Ultimate New York Fall Foliage Road Trip: Scenic Drives, Hikes & Charming Towns
I once disliked fall, likely from my time in England where autumn meant rain and fog. Misty London mornings lost their charm, replaced by melancholy. After leaving, I chased sun year-round, skipping seasons—until an October in the U.S. Midwest revealed vibrant colors, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and spiced treats under blue skies.
Learning New England's East Coast boasted even brighter foliage, I added it to my travel list.
Last year, time constraints limited me to a day trip in Upstate New York's Seven Lakes region.
This year, Vermont eluded me again, but I embarked on a multi-day New York fall foliage road trip. Prioritizing hikes, leaf-playing, farm-fresh apples, and quaint towns over speed kept it leisurely.
For the rental, I tried Silvercar's app-based service—a refreshing change from Manhattan's hassles: cramped offices, long lines, poor service.
Silvercar offers uniform silver Audi A4s, app-only booking, QR code access, valet prep, in-car WiFi, Bluetooth, navigation—all included. From Columbus Circle, the process took under five minutes. Rates: $79-99 weekdays, $129 weekends—competitive for a premium Audi experience. Locations include Williamsburg and Downtown Brooklyn.
Crossing the George Washington Bridge, Palisades Parkway dazzled with colors en route to Bear Mountain State Park, 50 miles north. The three-hour hike to Perkins Memorial Tower offered Hudson River views spanning New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
I sought cozy cottages and B&Bs via Airbnb—recommendations below.
East of the Hudson, Poughkeepsie's 1.28-mile Walkway Over the Hudson—world's longest pedestrian bridge at 212 feet high—provided stunning foliage views. A yellow 'tree tunnel' led there; round-trip takes about an hour.
North via Route 32 through New Paltz, Kingston, Woodstock: antiques, galleries, autumn decor—pure joy. Roadside farm stands offered apples, jams, pumpkins, cider, honey.
A fiery Catskills sunrise preceded a hike to Kaaterskill Falls, where fallen leaves carpeted silent trails.
Catskills lead to Vermont's Green Mountain Byway—next year's goal.
New York Fall Road Trip: Practical Tips
- New York's fall foliage report guides peak timing by region.
- Explore Silvercar here, iOS app here, Android here.
- Must-stop towns: Rhinebeck, Catskill, Tannersville, Woodstock, New Paltz.
Stays Near Bear Mountain:
Cozy Warwick spot (30 min), Garrison house for five (15 min), Beacon cottage (30 min).
Woodstock Stays:
- Morning Glory B&B – Charming with garden.
Cottage, cozy cabin, milk barn, 2-bedroom wooden cottage.
Catskill Stays:
Spacious central apartment, dreamy cottage, artist apartment, decorated downtown spot.
$20 off first Airbnb booking here.
Other Options:
Resorts:
- YO1 Health Resort near Kiamesha Lake (wellness, pools, yoga).
B&Bs:
- Tin Brook in Walden.
- Mountain Treasure in Windham.
- Black Creek in Highland.
- The Roxbury (themed rooms, spa).
Budget Hotels:
- Courtyard by Marriott Poughkeepsie (pool).
- Hampton Inn New Paltz/Kingston.
- Holiday Inn Express Lake Katrine.
Share your NY fall road trip in comments!
