This is the second 2026 I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report for New York State. Reports are obtained from more than 100 volunteer field observers and reflect expected color conditions for the coming weekend. Reports are issued every Wednesday afternoon. I LOVE NY defines “peak” as the best overall appearance the foliage will have during the season, taking into account color transition, brilliance, and leaf droppage.
Beautiful fall colors continue to emerge across New York State, with the most significant foliage changes this weekend expected in the Adirondacks. Noteworthy changes are also anticipated for some areas in the Catskills and Central New York, according to the field reports from volunteer observers for the Empire State Development Division of Tourism’s I LOVE NY program.
Locations with the most significant foliage changes this weekend will include Wilmington, Tupper Lake, Newcomb, Benson, Lake Pleasant, Long Lake and Old Forge (Adirondacks); Delhi, Windham and Highmount (Catskills); and Sharon Springs, Cherry Valley and Utica (Central New York).
Adirondacks report
Clinton County:
15% foliage change in Plattsburgh with mostly muted yellow leaves.
Essex County:
55% change and near peak in Wilmington at Whiteface Mountain with seasonal colors.
40% change in Wilmington with mostly red and orange leaves.
40% change in Newcomb with average-to-bright shades of red and orange.
25% change in Lake Placid with bright isolated splashes of crimson, deep red, burnt orange, and soft muted yellows.
15% change in Crown Point with golden tones on some trees, some russets, and an occasional splash of orange.
20% change in the Ticonderoga area with average-to-bright hints of yellow and early shades of orange and red.
Franklin County:
50-55% foliage change in Tupper Lake and Mt. Arab with copper, butterscotch, butter cup, tangerine, plum and scarlet hues of average brilliance.
30% change in Malone with touches of red and orange.
25% change in Saranac Lake with bright and beautiful reds and yellows.
Hamilton County:
50% change at Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center in Benson with muted yellow and bronze leaves, plus scattered pockets of red, burgundy and orange.
40% change in Lake Pleasant with bright shades of red and orange and a few yellows.
40% change in Long Lake with red hues along with bright orange and some splashes of yellow peeking through.
Herkimer County:
35% change in Old Forge with increasing shades of red, burgundy, orange and gold.
Lewis County:
20% change at Singing Waters Park in Greig with some average-to-bright yellow and orange leaves emerging from the mostly green backdrop. Scattered maples are showing vivid orange and red, with some yellow appearing on birches along the creek.
St. Lawrence County:
35% change in Wanakena at Five Ponds Wilderness with brilliant shades of red and vibrant oranges and yellows, and some leaf droppage.
Warren County:
20% change in Queensbury with muted orange and yellow leaves.
Less than 20% change in Lake George with small patches of yellow and orange.
If you see some fall color in your area, snap a photo and send it to ezra@adirondackexplorer.org. Be sure to include your name and community so we can give you proper credit.
Community news stories come from press releases and other notices from organizations, businesses, state agencies and other groups.
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