New York’s Fall Colors Are Exploding Right Now: Where to See Peak Foliage

Fall is my favorite season. Driving through Central New York when the hills explode into shades of red, orange, gold, and even purple gets me every time. It looks like someone tipped over a kaleidoscope across the landscape.

If you love fall and the beautiful colors that come with it, this may be the weekend to make a plan, fill up the coffee mug, and take the long way home.

New York's newest I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report says pockets of peak color are arriving across the state, including Central New York and the Finger Lakes. The report reflects what volunteer observers expect to see during the weekend of October 10 through 12.

Central New York Fall Foliage Is Near Peak Right Now

Central New York is really starting to put on a show. Cooperstown is at peak color, with about 65 percent of leaves changed and bright yellow leaves mixed with orange and red. Sharon Springs has reached peak, too, with about 90 percent change and a full autumn palette.

Cherry Valley is near peak, while Cazenovia is about 65 percent changed with bright yellows and oranges. Norwich is at 60 percent change, where vivid reds and golden yellow leaves are taking over.

Closer to home, Binghamton is about 45 percent changed, with bright orange, red, and purple leaves. Utica is also seeing more than 45 percent change, with yellow, red, and orange appearing across the city. That means a casual drive through the area can feel a little more magical right now, even if you do not have time for a full day trip.

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Cortland County Is at Peak Fall Foliage Right Now

If you're looking for a more colorful destination for a Saturday or Sunday drive, Cortland County is a great bet. The latest report says Cortland, Marathon, and Virgil are at peak foliage, with about 65 percent change and yellow, orange, and rust-colored leaves ranging from average to bright.

It's one of those places where it is easy to turn a leaf-peeping drive into a whole fall day. Take the scenic roads, stop somewhere warm for lunch, and be ready to pull over because some of those views really are that pretty.

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Finger Lakes Fall Foliage: Where Color Is Near Peak

The Finger Lakes are changing at different speeds, which is exactly what makes a drive around the region so fun this time of year. Moravia is near peak at 70 percent change, with bright orange and red leaves. Mt. Morris, at the northern end of Letchworth State Park, is also near peak at about 40 percent, with yellow leaves, red maples, and more color still on the way from the oaks.

Corning, Hammondsport, Bath, and Hornell are all at 50 percent change, mostly showing bright yellow and orange. Ithaca and Trumansburg are at 40 percent, with bright yellows and oranges and a few especially vivid pops of red. Naples is at 45 percent change with bright yellow and orange leaves, while Waterloo is at 40 percent with red and gold.

Even areas that are earlier in the transition are worth keeping in mind. Watkins Glen and Odessa are starting to show yellow, and Penn Yan is seeing yellow at higher elevations, with splashes of red emerging. In other words, you have time to chase the color, but the season has definitely started moving quickly.

Plan a Fall Foliage Drive in Central New York and the Finger Lakes

I LOVE NY says this week’s report comes from more than 100 volunteer field observers, and its definition of peak includes color change, brilliance, and leaf drop. You can check the full statewide map and the newest local updates before you head out at the I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report.

Whether your perfect fall day means a drive around the lakes, a stop for cider, a walk somewhere beautiful, or simply rolling down the windows and admiring the view, this is the part of the season New Yorkers wait for. Grab your favorite people, take a back road, and enjoy that kaleidoscope while it's here.