
The first signs of foliage can be seen across NYS, according to the official fall foliage report, and we can’t wait for that to reach the city!
According to NYC Parks, the city has over 30,000 acres of public parkland that makes for ample opportunity to admire some of the state’s best foliage.
Beyond that, some of the city’s neighborhoods make for the best kept, secret locations to see NYC’s peak fall foliage. Here are some top city locations to catch this seasons beautiful transition into autumn.
1. Central Park

As one of the most beloved parks in New York City, Central Park always looks its most glorious in autumn. With 18,000 vibrant trees outlining every path, the park normally experiences its foliage peak in late October to early November. The Central Park Conservancy has even provided New Yorkers a map to help you “find the most colorful foliage in the area.” Some of the best areas include:
- Great Hill (West Side at 103rd-107th Streets)
- Reservoir (Mid-Park at 86th-96th Streets)
- The Mall & Literary Walk (Mid-Park at 66th Street)
2. Prospect Park

Home to 30,000 trees of over 175 species (including Norway maple, London plane, white oak, camperdown elm, weeping willow, and many more), this Brooklyn favorite park is sure to be an ultimate stop on your quest for the best foliage in the city. Explore the perimeter of the park’s pond lined with vibrant colors and don’t forget to check out Lookout Hill, one of the highest points in Brooklyn, for a bird’s-eye view of the park’s foliage display. Some other recommended spots according to Prospect Park Alliance include:
- Lullwater Bridge
- Nethermead
- Lookout Hill
- Long Meadow
- Grand Army Plaza
- Meadowport Arch
3. Van Cortlandt Park

This park has 7 different hiking trails to choose from. Start your adventure on one and explore the park’s wonderful variety of trees including red oak, sweetgum, and sugar maple. Along your hike through these massive trees, make sure to take a rest stop and admire the captivatingly colorful shoreline of the Van Cortlandt lake! Don’t forget to stroll The Putnam Greenway, a 1.4 mile trail which winds past the lake and through towering trees!
4. Clove Lakes Park

Besides its historical 300-year-old tulip tree, this park is notorious for its many lakes, ponds, and of course foliage sighting. Hike on one of their many trails to enjoy wonderful views of the season’s colors. You can even choose to canoe on their lake while you learn about tree diversity in the park and the science of why leaves change color from an Urban Park Ranger.
5. Morris Park

Each year this Bronx neighborhood transforms into wondrous shades of orange and yellow–a sight that can’t be missed.
6. Woodhaven

Colors of bright yellow and hues of red should appear throughout the streets in this Queens neighborhood. Located in the central part of the borough, the sights of Woodhaven are only a subway ride away!
7. Owl’s Head Park

Gasp at the skyline views from this park in the Bronx that is exploding with reds, oranges, and yellows! You can even bring your furry friend to see the leaves change with you as the area has a 150-foot long dog park!
8. Snug Harbor

Visit this cultural center and botanical gardens during this time of year to catch nature in its remarkable transformative state. Offering 14 different botanical gardens on site, you’re sure to get your foliage fix at this Staten Island dreamland. They also have a special Fall Foliage Walk coming up on November 9, where you can embark on a guided tour through the Pond Garden and ending in the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden. Learn more about the walk via Snug Harbor’s calendar.
9. Fort Tryon Park

Gifted to the city of New York by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., this park has eight miles of walkways and the city’s largest public access garden displaying over 500 varieties of plants, trees, and other native species. Across its 67 acres, NYers can undoubtedly escape the noise of the city. Catch riverfront views while you’re there and enjoy the encapsulating scene of the Hudson River right at your feet!
10. Fort Greene Park

This park is the perfect size to survey all of the colors autumn has to offer in one day! The historic park has playgrounds, basketball courts, and most importantly, magnificent trees. Open seven days a week, there is no excuse not to make the day trip out to this spectacular spot!
11. Thain Family Forest

Since 1895, this forest has been an ecological fascination for the New York Botanical Garden. Not only is it the largest uncut, original wooded land in New York City, it is guaranteed to offer some unbeatable autumn hues. The NYBG staff work to protect the forest’s native plants and species in an effort to preserve this city’s natural gem for years to come. Plus, while you’re there be sure to check out the Fall-O-Ween event.
12. Alley Pond Park

Make a stop at the oldest and tallest tree in New York City as you weave your way through the many trails at this Queens park. Full of pin oaks, red maple, black locust, and flowering dogwood, the park is sure to deliver a breathtaking sight of seasonal splendor. You won’t even feel like you’re in the city when you make your way to Oakland Lake inside the park and see the colors stretch across the shore.
13. Riverside Park

If you’re looking for waterfront views while you catch some of NYC’s best foliage, make a stop at this Manhattan park. Stretching across four miles near Columbia University, it is one of the eight New York City officially designated scenic landmarks. Travel through the area by bike and take in the true beauty that this park brings to the city.
14. Greenbelt

One of Staten Island’s pride and joys, this park brings over 35 miles of hiking trails to NYers serving as the perfect escape for a nature getaway. Catch anything from hills, wetlands, meadows, and forest land in the Greenbelt’s 2,800-acres. Be sure to climb the 200-foot tall mound at Paulo’s Peak to grab a panoramic view of the Greenbelt’s foliage!
15. Pelham Bay Park

Holding title as New York City’s largest park property (over 3x the size of Central Park), Pelham Bay Park has trails, golf courses, and even a beach! With its diverse display of plants and trees, autumn is one of the best times to explore this expansive area.
16. Green-Wood Cemetery

This cemetery is responsible for some of the most incredible colors during November. Just southwest of Prospect Park, this location is a National Historical Landmark. Its views and landscape were so stunning when it was first founded in 1838 that it even inspired the creation of Central Park!
17. Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park

Hop on the tram and head over to Roosevelt Island for some very underrated views of the colorful leaves set to the perfect backdrop of the Manhattan skyline.
18. Squibb Park Bridge

You’re sure to catch some gorgeous shades of red, orange, and yellow covering this promenade stretch. Connecting Pier 1 with Squibb Park, you can stroll along this footbridge in a wondrous world of color.
19. Bloomingdale Park

The 138-acres of Bloomingdale Park offers a fantastic fall escape when the leaves begin to change colors. Play a game of pick up at one of the basketball courts or stroll on the paved pathways to the background of gorgeous hues of the season.
20. Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the perfect place to visit year-round, however, there’s something exceptional about visiting in the autumn. Especially the gorgeous Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, which turns into an autumnal walking loop during October and November.