New York is home to some of the most scenic fall destinations in the country, from the Adirondacks and Catskills to the Hudson Valley.
Starting in mid-September, foliage begins changing across parts of the state, bringing shades of red, orange, gold and brown to forests, parks and mountain landscapes.
A fall weekend in New York can mean scenic drives, hiking trails, historic landmarks, seasonal food and, in the Hudson Valley, some of the state's most popular Halloween attractions.
If you're planning a fall getaway, here are three destinations to consider.
Catskill Mountains
The Catskill Mountains offer a mix of fall scenery, outdoor activities, historic sites and food and wine experiences.
New Paltz makes a convenient base for exploring the region. Visitors can stay
at the historic Mohonk Mountain House Resort and Spa in the Shawangunk Mountains and explore nearby trails and natural areas at the Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park.
The area is also home to wineries, including Robibero Winery, as well as restaurants featuring locally grown and seasonal ingredients.
Fall foliage, hiking, wine tasting and farm-to-table dining make the Catskills a versatile option for a weekend trip.
Adirondack Park
New York's Adirondack Park covers roughly 6 million acres and offers expansive forests, mountain views and lakes surrounded by fall foliage.
Popular destinations include Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, where visitors can combine outdoor activities with small-town attractions and restaurants.
For a different kind of fall getaway, head north to the Thousand Islands region along the St. Lawrence River. The archipelago includes more than 1,800 islands between New York and Ontario, Canada.
Clayton is a popular starting point for exploring the region. Visitors can stay at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel and visit the Antique Boat Museum, which has a collection of more than 300 boats and vessels.
Boat tours provide another way to see the islands during the fall season. One of the region's most recognizable landmarks is Boldt Castle on Heart Island, a mansion built in the early 1900s by hotel magnate George C. Boldt.
Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley offers fall foliage, historic sites and a major Halloween attraction, making it a popular destination for an autumn getaway.
The villages of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown are closely associated with Washington Irving's 1820 story, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." The story helped establish the region's connection to the legend of the Headless Horseman, and visitors can explore landmarks associated with Irving and the tale.
The Dolce by Wyndham in Sleepy Hollow offers a convenient base for exploring the area.
Among the historic sites to visit is the Old Dutch Church, which dates to 1685 and is featured in Irving's story. Visitors can also tour Lyndhurst, a historic mansion overlooking the Hudson River, and Sunnyside, Irving's former home.
For a Halloween-themed evening, take a short trip along the Metro-North Hudson Line to Croton-on-Hudson for the Great Jack 'O Lantern Blaze, a large-scale display featuring thousands of carved pumpkins.
The Hudson Valley also has a strong farm-to-table dining scene. Hudson Valley Restaurant Week is scheduled for Nov. 2 through Nov. 16.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 3 New York fall getaways to add to your autumn travel list
