain.

Other New York fall foliage cruises include trips on Lake George, Chautauqua Lake and Niagara Falls.

2) Hike Through New York State Parks

John Boyd Thacher State Park

With more than 180 state parks and thousands of miles of trails, New York offers extensive opportunities for autumn hiking.

John Boyd Thacher State Park near Albany provides sweeping views across the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys, while Letchworth State Park combines colourful forests with dramatic gorges and waterfalls. Taughannock Falls State Park and Chittenango Falls State Park are other rewarding destinations for waterfall walks surrounded by fall foliage.

For families, Letchworth's Autism Nature Trail provides a specially designed outdoor experience with eight sensory stations.

3) Pick Apples and Taste Autumn Flavours

Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard

Apple picking is a classic New York fall activity, with orchards and farms offering opportunities to enjoy freshly harvested fruit, cider, pies and seasonal treats.

In the Finger Lakes, Finger Lakes Cider House combines artisan cider with views of Cayuga Lake. Harbes Family Farm on Long Island offers apple and pumpkin picking, a corn maze and hayrides.

Beak & Skiff Apple Farm near Syracuse produces apples as well as cider, wine and spirits, while Indian Ladder Farms in the Capital Region offers apples, cider, pies and other seasonal produce. Near Cooperstown, Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard is another popular stop for autumn treats.

4) Take a Scenic Fall Train Ride

Explore New York's fall landscapes by rail

Travelling by train offers another way to see New York's autumn landscapes without having to concentrate on the road.

The Delaware and Ulster Railroad follows the East Branch of the Delaware River through the Catskills, while the Adirondack Railroad travels through forests and across rivers and streams.

The Arcade and Attica Railroad combines historic rail travel with fall scenery and seasonal experiences, including its Pumpkin Express. The Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad also offers autumn excursions through farmland and forests.

Amtrak, Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road provide additional opportunities to explore New York's fall landscapes by rail.

5) Add Adventure to a Fall Getaway

Mohonk Mountain House

For travellers wanting more than sightseeing, autumn is an ideal time for outdoor adventure.

Mohonk Mountain House in the Shawangunk Mountains offers a historic mountain retreat surrounded by autumn scenery. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, golf, tennis and rock climbing, while horse-drawn carriage rides provide another way to explore the grounds.

Across New York State, visitors can also find ziplining, cycling, farm attractions and other outdoor activities suitable for autumn getaways.

Plan Your New York Fall Holiday

A New York autumn holiday can be as active or relaxing as you choose. Combine a scenic foliage cruise with an apple orchard, add a historic train journey to a road trip or spend a weekend exploring mountain trails and outdoor attractions.

Check the latest I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report before travelling, as peak autumn colour varies across the state and changes with weather conditions.

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