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Wednesday, 23 September 2026

Hit the Open Road: Three Scenic New York State Fall Road Trips for 2026

Niagara Falls

A New York State road trip takes on a spectacular new look in autumn. As forests turn brilliant shades of red, orange and gold, scenic highways connect mountains, lakes, waterfalls, historic towns and cultural attractions.

For travellers planning a New York fall road trip in 2026, these three scenic itineraries offer different ways to experience the state's autumn landscapes, from Niagara Falls and Lake Placid to the Catskills. The routes have been updated by I LOVE NY for the 2026 fall season.

1) Niagara Falls to Chautauqua: Waterfalls, Culture and Autumn Colour

Start: Niagara Falls
Finish: Chautauqua
Distance: 96 miles
Driving time: approximately 1 hour 50 minutes without stops

Allegany State Park

Begin at Niagara Falls State Park, where the famous waterfalls provide an impressive starting point for an autumn journey. Travellers can take a Maid of the Mist boat tour or explore the park before following the Niagara Scenic Parkway beside the Niagara River.

Continue to Buffalo for Canalside, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum and the city's famous food scene. Then drive south to Ellicottville, where boutiques, cafes and Holiday Valley Resort provide opportunities to enjoy the colourful countryside.

Allegany State Park offers further autumn scenery before the route continues to Jamestown, home to the National Comedy Center and the Lucille Ball Desi Museum.

Finish beside Chautauqua Lake and explore Chautauqua Institution, or discover rural landscapes and traditional communities along the Chautauqua County Amish Trail.

2) Lake Placid to Alexandria Bay: Adirondack Autumn Adventure

Start: Lake Placid
Finish: Alexandria Bay
Distance: 131 miles
Driving time: approximately 2 hours 45 minutes without stops

Whiteface Mountain, Adirondack Mountains

The Adirondacks are a spectacular destination for fall foliage, and Lake Placid makes an ideal starting point. Explore its Olympic heritage, stroll around Mirror Lake and enjoy the village's Main Street before continuing towards Tupper Lake.

At The Wild Center and Wild Walk, visitors can experience the Adirondack forest from elevated treetop trails. During 2026, the centre is also presenting TROLLS: Save the Humans, an outdoor exhibition featuring six giant folklore-inspired sculptures made from reclaimed materials. The exhibition runs until 31 October 2026.

Continue to Alexandria Bay and cruise the St Lawrence River to see Millionaires Row, Boldt Castle and other islands. Wellesley Island State Park provides another opportunity to enjoy the region's forests, waterways and autumn scenery.

3) Bethel to Roxbury: The Colourful Catskills

Start: Bethel
Finish: Roxbury
Distance: 60 miles
Driving time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes without stops

Catskills Region

Begin at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival. From there, follow scenic roads towards Woodstock, a Catskills town known for its galleries, boutiques, cafes and artistic atmosphere.

Continue to Phoenicia for a Rail Explorers experience through the Catskills, followed by a meal at Phoenicia Diner. Tannersville, known as the “painted village in the sky”, provides another colourful stop before reaching Hunter Mountain.

Take a scenic skyride towards the summit for panoramic autumn views, explore the trails and enjoy seasonal activities. The final destination is Roxbury, where the distinctive Roxbury Motel provides an unusual accommodation experience.

Plan Your New York Fall Road Trip

Autumn weather and foliage timing can vary, so travellers should check the latest I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report before setting out. New York's weekly reports help visitors identify where autumn colour is developing and plan their road trip accordingly.

Whether the journey takes you beside Niagara Falls, through the Adirondack mountains or into the Catskills, a New York State fall road trip offers a memorable way to experience America's Northeast at its most colourful.

I LOVE NY

Website: https://www.iloveny.com/
Email: info@iloveny.com
Phone: 1-800-CALL-NYS
Address: Empire State Development, 633 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017, USA

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