Find Fall Foliage in and Around New York City

New York City is America’s greatest monument to all things man-made: From its shimmering skyscrapers to its bustling avenues to its bright lights, the city is a busily beautiful metropolis. However this doesn’t mean that the city isn’t connected with Mother Nature. For example, look no further than fall, when New York City’s foliage bursts into blazing hues of red, yellow and beyond.

NYC fall foliage is easy to find from the Midtown East location of The New York Palace. Just walk a few blocks uptown to Central Park, take the 4 Train to Prospect Park, embark on a Hudson River cruise, or head north via train or car to the rolling, wooded terrain of Westchester County. Wherever your travels take you, you’re sure to find New York’s natural beauty.

The region’s fall foliage hits its stunning peak in mid-to-late October, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Picture-Perfect Places to Enjoy Fall Foliage Near NYC:

Central Park

Just eight blocks north of The New York Palace, Central Park acts as the heart of New York City in every season, and fall is no exception. The park features more than 25,000 trees spread across its 840 acres, including a stand of 1,700 American Elms and a densely forested area called The Ramble. The easiest – and most affordable – way to explore the park is by foot, although you can also hitch a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, flag down a pedicab, or rent a bicycle of your own. Be sure to walk the scenic path around the Reservoir in the middle of the park – it provides great views of the park’s trees and the city’s skyscrapers.

Prospect Park

Central Park’s younger sibling to the south is Prospect Park, located in the heart of Brooklyn. Prospect Park’s 585 acres sit just 30 minutes from The New York Palace via the 2, 3, B, or Q lines. The park is much more heavily wooded than Central Park, as its walking, jogging and running path cuts through thick swaths of trees before opening up to the majestic statue in the middle of Grand Army Plaza. The park is adjacent to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which includes acres of diverse plant life and foliage for a nominal entry fee.

Bear Mountain Cruise

The most leisurely way to enjoy the fall colors is on a Hudson River cruise to Bear Mountain. The Bear Mountain cruise, offered by Circle Line Sightseeing, heads up the Hudson each Saturday and Sunday through the end of October, departing from New York’s Pier 83 (12th Avenue and 42nd Street) at 9am. The boat docks at Bear Mountain for three hours, allowing you more than enough time to enjoy beer, treats and music at the state park’s Oktoberfest celebration. Enjoy the beautiful foliage on the hillsides surrounding the river before boarding the boat back to the city.

Palisades Cruise

For a shorter Hudson River cruise option, try one of Circle Line’s Fall Foliage Cruises. The basic Fall Foliage Cruise departs from the South Street Seaport at 11am during October and November, head up the Hudson to the towering Palisades, and back to New York City by 4:30pm. This cruise allows you to enjoy a day full of brilliant foliage before returning to the city for dinner at GILT and a show on Broadway.

Pyramid Mountain

Head across the Hudson via the Midtown Tunnel and enjoy the natural beauty of Morris County, New Jersey. Pyramid Mountain is a hidden gem in the heart of a state not exactly renowned for its thick forests and rolling hills. Located about 45 minutes west of The New York Palace by car, the Pyramid Mountain Loop hiking trail provides breathtaking views of not only the fall foliage, but also Manhattan’s stunning skyline from a distance.

For more information on planning fall travel to New York City, please do not hesitate to reach out to our friendly staff.