We know we’re not alone when it comes to our fondness for going out of our way to step on a crunchy leaf. And what better place to experience small moments of joy such as that than a trek upstate for fall leaf peeping! We’re fast approaching fall foliage season, and we thought it would be great to share some of our picks for peak autumnal vibes. Whether you’re exploring the hills and valleys of New Jersey, camping or hiking in the Catskills, or exploring the Adirondacks, there are so many incredible places to enjoy Autumn.
If you’re looking for low-key family friendly activities with a little less hiking or strenuous activities, we’ve got some great Art Galleries, Museums, and Farms & Orchards for you to enjoy as well. So grab your cozy sweaters, comfy sweatshirts, fleece lined footwear, and let’s hit the road!
Even the ride out of the city and into the mountains is a wondrous sight to behold. As you exit the bustling, buzzing metropolis, you’ll see your city skyline slowly changing shape from towering skyscrapers to deep cut mountains and hillsides which appear to be ablaze with fall foliage! ?Be sure to check out the links below for updated fall foliage reports in New Jersey and New York State to find the optimal time to visit each location on our list!
On the way out of the city on your route upstate, you’ll be able to check off so many leaf-peeping scenic views and panoramic photo-ops. Check out this gorgeous guide to the best places to view the fiery foliage. Or check out the Upstate NY Fall Foliage Report.
Places of note to stop off on your way include:
Click here for an expanded report of Fall Foliage in New Jersey!
Click here for the fully updated Fall Foliage Report for New York state!
Highlights of Autumnal Sights And Vistas
For Peak Foliage Viewing in NY and NJ:
Take a deep breath, and savor the sounds of wind rustling through the trees and the smell of clean earth and forest leaves. Is there anything better? Let yourself be immersed in nature. Be inspired by the crunch of gravel beneath your feet. Get swept away in the overwhelming beauty of Waterfalls and rushing streams.
We bet you’ll have to catch your breath when you hit some of the vista points on top of the mountains!
If you prefer to experience the fall foliage with a few family friendly autumnal activities, why not try one of these great Farms and Orchards! They’re the perfect place to make memories with your loved ones, and perhaps do some pumpkin and apple picking together. It’s the perfect time for fresh picked fruits and gourds to make for your upcoming holiday gatherings.
These are our picks for the authentic autumn experience in the mountain valley:
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Woodstock Farmers Market in Woodstock, NY
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Kingston Farmers Market in Woodstock, NY
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The Woodstock Farm Festival in Woodstock, NY
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Stone Ridge Orchard in Woodstock, NY
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Cedar Heights Orchards in Rhinebeck, NY
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Montgomery Place Orchards in Red Hook, NY
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Platte Creek Maple Farm in Saugerties, NY
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Sunfrost Farms in Woodstock, NY
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Windham Farmers Market in Windham, NY
Click here for a list of great family friendly activities in the Adirondacks!
Click here for a list of great family friendly activities in the Catskills!
Click here for a list of great family friendly activities in the Hudson Valley!
Click here for a list of great family friendly activities across New Jersey!
While you’re out gallivanting in the mountains, why not check out some of these great artistic destinations. We think you’ll be inspired to create your own works of art inspired by the area, just like these fine folks! (Remember to double check admission limits/times and restrictions due to the ongoing pandemic; some facilities may be operating on alternate schedules or reduced capacity.)
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Woodstock Artists Association and Museum in Woodstock, NY
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Chapel of Sacred Mirrors aka CoSM in Wappingers Falls, NY
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The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, NY
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The Arc in Walton, NY
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Albert Shahinian Fine Art in Rhinebeck, NY
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Mod Catskills in Saugeries, NY
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Tivoli Artists Gallery in Tivoli, NY
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Equis Art Gallery in Red Hook, NY
The Catskill Mountains is home to some of the most incredible artisans and craftsmen. The Hudson Valley is the birthplace of the Hudson River School of art: a 19th century American Art movement and group of landscape painters. Hit the Hudson River School Art Trail and view some of the landscapes which inspired the art!
And speaking of art….why not check out this handy guide on how to best capture the fall foliage for your social media and scrapbooks! If you’re using a camera, we recommend this list of tips and tricks to capturing the beautiful sites on camera.
Using a smartphone or tablet to capture the moment? We have some advice for you, too, don’t worry!
Tips for photographing autumnal wonders with your smartphone:
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Charge your phone before you go! You don’t want to get to the top of the vista point only to find your prize-winning shot is a miss because you used your last 10% battery on one-to-many selfies!
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Bring a portable charging device with you. Pocket sized travel chargers and fast-charge cables will be your best friend on your trip into the wilderness. Shoot in horizontal orientation. Hold your phone between both hands, with your elbows near to your body for stability.
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Aim to shoot your vista points at sunrise or just before sunset. The “Golden Hour” provides the best light in the autumn, and creates truly spectacular imagery. Softer waning light is better than the harsh direct light of midday.
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Use the “grid” feature to compose your image, and avoid using digital zoom. To avoid a pixelated picture, resist that digital zoom option on your phone. Move closer to your subject, or utilize the grid to frame the scene within squares to crop the image using a photo app like Snapseed after the fact instead.
