With autumn right around the corner, New Yorkers are already mapping out the ultimate ways to view peak fall foliage–and we know the best way to do it without dealing with bumper-to-bumper road trip traffic.
NY Waterway has officially announced the return of its popular “Shades of Autumn” Fall Foliage Tours for 2026!
Running from October 10 through November 1, these seasonal weekend excursions offer passengers a front-row seat to the Hudson River’s vibrant autumn landscapes, departing directly from Midtown Manhattan and Port Imperial in Weehawken, NJ.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing family outing or a cinematic fall date, this full sensory experience combines natural beauty, rich culture, and cozy seasonal refreshments—all from the water.
🍎 What to expect onboard: sweeping river views, hot cider, & local lore
The boat ride is as even more magical than you’d expect.
As soon as the ferry departs, the city skyline fades behind you, replaced by golden cliffs, fiery waterside maple forests, and serene waters that have inspired artists and writers for over two centuries.
Whether you ride top-side in the crisp autumn air or stay warm inside with panoramic window views, every mile feels postcard-worthy.
It’s not just about the visuals, though. To round out the fall vibes, the onboard experience includes:
- Cozy Onboard Refreshments: Fuel your leaf-peeping with hot cider, coffee, tea, soft drinks, cocktails, donuts, sandwiches, and wraps while taking in the fresh autumn air
- Guided Historical Commentary: An expert tour guide points out historic estates, hidden waterfront gems, and famous Hudson Valley folklore along the way
- 40 Years of Service: NY Waterway is celebrating four decades in 2026, bringing decades of local maritime experience to every sailing
🍂 Iconic landmarks you’ll spot along the route
While the ferry doesn’t make stops during the cruise, the scenic route is packed with famous sights from Manhattan all the way into the Hudson Valley:
Manhattan & The Bronx
- Watch the Manhattan skyline give way to autumn color as you glide past Riverside Church, Grant’s Tomb, Columbia University, and The Cloisters perched in Fort Tryon Park
New Jersey Shoreline
- Marvel at the soaring George Washington Bridge from below and snap photos of the towering Palisades cliffs ablaze in brilliant reds and golds, plus the historic site of the famous Hamilton-Burr duel
Upstate & Historic Hudson Valley
- Cruising further north, spot Washington Irving’s Sunnyside estate, the Tappan Zee Bridge, and the historic Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse. History buffs can also look out for Benedict Arnold’s historic plot site and the sweeping peaks of Hook Mountain State Park
⛴️ Departure schedules: 2-hour vs. 4-hour options
Travelers can choose between a full-length 4-hour morning journey or a shorter 2-hour afternoon excursion depending on their schedule.
- 4-Hour Tours (Saturdays & Sundays): Departs Midtown/West 39th St. at 10 am | Departs Port Imperial/Weehawken at 10:30 am
- 2-Hour Tours (Saturdays Only): Departs Midtown/West 39th St. at 3 pm | Departs Port Imperial/Weehawken at 3:30 pm
🍁 Pro-tips for your trip
- Dress in layers: River breezes can get chilly on the top deck—bring a warm jacket or sweater for open-air photos!
- Take the free shuttle: NY Waterway operates free multi-route shuttle buses across NYC to take you straight to and from the Midtown W. 39th St. Terminal
- Book early: Weekend morning slots for the 4-hour tour fill up fast during peak mid-October color
🎟️ Ticketing & details
Tickets are officially on sale now, and because weekend autumn slots fill up quickly, booking in advance is strongly recommended.
- 4-Hour Tour: $90 for adults | $55 for children (ages 4–12)
- 2-Hour Tour: $70 for adults | $45 for children (ages 4–12)
- Perks: Kids under 4 ride free, and groups of 20 or more get a 10% discount
To reserve your seats or check route schedules, visit nywaterway.com/ShadesOfAutumn or call 1-800-53-FERRY.