Though New York City gets most of the attention, there’s plenty to love about the rest of New York State—especially if you’re visiting during autumn. Home to forested mountains, enchanting castles and world-class cideries, New York is one of the best places for leaf peeping and more.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy some Halloween fun or take a nature escape, New York has something for everyone. Here is a roundup of some must-do fall activities when traveling through the Empire State.
Get Spooky at Sleepy Hollow
See the actual town that inspired author Washington Irving to pen “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Formerly North Tarrytown, the quaint Hudson Valley village voted in 1996 to officially be renamed Sleepy Hollow as a tribute to its famed literary past.
During Halloween season, many come to visit the haunts of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. Take in some history by booking a guided Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Tour, available during the day or in the evening. While in town, you’ll also want to get a snapshot of the Headless Horseman Monument, a landmark that honors Sleepy Hollow’s most famous ghost.
Of course, be sure not to miss one of the area’s top fall attractions, the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, where you can see over 7,000 illuminated hand-carved pumpkins on display, plus a working carousel, a circus train, the Statue of Liberty and more. The event has snacks and beverages available too, including pumpkin-flavored craft beer.
Get Outdoors at Letchworth State Park
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is considered one of the most scenic natural attractions in the eastern United States. Located in the Genesee Region in west-central New York, the park’s 17-mile gorge, carved by the Genesee River, is definitely Instagram-worthy—especially in the fall, when the leaves transform into hues of yellow, orange and red.
A haven for outdoor lovers, Letchworth State Park boasts 66 miles of hiking trails as well as opportunities for bird watching, horseback riding, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The seven-mile Gorge Trail, which is open year-round, meanders along the rim of the gorge and includes views of the park’s three waterfalls and a scenic overlook. For the ultimate adventure, you can also ride a hot air balloon over the park though October 31.
Make a weekend out of it by booking a room at Glen Iris Inn, located right in the park. The historic Inn, which opened in 1914, includes options to book guest rooms in the main building in addition to accommodations in quaint cottages and houses. Through November 3, you can grab food at Caroline’s Dining Room at Glen Iris Inn, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Ride the Pumpkin Express Train
In September and October, the Catskill Mountain Railroad, a heritage railroad line, runs train rides that take you along the former Ulster and Delaware Railroad corridor, a scenic route through the Catskill Mountains. You can take your pick between the Catskill Fall Foliage Adventure Train or the Pumpkin Express. Both offer breathtaking autumn scenery, not to mention that the Pumpkin Express lets passengers choose their own pumpkin to take home.
Both roundtrip train rides are around 75 minutes long and offer seating options on open air flat cars or inside couches. Trains depart from Westbrook Station at Kingston Plaza. While in Kingston, you can visit the stores at the Kingston Plaza. The town has a variety of restaurants, including Lola, which serves up wood-fired pizzas and pasta, and Kingston Bread + Bar, where you’ll find pastries, sandwiches, soups and more.
If you’re looking to explore the area more, Kingston has its share of accommodations, including bed and breakfasts, hotels and inns.
Taste Some Delicious Cider
It wouldn’t be fall without cider and doughnuts. Established in 1856, the Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard was voted the number one cidery in the U.S. by USA TODAY and has long been a destination for fans of hard cider and apple wine. Located in Fly Creek, it’s just a seven-minute drive from Cooperstown and offers flights for hard ciders, wines, spirits and craft beers in the Tasting Room. For a family-friendly option, you can also get a non-alcoholic sweet cider.
While there, be sure to take a self-guided Cider Mill Tour so that you can get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the cider-making process. You can also shop a large selection of specialty foods at the Mill Store Marketplace, such as aged cheddar cheese, freshly-made fudge, apple salsa, jams, and of course, New York state apples. And if you’re looking for a bite to eat, there’s an on-site restaurant that has everything from sandwiches, chili, apple cider doughnuts and more.
Visitors can easily spend the day here, with activities that include gemstone mining, rubber ducky racing and a children’s play area with a wooden climb-on tractor. Plus, there are biking and walking routes around the Mill and surrounding valley, in case you want to explore the natural landscape.
Journey Through a Giant Corn Maze
If you love a bit of a challenge, then the Amazing Maize Corn Maze at Ellms Family Farm is a must-stop. A short drive from Saratoga Springs, the Corn Maze is open for the season through October and takes around 90 minutes to complete. The activity includes an interactive corn maze puzzle for added fun. Traveling with children? The farm also has a smaller Kiddie Corn Maze that includes interactive tasks.
During fall, Elms Family Farm offers an array of seasonal activities besides the Corn Maze, such as a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, a Pumpkin Express train ride that takes you around the farm, pumpkin bowling and much more. Don’t leave without treating yourself to some freshly made apple cider doughnuts.
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