If you’re looking to plan a weekend fall getaway to New York State, we’ve got countless ideas to help you get started. Our suggestions run the entire season of autumn and will bring you to just about every region in New York State. You can go pumpkin and apple picking, attend festivals, Halloween and other holiday events, enjoy a tasting at a winery, brewery or cidery, or simply admire the beauty of fall foliage at many nature spots through New York State. Here are our tips for fall weekend trips in New York. Credit: @rts2346_ru on Instagram
Updated 08/18/2026 | Originally published 09/09/2022
JUMP TO: Thousand Islands-Seaway | Central New York | Capital-Saratoga | Greater Niagara | Finger Lakes | Adirondacks | Catskills | More in Greater Niagara | Hudson Valley | Chautauqua-Allegheny | Long Island | New York City
Castles and Quaint Villages, September 5-6, Thousand Islands-Seaway
Credit: @visit1000islands on Instagram
Take an outing on the St. Lawrence Seaway to visit two architectural marvels—only accessible by boat—before they close down for the year. Cruise over to Boldt Castle (pictured) on Heart Island through October 12 to learn the heartbreaking story behind this magnificent structure and scope out antique wooden boats, including some from the original Boldt fleet, displayed at the castle’s Yacht House on Wellesley Island, where tours are also available.
Frederick Gilbert Bourne, president of the Singer Sewing Company, called Singer Castle on Dark Island home and you can explore its luxurious interior furnishings, medieval entranceway, and secret passageway through October 18.
Credit: Emma Frisbie
The charming village of Alexandria Bay, considered to be the heart of the Thousand Islands, is chock full of restaurants and shops for a perfect fall day out on the town. Blu Anchor touts waterside views with classic American breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Windows on the Bay at the Riveredge Resort offers amazing bay views from three sides and a casual dining atmosphere, while Wolfes Kountry Kottage is a hot breakfast spot as crowds come in for their well-sized meal portions. As for shopping, Good Dog Charlie’s is the place to go for Thousand Islands apparel and souvenirs.
For classic fall fun, head about 40 miles south on over to Old McDonald’s Farm in Sackets Harbor for their “Fall on the Farm” season through Halloween, complete with pumpkin picking, two corn mazes (opens September 12), and warm homemade cider donuts. Plus, the farm is celebrating 40 years in 2026 with a commemorative corn maze.
Small Town Charm and Home Runs in Cooperstown, September 12-13, Central New York
Those looking for small town charm, stunning natural beauty, and baseball galore, should spend a fall weekend in Cooperstown. Baseball enthusiasts and casual fans will have a ball exploring the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, home to three floors of exhibit space dedicated to baseball history alongside Hall of Fame members bronze plaques. After hitting the museum, soak up the local vibes on the village’s main street lined with restaurants, cafes, cute shops, and more.
Travel back to New York State circa 1845 at the Fenimore Farm and Country Village. As one of the oldest living history museums in the country, you’ll get to experience village life, historic exhibits, craft demonstrations, and hands-on activities like weaving. From September 12-13, celebrate the bounty of fall during Harvest Festival with two days of vendors, crafts, food, live music, animals, games and more!
Experience History, Nature, and Haunted Ghost Tours, September 19-20, Capital-Saratoga
Credit: @hauntedhistorytrailofnys on Instagram
History buffs and nature enthusiasts alike will find plenty of fall adventure in the Capital-Saratoga region. Saratoga National Historical Park is a must-visit during America 250 and teaches a significant moment in the American Revolutionary War and is also the site of the Schuyler House, which once belonged to the father of Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy Schuyler who became household names in the Broadway musical, Hamilton. The park is also holding a September Encampment event, where you can watch soldier reenactors perform military exercises (including firing muskets) while followers and soldiers sew and cook provisions.
Not only can you snag panoramic views of the Hudson-Mohawk valleys and the Adirondack and Green mountains, but John Boyd Thacher State Park (pictured) in Voorheesville also has a visitor center with geological and historical exhibits, a nature center, and a thrilling adventure course that’s open through October 25. Congress Park in Saratoga Springs makes for the perfect backdrop for a picnic spot while Saratoga Spa State Park contains a variety of trails and loops for hiking, cycling or a short drive-thru to bask in the season. Hadley Mountain has an open summit with a fire tower that both provide beautiful overhead views.
Courtesy of Susan Meyer
Cider lovers should check out New York’s first farm cidery, Nine Pin Cider Works, and the family-friendly orchard, Saratoga Apple. Head to Ellms Family Farm (pictured) in Ballston Spa for their corn maze, pumpkin patch, kiddie train rides, and multiple action zones, or cap off a day of apple picking with a refreshing cider slushy at the 98-acre Bowman Orchards in Rexford. For those looking to get into the Halloween spirit, venture out into the night with Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tours (pictured) through November 7.
Feel the Mist and Fall Air at Niagara Falls, September 26-27, Greater Niagara
Credit: Getty Images
Niagara Falls State Park (pictured) can have some breathtaking fall foliage, as trees turn shades of red and gold amid views of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls. The Cave of the Winds gets even closer to the water with an elevator ride down to Niagara Gorge and then a walk along a set of wooden railways to the “Hurricane Deck” viewing platform while The Maid of The Mist’s iconic catamarans bring you close enough to feel the mist as you wear their famous blue poncho.
Discover more unique experiences with a walk amid the history of Old Fort Niagara, which has been along the Niagara River for over 300 years and under the control of French, British and American military forces. The Aquarium of Niagara cares for seals and other marine animals, and is home to Humboldt Penguins and other aquatic life. Be sure to check out Great Lakes 360 to get to know the aquatic locals. Niagara Power Vista in Lewiston teaches about hydroelectric power through virtual reality and hands-on experiments.
Explore the flavors of the region along the New York Niagara Wine Trail which thrives thanks to a microclimate well suited for producing wines, meads, and ciders. Becker Farms in Gasport offers U-Pick apples and pumpkins, plus tours of Vizcarra Vineyards and the farms’ brewery.
Get your fall fix and celebrate the harvest at The Great Pumpkin Farm (open September 19-October 31) in Clarence where you’ll find rides, contests, apple cannons, a boo barn, and so many other attractions, plus the World Pumpkin Weigh-Off on October 3.
Glass Making and Trail Hopping, October 3-4, Finger Lakes
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Try your hand at glassmaking (or watch the pros do it) and bring home a unique souvenir to remember your trip at the Corning Museum of Glass (pictured). Along with this museum, Corning’s downtown Gaffer District has a historic Main Street aligned with eateries, including Carey’s Brew House, and galleries and shops.
The Rockwell Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate showcasing the American experience through fine art and has a fun hands-on studio for kids just around the corner with activities inspired by the art and architecture of the museum.
Credit: @senecalakewine on Instagram
Sip your way through the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, about a 35 minute drive outside of Corning. Be sure to explore popular stops like Fox Run Vineyards, Lakewood Vineyards, and Wagner Vineyards. While you’re in the area you may also want to check out nature spots like Watkins Glen State Park, with a nearly two-mile system of waterfalls and gorges.
Take a Fall Cruise in Lake George, October 10-11, Adirondacks
Credit: @travellerari on Instagram
Get a different view of fall foliage by going on a cruise with the over 200-year-old Lake George Steamboat Company (pictured), which puts on specialty-themed sailings through the end of October 18.
For hiking, Prospect Mountain is a popular spot in Lake George, with a modern-to-difficult 3.2 mile round trip route via an old cable railway that rewards hikers with lovely summit views. As an alternative, take the Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway, a 5.5-mile winding road. Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, 30 minutes outside of Lake George, in Pottersville has self-guided tours of this geological wonder with a trail descending into lighted caves and grottos.
Hudson Pointe Nature Preserve in Queensbury traces along the banks of the Hudson with a 2.6-mile trail system. Lake George Land Conservancy Preserves & Trails is a collective of passive use trails within the Lake George Watershed with varying routes and skill levels.
Explore history at the Fort William Henry Museum, a reconstructed British fort built amid the French and Indian War, and search for clues as you navigate your way through towering stalks of corn at Fort Ticonderoga‘s corn maze through October 25.
Adirondack Winery (pictured) has tasting rooms in Lake George and Queensbury; make a reservation for sampling their semi-sweet fruit-infused wines and traditional dry white and red varieties. For a special treat, Lake George Village Oktoberfest (October 9-11) turns Canada Street into a Bavarian-style street fair.
Film Festival Screenings, Scenic Drives, and Cider Sipping, October 17-18, Catskills
Credit: Dion Ogust/Woodstock Film Festival
Make your way to the Catskills for the 27th annual Woodstock Film Festival, taking place from October 14-18. With the mountains as your backdrop, enjoy five days packed with acclaimed independent film screenings and premieres, conversations with top industry professionals, live performances, and more special events. The full lineup of events and tickets will be released mid-September on the Woodstock Film Festival website.
In between screenings, explore the charming town of Woodstock, home to a vibrant arts scene, independent shops and art galleries, farm-to-table dining, and more. Seek out fall colors on stunning hiking trails like Overlook Mountain or The Comeau Property Trail. Want to go for a fall ride? Take a scenic drive along the 52-mile Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway (Route 28) through small Catskills towns and along rolling hills and waterways. Along the way treat yourself to a stop at Phoenicia Diner, which has been a Catskills staple since the 1980s.
Thanks to good soil conditions, apples harvested in The Catskills make for great hard cider and the perfect finish to a satisfying fall getaway. Wayside Cider’s taproom (pictured) is housed in a restored barn with picnic tables outside that are perfect for indulging in the sharp and crisp flavors of small batch ciders blending wild and dessert apples as you take in views of the tree-covered hilltops. The wood pallet-lined walls of the taproom at Awestruck Ciders is a cozy space to savor the unique releases of their ciders blending fresh-pressed apples with natural herbs and spices. The Catskills Beverage Trail also connects wineries and breweries if you’re looking for more flavors of the region.
Canalside Sights, Cider Mills, and Charming Downtowns, October 24-25, Greater Niagara
Credit: @crow_biz on Instagram
Though the air might be cooler, it’s still a fine time to soak in the beauty of the historic Erie Canal. Go for a stroll or bike ride on the Lockport to Middleport portion of the 360-mile Erie Canalway Trail, where you’ll pass by the dramatic Five Locks Park and scenic countryside and water views.
Dive into even more canal history at the Erie Canal Discovery Center, where you can check out exhibits about the creation of the canal and locks in the 19th Century.
Cider slushies and donuts are all the rage at Smith’s Orchard Cider Mill in Pendleton, but you can also get your hands on the raw ingredients by picking your own apples at their 20-acre orchard and sampling cider as it flows straight out of their 100-year-old press. Other pick your own apple farms include LynOaken Farms in Medina, with their season going through November 1.
CREDIT: @STEAMWORKSCOFFEEROASTERS ON INSTAGRAM
Looking to walk off some of those donuts? Meander through Lockport’s charming downtown with restaurants, antique shops, and more. Pop into Steamwork’s Coffee for a specialty beverage like pumpkin spice lattes or a sweet treat.
Halloween on The Hudson, October 31-November 1, Hudson Valley
Credit: @arturoexplores on Instagram
Sleepy Hollow is the place to be during the Halloween season as it goes all in with haunted hayrides, parades, and other events nodding to the classic American horror tale that made the town famous. Book a walking tour of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery (pictured), the final resting place of Washington Irving, author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. You can also explore Irving’s cottage, Sunnyside and witness a special performance of the chilling tale under the stars.
For some non-Halloween thrills, a half hour drive away, visitors can spend the day exploring the miles of natural beauty along the Old Croton Aqueduct State Park Trailway, which also offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River and Palisades. Also a short drive away, the New Croton Dam and waterfall get a colorful punch at the 97-acre Croton Gorge Park.
Credit: @angelavtorbus_ on Instagram
Get back into the Halloween spirit at the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze (September 18-November 8) as more than 7,000 illuminated jack o’ lanterns—all designed and hand-carved on site—set off an eerie glow in Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson. (Tickets for this event go fast, so make sure to book yours early!)
Comedy, Sips, and Scenery in Jamestown, November 7-8, Chautauqua-Allegheny
Credit: Jay Rosenblatt
Looking to have a good laugh this fall? Head to Jamestown and pay a visit to the National Comedy Center, dedicated to the art of comedy, your favorite comedians, and laughter. Explore more than 50 immersive exhibits like Laugh Battle, Comedy Karaoke, The Virtual Writer’s Desk, Late Night Studio Camera, and more. Let the good times roll and stop at the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, which celebrates the legacy of Lucille Ball and the First Couple of Comedy with memorabilia, awards, video, and photographs from their lives and film and television work. Be sure to purchase the dual admission ticket, which gives you discounted access to both museums!
Pack a picnic or explore the gentle quarter-mile trail at Chautauqua Gorge State Forest (pictured below) with two stopping points along the way to soak in the scenery, which becomes even grander in the fall when leaves become sparse, opening up views of the gorge. The forest connects to the Fred J. Westside Overland Trail, a 24-mile trail system that runs through the Mount Pleasant State Forest, for those looking to extend their hike.
Credit: @tourchautauqua on Instagram
Get to know the area’s more than 150-year history of grape-growing history at the Grape Discover Center in Westfield, with exhibits and displays that tell the story of the Lake Erie Concord Grape region. To sample the products of these fine grapes, Lake Erie Wine Country features year-round wineries along the south shore of Lake Erie. Also worth checking out is Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing in Westfield, which shares space with Mazza Chautauqua Cellars as New York State’s first combined brewery, winery, and distillery with a patio space. Mazza does have non-alcoholic drink options.
Historic Sites, Fall Hues, and Wine Tastings in Oyster Bay, November 14-15, Long Island
In Oyster Bay, be sure to add Sagamore Hill to your fall foliage must-visit list. The former home of President Theodore Roosevelt and his family, this landmark is now a U.S. National Historic Site surrounded by natural beauty. Nearby Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park (pictured), a 1920s Gold Coast estate, welcomes in fall with the blooming of winterberry, dahlias, irises, and Japanese maples. Designed by the Olmsted brothers, the estate grounds extend to greenhouses, rolling lawns, formal gardens, wooden paths, and plant collections. The Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve in Lloyd Harbor also has nature trails across acres of woodland, meadows, rock shoreline, and salt marsh.
Credit: @liwinecountry on Instagram
If you’re looking for a special sweet treat in the form of apple pies, donuts, and cider, then a trip to the Jericho Cider Mill is a must. And to sample the splendor of Long Island Wine Country, try Del Vino Vineyards in Northport with stunning scenery and superb sips.
Exploring The Bronx, November 21-22, New York City
Credit: Anna Pakman
Get a taste of Italy on the Bronx’s Arthur Avenue, home to world class restaurants, including Enzo’s of Arthur Avenue, and longtime establishments ranging from Mario’s Restaurant, a family-run Neapolitan institution since 1919, to Ann & Tony’s, a neighborhood fixture since 1927. Shop for artisan foods at the Arthur Avenue Retail Market and get a cannoli from Madonia Brothers Bakery.
Explore the carriage house, gardens, grounds, and majestic interior of the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, the last remaining 19th century estate home in The Bronx Pelham Bay area, located in Pelham Bay Park, which is NYC’s largest public park—more than three times the size of Central Park!
Make a half day at the Bronx Zoo (pictured), which houses more than 10,000 animals including gorillas, giraffes, rhinoceros, and various birds, amphibians, and reptiles. Ride the Wild Asia Monorail to see wildlife from this continent lingering in their habitats. Then round out the day exploring Woodlawn Cemetery, the final resting place for noteworthy entertainers, civic leaders, famous New Yorkers, and entrepreneurs—including Herman Melville, Dorothy Parker, Celia Cruz, Miles Davis, Irving Berlin, and Duke Ellington.
The Bronx Brewery makes its own suds signifying the borough’s community, with a taproom and backyard space ideal for enjoying the tasty wares offered by Empanology and Empie Artisanal Pizza.
Get into the spirit of the winter holiday season at the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Day Show (2026 dates to be announced), where model trains are on display amid a setup featuring miniatures of NYC’s famous landmarks. While you’re here, spend some time within the gardens.
Don’t forget to post photos of your New York adventures on Instagram and Twitter with #iSpyNY and tag us on Facebook!