Best Leaf Peeping in the Hudson Valley

Looking for the loveliest leaf peeping venues in the Hudson Valley? Look no further.

We've packed these ambitious 2 and 3-day itineraries with piles of colorful suggestions!

Day 1 – WESTCHESTER / PUTNAM

Croton Gorge Park

Westchester County

Warm up for your whirlwind fall weekend with an easy two-mile hike that includes gorgeous vistas of the New Croton Dam and an autumnal color palette.

Teatown

Westchester County

Next take a ten-minute drive to Teatown Lake Reservation, a 1,000-acre nonprofit nature preserve and environmental education center, with 15 miles of hiking trails, a two-acre island refuge for over...

Day 2 – WESTCHESTER / PUTNAM

Boscobel House & Gardens

Putnam County

About a half an hour north, Boscobel’s Great Lawn offers unparalleled views of the Hudson River, Constitution Marsh, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. You can also explore...

Putnam County Bike Path/Empire State Trail

Putnam County

Travel about 30 minutes east and find a gorgeous 9-mile section of the Empire State Trail. An off-road paved trail, it welcomes bicyclists and walkers of all abilities. The scenic...

Day 1 – ROCKLAND / ORANGE

Bear Mountain

Rockland County

Only 30 miles north of New York City, Bear Mountain is an outdoor lover’s paradise offering spectacular panoramic views of fall foliage from Perkins Memorial Tower. Take the Palisades Interstate...

Harriman State Park

Rockland County

Less than 30 minutes away, you’ll find the second largest park in New York State! Harriman State Park features more than 40 marked trails (225 miles worth), 31 lakes/reservoirs, and...

Day 2 – ROCKLAND / ORANGE

Storm King Art Center

Orange County

Storm King Art Center is a 500-acre outdoor museum located in New York's Hudson Valley. Since 1960, Storm King Art Center has been dedicated to stewarding its collection, landscape, and...

Hawk’s Nest Drive

Orange County

Next, take a drive down New York State’s newest scenic byway as it winds along the Delaware River. The Hawk’s Nest connects the railroad city of Port Jervis, NY to...

Day 1 – DUTCHESS / ULSTER

Bannerman Castle

Dutchess County

Not only will you discover Scottish-style castle ruins in the middle of the Hudson River-but also brilliant views of changing leaves throughout the Hudson Highlands. Guided walking tours around the...

Day 2 – DUTCHESS / ULSTER

Ferncliff Forest Fire Tower

Dutchess County

A little more than two miles long, Ferncliff Forest trail culminates with a fire tower climb-and a dramatic panoramic view of the Hudson River, Catskill Mountains and Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. Few...

Photo of the Walkway Over the Hudson taken from the banks of the Hudson River at sunrise.

Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park

Dutchess County

About a half hour away, you’ll find this former railroad bridge built in 1888. The Walkway spans 1.26 miles and stretches 212 feet above the majestic Hudson River. It’s the...

Mohonk Preserve

Ulster County

Once you’re on the west side of the Hudson River, you’ll want to head to Mohonk. Featuring more than 7,000 sprawling acres of natural areas and hundreds of trails, Mohonk...

Day 3 – DUTCHESS / ULSTER

Ashokan Rail Trail

Ulster County

Travel north to find the Ashokan Rail Trail (ART)-a shared-use recreational trail running 11.5 miles along the northern edge of the Ashokan Reservoir. Boasting a variety of environs from wide-open...

Day 1 – COLUMBIA / GREENE

Catamount Mountain Resort

Columbia County

Year-round mountain resort offering skiing, snowboarding in winter and mountain biking, zipline adventures in summer. Family-friendly activities and scenic views.

Day 2 – COLUMBIA / GREENE

Olana State Historic Site

Columbia County

Olana is the greatest masterpiece of Frederic Edwin Church (1826-1900), the preeminent American artist of the mid-19th century and the most important artist's home, studio, and designed landscape in the...

Hudson River Skywalk

Greene County

The Hudson River Skywalk is a pedestrian path that connects Thomas Cole National Historic Site and Frederic Church’s Olana allowing you to walk in the path of these historic artists....

Day 3 – COLUMBIA / GREENE

Kaaterskill Falls Viewing Platform

Greene County

Take an easy .6 round trip hike to the Viewing Platform overlooking Kaaterskill Falls and the Kaaterskill Clove to experience the highest cascading two-tiered waterfall in NYS and one of...

Day 1 – ALBANY / RENSSELAER

John Boyd Thacher State Park

Albany County

A favorite of residents and travelers and one of the best selfie spots in the county, John Boyd Thacher State Park is the place for hiking, snowshoeing, and adventuring of...

Washington Park

Albany County

Washington Park is an urban oasis nestled within the nearby city of Albany. During the autumn months, the historic park transforms into a fall foliage paradise with leaf-covered paths and...

Day 2 – ALBANY / RENSSELAER

Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center

Rensselaer County

Autumn is an adventure here! More than 30 different ecological communities call this park home, along with 19 species of mammals and over 50 species of birds. Explore six miles...

Poestenkill Community Forest

Rensselaer County

About 30 minutes away, you’ll find Poestenkill Community Forest. Vitally important for watershed and wildlife protection-this 436-acre forested parcel provides recreational trails, demonstrates best management practices for forest stewardship, and...