The air is crisp, the leaves are changing to vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow, and wanderlust is strong.
New Yorkers are looking to get outside and enjoy the vibrant foliage and flavors of the autumn season. What better motivation than a daylong road trip to a new destination or a favorite stomping ground?
Here are six day trips perfect for fall in New York:
Hudson Valley and Capital Region
Sleepy Hollow — Located in Westchester County, Sleepy Hollow is best known as the inspiration for Washington Irving's “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” and fall provides plenty of opportunities to revel in the tale. Cemetery tours, street fairs, festivals and haunted hayrides are plentiful. Illuminated, hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns are on display nightly at Van Cortlandt Manor. Several
natural attractions are also nearby, including Nyack Beach State Park and Rockefeller State Park Preserve.
Bear Mountain State Park — This 5,205-acre state park spans Orange and Rockland counties, roughly 40 miles north of New York City. The park includes more than 200 miles of hiking trails, including trails that lead to Perkins Memorial Tower, which offers panoramic views from atop Bear Mountain. The park also features a trailside museum and zoo with local animals and a carousel.
Central and Western New York
Letchworth State Park — Known for its vibrant autumn colors, leaf-peepers flock to Letchworth each fall. With 14,350 acres spanning Livingston and Wyoming counties, the popular state park is known as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” The Genesee River runs through a 550-foot-tall gorge that cuts through the park.
Cazenovia — This charming, historic Madison County town is located at the southern end of Cazenovia Lake. Chittenango Falls State Park is also nearby and boasts a stunning 167-foot waterfall, along with winding trails and walking paths.
New York City and Long Island
Cold Spring and Beacon — Cold Spring in Putnam County and Beacon in Dutchess County are both located along the Hudson River. Cold Spring is known for its stunning landscape and quaint atmosphere. Nearby is one of the Hudson Valley's most famous hikes, Breakneck Ridge, a challenging trail with steep climbs. Beacon is known for its art scene, natural beauty and small-town charm.
Fire Island — A barrier island off the southern shore of Long Island, Fire Island is part of Suffolk County and is home to Robert Moses State Park, the nearby historic Fire Island Lighthouse and Fire Island National Seashore. It is known as an LGBTQ+ haven, with particularly welcoming communities featuring art galleries, restaurants and more. Visitors can also explore the Sunken Forest, a globally rare maritime forest.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Best fall day trips in NY: 6 places for foliage and scenic views
