The leaves are turning, but as New Yorkers know all too well, it won't be long before the scenic fall views give way to snow and freezing temperatures. Because of this, many people plan their fall activities early, including visits to their favorite fall foliage spots.
New York is known for its beautiful fall views, but the Finger Lakes Region may have some of the best fall foliage spots in the state. If you're deciding where to enjoy the beauty of fall, consider adding the Finger Lakes to your list.
Whether you're looking to experience the best of New York's fall foliage while hiking, sitting at an overlook, taking a scenic drive, visiting a lake or winery, or taking a fall train ride, the Finger Lakes has something for everyone.
Here are seven
of the best fall foliage spots in the Finger Lakes to check out this autumn.
Trumansburg-Ithaca loop
The Trumansburg-Ithaca loop offers some of the most scenic fall foliage views in the Finger Lakes. Located along the southwestern side of Cayuga Lake, the loop runs from Trumansburg in Tompkins County to Ithaca and back to Trumansburg.
During your trip through Ithaca, you can stop for lunch at the popular Ithaca Commons or explore the area's state parks and waterfalls.
On your way back to Trumansburg, be sure to stop at Taughannock Falls State Park, home to one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, near the shores of Cayuga Lake.
Carolabarb Park
Carolabarb Park, located on County Road 12 in Ontario County, is also known as the South Bristol Overlook. The park offers stunning views of Canandaigua Lake and the surrounding fall foliage as you make your way toward Naples.
The surrounding hills and lake views have made this spot a popular destination for photographers, locals and visitors. The park and overlook offer a parking lot and several picnic tables.
Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park is the oldest state park in the Finger Lakes region and is located near the southern end of Seneca Lake in Schuyler County.
The park is known for its stunning gorge trail, with stone bridges and chiseled tunnels that become even more beautiful when surrounded by vibrant fall colors. The 1.5-mile trail includes two popular waterfalls: Cavern Cascade and Rainbow Falls.
Cayuga Leaf Limited rail experience
The Finger Lakes Rail Experience is bringing back its Cayuga Leaf Limited rail excursion in October. The excursion departs from Waterloo, New York, and includes a 90-minute train ride through the Cayuga Lake region, highlighting its fall colors and scenery.
The Cayuga Leaf Limited offers trips to Aurelius or Martisco between Oct. 2 and Oct. 25. On Oct. 24, the Finger Lakes Rail Experience will offer a single six-hour trip from Waterloo to Martisco. The trip will include a continental breakfast, boxed lunch, souvenir route guide and a museum tour of the historic Martisco station.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit flxrailexperience.com/new-york-fall-color-train/.
Seneca Lake Scenic Byway
The Seneca Lake Scenic Byway is a 19-mile route along the southeastern shore of Seneca Lake.
The route includes scenic views of Watkins Glen State Park, Lodi Point State Marine Park in Seneca County and Hector Falls. The drive also offers plenty of places to eat, as well as wineries, breweries and distilleries. Several parks and hiking trails are located along the route.
Keuka Lake
Keuka Lake is one of the Finger Lakes' most beloved destinations. Its unique Y shape provides scenic fall views from many points around the lake, including the numerous wineries along its shores.
The Bluffs are a favorite fall spot because they offer panoramic views of the lake. Hammondsport, a village at the southern end of Keuka Lake, is also known for its scenic fall foliage.
Naples
Naples, located in southwestern Ontario County along the southern end of Canandaigua Lake, has some of the best fall foliage views in the Finger Lakes region.
Grimes Glen Park and Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreational Area are both great spots to visit as the leaves begin to change. You can also take a scenic drive along Route 21, which features seasonal roadside farm stands and eateries.
Naples is also home to the popular Naples Grape Festival, which is held every fall.
—Madison Scott is a New York Connect reporter, covering entertainment, breaking and consumer news, and trending topics with a focus on stories that matter to readers across New York state. She also has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't helpfamilies with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@USATodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 7 best fall foliage spots in New York's Finger Lakes to visit this autumn
