Without a doubt, one of the best parts about living in the Hudson Valley is the fall foliage that sets the region aglow every autumn. In what feels like the blink of an eye, the verdant landscape of summer transforms into a rainbow of yellows, oranges, and reds that line winding country roads and converge into a natural kaleidoscope when viewed from atop one of the hikeable hills in the region.
Because fall foliage season is a highly beautiful and all too brief period for the Hudson Valley, there’s no time like the present to hop in the car, throw on your sunglasses, and cruise to these local hotspots for some of the finest leaf peeping the region has to offer.
Boscobel House and Gardens
Garrison
Croton Gorge Park
Cortlandt
It’s hard to beat the beauty of Croton Gorge Park in any season. Come fall, the 97-acre property gets seriously glowy when the trees surrounding the Croton Dam begin to change color. Go for the photo ops, then stay to meditate to the sound of the rippling dam and spillway beyond. For anyone in the mood for a walk, the park offers direct trail access to the Old Croton Aqueduct as well.
Harriman State Park
Ramapo
High Falls Conservation Area
Philmont
High Falls Conservation Area is one of the most beloved outdoor escapes in Columbia County—and for good reason. With a rich cultural history (it was a hub for hydropower in the 19th century) and a network of trails that run along ravines and toward overlooks, the setting tempts with prime leaf-peeping opportunities. The trails range in difficulty from easy to moderate, which means visits are relatively low effort, high reward for anyone who wants to snap all the fall foliage photos.
Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve
Cold Spring
Hunter Mountain Fire Tower
Hunter
Killer views from atop a 60-foot steel fire tower — what’s better than that? Hike up Hunter Mountain to reach the summit where Hunter Mountain Fire Tower has the unique distinction of being located at the highest elevation of any fire tower in the state. After climbing its many, many steps, take in the stunning panoramic views of Greene County from its viewing platform at the top. Pro tip: only brave this leaf-peeping destination if you’re a fan of long hikes and high heights.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Kerhonkson
Mohonk Preserve
Gardiner
A magnificent example of land preservation in the Hudson Valley, Mohonk Preserve is a mecca for hikers, bikers, climbers, and runners alike. More than 70 miles of carriage roads and trails crisscross the grounds, which are open sunrise to sunset. As far as the leaf-peeping scenes go, they’re nothing short of stunning. Follow one of the suggested hikes (may we recommend the Bonticou Crag trek?) and be sure to pause multiple times along the way to admire the colors of autumn tint the Hudson Valley horizon.
Pine Hollow Arboretum
Slingerlands
Storm King Art Center
New Windsor
While many visit Storm King Art Center for the large-scale outdoor sculptures, the destination is not just for art lovers, but for nature lovers, too. The 500-acre outdoor museum is framed by Storm King Mountain on one side and Schunemunk Mountain on the other, placing it in a prime position for leaf peeping come autumn. While you’re taking in views of impressive sculptures from artists like Alexander Calder and Mark di Suvero, notice also the changing environment surrounding the art that reflects that bright reds and rusty oranges of the freestanding structures.
Related: 20 Breathtaking Fall Hikes to Take in the Hudson Valley
