As temperatures drop and the days get shorter, New York City transforms into a canvas of fiery reds, golds, and oranges. Crisp air and colorful leaves make walks through the city’s parks, gardens, and waterfronts especially rewarding. There are plenty of ways to take in the season’s beauty. Here are some of the best spots for fall foliage in and around NYC.
1. Wave Hill, The Bronx
Wave Hill has a beautiful mix of gardens, terraces, and riverside views. Golden larch trees and maples brighten the grounds when the leaves turn, while the Hudson River Palisades provide a stunning backdrop.
2. Central Park, Manhattan
Central Park is iconic for a reason, and it really takes it up a notch in the fall. Hawks, tupelo, and European beech trees display vibrant reds, yellows, and purples. Stroll the Ramble or North Woods for the most concentrated pops of color.
3. Alley Pond Park, Queens
This park is home to the “Alley Pond Giant,” the city’s tallest tulip poplar at 133 feet. Sassafras, red maple, and white oak trees add a bright mix of yellows and reds along the Tulip Tree Trail.
4. Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Prospect Park bursts with color in the fall. Sugar and red maples near the lake change early, while the Ravine offers elm, sassafras, and holly in rich hues.
5. Fort Tryon Park, Manhattan
Heather Garden, Linden Terrace, and The Cloisters make this northern Manhattan park a hidden gem. Copper and orange foliage along the Hudson River Palisades completes the view.
6. Greenbelt Nature Center, Staten Island
This Staten Island network of trails covers 2,800 acres. The eight-mile Yellow Trail leads to Moses’ Mountain, where oaks, tulips, and red maples light up the skyline. High Rock Park offers reflective ponds amid vibrant trees.
7. New York Botanical Garden, The Bronx
The Thain Family Forest is the city’s largest old-growth forest, filled with oaks, tulips, and scarlet oaks. Leaves shift from green to blazing orange and red throughout the season at NYBG.
8. Bloomingdale Park, Staten Island
This 139-acre Staten Island park is quieter than most, offering dense woodlands that glow with earthy tones in the fall. Occasional guided foliage hikes explain the science behind the colors.
9. Sunken Meadow State Park, Long Island
Though famous for its beaches, Sunken Meadow is equally stunning in the fall. Trails along the bluffs offer views of Long Island Sound with colorful woodlands in the background.
10. Van Cortlandt Park, The Bronx
With over 1,000 acres of woodland, Van Cortlandt Park displays oak, hickory, and sweet gum trees in fiery tones. The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail offers a peaceful, immersive walk through fall scenery.
New York City doesn’t do seasons halfway. Each one is special in its own way. Whether you prefer a short stroll or a scenic getaway, these spots make it easy to enjoy the season.
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