Roll down your windows, cue up your favorite playlist, and breathe in the crisp autumn air as you journey through New York State’s most scenic routes. Whether you’re admiring the vibrant foliage of the Adirondack High Peaks, winding your way along the picturesque shores of the Finger Lakes, or cruising through charming Main Streets, these scenic fall road trip itineraries are filled with must-see stops, quaint small towns, and everything in between. Hit the road and experience New York State at its most spectacular!

Greater Niagara & Chautauqua Allegheny Regions

Start here: Niagara Falls

End here: Chautauqua County

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Set out on an unforgettable road trip starting at the iconic Niagara Falls. Witness the awe-inspiring power of the falls up close on a Maid of The Mist Boat Tour, or take a walk along the park’s scenic trails for fantastic leaf-peeping. After soaking in the beauty of this natural wonder, drive along the Niagara Scenic Parkway, which offers breathtaking views of the Niagara River and surrounding foliage.

Continue your journey about 30 minutes to Buffalo, a city rich in culture, history, and of course, wings! Explore the revitalized waterfront at Canalside, visit the AKG Art Museum, and indulge in the original buffalo wings at Anchor Bar. If you’d like to spend more time in Buffalo, the Courtyard by Marriott is a prime and affordable overnight option. When you’re ready to hit the road, head just under an hour south to Ellicottville, a charming village known for its cozy atmosphere and outdoor adventures. Stroll through the quaint streets lined with boutiques and cafes, make some furry friends at Sugartown Farm Alpacas, or take a scenic chairlift ride at Holiday Valley Resort for a bird’s-eye view of the autumn landscape.

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Next, venture to Allegany State Park, the largest state park in New York, which offers a stunning array of fall colors. Once you’ve enjoyed the natural beauty, continue to Jamestown, home to the National Comedy Center and the Lucy Desi Museum. You can purchase a discounted combo ticket to visit both attractions, where you’ll explore interactive exhibits that celebrate the art of comedy and its legendary performers. You’ll also have the chance to watch unaired scenes and view props and sets from the classic television show I Love Lucy. For a bite to eat, drop by Labyrinth Press Co. & Brazil Lounge, an eclectic hangout featuring vegetarian fare, fair-trade coffee, and live music in an art-filled setting.

From Jamestown, take a scenic drive to Chautauqua along the shores of Chautauqua Lake, where picturesque views enhance the area’s rich offerings. Visit the Chautauqua Institution, a historic community known for its educational programs and arts events. Consider spending the night on-site at the historic Athenaeum Hotel, which offers lodging as comfortable as it is beautiful. Explore the more rural parts of Chautauqua County along the Amish Trail, where you can immerse yourself in traditional living culture, wander through farmlands, and purchase handcrafted mementos to remember your trip.

Adirondacks & Thousand Islands Regions

Start here: Lake Placid

End here: Alexandria Bay

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Embark on an exciting seasonal getaway beginning in Lake Placid, nestled in the heart of the “Forever Wild” Adirondacks. Start off with a visit to the Olympic Legacy Sites, where you can relive the thrills of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Games. Take in the panoramic views from the top of the Olympic Jumping Complex or glide across the ice at the famous skating rinks. Ascend to Mt. Van Hoevenberg and experience the thrill of the Cliffside Coaster, North America’s longest mountain coaster. As you zoom down the mountain you’ll be surrounded by postcard-worthy vistas, making for an unforgettable ride.

Next, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the serene shores of Mirror Lake, where you can also explore the charming shops that line both sides of Main Street. and browse the many shops that line both sides of Main Street. Savor some al fresco Southern BBQ and pub fare at Smoke Signals before settling in for the night at the lakeside Mirror Lake Inn or Crowne Plaza, ensuring a restful sleep before your next adventure.

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Continue westward to Tupper Lake, where The Wild Center and Wild Walk offers a truly unique experience of the Adirondacks’ natural beauty. Walk among the treetops on the Wild Walk, an elevated trail that provides sweeping views of the surrounding forest, and explore interactive exhibits that celebrate the region’s rich ecology. For a hidden gem in the Adirondacks offering big rewards with minimal effort (1 mile hike), Coney Mountain is a must, delivering unparalleled panoramic views. Pick up some coffee and donuts from The Donut Shoppe to fuel up for the next leg of your journey.

From Tupper Lake, set out on a two-hour journey to Alexandria Bay. Once there, seize the day by exploring the majestic region from the water. Hop on a scenic cruise with Uncle Sam Boat Tours to marvel at the opulent homes along Millionaires Row, and visit both Boldt Castle and Singer Castle, located on separate islands in the St. Lawrence River. As you conclude your road trip, take a quick drive over to Wellesley Island State Park via the Thousand Islands Bridge, which offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding islands from above. This secluded paradise boasts fantastic fishing spots, amazing views, and the ​​Minna Anthony Common Nature Center. As the largest camping complex in the region, with 432 campsites ranging from tent sites to fully outfitted cottages, Wellesley Island State Park is the perfect place to spend the night beneath the stars and the canopy of trees.

Catskills Region

Start here: Bethel

End here: Roxbury

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Kick off your fall getaway in Bethel, where you can immerse yourself in music history at the museum and groove to live music at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the site of the legendary 1969 Woodstock Festival. Continue your journey along scenic route 55, which showcases the stunning Catskills Park. In about an hour and a half, you’ll reach Woodstock, a town renowned for its vibrant arts scene and bohemian vibe. Stroll through the charming streets filled with galleries, boutiques, and cafes that capture the essence of this iconic town. If you’re in the mood to stretch your legs, hike to the top of Overlook Mountain to see mountain house ruins, climb the firetower, and enjoy the stunning fall colors of the trees and leaves along the way.

Next, head 20 minutes down the road to Phoenicia for a unique experience with Rail Explorers. Pedal your way through the beautiful woods of the Catskills Mountains alongside the Esopus Creek on the historic Delaware & Ulster Railroad. While you’re in town, grab a bite at the famous Phoenicia Diner, where the meals are as instagram-worthy as the setting.

From there, cruise over to Tannersville, a charming mountain town often referred to as the “painted village in the sky” due to its colorful buildings. Enjoy the local shops and eateries; don’t miss tryinga grass-fed burger, homemade shake, and fries at Mama’s Boys Burgers.

Your journey continues just a few minutes down the road to Hunter Mountain, a premier fall  destination in its own right! Take a scenic skyride to the summit, hike the trails, and climb the firetower for panoramic views of the Catskills in their autumn splendor. On fall weekends, the mountain hosts the ever-popular Oktoberfest, adding a festive touch to your visit. Fall weekends bring the ever-popular Oktoberfest back to the mountain. Afterward, celebrate with a craft beer and a delicious meal at Hunter Mountain Brewery.

Conclude your trip in Roxbury, where you can stay at the whimsical Roxbury Motel, a one-of-a-kind destination, featured on HGTV as “one of the most amazing hotels in the entire country.”

Capital-Saratoga & Hudson Valley Regions

Start here: Saratoga Springs

End here: Sleepy Hollow

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Your excursion begins in the beautiful and bustling downtown Saratoga Springs. Grab a coffee and bagel from Uncommon Grounds and discover the many shops, galleries, and venues along historic Broadway. Just outside of downtown, you’ll find Saratoga Spa State Park, home to 21 mineral springs, a geyser trail, the Roosevelt Baths, SPAC, the Saratoga Automobile Museum, and 2,379 acres of towering trees and stunning fall foliage.

From there, head south for about 45 minutes, with views along the Hudson River, to reach the scenic countryside of Columbia County. Along the way, you’ll pass U-pick orchards, including the fall favorite Golden Harvest Farms. Enjoy a crisp cider and a scratch-made cider donut, pick a bushel of apples, or explore Harvest Spirits, New York’s first distillery offering tastings and sales directly from the farm, where they use the orchard’s apples for their products. A few minutes down the road, you’ll discover Art Omi, a larger-than-life sculpture park where the eclectic art is rivaled only by the surrounding natural landscape.

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A short drive from Art Omi will take you to Hudson, where Warren Street is lined with picturesque architecture, alluring antique shops, diverse dining options, and luxurious lodging. If you wish to spend more time in Hudson, settle into The Nest, a charming boutique hotel perfectly situated right next to Warren Street. 

From Hudson, an hour-long drive along the scenic Taconic State Parkway will showcase the countryside and mountains as you make your way to Poughkeepsie. While there, don’t miss a walk on the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge, the Walkway Over the Hudson, which spans 1.28 miles over the Hudson River. After working up an appetite, grab a sandwich from Rosticceria Rossi & Sons, located just a mile down the road.

As you near your destination, make a stop in nearby Tarrytown to visit Lyndhurst, one of America’s finest Gothic Revival mansions. If you’re there at the right time, book a “Lyndhurst After Dark” tour, perfect for the spirited season. Then, settle in for the night at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel, so you’re well-rested for exploring the town the next day. On your final day, explore this haunting haven full of tricks and treats. Be sure to visit the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, the Old Dutch Church, and Rockefeller State Park Preserve, where you can enjoy seasonal activities such as hiking, bird-watching, and fishing.

Central NY & Finger Lakes Regions

Start here: Cooperstown

End here: Letchworth State Park

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Start your autumn escape in the charming village of Cooperstown, where sports enthusiasts can slide into home at the National Baseball Hall of Fame. For those who prefer a taste of the local offerings, head to Fly Creek Cider Mill, where you can tour a working cider mill, sample locally-made ciders, wines, beers, and spirits, enjoy a refreshing cider slushie, stock up on goodies at the marketplace, and visit with farm animals. Brew enthusiasts will love the craft beers at Brewery Ommegang, set against the backdrop of vibrant autumn landscapes and seasonal events and music at the farmhouse brewery.

Wander onward with an idyllic drive along the shores of Otsego Lake, known affectionately as “Glimmerglass” for its crystal-clear waters and also part of Glimmerglass State Park. Continue west toward Syracuse, where you can explore the city’s cultural heritage in the Armory Square Historic District, shop over 250 brands at DestinyUSA, or enjoy a meal at one of the city’s acclaimed restaurants, including the original Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and Apizza Regionale. If you’re looking to rest before continuing your road trip, book a room at Hotel Skyler, an eclectic boutique hotel that was once a temple and theater.

A short drive from Syracuse will bring you to Green Lakes State Park, famous for its two glacial lakes with strikingly clear blue-green waters. Nearby, Chittenango Falls State Park is also worth a visit, where you can witness a roaring 167-foot waterfall cascading into a gorge. Both parks offer some of the best leaf-peeping opportunities in the region.

From there, travel along the Scenic Route 20 Byway, which offers breathtaking views of Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake, and Canandaigua Lake. This drive is a highlight of the Finger Lakes region, featuring rolling vineyards, charming towns, and picturesque landscapes at every turn. As you head toward your destination, make a stop at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park in Canandaigua. Wander through the beautifully preserved gardens and tour the stately mansion.

Your final stop, the “Grand Canyon of the East” awaits you! Letchworth State Park’s dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and lush landscapes are truly magnificent in the fall. Stay overnight on-site at the historic Glen Iris Inn so you can see the park’s beauty at both sunrise and sunset, and you can also enjoy fine dining overlooking the magnificent Middle Falls.

Don’t forget to post photos of your New York adventures on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter with #iSpyNY and tag us on Facebook!