Postcard-worthy views in real life. 

That’s what scenic destinations deliver in the fall. It’s one of those must-see, must-go, must-do bucket list items for fall. The foliage in fall is art in nature. Simply picturesque, there’s no better way to describe it. Whether you’re the road-tripping type, love adventure, or bask in the glory of nature, there’s something for everyone. 

Would you love to take a scenic route and spend some time in the car driving around with your mouth open wide in wonder? Perhaps you would appreciate a destination with some fun outdoor activity that’s a bit daring and gets your adrenaline going? Or are you an in-between personality — is an outdoor scenic destination with a nice hike more your vision of a day well spent? Regardless of your preference, I suggest you head out and enjoy the beauty out there. Fall foliage peaks in October and November; it’s a really short season. After that, the trees are bare for months on end. So head out quickly and enjoy!

Here are 28 incredible destinations to choose from:

1. Hunter Mountain, NY – Ziplining 

Located in the Catskill Mountains, Hunter Mountain is the destination of choice all year round, but the views are breathtaking in the fall. 

Additionally, Hunter Mountain is home to the largest zipline tour in North America. Imagine soaring 600 feet above ground through the fiery colors with views reserved for birds. A bit daring, but worth it! They do offer three different package options based on your preference. 

Imagine a Costa Rica adventure outing right here in New York, and it’s under a three-hour drive away. 

2. Whiteface Mountain, NY – Scenic Driving 

Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondacks has one of the highest peaks in New York with incredible views. On a clear day, you can see Vermont and as far as Canada. The Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway, which is only five miles long, ascends 2,300 feet. This road takes you almost all the way to the top and boasts the most gorgeous views New York has to offer. To get all the way up to the top of the mountain, you will have to do some climbing. It’s well worth it, though. 

3. Lake Placid, NY – Boating 

This beautiful lake destination with mountains is located in the Adirondacks. Yes, it’s near Whiteface Mountain, but it’s a destination on its own. A pristine, charming lakeside town surrounded by the most majestic mountains. 

From late September to early November, surround yourself with the best of fall foliage there is. 

Although it’s cool, it isn’t hot or freezing in the fall. Take a boat ride out on the lake and relax while enjoying the beautiful hues of the trees and mountains around you. 

4. Killington, VT – Mountain Biking 

Skiing isn’t the only reason to visit Killington! Come a bit early and enjoy the foliage. Seventy-five percent of Vermont is covered by forest. Understandably, there’s no better place to visit in the fall than Vermont.

Killington has incredible hiking and, if you want a thrill, incredible mountain biking too. Visit Killington Bike Park; there are a variety of downhill trails to choose from all at different skill levels. It’s a real thrill ride. 

5. Bear Mountain, NY – Walking the Bridge 

It’s incredible how if you live in the NYC area with all the traffic, noise, and garbage there’s a getaway available just a scant two hours away. Cross the George Washington Bridge and take the Palisades Parkway all the way to Bear Mountain State Park. The drive up is reason enough to run away for the day. 

Hiking isn’t the only activity that can be enjoyed at the mountain. Did you ever walk across a bridge that wasn’t the Brooklyn Bridge? Try walking across the Bear Mountain Bridge and getting a view of cliffs, mountains, trees, and the red, orange, and yellow fall foliage. Walking the bridge is quite popular this time of year, to the point that it hosts more pedestrian traffic than vehicular traffic. 

Bear Mountain also features a trailside museum and zoo as well as a lake and picnic areas. It’s definitely the destination for all. 

6. Poconos State Park, PA – Horseback Riding 

The Pocono Mountains are known for their beautiful mountain views and hiking trails as well as scenic drives. Which are unbelievably nice. You even get mountaintop views of Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. 

But there’s another way to enjoy the changing colors of the leaves, and that, my dear friend, is on horseback. Saddle up and take a ride through the Poconos. Ride nature, see nature, and feel nature. Seriously – you’ll be sore when you get off. But again, worth every aching bone and muscle. 

7. High Point, NJ – Hiking 

Unlike the destinations farther north, the trees in High Point State Park peak mid-October to early November. If you think you missed your chance, head to New Jersey. This park has over fifty miles of trails to explore and three lakes to visit – it’s huge, covering well over fifteen thousand acres of land. Find the 220-foot monument. Climb to the top and award yourself views of the Catskills and the Poconos. 

8. Demarest Kill County Park, Monsey, NY

There’s a kid-friendly hiking path that circles around a small lake. There’s a small stream that’s fun to cross, as you leap from rock to rock to avoid getting wet.

9. Seven Lakes, Rockland County, NY

Perfect for hiking or boating when the weather is nice.

10. Great Falls, Paterson, NJ

It’s a gorgeous waterfall, the highest in New Jersey. This is more of a short trip on your way to somewhere else and a great photo op. It also has a library box where you can leave or take home random books – always fun to see what’s in there.

11. Alstede Farms, Chester, NJ

Pick your fall fruits like apples, pumpkins, eggplants, and more.

12. Van Saun Park, Paramus, NJ

There is a zoo, family-friendly train ride, carousel, acres of grass for picnics or throwing a ball around with kids.

13. Johnson’s Farm, Medford, NJ

There’s a hay ride, fruit picking, playground, animals to feed, etc.

14. Howell Farm, Lambertville, NJ

Howell Living History Farm is a working, living-history farm in Hopewell Township where families can step back in time and experience what farm life was like in the late 1800s and early 1900s. With farm animals, hands-on activities, seasonal events, and plenty of open space to explore, it’s a great family-friendly fall outing.

15. Riamede Farm, Chester, NJ

Apple picking, pumpkins, hay wagon rides, corn trail, lawn games and fall activities.

16. Ort Farms, Long Valley, NJ

Apple/pumpkin picking, farm animals, kids’ play area, hayrides and more.

17. Wightman Farms, Morristown, NJ

Classic fall farm with apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides and family activities.

18. Secor Farms, Mahwah, NJ

Hayrides, pumpkin patch, corn maze, hay maze and petting zoo.

19. Masker Orchards, Warwick, NY

Huge orchard where you can drive right up to the apple trees; great for families.

20. Apple Ridge Orchards, Warwick, NY

Apple picking, farm activities, animals and kid-friendly attractions.

21. Palisades Interstate Park, Alpine, NJ

Gorgeous Hudson River views, fall foliage, hiking and picnic areas. Note: some sections are currently closed because of storm/rockfall damage, so check conditions before going.

22. South Mountain Reservation, West Orange, NJ

Trails, waterfalls, woods and the nearby recreation complex.

23. Fort Tryon Park, New York City

Beautiful fall scenery, gardens, Hudson views, playgrounds and The Cloisters.

24. Inwood Hill Park ,New York City

Wooded trails, hills, river views and a surprisingly wild/upstate feel.

25. Allaire State Park, Wall Township, NJ

Hiking, historic Allaire Village and the Pine Creek Railroad.

26. Black River & Western Railroad, Hunderdon County, NJ

Historic train rides and seasonal family events. Black River & Western Railroad

27. Hurds Family Farm, Modena, NY

A big activity-filled fall day with apples, pumpkins, hayrides, corn maze, bounce pillow, obstacle course, animals and more.

28. Cold Spring, NY

Cute Hudson River town with shops, restaurants, foliage and nearby hiking.

No matter the destination you choose, you’ll come home feeling refreshed rather than exhausted. Nature is magical that way. 

Stop for a moment and realize what a beautiful parting gift we get when the season turns cold. It’s unbelievable how when the leaves prepare to fall they turn into a brilliant color palette and not an ugly shade of brown. 

We’re so lucky. Make sure to head out there and enjoy our good fortune!

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As the founder of Slay Copy Inc, Goldy Buxbaum helps business service providers reach more clients by combining business strategy with web writing. Check her out on Linkedin to see how you can grow your business.

Updated by the kosher.com staff in October 2026.

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