Upstate New York has an embarrassment of riches to offer any road tripper who ventures out during our famous autumn season.
Not to be missed is Schoharie County, just west of the Capital Region.
Known for its sprawling farms and farmstands, charming diners and fine restaurants, and a variety of museums for history enthusiasts, Schoharie County is the perfect destination for a fall getaway. And there is no better time to explore than in the throes of stunning fall color.
Here’s a bucket list of a dozen must-see stops to help you “Fall for Schoharie County” this season.
The American Hotel The American Hotel in Sharon Springs , New York. Frank Ordoñez | The Post-Standard (Frank Ordoñez | The Post-Standard/Frank Ordoñez | The Post-Standard) Sharon Springs
A fun place to spend a couple of hours in the northern part of the county. Once famed for their “healing” mineral springs, the early glory of this popular vacation spot floundered as visitors went farther north to places like Saratoga Springs (which had gambling). Today, the village is undergoing a remarkable renaissance. There are several unique shops and boutiques to explore, a wonderful historic 1847 inn and restaurant for dining, and overnight stays (American Hotel). The village hosts several public festivals that are very popular throughout the year, with thousands attending. On top of all this, The Beekman 1802, owned by TV and lifestyle superstars (and village residents) “The Fabulous Beekman Boys” (Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell), is the busiest place on Main Street with many of the famous celebrities’ countless fans coming to visit Sharon Springs.
Built in 1772, the Old Stone Fort Museum was originally a Reformed Dutch Church and refigured as a frontier stockade fort in 1777. On Oct. 17, 1780, the British and their allies swept through the Schoharie Valley and attacked the fort, with many local farmers and families secured inside. Eventually, the enemy forces gave up and moved north, and the fort went back to being a watch post for Gen. George Washington’s armies.
The British left one “souvenir” for the patriots: An artillery shell fired by the Loyalists pierced the outside roofline of the fort/church. The hole in the wall made by this cannonball is still there for all to see. Now the home of the Schoharie County Historical Society, the museum inside holds more than 50,000 historical artifacts reflecting on life in this area.
Address: 145 Fort Road, Schoharie
Some of The Oldest Trees in the World
The small town of Gilboa is located in the southern area of Schoharie County. And, yes, they do have what are considered to be some of the oldest trees on earth. Now fossilized, these trunks and treetops were first discovered during an 1870 excavation. More of the trees were unearthed in 2004. Experts from around the world were called in to examine these fossilized tree remains, which were then declared “the oldest trees in the world.”
Since then, a new record-holder has been found in nearby Cairo, a forest scientists say is two million years older. While that makes Gilboa’s forest a shorter detour for die-hard tree enthusiasts, it’s still worth a stop. Visitors can see these ancient, stone-like remnants up close at the small museum on site — a tangible reminder of a time when dinosaurs roamed the region.
Address: 373 Route 990V, Gilboa
Howe Caverns Howe Caverns Adventure Park is located at 255 Discovery Drive in Howes Cave, N.Y. The park includes the famous Howe Caverns. (Stephen D. Cannerelli | Syracuse.com/Stephen D. Cannerelli | Syracuse.com)
“New York’s Most Famous Hole in the Ground!” Howe Caverns welcomes over 150,000 guests each year to go underground to see this extremely popular natural phenomenon. Tours are great fun for all ages, with many side activities found onsite (the underground boat ride is always a hit with visitors!). A full-service motel and restaurant add to your stay. The caverns, 160 feet underground, are considered to be the largest “show cave” in the nation. Also, Howe Caverns is the second most popular natural site destination for visitors in New York State, second only to Niagara Falls.
Address: 255 Discovery Dr., Howes Cave
Beautiful museum located just 1,000 yards down from the entrance to Howe Caverns. The museum building itself is a marvel, re-creating a modern look at a traditional Iroquois longhouse. Many events are held here, from historical reviews, author presentations, children’s hands-on activities and musical performances. The history of the Iroquois Nation in Upstate New York is told in numerous ways at this one-of-a-kind museum, through art, artifacts, clothing and more.
Address: 324 Caverns Road, Howes Cave
Secret Caverns The underground waterfall at Secret Caverns in Howes Cave, N.Y. The attraction is just down the road from bigger Howe Caverns. Sunny Hernandez | ahernandez@nyup.com (Sunny Hernandez/Sunny Hernandez | ahernandez@nyup.com) Secret Caverns
Not to be confused with her “big sister” a mile away (Howe Caverns), Secret Caverns gets plenty of cheers from the many visitors who come here each year. Of note is the astounding 100-foot-tall underground waterfall. This cave was discovered over a century ago, and the tours can be just a bit more taxing than those at Howe Caverns, but they are no less thrilling. For travelers’ convenience, you can visit Howe Caverns, Secret Caverns and the Iroquois Museum easily in one afternoon. They are all within a mile of each other.
Address: 671 Cavern Road, Howes Cave
The Dr. Best House and Medical Museum
A real off-the-grid museum not to be missed! Inside this grand and glorious Victorian-era home just off the Middleburgh’s Main Street, it tells the story of one family who provided more than a century of rural medical care to the Schoharie Valley. The museum looks as if Dr. Best had just left in his horse and buggy to answer a house call to a nearby farm family in the late 1800s. All of the original equipment, tools, medical apparatus, medicine tins, physical charts, appointment books and ledgers and price lists are just where the good doctor (and later, his doctor son) left them. Fascinating! And the price list? How about a daytime visit, $1. Baby delivery, $5. Single leg amputation, $30. This small museum is a real find!
Address: 1568 Clauverwie Road, Middleburgh
Schoharie Valley Farms Carrot Barn serving up cider doughnuts at Schoharie Valley Farms in Schoharie. Chuck D’Imperio | nyup.com (Chuck D’Imperio | nyup.com/Chuck D’Imperio | nyup.com) Schoharie Valley Farms
General George Washington once called Schoharie County “The Breadbasket of the Revolution,” for its rich farmland, pastures, orchards and all the accompanying roadside farmstands you would expect. Schoharie Valley Farms is one of the best and is now a major tourist destination. This sprawling farm is positively ablaze in color during the fall season. Stop in for their homemade cider donuts (they sell tens of thousands of them), cold-pressed apple cider, or maybe some homemade fudge. You can also buy a pantry full of fresh-picked vegetables, apples, pumpkins and flowers.
Next door is the Carrot Barn with lunches, crafts, artwork, and all kinds of goodies to purchase as a memento of your trip to this, one of the prettiest areas of the Empire State.
Address: 5605 Route 30, Schoharie
Stop and have a sip of beer at this amazing brewery. It sits atop a hill overlooking the valley below, with a tap brewery in an original 1800s hop house. The 65 acres make this place feel like a dream, especially when the leaves below start to form a crazy quilt of autumnal colors. And this is no ordinary brewery. It was named the best brewery in New York State twice, 2023 and 2025! Watch their website for special events.
Address: 255 Ward Lane, Schoharie
Mine Kill State Park Mine Kill Falls in Mine Kill State Park in Schoharie County. Wildhart | Wikimedia Commons (Wildhart | Wikimedia Commons/Wildhart | Wikimedia Commons) Mine Kill State Park
One of New York’s best small state parks. So much to see and do here. More than 8 miles of hiking trails, an 80-foot cascading waterfall, an Olympic-size swimming pool (maybe the only in a state park?), hunting and fishing areas, winter sports and more. The park is adjacent to the NYS Power Authority Project. Visit the great museum there showcasing how the power of water has been harnessed for the betterment of valley dwellers. The historic 1819 Lansing Manor, one of the most stunning rural mansions found in the state, is here (tours are provided). And, until it was carried away by Tropical Irene in 2011, the second-longest covered bridge in the world was also here. It has been replaced with another one, and it’s a fascinating place to visit!
Address: 161 Mine Kill Road, North Blenheim
Vroman’s Nose Vroman’s Nose Trail and the view from the “dance floor” at the summit in Middleburgh, N.Y. in Schoharie County. Sunny Hernandez | ahernandez@nyup.com (Sunny Hernandez/Sunny Hernandez | ahernandez@nyup.com) Vroman’s Nose (Middleburgh)
Even a non-hiker will be seduced by the splendid surroundings of Schoharie County. And Vroman’s Nose offers you a perfect way to take a “stroll up a mountain.” This small mountain (yes, it looks like a nose!) rises 600 feet, and the hike is perfect for those not used to walking the woods. The reward at the top is breathtaking. At the top is a large flat rock formation known as the “Dance Floor” where you can rest, picnic, enjoy your kids and dogs, and drink in one of the most eye-popping mountain views in Upstate New York. The view, 40 miles of colorful patchwork hills and farmlands, is especially memorable in the fall. Parking sites can be found at the foot of Vroman’s Nose.
Address: Mill Valley Road, Middleburgh
Bull’s Head Inn
One of the oldest restaurants in Upstate New York. The ambiance is cozy and familiar, the chef cooks up award-winning dinners from steaks to seafood to prime rib, and serves homemade desserts. Beautiful 1802 Colonial setting across the street from the quaint village green and right next to one of the oldest movie theatres in Upstate. Have a sip in the Cellar Tavern to complete your experience. Many have said this is one of the most haunted restaurants in New York State. Definitely a food destination during your road trip to Schoharie County.
Address: 105 Park Place, Cobleskill