Falling for the colourful delights of New York State in autumn

What many people might not know is that New York State, which has 11 distinct regions, has one of the longest and most colourful fall foliage seasons in the US making it a fabulous destination for “leaf-peeping”.

It’s easy to escape the crowds, perhaps on a scenic leisurely self-drive holiday or relaxing train journey, to explore the state when it’s at its most colourful.

Iconic New York City lies at the southern tip, Long Island is to the east, while Upstate New York forms a vast area known for its stunning scenery, extending all the way to the borders with Canada.

When planning a fall visit, be sure to check out the weekly I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report to find peak leaf-peeping locations.

Destinations not to be missed whether travelling by train or car

There are incredible places to see across the expanse of New York State in the fall. Here are some must-visit stops along the way.

Adirondacks

The Adirondacks has millions of trees and plenty of beautiful lakes, rivers and streams making it perfect for family holidays, thrill-seekers, couples and friends seeking adventures.

Spend time exploring six-million acres of wilderness in the Adirondack Park. It was established in 1892 as one of the first Forever Wild Forest Preserves.

There is no shortage of fall fun to be had in the Adirondacks for visitors of all ages, from corn mazes to fright nights, apple picking to wine tasting, harvest festivals and Oktoberfests.

For a sensational road trip, start at Lake Placid, in the heart of Adirondacks, and visit the Olympic Legacy Sites to relive the excitement of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Games. Take in the panoramic views from the top of the Olympic Jumping Complex or glide across the ice at the famous skating rinks.

Fun Facts: Adirondack Park covers an area larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier, and the Great Smokies National Parks combined and is home to 105 small towns and villages.

Hudson Valley

With its magnificent scenery, historic mansions, cultural treasures and much more, it’s unsurprising that National Geographic Traveler listed Hudson Valley in its Top 20 Best of the World Destinations. It offers great restaurants, glorious gardens and performing arts against a backdrop of inspiring landscapes.

Taste local flavours at the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America and visit one of the area’s many farm markets, award-winning wineries, craft-breweries and food festivals.

Nature lovers shouldn’t miss out on a visit to Innisfree Garden, one of the world's top 10 gardens. Take a stroll on the Walkway Over the Hudson, the world's longest pedestrian bridge, or visit Mohonk Mountain House for spectacular hiking and breathtaking views along the Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway. Kayak or canoe with Hudson River Expeditions in Hudson Highlands State Park.

Historians and speed freaks will love the Motorcyclepedia Museum, which exhibits over 500 motorcycles, from an 1897 De-Dion to super Harleys.

Anyone feeling brave should plan a Halloween visit to the 65-acre Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses. And don’t miss Mohonk Mountain House, a mountaintop sanctuary with spectacular views.

Catskills

Find beauty and adventure in the great outdoors at the Catskills. For centuries it has been attracting artists, writers and naturalists. Its rolling hills and tree-covered mountains are a veritable delight for the eyes when leaves start to transform into striking autumnal hues.

Savour miles worth of foliage views on the skyride at Hunter Mountain. Bike along the mountain trails in the Catskill Preserve and hike on the peaks.

Look out for osprey, great blue heron on leaf-peeping stroll along the 15-miles of trails at the Basha Kill Wildlife Management Area.

Drive along the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway taking dramatic vistas and quaint villages, stopping along the way at such sites as the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and the KTD Monastery in Woodstock.

Finger Lakes

Uncover pristine water, lush hillsides, vineyards and much more during a fall foray to Finger Lakes.

Make the panoramic drive from Ithaca to Seneca Falls along Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway. Thirsty Owl, Buttonwood Grove, Long Point, and Heart and Hands are among the wineries serving up lake and foliage views with their pours. The Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is worth a stop to see migratory birds and changing leaves.

Long Acre Farms offer an incredible, intricate Moonlight Maze open for exploring on Friday nights in October (except on Halloween night).

Catch the waterfalls in the forests of idyllic Letchworth State Park also known as ‘Grand Canyon of the East.’

On Cayuga’s southern tip lies Ithaca where intrepid visitors will discover the 500 feet cascades of Buttermilk Falls and Taughannock Falls that are even taller than Niagara Falls. About 30 minutes west, is Watkins Glen State Park and its 19 waterfalls streaming down 200-foot cliffs into a dramatic gorge. To the north, is Seneca Falls, a quaint canalside town noted for being the birthplace of women’s rights and home to the National Women’s Hall of Fame and Elizabeth Cady Stanton House.

Boat cruises also allow foliage fans to see the full, fiery landscape of the Cayuga Lake. For bird’s eye view don’t miss a Southern Tier Balloon Tour.

Microclimates in Ithaca are known to affect the local wine and contribute to the prolonged and varied display of fall foliage across the area.

Central NY

In the charming village of Cooperstown, sports fans can slide into home at the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Those looking for nostalgia should peruse one of the oldest living history museums in the United States, Fenimore Farm and Country Village. The venue hosts a range of fall-themed events including Fiber Arts Weekend, Harvest Festival, Tractor Fest, Blacksmithing Weekend, ghost tours and Trick or Treat on the Farm. Beer lovers should stop off for a pint Brewery Ommegang which hosts seasonal events such as bonfires and live music,

Niagara Falls

World famous Niagara Falls are another must-visit destination for glorious autumnal shades as the surrounding trees take on a kaleidoscope of rich colours.

Take a trip on Maid of the Mist which is running tours until November, hike the Niagara Gorge in Whirlpool State Park where the trees have one of the best swaths of fall colours in the region.

Visit Devil’s Hole State Park for its wildly beautiful walkway leading down from the park along the turbulent Niagara River 300 feet into the wooded gorge.

History buffs will love the 18th-century Old Fort Niagara and the Medina Railroad Museum where visitors can enjoy the foliage-adorned scenery while aboard a vintage train car.

For those looking to taste the local produce, stop by Becker Farms & Vizcarra Vineyards for their delicious fresh-baked pies under New York State’s breathtaking fall leaves .

To find out more, including the best places to stay, please visit:

ILoveNY.com www.iloveny.com

America As You Like It www.americaasyoulikeit.com 0208 7428299

Fall Colours and Flavours of Upstate New York