2025's Towns In New York That Come Alive In The Fall
There is no off-switch to the Empire, the top state to visit, and, in many ways, the best for the falltime atmosphere in the US. The atmosphere in New York (NY) is charged with falltime vibes, the permeating earthy scents, and natural decorations. There is something delightful to explore in each town in 2025, with crisp air, colorful foliage, and vibrant cultural scenes.
The weather is pleasant, transitioning from warm to cool days, with comfortable temperatures for a leaf-peeping hike. The leafy foliage frames you in hygge vibes and historic charm downtown. You can board a cruise or take a scenic drive in Skaneateles, hop on the Canandaigua Wine Trail, or scale a high peak in the Adirondacks, all from these towns in New York that come alive in the fall.
Canandaigua
Canandaigua Lake, one of NY's eleven glacial Finger Lakes, is known for abundant fishing, watersports, and unique limestone oncolites on Skenoh Island. The town on the north tip really is "The Chosen Spot" for a fall fling, with beautiful fall colors, historic sites, and nearby farm harvests like Pick'n Patch. You can experience peak foliage in mid- to late October along the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail, at the nearby Letchworth State Park, or via the chairlift at Bristol Mountain for an aerial view.
The beachfront Kershaw Park has a serene feel alongside walkways, a public dock, and picnic pavilions, complete with an open-air gazebo. Occupying a grand 1800s mansion, the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum funnels you back to colonial life, with expansive grounds and carriage rides. Just east, Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park offers tours on a 50-acre estate with tours of the 1887 Queen Anne mansion, exotic gardens, and an arboretum.
Hudson
As the hub of the iconic river valley, this town revs up its riverfront appeal in the fall along the moody Hudson. It is a whole other atmosphere to leaf through eclectic shops and historic architecture lining the main thoroughfare. Beyond Warren Street's boutiques and dining, leaf-peeping opportunities abound steps away along the lush riverbanks, with unique landmarks and fiery displays in mid-to-late October. The Greenport Conservation Area is ideal for leisurely leaf-peeping, with over 625 acres.
From the local Promenade Hill Park to the Hudson Athens Lighthouse, the historic light beacon casts its unique square-shaped reflection, with a green light and fog bell. Jump in a pile of leaves or set up a photoshoot along the painted rivershore, and bring your four-legged pal to catch the dipping sun from the gazebo. There is something for the whole family nearby between the annual Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival and the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, with pumpkins and hayrides.
Lake George
Not all lakes are created equal. While some are knights, bishops, and rooks, the 32-mile-long Lake George is the "Queen of American Lakes" due to its unparalleled Adirondack beauty. Thomas Jefferson wrote, "Without comparison, the most beautiful water I ever saw," on May 31, 1791, to his daughter. Had he seen this clear waters and mountains duo in foliage or perhaps scaled Prospect Mountain? The first half of October is typically the most vibrant time to plan a picturesque fall escape.
Though you can drive to the top, the weather is ideal to hike up the 2,000-foot summit, with 100-mile views of Lake George and the Adirondacks, then reward yourself at Adirondack Winery. Meanwhile, the 1,700-foot Million Dollar Beach is eerily serene along its golden sands. Having just shaken off the nearby Adirondack Balloon Festival, Lake George Village Oktoberfest is set for Columbus Day downtown, across from Shepard Park, which offers foliage trails and views across the lake.
Paul Smiths
Named after the historic Paul Smith's Hotel, the site of the Adirondacks’ first wilderness resort, which burned down in 1930, this small hamlet is just around the corner from Saranac Lake. Like a typical college town, Paul Smiths is alive with student culture in the fall. Adjacent to Lower St. Regis Lake, the 14,200-acre campus (just short of Manhattan in size) is open to locals and tourists alike. Allegedly, students once paddled from campus to the Statue of Liberty—much of it along the Hudson River.
Travelers are in for some of the Adirondacks' best foliage displays, like leaf peeping along 25 miles of trails, courtesy of the college's Visitor Interpretive Center. It is easy to get in touch with nature along 3.5 miles of hiking trails at John Dillon Park, camping, and fishing in the heart of the Adirondacks. The hardy hikers can take the Saint Regis Mountain Trailhead, a loop to a fire tower, ablaze in foliage through October. Paul Smiths is also minutes from Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK).
Saranac Lake
This charming village in the Adirondacks extends its warm fall sentiment through cozy B&Bs, galleries, and brewpubs, plus the annual High Peaks Harvest Fest in October. The Saranac River flows into Flower Lake, with foliage-ridden views from Riverside Park. Visit now, with maple, beech, and birch turning color through mid-October, as the Saranac Lake Farmers Market moves inside Hotel Saranac for the winter, with over 50 vendors and thousands of unique items on display.
Once a treatment center for tuberculosis, take note of the historic cure cottages, such as the Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage, which has been converted into a museum. There is a falltime aura around the historic carousel, spinning its whimsically carved creatures, all natives to the area. The avid can scale the towering Mt. Baker or bike along the tranquil Bloomingdale Bog Hiking Trail with lazy beavers and other critters in pre-hibernation. Many enjoy the scenic Adirondack Mountain Railroad for a short trip to Tupper Lake.
Skaneateles
Tucked along the scenic Route 20, Skaneateles is not just a hot-season destination. Whether you are after the weather that magically holds up through the peak foliage in mid-October or the warm local sentiment, the festive vibe is akin to Rockwell paintings, with red, orange, and yellow leaves, like holiday lights, around Skaneateles Lake. After a stroll through Clift Park and down the pier, board a scenic boat cruise to soak in the colorful views on the lake.
In addition to the two waterfront parks with a landmark gazebo, access the 90-foot free-falling Carpenter Falls via the winding trail. Complete with a long staircase, the fresh, earthy forest scent after rain reveals the 90-foot veil in a vegetation frame. Stretch your legs on the Charlie C. Major Nature Trail, with historic bridges along the creek, plus a path to a brewery. Baltimore Woods hosts “Trails Ultimate,” a guided hike on October 18, through the preserve’s seven miles of trails.
Woodstock
This Catskills town is ideal for adventurous leaf peepers and art lovers alike, minutes from the shore of Ashokan Reservoir at the eastern end of the Catskill Park. Alive with fall colors in mid-to-late October, Woodstock matches autumnal beauty in art and abuzz and cozy vibes downtown, where you can see the mountains. Since the weather is holding up, hike to the fire tower on Overlook Mountain or one of the neighboring preserves with open views of the shimmering forests in the foothills.
Woodstock pays homage to the iconic festival with more than just a name, but also an incredibly active art scene. What better season to enjoy plays to your heart's content? The restored 1929 theater, Colony, presents music acts, comedy, and art events, like open mic Mondays, in an intimate setting, with a full kitchen and garden views. Woodstock hosts the annual Woodstock Film Festival in the fall, set for October 15 to 19, 2025, with films, screenings, and meet-the-filmmakers events.
New York lights up with foliage across its forested reaches, river valleys, mountain ranges, and the beautiful lakes upstate. The higher elevations reach the colorful peak sooner, like the Adirondacks, quickly followed by the Finger Lakes Region and then the Hudson Valley gems, providing a quick escape from NYC.
And frankly, even the bright billboards on Times Square have nothing on the state's foliage game. Many towns come alive with student culture, harvest fests, and arts abuzz in the Catskills region that inspired the Hudson River School. The pleasant weather is ideal for scenic hikes, boat cruises, and outdoor festivals.
