Easy day trips from NYC to see fall foliage

NEW YORK (PIX11) — As the summer heat waves fade into the past, New Yorkers can eagerly look forward to peak autumn foliage, with its breathtaking display of vibrant crimson, gold, and orange foliage.

According to the Fall Foliage Map for 2024 , peak autumn leaf colors are expected from late September to mid-October.

For those looking to experience the beautiful spectacle of autumn foliage, there are numerous destinations easily accessible from New York City.

Here are a few day trip ideas you should check out.

Bear Mountain State Park

Nestled in the Palisades Region along the Hudson River, Bear Mountain State Park is about an hour’s drive from Manhattan. Open year-round, the park offers many opportunities for enjoying the foliage, including a 360-degree panorama view of the Hudson Valley from Perkins Memorial Tower.

For those without a vehicle, Bear Mountain State Park is accessible via ShortLine Hudson , which offers transportation between the Port Authority Bus Terminal and Bear Mountain Inn.

Cold Spring

Located along the Hudson River, Cold Spring is a popular getaway for New Yorkers. This charming village has something for everyone! Explore an array of coffee shops, restaurants, and shops, or embark on one of the many hiking trails for breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery.

Cold Spring is approximately an hour and twenty minutes from New York City by car. New Yorkers can take the train from Grand Central on the Metro-North Railroad Hudson Line .

Mohonk Mountain House

Hidden in the Mohonk Preserve is a beautiful Victorian castle, surrounded by 40,000 acres of protected forest. The Mohonk Mountain House is home to 85 miles of walking trails offering spectacular views of the Hudson Valley.

Mohonk Mountain House is approximately a two-hour drive from New York City. There are also trains available via the Metro-North Railroad Hudson Line and Amtrak . Travelers can take the train to Poughkeepsie and switch over to a taxi.

Poughkeepsie

Speaking of Poughkeepsie, foliage seekers can marvel at scenic views of the Catskill Mountains via the Walkway over the Hudson , a 1.28-mile elevated pedestrian bridge, connecting Poughkeepsie and Highland.

Get off the Metro-North Railroad Hudson Line and walk north about 10 to 15 minutes to the Walkway.

Woodstock

Woodstock has a variety of picturesque hikes close by that allow you to immerse yourself fully in the foliage. The drive to Woodstock takes a little more than two hours, however, New Yorkers can also take Trailways from the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

For the more avid hiker, the 4.6-mile out-and-back Overlook Mountain Trail offers stunning views of the surrounding area. In addition to views, hikers can find old hotel ruins, a fire tower, and the remnants of a plane crash. There are picnic tables at the top, which make it a prime location to have a bite and take in the views.

Those looking for a more casual stroll are encouraged to visit the Ashokan Rail Trail , an 11.5-mile recreational trail along Ashokan Reservoir between West Hurley and Boiceville.

There are three public trailheads in Boiceville, Shokan, and West Hurley. Check the map to plan your visit.

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.