There’s no better time of year than autumn to get outside and appreciate the beauty of nature, and there are plenty of gorgeous places in and around the Hudson Valley that offer stunning views of fall foliage, as well as other picturesque sights and activities. In fact, you might have trouble deciding where to go first! Here’s the ultimate guide to spotting fall foliage in the Hudson Valley so you can plan your trip and start enjoying nature’s colorful show today!
The Ultimate Guide to Spotting Fall Foliage in the Hudson Valley – Presented by Alluvion Vacations – Photography by Maxwell Alexander / Alluvion Media
Harriman State Park
Just a short drive from NYC is Harriman State Park. Part of the Great Appalachian Valley that stretches from Canada down to Alabama, it is one of the most scenic spots in New York state and boasts a beautiful mix of hiking trails, gardens, and waterfalls. The park offers a spectacular range of fall foliage, with trees like beech, birch, and oak that blaze in autumn colors such as gold, orange, red and yellow. The best time to visit for leaf-watching? The second week of October is when peak colors are reached.
Storm King Art Center
Located about an hour north of Manhattan, Storm King Art Center is a must-visit for leaf peepers. The grounds feature sculptures by Alexander Calder and Walter De Maria among many others and are worth exploring. And don’t forget to snap a few photos with Storm King’s stunning fall foliage background! If you have time to kill before heading back into the city, stop off at Palaia Winery and Meadery for a wine tasting and tour, or stop in at Jones Farm for their famous apple cider doughnuts. Spectacular views and fiery fall colors are guaranteed at every stop you make and on the way to every destination.
Newburgh Waterfront Restaurants
If you’re looking for a place to get a scenic view of the fall leaves, then be sure to check out one of the Newburgh Waterfront Restaurants. They have lovely views of the Hudson River and are perfect for date nights or family outings. Here’s a list of some of the restaurants that we recommend:
- Hudson Taco: The food and drinks are great and they’re conveniently located right on the water. You can enjoy their amazing dinner while watching the sunset and waiting for Fall Foliage to come into view across the Hudson River on Beacon, NY side.
- Primo Waterfront Italian Restaurant: A brand new addition to Newburgh’s fine dining scene, this is an excellent place if you’re craving delicious Italian food and seafood! The restaurant has a beautiful terrace with views of both the river and mountains, so it’s sure to leave you feeling relaxed.
Cold Spring Harbor Preserve
This preserve is a great place to catch fall foliage due to its wide variety of deciduous trees, which include maple, oak, and sweetgum. You can walk through this park for hours without seeing any other people or running into any other visitors. The trails are well marked and have plenty of benches along them if you need a rest break. The leaves start changing colors around late September, but they don’t all change at once.
West Point Military Academy
When you arrive at the Military Academy, get ready for a whole new experience – this is not your average tourist stop! Tour the grounds and witness stunning views of the Hudson River. Catch a glimpse of West Point history while soaking in those golden fall colors all over the place.
Taconic State Parkway
Take a ride on the Taconic State Parkway with Alluvion Go Car Rentals. The Taconic State Parkway is one of the best places to spot fall foliage in the Hudson Valley. It’s about a two-hour drive from NYC and you can stop at many roadside attractions along the way. Beautiful fall colors are guaranteed everywhere you look!
Mohonk Preserve
One of the best places to spot fall foliage near New York City is Mohonk Preserve. This preserve offers stunning views, hiking trails, and a wide variety of wildlife. Located in New Paltz, NY this preserve offers a great way for families to spend time together outside exploring nature and taking in the breathtaking views. The preserve is home to a mountain lake, which is beautiful during any season but especially during autumn.
Friends of Beacon Dog Park
What could be better than watching Fall Foliage in the Hudson Valley with your furry friend? Friends of Beacon Dog Park is the way to go! Located just minutes from renowned Beacon Main Street with cutesy little shops and restaurants it’s an escape from the escape that Hudson Valley really is 🙂 We recommend checking out world-famous Royal Crepes for a variety of savory and sweet options!
Palisades Interstate Park (and Historic Cliffside Park & Piermont Pier)
Palisades Interstate Park is a great place to spot fall foliage for those living on Long Island or Staten Island. The park offers scenic views of the Palisades and NYC, as well as access to hiking trails, fishing spots, picnic areas, and a seasonal farmers market. The historic Cliffside Park & Piermont Pier are also worth checking out when visiting.
