15 Best Things to Do in Upstate New York in the Fall
Planning a trip to upstate New York in the fall?
Visiting upstate New York in the fall should be on everyone’s travel to-do list. The fiery reds, oranges and yellows transform the mountains and hillsides.
While there is some debate about where upstate actually begins and ends, there is no question that autumn is a great time to get away from the city and explore the rest of the state.
The breathtaking landscapes, spectacular natural attractions, and wide range of activities make upstate New York the perfect destination for travelers of all ages and budgets.
15 Best Things to Do in Upstate New York in the Fall
Upstate NY is full of things to do, from exploring waterfalls to wandering through small towns.
1. Plan a Hike Near Lake Placid
Visiting Lake Placid in the fall should absolutely include one of many absolutely stunning hikes nearby. With the surrounding High Peaks as a backdrop and the vibrant fall colors in the foreground, this is an extremely popular fall hiking destination.
There are 46 “High Peaks,” or mountains over 4,000 feet, that you can climb, but there are other stunning views that are easier to access.
On the Adirondack Mountain Reserve lands, you’ll weave through forested lands to reach the Indian Head Rock and Fish Hawk Cliffs overlooks. The view transports you out of upstate New York and to the likes of a Norweigan fjord.
Whether you want to take an easy one-mile stroll around Lake Placid or enjoy one of these more difficult-to-reach views, the autumn colors are sure to stun you.
2. Take in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of the most visited destinations in upstate New York, and fall only adds to the beauty.
Take a boat ride to the bottom of the falls or experience one of the high-flying activities nearby. Just be sure to wear a jacket that is both water and windproof for these activities.
After you’ve experienced the power of the falls, get away from the bustle and take a stroll along the Niagara Gorge. You can walk or bike to other parks with beautiful views including Whirlpool and Devil’s Hole.
Enjoy the crisp fall air while you experience the views of Niagara Falls.
3. Experience Fall in Ellicottville
Why visit Ellicottville in the fall? The town is normally known for winter fun at the local ski resorts, but in the fall, Ellicottville puts on one of the best fall festivals around.
Enjoy cider tasting, pumpkin carving, and apples galore. The charm of Ellicottville shines through.
Reserve a condo or a cabin with a hot tub to enjoy the autumn chill in the evenings while you visit Ellicottville.
With the rolling hills and the small community, this is a charming spot to experience the small-town fall experience.
4. Chase Wine and Waterfalls in Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen, at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, is a hub of fall activities. The rolling hills surrounding the lake are transformed with the colors of autumn.
The state park, which you can access right in town, is home to 19 waterfalls on a beautifully crafted gorge trail. There are lots of steps along this route, so prepare for a little workout!
After enjoying the rushing falls and exploring the narrow passageways, you can slow down and relax at one of the wineries lining the hillsides along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
Most known for white varieties, especially rieslings, and dry reds, you can enjoy a flight or a glass on a patio with a stunning view.
5. Drive the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway
A trip along this scenic drive is a beautiful way to experience fall upstate. Just a few hour drive north of New York City, this route includes vast overlooks and charming towns.
Stretching 52 miles between Olive and Andes, NY, the drive follows Route 28.
The drive is separated into four sections, each named for the town it passes through. With cute little restaurants and shops, each of these towns is a perfect place to stop and break up the scenic drive.
Enjoy an afternoon of apple picking by visiting one of the many orchards in the area. The Boehm Farm or the Stone Ridge Orchard, just a short drive from the Catskill town of Olive, both offer picking experiences on 100+-year-old farms.
6. Appreciate the Views at Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park is known for stunning vistas and sweeping views of the Genesee River gorge. Its nickname is “the Grand Canyon of the East” for a reason!
There is no better spot to enjoy peak fall colors than at one of the many overlook points along Park Road in Letchworth. Stop at every single one if you have time; they’re all different!
Get a bird’s eye view from Inspiration Point, a vast gorge overlook from Hogsback, or an up-close waterfall experience at Upper and Middle Falls.
In early October, hundreds of crafters and vendors descend on the area for a weekend of festivities. Shopping, food, and activities fill the weekend with fun, and you can support local businesses at the same time.
7. Laugh Through Comedy History in Jamestown and Lake Chautauqua
Tucked away in the western corner of New York, you’ll find a collection of comedy history dedicated to a legend!
Lucille Ball called Jamestown, NY her home and later was laid to rest in the cemetery in town. Jamestown takes great pride in this history!
Both the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and the National Comedy Center are also located in town. Although a large comedy festival occurs every year in August, exhibits and events are open throughout the year.
Plan your fall visit to this upstate NY destination in September and visit Southern Tier Brewing just outside of Jamestown on Lake Chautauqua. One weekend in September is dedicated to the release of their signature fall beer, Pumking, with live music and activities during Pumking Fest.
8. Enjoy the Culture and Beauty of Ithaca
Home to 2 universities, including the Ivy League’s Cornell, Ithaca is a gem on the southern tip of Cayuga Lake. With the lovely gorges and rolling hills surrounding the town, the breathtaking fall views are sure to delight.
Wander around the Cornell University campus, full of historical sites and beautiful botanical gardens.
Hike the Cascadilla Gorge Trail winding through campus, a short but delightful waterfall trail through the botanical gardens.
Usually, during one weekend in early October, Ithaca hosts an Apple Harvest Festival, showcasing the year’s harvest and all of the delicious goods made from the apples. If you love apples, or anything apple related, this is the place to be.
9. Immerse Yourself in the Lake George Fall Festival
The Oktoberfest Fall Festival in Lake George is a way to transport yourself to Bavaria without leaving upstate NY. You don’t want to miss this fantastic opportunity!
Show off your polka skills to the sound of the live music. Enjoy the mouth-watering food options and Oktoberfest-themed beer garden.
This is a unique opportunity to enjoy a vibrant Bavarian-style celebration.
While Lake George, in the southern part of the Adirondacks, is a popular destination most of the year, fall is the best time to experience the best food, entertainment, and landscapes.
10. Join in with the Sports Culture of Buffalo
Fall is the perfect time to visit Buffalo and become an honorary member of the “Bills Mafia” for a day. The sports culture in Buffalo is an exciting experience, and the tailgating atmosphere is one that any sports fan can easily enjoy.
Wandering through the tailgate lots, the aromas of burgers on the grill waft through the air. You should also enjoy some traditional buffalo wings or pizza logs, a local staple.
Enjoy some music and tailgate games before heading in to take in the stadium atmosphere. We’d just recommend staying away from the plastic folding tables!
11. Explore the Inspiration for Sleepy Hollow
While Sleepy Hollow isn’t very far upstate, as it’s only about 30 miles north of New York City in the Hudson Valley, the destination is transformed into a spooky storybook scene.
How could you pass up a chance to visit Washington Irving’s site of inspiration for the Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the headless horseman?
You can visit monuments and historical sites, including Washington Irving’s final resting place in the Sleepy Hollow Cemetary.
Drive just 10 miles further north along the Hudson to Croton-On-Hudson to experience the Pumpkin Blaze, where 7,000+ jack-o-lanterns light the night in synchronized displays.
12. Learn About Baseball History in Cooperstown
The ultimate goal for teams in major league baseball is to still be playing in October. What better way to celebrate October baseball than spending some time in Cooperstown, New York, and visiting the National Baseball Hall of Fame?
Get a look at some of baseball’s most historic memorabilia in the museum, including uniforms, bats, gloves, and more.
Cooperstown is a quaint little village about 75 miles west of Albany.
With cute shops and restaurants to enjoy, two other museums to explore, and outdoor activities like hiking and boating surrounding the town, Cooperstown is an enjoyable destination no matter what the fall weather brings.
13. Take a Tour of the Angry Orchard
What better time to visit one of the most well-known hard cider-producing orchards in the country? Take a tour of the grounds and the production facility.
You’ll learn the ins and outs of what goes into each and every bottle of their hard ciders. Follow the process from harvesting and sorting the apples to fermenting and bottling.
After the tour, you can order a flight and try a few different ciders. When the weather is cooperating, enjoy the outdoor seating area and order snacks from their on-site kitchen.
You aren’t allowed to pick the apples at this orchard, but this adult-friendly fall experience in the Hudson Valley provides both education and beautiful views.
14. Cruise the St. Lawrence River from Alexandria Bay
Far north along the US-Canada border, the 1000 Islands is home to some of the most beautiful scenes in the fall.
The reds, oranges and yellows reflect on the clear waters to create magical landscapes.
Take a river cruise to enjoy more of the bright bursts of color and explore some of the iconic sites in the area like the Boldt Castle.
Refresh and refuel at one of the delicious restaurants, like the Kitchen at the Captain Visger House. You won’t regret spending a little extra on these mouth-watering dishes.
15. Celebrate the Grape Harvest at the Naples Grape Festival
In September just south of Canandaigua Lake, the small town of Naples comes alive to celebrate grapes for one weekend.
Enjoy music and activities while you sample all kinds of grape goods and wander among vendors.
The Naples Grape Festival has been awarded the “Best Festival in the Finger Lakes” for the last 5 years. It is one to add to the top of your fall events in upstate New York bucket list!
Sample some of the wines from the region in the beverage garden or bake a grape pie to enter the competition. This is one of the best places to celebrate the rich grape culture of upstate New York during the fall harvest.
Visiting Upstate New York in the Fall
Upstate New York is one of the best places in the United States to explore autumn foliage and immerse yourself in the season. It is the perfect destination for a fall getaway, but here are some things you should definitely know before you go:
What are the best places to visit in upstate New York in the fall?
For autumn colors, visit the gorges at both Letchworth and Taughannock Falls State Parks.
Fall harvest festivals involving pumpkins, apples, and grape harvests dot the countryside. Visit Lake George for Oktoberfest, Ithaca for apple harvest, and Jamestown for pumpkin-style ales.
What is the best time to see fall foliage in New York?
Typically, fall colors present themselves during the months of September and October.
The exact time frame can vary based on the weather and conditions from year to year, but typically you’ll find the best colors from late September to mid-October.
Visit too early and you’ll be treated to lots of green and too late in the year can bring snowfall.
What is there to do in upstate New York in October?
From apple picking to wine tasting, and art festivals to colorful hikes and scenic drives, you could explore upstate New York for more than one October.
October is the best time to take advantage of the last few weeks of fall before a winter wonderland arrives.
Enjoy the many local farm-to-table restaurants while you visit. During the fall, some of the best local produce is exceptionally fresh and plentiful.
Is upstate New York expensive?
It really depends on where you plan to visit in upstate New York!
There are plenty of small towns that you can visit for a more reasonable cost, but there are also luxury getaways dotted throughout the region.
You’ll find luxury accommodations and activities near the Adirondacks and dotted through the Finger Lakes.
Get out to the smaller towns like Ellicottville or Jamestown to find more budget-friendly options.
Where to Stay in Upstate New York in the Fall
With such a wide area, there are so many places to stay with fantastic views and unique amenities. Best of all, there is a place to stay in upstate NY in the fall at every price point.
✅ Budget Recommendation: Seneca Niagara Resort
Located in downtown Niagara Falls, the Seneca Niagara Resort is within a half-mile walk of the powerful waterfalls. It’s also conveniently located within walking distance of plenty of restaurants and other attractions.
Onsite parking is an excellent perk because parking can be expensive in some parts of town.
✅ Mid-Range Recommendation: Amsterdam Castle
To complete your magical fall getaway in upstate New York, spend your nights in a castle. The Amsterdam Castle is conveniently located between Albany, Saratoga Springs, and Lake George.
The comforts and the ambiance make this stay more than worth the money!
✅ Luxury Recommendation: The Inns of Aurora
Located north of Ithaca on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, the 5 separate spaces at the Inns of Aurora are considered among the best places to stay in the entire state of New York.
You’ll find everything that you’ll need onsite, including a farm-to-table restaurant and full-service spa. Enjoy one of the lakeside fire pits during a crisp fall evening.
Conclusion: Guide to Upstate New York in the Fall
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, or fall-specific festivals, visiting upstate New York in the fall is sure to delight you.
Even just road-tripping from one small town to another will have you passing through some of the best fall foliage views in the US.
From the Catskills to the Adirondacks, Lake Placid to Lake Erie, planning a fall getaway to upstate New York is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
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About the author: Samantha is a physician assistant by day and the creator behind PAonPause, writing about travel around the US’s Great Lakes by night. When she’s not working, she loves to spend time outdoors with her 2 rescue dogs. She believes that any occasion can be a great excuse to travel but keeps a home base in northwestern Pennsylvania.
