Best time to travel to New York City (NYC)

Fall Foliage in New York City (NYC) 2024

Feel the decadent atmosphere of autumnal New York

Best time: late October–early November

Autumn in New York has been immortalized in countless movies, including a romantic drama with Richard Gere and Winona Ryder that you should definitely watch before paying a visit to the Big Apple. The truth is that fall is indeed the best time to visit NYC. The weather is moderate and mellow, city landscapes look stunning, and crowds are thinner compared to summer.

Despite being an urbanized megalopolis, NYC boasts 300 mi (482 km) of trails and over 500,000 trees. Norway maples and red maples are especially scenic in the fall, revealing bold orange and red tones. Oaks, hickory, American sycamore, dogwood, and American beech add gold and bronze into the picture.

When does foliage start in New York

Even though it's hard to predict fall weather and each year is different, October is generally the best month to visit New York City for leaf-peeping. The leaves start to change color at the beginning of the month, but the peak time usually comes in the second half of October and lasts up to early November. By mid-November, many trees already lose their leaves.

Fall season in New York: Best places to see fall foliage in NYC

Central Park fall foliage

The list of NYC's top leaf-peeping destinations always starts with Central Park. With over 20,000 trees growing in over 840 ac (339 ha), it can hardly be surpassed by another urban oasis. The park's numerous hickories, birches, elms, and cherries look stunning from any angle. The best way to enjoy the landscape is to rent a boat and take a scenic ride. The most beautiful spots include the Pond and Hallett Nature Sanctuary, located on the south side of the park, the Pool, the North Woods, and the Ramble.

Also, visit The Mall, where you can find the largest collection of American elms in Central Park, Bethesda Fountain with the reflection of the colorful trees in the water, or the most photographed bridge in Central Park, Bow Bridge. If these places are not enough, then stop at Turtle Pond, The Reservoir, North Woods, Conservatory Garden, or Harlem Meer.

Do not miss the opportunity to organize a picnic or enjoy your time at Naumburg Bandshel, where movies like Breakfast at Tiffany's and Hair took place. You can also observe stunning views of the New York City skyline both day and night at Wollman Rink. Don't hesitate to visit Tavern on the Green, established in 1934, when replaced the sheepfold that had once housed the sheep of Sheep Meadow and has since become a New York City icon.

Fall foliage cruises from New York

Another great idea is to take a scenic fall foliage cruise on the Hudson River. Most of them depart from Pier 61. It's a great option during the colder days since you can stay indoors in the heated salon and have a glass of wine or a beer while enjoying some of the best views of the George Washington Bridge.

If you don't feel like getting on the water, simply walk along the Hudson River Greenway in lower Manhattan for beautiful skyline views framed by colorful trees. You can also rent a bicycle to enjoy the ride all the way to upper Manhattan, where more parks will amaze you with their fall colors. In Upper Manhattan, you can discover Inwood Hill Park with plenty of hickories, and tulip trees, which provide a bright yellow color. The park's Blue Trail starts on Indian Road at the entrance and traverses the whole park.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn has no shortage of spectacular fall foliage spots. Check out the 526 ac (212 ha) Prospect Park that simply stuns with its fall color palette. The park's Camperdown elm, which grows near the Boathouse, is especially famous for its unusual shape. Small but cozy Owl’s Head Park and Brooklyn Botanic Garden are known for old red oaks and maple trees. Another beautiful spot is Fort Greene Park with honeylocust, oaks, elms, London plane trees, and orange trees,

Brooklyn Bridge Park is also one of the most scenic spots for Manhattan views, especially during the fall. You can visit Squibb Park Bridge, Pier 6 Flower Field, or Emily Warren Roebling Plaza for the most stunning pictures. Additionally, Brooklyn Bridge Park offers activities such as biking, kayaking, birding, fishing, roller skating, and much more for a great time.

Staten Island

Staten Island is a must-see in the fall! Head to Clove Lakes Park, featuring a 300-year-old tulip tree that is 107 feet tall. Clove Lakes Park offers relaxation near the lake with ducks swimming in it. Then, hike along the 3 mi (5 km) trail to see the best of this 200-acre park that features three lakes with waterfowl and a waterfall. Snug Harbor Garden and Greenbelt Nature Center are also worth exploring in the fall.

Among the parks, you should also visit Willowbrook Park and Mount Loretto. Willowbrook Park can pleasantly surprise you with its many beautiful spots where you can enjoy the colorful scenery in peace and quiet. Mount Loretto is a great option for those who want to experience a breathtaking backdrop and see wildlife, including hornbills, birds, deer, hawks, and many others. Another good options to visit are the Conference House Park and Moravian Cemetery.

Bronx

Located in Northwest Bronx, Wave Hill is a famous park along the Hudson River that looks stunning in the fall. During October, guided leaf-peeping walks are held in the park, where you can learn about various trees and shrubs throughout the 28 ac (11 ha) public garden. Finally, Pelham Bay Park is New York's largest park, especially famous for its 400-year-old white oak tree located on the Split Rock Golf Course.

Bronx River Greenway is also a must-see spot, featuring oaks, sassafras, London planes, red maples, tulip poplars, sycamores, and beeches. Stretching from the Bronx-Westchester County line to Soundview Park, the Greenway connects several New York City parks with an array of trees. As you walk or bike along the riverside, you can enjoy the seasonal colors reflected in NYC's only freshwater river.

Almost every NYC borough has its secret spots to enjoy the beautiful change of seasons. With about 30,000 acres of parks, the city fully deserves its reputation as one of the best fall colors destinations in the US.

Practical info

When is the ideal month to witness leaves changing color in New York City?

If leaf-peeping is on your list, October is the ideal month to visit New York City. While the leaves usually start changing color from the beginning of the month, the second half of October to early November is typically when they reach their peak. As November progresses, many trees shed their leaves and the colors fade.

Which are the most scenic places to observe fall foliage in NYC?

New York City boasts several locations to view stunning fall foliage. With over 20,000 trees spread through 840 acres, Central Park is among the most popular. Others include Prospect Park in Brooklyn and Snug Harbor Garden and Greenbelt Nature Center in Staten Island. Biking and walking tours of the Hudson River Greenway, Columbus Park, and Inwood Hill Park also provide picturesque views.

Is there a place in Central Park where I can rent a boat for picturesque views of fall foliage?

If you're looking for a scenic fall foliage ride, head to the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park to rent a boat. While onboard, enjoy breathtaking views of fall foliage from The Pond and Hallett Nature Sanctuary, the Pool, the North Woods, or the Ramble. Snap pictures and take in the beauty of the surroundings as you glide through the water.

Are there scenic fall foliage cruises in New York City?

Yes, New York City offers a variety of scenic fall foliage cruises. These boat trips, which mainly depart from Pier 61 on the Hudson River, range from brunch and dinner options to educational tours of the area's history and architecture. While on the boat, enjoy picturesque views of fall foliage and the New York City skyline as a background.

Which parks in Staten Island and the Bronx should I visit for leaf-peeping in the fall?

Staten Island's Clove Lakes Park is a must-visit spot for its 300-year-old tulip tree, an excellent 3-mile hiking trail and three lakes featuring waterfowl and a waterfall. Snug Harbor Garden and Greenbelt Nature Center also offer ample foliage viewing opportunities. In the Bronx, consider scheduling guided leaf-peeping walks in October in Wave Hill and visit the Pelham Bay Park, New York's oldest and biggest park with 400-year-old oak trees and the Split Rock Golf Course.

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