Fall Foliage in New York

Fall in New York.  It's striking. It's invigorating. It's simply unforgettable.

Here at Fleetwood Square, you’ll find yourself at the center of it all, with our rooftop deck offering a beautiful vantage point to observe Mount Vernon’s vibrant colors and appreciate its quaint tree-lined streets. But winter is just around the corner, and now is the time to soak up everything an East Coast autumn has to offer. While you can experience the fall foliage without leaving the comfort of your Fleetwood Square home, there are several nearby spots that are worth bundling up and heading outdoors for. Below are just a few of our favorites. What are yours?  

The New York Botanical Garden (The Bronx)

Less than twenty minutes away, The Botanical Garden in The Bronx is best described as an autumn wonderland. You’ll discover fifty acres of old-growth forest, gardens, and nature. But best of all, you’ll see it up close and personal, thanks to the well-maintained walking paths that seem to be calling your name. The Gardens bring you a nice mix of water, foliage, and biodiversity, making this fall destination an absolute “can’t miss.”      

https://www.nybg.org/gardens/

Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park (Yorktown Heights)

Just a short drive north, you’ll discover FDR Park in Yorktown Heights. This popular and active park features picnic areas, hiking, boating, and fishing. So, whether you’re in the mood for leisure, or prefer a little bit of activity, this incredible spot lends a picturesque backdrop to a peaceful afternoon. Head on over this weekend for some amazing fall scenery and a wide-open world of enjoyment.

https://parks.ny.gov/parks/franklindroosevelt/details.aspx

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Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise (Chelsea Pier)

If you’re up for an autumn adventure, head into New York City for The Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise. You’re served a three-course prix fixe meal as you float by the fall colors of Palisades Park, The Upper West Side, and The Hudson River Valley. Check out their website for details, as this activity may not be a fit for every budget. But if you’re looking to splurge, the cruise is a little over two hours, leaves from Chelsea Pier, and is always a hit.

https://sail-nyc.com/browse-by-theme/fall-foliage/

Fall Foliage Drives

There are multiple byways that criss-cross Westchester County, providing a colorful selection to create your own leaf-peeping driving tour. Head north out of New York City, and along Route 22 you’ll pass backroads and village centers, horse farms and estate homes. Farther west, Route 9 strings several small towns together along the Hudson River. We like to stop for lunch in Tarrytown, where sweet potato fries lure us to Horsefeathers. Head toward the Bear Mountain Bridge on Route 202, and you’ll find places to park for a panoramic view of the river.  

You can leave the route planning to the experts by following the Fall Foliage Driving Tours recommended by the Westchester County Office of Tourism.  

https://www.visitwestchesterny.com/

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The Bethpage Bikeway (Oyster Bay)

This is about an hour away, but if you’re an avid cycler, this fall destination is well worth the day trip. No two views are the same as you bike your way through over 13 miles of trails. The views are stunning. The adventure is stimulating. And The Bethpage Bikeway is a fun way to get your heart pumping while you take in the scenery. This first-class bike path gives you a whole new way to appreciate nature.

https://www.traillink.com/trail/bethpage-bikeway/#trail-detail-parking

Fall in New York is the sort of thing you see on postcards. Entire movies have been devoted to the subject. And with so much beauty right here in your own neighborhood, it’s worth indulging every single vantage point. Just make sure you do a little bit of research on peak foliage change and drop before you hop in the car. If you can time it just right, you’ll see some of the most wondrous natural beauty—not just in New York, but anywhere in the CT/Mass/NY region.

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