Fall foliage road trip through upstate New York
Let me paint a picture for you: the days are growing shorter, there’s a distinct chill in the air, and all around, the world is changing. Trees that once stood tall and green are now ablaze with fiery reds, oranges, and golds. This, my friends, is autumn in Upstate New York—a season of pure magic where the very landscape seems to come alive with color and the air is infused with the earthy scent of fallen leaves. It’s a time when this part of the world becomes an enchanting canvas of nature’s artistry, a spectacle that has to be seen to be believed. Upstate New York in the fall is not just a destination; it’s an experience, a must-visit for anyone who treasures the beauty of the season.
Last year I went on my first fall foliage road trip in New England and was in love, you can check out my travel guide for New England here. This year we decided to explore Upstate New York.
So, let’s embark on a 3-day journey that will take us through some of the most exquisite spots, places that perfectly capture the essence of autumn. This adventure is equal parts serene and exhilarating, and it’s here to show you exactly why Upstate New York is beloved by those who yearn to witness fall foliage.
Getting to and around upstate New York:
Best way is by car, you can make as many stops as you want to as many places as you want at your own pace. You can fly out at some of the bigger airports like NYC or Albany and then rent a car.
Best time to visit:
Upstate New York is wonderful all year round. But it is especially beautiful in summer and fall, when it’s covered in shades of orange, red, yellow and green. The best time for fall foliage (when its peak) its the first two weeks in October. You can check out the fall foliage forecast in advance here
Where to stay:
If you would prefer to stay idilic inns in smaller towns you have to book well in advance, since they have small capacity and get booked up very fast, especially for fall foliage period.
An option we went for was booking accommodation through Airbnb. We rented a small cabin right by the shore of Lake George. Link to our accommodation.
Day 1 [Cold Spring, Beacon and Lake George]:
Early morning we departed from NYC. First stop was the picturesque village of Cold Spring, a charming hamlet nestled along the shores of the Hudson River. The historic architecture, quaint boutiques, and serene riverfront make it an ideal starting point for your fall foliage adventure. Stroll along the river’s edge, and you’ll soon find yourself in a tranquil state of mind, embracing the first brushstrokes of autumn’s transformation.
We continued to our second stop Beacon, renowned for its flourishing arts scene. Don’t miss the chance to explore the celebrated Dia:Beacon, an art museum housed within a former Nabisco factory. The contemporary art installations provide a unique backdrop, and you’ll leave feeling inspired by the intersection of culture and nature. We made a break and had beer and cider tasting at Hudson Valley Brewery.
We then headed up to Lake George, which is where our Airbnb was located. We grabbed dinner and drinks at Duffy’s Tavern right on the shore of Lake George.
Day 2 [Lake George, Lake Placid and Adirondacks]
Wake up to the serene beauty of Lake George. Take a morning stroll through the Town of Lake George or consider a scenic boat tour to truly embrace the fall magic.
Hit the road and drive along Scenic Route N75, an iconic drive through the Adirondack Mountains, where you’ll be immersed in a sea of autumn colors.
Arrive in the charming village of Lake Placid, an Olympic winter wonderland turned fall foliage paradise. Wander around the captivating Mirror Lake for picture-perfect reflections of the surrounding mountains. For dinner sit down at Black Bear restaurant.
Day 3 [Saratoga Springs, Catskill Mountains, Kaaterskill Falls and apple picking]
Begin your day with a visit to Saratoga Springs, a town renowned for its elegant Victorian architecture. Take a leisurely walk through Congress Park and admire the fall foliage around the iconic Canfield Casino and Saratoga Springs Racetrack.
Drive down to Catskill Mountains, take the scenic routes 30 and 28 for some gorgeous views of the Catskill mountains. There you’ll hike the scenic trail to the majestic Kaaterskill Falls. The breathtaking cascades are even more magical surrounded by the fiery autumn hues.
Head to Twin Star Farm for pumpkin picking and apple orchard adventures. Breathe in the crisp fall air as you immerse yourself in a quintessential autumn experience.
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