I love Bristol Mountain in the fall! It’s the perfect place to watch the leaves change from high above the canopy of the Bristol Hills.
The drive toward Naples from Rochester is one of the most spectacular autumn scenic drives around! Mix up your route down and back to include any combination of County Roads 33, 34, 64, 12, and 21.
Fall Sky Rides
From early-September to the end of October, the Comet Express lift is open for folks to enjoy a quiet and scenic 15-20 minute ride to the summit of Bristol Mountain.
We rode both directions, but some choose to walk the trails up and ride down, or ride up and walk down. There are sometimes benefits to buying your ticket to ride online before you go.
Canopy ropes course
Atop you will find Aerial Adventure Park; a massive forest canopy ropes course. On this trip we spent an hour wandering around the course in awe of the complexity!
More information about Bristol Mountain
Cost: Varies with activity
Located in Bristol, roughly 45 minutes / 35 miles from Rochester (get directions)
More information: Sky Rides / Aerial Adventure and Zip Line
Fall Foliage: 7 Breathtaking Views Near Rochester
These destinations offer colorful fall foliage and varied landscapes so you can appreciate them each in their own unique way.
Canandaigua Lake: One of New York’s 11 Finger Lakes
Canandaigua Lake is home to the smallest island, one of only two islands in the Finger Lakes. You can drive around the entire lake in 60 minutes.
Scenic train rides, leaf-peeping, fall bird migrations and ghost walks happen only in autumn in Rochester–take advantage of them while you can!
The 15 Best Places for Downhill and Cross-Country Skiing Around Rochester
Skiing around Rochester is as much winter recreation as it is a social experience, competition, and a tradition. A few of these destinations also offer cross country ski rentals.
Rather than an escape, I prefer to think of these as transcending places that encourage us to transcend space, time, and state of mind.
Have you been to Bristol Mountain in the fall?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!