When is the best time for leaf peeping in the Empire State? In short - it depends on your location.
First fall colors
The earliest seasonal hues appear at New York's highest elevations, typically in northern New York - including the Adirondack region. The Catskills and parts of the Hudson Valley typically follow next. The Finger Lakes, western and central New York regions typically offer peak colors in mid-October, while New York City and Long Island are the last to change, often reaching peak around Halloween and into early November.
Adirondacks fall foliage
Bright splashes of red, orange and yellow are aplenty early here as leave started to change by mid-September and are expected to reach peak between late September and mid-October. The first two weeks of October typically provide simply
spectacular views in the Adirondack Park. Columbus Day weekend typically offers peak leaf-peeping conditions throughout the area, weather pending.
Catskills fall foliage
Early to mid-October is the name of the game. Ulster County - home to Slide Mountain, the tallest peak of the Catskills - typically turns first, by late September, mountainsides change in early October, offering scenic-drive views. Most of the region hits its peak foliage the first two weeks of October.
Finger Lakes peak colors
Higher elevations in the Finger Lakes region start showing some vibrant leaves and bring color changes in early October, but in general most of the region hits its color peak in mid- to late-October. You can view it best by taking scenic drives around a lake - or to some vineyards - or visiting state parks.
Hudson Valley peak foliage
Peak color typically lands in the Hudson Valley between mid-to-late-October and early November. Leaves typically start to turn in the region in late September. Scenic drives and the region's state parks are among the best ways to immerse yourself in seasonal splendor.
New York City and Long Island peak colors
Late October and early November are typically the timeframe to see peak color on Long Island and in New York City.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: When New York's fall foliage will peak: Best times to see autumn colors by region
