10 Best Fall Getaways From NYC To See Fall Foliage
We know we’re not the only one checking out the New York fall foliage report…because we’re planning out our fall getaways already! With the leaves starting to change colors in the coming weeks, those cozy Airbnbs and wellness retreats that make the season so snug are already on the forefront of our minds!
In this guide, we’ve put together a list of incredible autumn escapes…places that range from prime leaf peeping spots to apple orchards as far as the eye can see! If you’re looking for a little fall getaway inspiration this year, here’s where to book a weekend.
1. The Berkshires, MA
Although New York’s fall foliage is set to be better than New England’s this year, the beauty of The Berkshires is undeniable. Tourists from around the country flock to the mountainous area, and we’re lucky enough that’s it only a mere 3 hours from NYC! Check out some itinerary options below:
Things to do:
- Hike to the top of Olivia’s Overlook to see the fall foliage
- See the Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show, which features over 1,500 jack-o’-lanterns, pumpkins, gourds, and mums
- Pick apples at Windy Hill Farm in Great Barrington, MA
- Explore the art scene at The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art
Where to stay:
- Miraval Berkshires Resort: A luxury wellness resort & spa in Lenox, MA
- Red Lion Inn: A historic and chic boutique hotel just steps away from local shops and trails
- Shaker Mill Inn: A timeless bed and breakfast in West Stockbridge, MA known for historical charm, modern amenities, and proximity to the region
2. Beacon, NY
Beacon, NY is one of our favorite day trips that you can do in 1 full shot, but it’s all expansive enough to make a weekend trip out of! This charming Hudson Valley town is just over an hour from the Big Apple, and in the fall…turns into the ultimate foliage utopia. Whether you want to shop along Main Street or immerse yourself in the nature that surrounds you, here’s how to make the most of Beacon getaway:
Things to do:
- Explore Dia:Beacon: Visit this renowned contemporary art museum housed in a former printing factory. It features works by artists like Richard Serra and Donald Judd, with galleries specifically designed for the artwork
- Hike Mt. Beacon: Take on the challenging hike to the summit of Mt. Beacon for breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the surrounding landscape. Explore the ruins of the old casino and enjoy the crisp fall air
- Visit Long Dock Park: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Hudson River at this scenic park, perfect for taking in the fall colors
- Attend the Beacon Sloop Club’s Pumpkin Festival: Celebrate fall with this family-friendly event featuring pumpkins, freshly baked pumpkin pie, live music, and more along the shores of the Hudson River
Where to stay:
- The Roundhouse: This boutique hotel is located at the east end of Main Street and literally overlooks a waterfall at the foot of Beacon Falls
- The Dutchess Inn And Spa At Beacon: A cozy inn offering a relaxing retreat with spa services and is conveniently located near Beacon’s attractions
3. Salem, MA
Synonymous during the fall time as one of the spookiest Halloween towns around, Salem is much more than just a bewitched spot…but a great weekend spot to embrace the season! Specifically in October, the entire city comes alive when the Halloween festivities and historical intrigue reaches an all-time high. Here’s a mix of spooky and fall options to add to your itinerary:
Things to do:
- Salem Haunted Happenings: Some say Salem is the spookiest place in the country, and it’s home to the world’s largest Halloween celebration with parades, haunted houses, psychic fairs, and more. This month-long festival typically happens in October and attracts visitors from all over the world
- Visit the Salem Witch Museum: Dive into the history of the infamous 1692 witch trials with exhibits that explore the trials and the evolving perceptions of witches
- Explore Hocus Pocus Filming Locations: Walk through iconic spots like Allison’s house and the Old Town Hall from the beloved Halloween movie
- Take a Haunted Walking Tour: Discover Salem’s eerie past with guided tours that delve into ghost stories and paranormal activity
Where to stay:
- The Hawthorne Hotel: A historic hotel located in the heart of Salem, oozing New England charm and Colonial Revival-style architecture.
- The Salem Inn: A cozy bed and breakfast comprised of three historic homes, providing a quaint and comfortable stay.
4. Hudson, NY
Hudson, NY is only about 2 hours away from NYC, and it’s one of the coolest little towns you’ll find. Their community and culture is a breath of fresh air, their cool shops ooze chic, and there’s of course plenty of nature to see too. Here’s the scoop on Hudson, NY:
Things to do:
- Shop on Warren Street: Browse the eclectic mix of antique shops, galleries, and boutiques along Warren Street offering vintage treasures, modern art pieces, and more
- Visit Olana State Historic Site: The former home of Frederic Edwin Church, a leading Hudson River School painter, features incredible views of the Hudson Valley…and his renditions of them too
- Stroll the Henry Hudson Riverfront Park: Take some time to soak in this scenic park along the river for picnicking, leaf peeping, boat watching, and more
- Explore Art Omi Sculpture Park: Just a short drive from Hudson, this outdoor art park combines nature with large-scale sculptures…it’s truly a sight to see
Where to stay:
- The Amelia: Perfect for a romantic getaway, this boutique hotel is a restored former Queen Anne-style private residence
- Rivertown Lodge: Located right on Warren Street, this minimalist hotel provides a hip and relaxed atmosphere with easy access to local attractions
5. Lake Placid, NY
Lake Placid, NY is one of our favorite Adirondacks getaways in the fall, and definitely requires a full weekend since it’s over 5 hours from NYC. The charming village is known for its Olympic heritage of course, but it’s also full of stunning foliage, nature trails, outdoor adventures, and much more. Here’s some ideas to get you going:
Things to do:
- Hike the Indian Head & Rainbow Falls Trail: Experience one of the most popular hikes near Lake Placid, offering breathtaking views of the lake surrounded by fall colors. The hike includes a mix of easy walks and challenging climbs, leading to spectacular vistas and a beautiful waterfall
- Visit the Flaming Leaves Festival (October 12-13, 2024): Celebrate fall at the Olympic Jumping Complex with live music, food, and stunning views of the foliage
- Explore Rulfs Orchards: Located just outside Lake Placid, this orchard offers apple picking, cider donuts, a corn maze, and more
- Ride the Whiteface Gondola: Enjoy panoramic views of the Adirondacks from Whiteface Mountain, one of the best ways to see the fall foliage from high in the sky
- Ride the Cliffside Coaster: Hop aboard the longest mountain roller coaster in the country, weaving its way through the Adirondacks foliage
Where to stay:
- Lake Placid Lodge: A luxurious retreat that proudly confirms itself as the only hotel located on Lake Placid. It’s right in the heart of all fall activities and accommodations range from luxurious cabins to private cottages
- The Haus on Mirror Lake: A boutique hotel on the town’s more popular Mirror Lake with cozy rooms and overlooking balconies
- Eastwind Lake Placid: A boutique hotel with 29 designer-curated accommodations blending vintage Scandinavian design with postmodern touches
6. Cold Spring, NY
Without a doubt one of the most beautiful small towns, fall in Cold Spring, NY might just be the best time to visit. It’s only an hour north of NYC via Metro-North and it really gives that small, cute village vibe that you can’t get enough of. The extremely walkable village has everything you need this time of year…antiques, independent shops, fall foliage, and the Hudson waterfront. Here’s some more in-depth recommendations:
Things to do:
- Hike Breakneck Ridge: Known for its challenging terrain and rewarding views, Breakneck Ridge is one of the most popular hikes in all of the Hudson Valley. The trail itself is a bucket list item for many hikers and the aerial views of the foliage are incomparable
- Explore Main Street: Stroll along Cold Spring’s picturesque Main Street, lined with antique shops, boutiques, and cafes
- Visit the West Point Foundry Preserve: This “outdoor museum” offers a self-guided walking tour through the ruins of an old ironworks
- Relax at Dockside Park: Enjoy a peaceful afternoon at the riverside park, where you can take in the views and perhaps catch a sunset over the water
Where to stay:
- Hudson House River Inn: A historic inn a mere 100 feet from the river, just steps away from all major attractions in Cold Spring
- Pig Hill Inn: This adorable bed and breakfast is super cozy and is right near Main Street’s shops and restaurants
7. Sleepy Hollow, NY
Sleepy Hollow, NY is the Halloween town when it comes to New York State, thanks to its longstanding connection to the Headless Horseman amongst other things. Similarly to Salem, it comes especially alive during Halloween, but it’s worth a visit all fall long. Here’s what to add to your bucket list while here:
Things to do:
- The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze: One of Upstate New York’s best Halloween attractions, the blaze features over 7,000 hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins set against the backdrop of historic buildings. It’s an incredible family-friendly event with atmospheric lighting and sound effects
- Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Tours: Explore the historic and spooky cemetery with guided tours available during both day and night
- Lyndhurst After Dark: Tour the historic Lyndhurst Castle by candlelight and learn about the paranormal activity that lies within it
- Irving’s Legend: Enjoy a dramatic performance of Washington Irving’s classic tale, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” by master storyteller Jonathan Kruk
Where to stay:
- Castle Hotel and Spa: Located in nearby Tarrytown, this luxurious hotel is actually a renovated castle that offers a fine-dining restaurant, spa services, and more
- Crabtree’s Kittle House Restaurant & Inn: A charming inn in nearby Chappaqua, NY featuring an award-winning restaurant and accommodation
8. New Paltz, NY
A highly popular fall getaway amongst the Secret NYC staff, we can’t say enough good things about New Paltz…which is only about 1.5 hours from NYC. You could make a day trip out of this spot, but once you see the foliage and nature you won’t want to. Peep our recommendations for this town:
Things to do:
- Hike Minnewaska State Park: With over 50 miles of trails, this park offers stunning views of fall foliage, perfect for hiking, biking, and rock climbing. There’s also plenty of secret waterfalls, lakes, and cliffs to sniff out too
- Explore Historic Huguenot Street: Step back in time on this 10-acre site featuring stone houses from the 1700s. In October, they do candlelit ghost tours that bring the area’s history to life with spooky tales
- Visit Robibero Family Vineyards: Spend an afternoon with a glass of wine in hand as you taste test local flavors at this family-friendly vineyard
- Apple Picking at Jenkins-Lueken Orchards: Experience classic fall fun by picking apples or pumpkins at this orchard with over 500 apple trees
Where to stay:
- Mohonk Mountain House: Hands down one of the best fall resorts, this spot has stunning views of the Shawangunk Ridge and world-class amenities like a spa, golf course, and fine dining
- Mountain Meadows Bed & Breakfast: A cozy B&B with beautiful grounds overlooking the Shawangunks
9. Bear Mountain, NY
We’re claiming Bear Mountain as the most underrated fall getaway this year, and it’s one of the easiest to get to! It’s only an hour away from NYC and you can even take a fall foliage cruise to get there as well. Of course the main attraction is the mountain itself, but it’s got some other festive happenings up its sleeve too, here’s our picks:
Things to do:
- Hike Bear Mountain Trails: Enjoy the vibrant autumn colors on various trails within Bear Mountain State Park. The park is known for its hiking paths that offer spectacular views of the Hudson Highlands
- Visit Perkins Memorial Tower: Drive or hike up to the tower for panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Harriman State Park and the Hudson River
- Bear Mountain Oktoberfest: Celebrate Oktoberfest on weekends from September 21st to October 13th with German food, live music, and festive activities
- Explore Trailside Museums and Zoo: Discover local wildlife and natural history exhibits at this family-friendly attraction within the park
Where to stay:
- Bear Mountain Inn: This historic inn is the rustic getaway of your dreams…on the base of Bear Mountain and overlooking the shores of Hessian Lake
- Overlook Lodge: A no frills, yet beautiful lodge where many hikers and honeymooners frequent
10. Woodstock, VT
A quintessential New England destination, Woodstock is one of Vermont’s hidden gems that often gets overlooked by some of the bigger cities. It’s got some of the best fall foliage in Vemont, and the northeast for that matter…offering visitors all kinds of outdoor adventure opportunities. Here’s how to make the most out of the charming village:
Things to do:
- Visit Billings Farm & Museum: Experience life on a historic farm with interactive exhibits and meet farm animals like cows, goats, and chickens
- Explore Quechee Gorge: Just a short drive from Woodstock, this natural attraction offers hiking trails with stunning views of Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon
- Wander around Woodstock Village: Stroll through the charming village streets lined with quaint shops and cafes. The iconic Middle Covered Bridge is a great photo opportunity as well
- Hike Mount Tom: Located within Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, this hike offers panoramic views of Woodstock and the surrounding countryside
Where to stay:
- The Woodstock Inn & Resort: This luxurious inn is centrally located in the village, offering elegant accommodations, a spa, and fine dining options
- 506 On The River Inn: A family-friendly option just outside the village, featuring an indoor pool and game room for guests of all ages
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