Every autumn, Upstate New York transforms into a wonderland of red, orange, and gold as the leaves change color. Winding roads through mountains, along lakes, and past historic towns offer some of the most spectacular fall foliage viewing in America. From late September through mid-October, these scenic byways showcase nature’s most vibrant art show, drawing visitors from across the country who come to witness this seasonal magic.
1. Letchworth State Park’s Grand Canyon Drive
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth’s 17-mile park road winds alongside dramatic gorges carved by the Genesee River. Maple, oak, and beech trees create a fiery canopy that frames three magnificent waterfalls plunging up to 600 feet.
Morning fog often settles in the gorge, creating mystical scenes as sunlight gradually reveals the vibrant landscape. Stop at Inspiration Point for the most photographed vista where you can see Middle and Upper Falls simultaneously.
The stone bridges and historic Glen Iris Inn add charming architectural elements to your drive. Early October typically brings peak colors, but the park’s microclimate can extend the show into late October.
2. Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway
Ascend to autumn heaven on this five-mile toll road climbing nearly 5,000 feet up Whiteface Mountain. The journey rewards drivers with breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of the Adirondack wilderness ablaze with fall colors stretching to the horizon.
Pull over at multiple lookout points where the landscape unfolds like a patchwork quilt of crimson, amber, and gold. The summit offers views into neighboring Vermont and even Canada on clear days.
For the full experience, pack a picnic and take the short trail around Lake Stevens at the mountain’s base. The still waters create perfect mirror reflections of the surrounding colorful slopes.
3. Hudson Valley’s Route 9
Route 9 meanders through the heart of the Hudson Valley, where rolling hills meet the majestic river and history blends with natural beauty. Revolutionary War sites and Gilded Age estates dot the landscape, their formal gardens and surrounding forests transformed by autumn’s touch.
The riverside town of Cold Spring offers a perfect mid-journey stop with antique shops and riverfront parks. Don’t miss the stretch near Storm King Mountain, where the road hugs dramatic cliffs draped in golden oaks and scarlet maples.
Art lovers should detour to Storm King Art Center, where massive sculptures create fascinating contrasts against the seasonal palette. Time your drive for late afternoon when the setting sun bathes the eastern shore in warm golden light.
4. Upper Delaware Scenic Byway
Route 97’s famous Hawk’s Nest section features hairpin turns carved into cliffs high above the Delaware River. The road seems to float above the water as you navigate curves that reveal new vistas around each bend, with Pennsylvania’s forests creating a stunning backdrop across the river.
Golden eagles and hawks often soar overhead, riding thermals during their fall migration. The small river towns along the route offer charming places to stretch your legs, with local cafes serving apple cider and pumpkin treats.
For the most dramatic experience, drive this 70-mile route in late afternoon when the slanting sunlight intensifies the colors. The river’s surface reflects the surrounding foliage, doubling the visual impact of autumn’s display.
5. Finger Lakes Wine Country Loop
Vineyards draped in golden hues line the shores of Cayuga Lake on this 87-mile circular drive. The route combines spectacular fall scenery with wine tasting opportunities at dozens of family-owned wineries perched on hillsides offering sweeping views.
Waterfalls emerge from deep gorges at Taughannock Falls and Buttermilk Falls state parks, framed by colorful forest canopies. The college town of Ithaca makes a perfect lunch stop, with farm-to-table restaurants serving seasonal harvests.
Early morning drives reveal mist rising from the lake’s surface, creating ethereal scenes as sunlight gradually illuminates the shoreline. The western side of the lake offers the best afternoon light, while the eastern shore provides stunning morning vistas.
6. Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway
Meandering through the mountains that inspired America’s first landscape painters, this 52-mile route passes through quintessential Catskill villages frozen in time. The road follows bubbling streams and climbs gentle mountains where sugar maples create a canopy of crimson and gold.
Artists still flock to capture the same vistas that the Hudson River School painters immortalized centuries ago. The byway connects charming towns like Woodstock and Phoenicia, where local art galleries and craft shops showcase work inspired by the surrounding landscape.
A fun fact: this region hosts one of America’s oldest continuous fall festivals, celebrating the apple harvest and autumn colors since the 1930s. The festival features local cider, artisan crafts, and guided foliage tours.
7. Mohawk Towpath Byway
History and natural beauty merge along this peaceful route following the original Erie Canal path. Stone locks and historic mill buildings stand as monuments to America’s industrial past, now framed by golden willows and crimson maples reflecting in the calm waters.
Unlike mountainous drives, this gentle journey follows the Mohawk River Valley, where farmlands and wetlands create a different but equally stunning fall palette. Mist often clings to the waterway in early mornings, creating mysterious scenes as the historic structures emerge from the fog.
The route passes through charming small towns where canal-era architecture remains intact. Cyclists can enjoy parallel bike paths while drivers stop at numerous riverside parks offering perfect photography vantage points.
8. Seven Lakes Drive Through Harriman State Park
Just an hour from Manhattan lies a wilderness escape where a 16-mile road winds past seven jewel-like lakes surrounded by 50,000 acres of protected forest. Each lake offers a different perspective on the fall landscape, with still waters creating perfect reflections of the vibrant hillsides.
The drive climbs gentle hills offering elevated views across valleys filled with oak, maple, and birch trees in their autumn glory. Numerous hiking trails branch off from parking areas, allowing you to immerse yourself in the colorful forest.
The park’s rocky outcroppings create dramatic contrasts against the colorful foliage. Bear Mountain Inn, a historic stone lodge, provides a perfect endpoint where you can enjoy panoramic views while warming up with hot apple cider on the terrace.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
