New York’s lush green wilderness transforms each fall, showing shades of red, orange, and gold to celebrate the season. Cooler, drier weather mixed with vibrant leaf colors makes hiking in autumn an absolute treat. Here are five stunning places to hike among the foliage in New York State.
This rocky, mountainous area to the west of the Hudson River is a hub of scenic hiking trails that afford some incredible views year-round. Whether you overlook the mighty Hudson River or the rolling Hudson Highlands, everything will be blanketed in gold.
Three-hundred thousand acres of woodlands covering seven mountains in the Catskills, this preserve is a must-see in the fall, when its waterfalls, rock formations, and fire towers are framed by colorful bursts of leaves.
Eight hiking trails, including the famous Gorge Trail, can be found in the 16,000 acres of the breathtaking Finger Lakes National Forest. Hike past fiery leaf tones on your way to the park’s many gorges and waterfalls.
This 17-mile gorge has been nicknamed “the Grand Canyon of the East,” and since it’s located in the Northeast (where the foliage changes color each fall), you can expect a vibrant show of colors every year.
As the tallest peak in New York State, Mount Marcy’s summit rewards hikers with spectacular views of the Adirondacks and beyond. In autumn, the mountains are speckled with red and gold as far as the eye can see.
