Autumn is in full swing, and if you’re ready to swap the city streets for forests ablaze in red, gold, and orange, now is prime time. 👀
Mid-October is peak foliage season across the Hudson Valley and Northern New Jersey, and just beyond the city, hiking trails are bursting with color!
Think waterfalls tucked behind rocky ridges, sweeping river views, and quiet paths that feel like your own secret slice of autumn magic.
AllTrails, a popular website and mobile app designed for outdoor enthusiasts to discover, plan, and navigate hiking, biking, running, and nature trails worldwide, recently rounded up the top leaf-peeping hikes near NYC, and we’ve curated the essentials so you know exactly where to go this October.
Rockwood Hall and the Old Croton Aqueduct Loop in Rockefeller State Park Preserve, about 34 miles from Midtown, are perfect for a leisurely fall walk, run, or bike ride. These wide, tree-lined carriage trails hug the Hudson River, and mid-October brings the trees to life, casting stunning reflections on the water and making for some seriously scenic photos.
A short drive into New Jersey, the Hemlock Falls Trail in South Mountain Reservation (22 miles from NYC) delivers rocky climbs that end at a waterfall surrounded by brilliant autumn foliage.
Weekends can get busy, so early morning visits not only give you the best light but a quieter trail experience.
Nearby, the Ramapo Lake Brook Loop in Ramapo Mountain State Forest (31 miles from NYC) has it all: wooded paths, rock scrambles, and lake views that mirror the colors above, creating a picture-perfect fall escape.
For more serious leaf-peepers, the Stairway to Heaven Trail at Wawayanda State Park (54 miles from NYC) lives up to its name with steep climbs and sweeping panoramas.
Mid-October is the sweet spot here, when the rolling meadows and ridgelines are painted in vibrant reds and golds.
Similarly, Schunemunk Mountain’s Western Ridge Trail Loop (62 miles from NYC) rewards advanced hikers with ridgeline vistas that feel straight out of a postcard—and with fewer crowds, it’s a serene way to soak in the season.
Closer to the river, Hook Mountain via Long Path Trail (30 miles from NYC) is short but steep, offering stunning sunset leaf-peeping with the Hudson glittering below.
For dramatic cliffs and wide-open valley views, Gertrude’s Nose and Millbrook Mountain Loop in Minnewaska State Park (90 miles from NYC) is a Hudson Valley classic—mid-October is when this trail truly shines, and going counterclockwise makes the hike easier on the knees.
Finally, South Beacon Mountain via Casino Trail in Mount Beacon Park (67 miles from NYC) is an accessible day trip from the city. The fire tower at the peak gives panoramic Hudson Valley views, and with the leaves at their peak, it’s pure autumn magic—but be sure to wear proper footwear, as fallen leaves can make the trail slippery.
Insider tips for leaf-peeping hikes near NYC
Early mornings and weekdays are your best bet for avoiding crowds and catching the golden hour!
Check the AllTrails website for the latest updates on peak foliage, and pack layers plus snacks—some of these hikes can easily take half a day.