Autumn around Rochester is pure magic: crisp air, golden light, and hillsides that glow from lake level to ridgetop. Peak color typically occurs in the two weeks around Halloween, thanks to the moderating lakes. When the sun breaks through, grab a thermos and go—these seven overlooks, parks, and lakeside paths serve up the season’s best views without a long drive.
Harriet Hollister Spencer
Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreational Area—Catch a sweeping Honeoye Lake panorama right from the car—or linger at the overlook for ridge-to-shore color that feels endless.
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Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area
Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area is a New York State Park located in the hills six miles south of Honeoye Lake.
Mount Hope Cemetery
Mount Hope Cemetery—Flaming maples and quiet lanes turn this Victorian arboretum into a living painting. Time your walk with the late-October Autumn Foliage tour for insider tree lore.
Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park—Featuring Waterfalls, canyon walls, and miles of overlooks—offers a unique perspective on the gorge, with several overlooks between Mount Morris and the Glen Iris Inn.
The Jump-Off
The Jump-Off Overlook in Ontario County Park—An ADA-accessible boardwalk leads to an expansive big-sky view. Pair it with a scenic drive along West Hollow Road or a stop in Naples during grape season.
Durand Eastman Arboretum
Durand Eastman Park Arboretum—Loop around the lakes on foot or by bike and watch color ripple from shoreline sumac to hillside oaks.
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Durand Eastman Park’s 977 acres include an arboretum, hiking trails around Durand and Eastman Lakes, and a swimming beach on Lake Ontario.
Explore The Lake Ontario Seaway Trail
The Lake Ontario Seaway Trail runs along the southern Lake Ontario shoreline, from Fort Niagara in Youngstown to Fort Ontario in Oswego.
Genesee Valley Park
Genesee Valley Park—Follow the canal, creek, and river under classic stone bridges for a gentle, color-soaked stroll in Olmsted’s landscape.
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Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1888, find Genesee Valley Park where the Erie Canal, Red Creek, and Genesee River intersect.
Rochester’s Olmsted-Designed Parks
Rochester is fortunate to be one of a handful of American cities with a park system comprised of Frederick Law Olmsted-designed parks.
Highland Park
Highland Park—Intimate paths, historic structures, and a diverse arboretum make close-up leaf peeping a delight.
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Highland Park has been described as a museum of exotic trees, many of which are the tallest of their species in the state, though few are native.
A Range of Possibilities: Exploring Rochester’s Pinnacle Hills
The Pinnacle Range along Rochester’s southern border is a glacial moraine created by the retreating Wisconsin Glacier 12,000 years ago.
🍎 Apple Everything! Rochester’s Best Ciders, Fry Cakes, Fritters, Pies, and More
Come September, we begin to crave all things apple: cider, donuts, fritters, hard cider, pie, and warm cinnamon fry cakes.
🎃 Pumpkin Patches Near Rochester – 2025 Edition
Experience the perfect autumn day at our Rochester-area pumpkin farms with wagon rides, fresh apple cider and donuts, and corn mazes.
22 Fabulous Fall Hikes in Monroe County
My favorite fall hikes offer a variety of landscapes and scenic views, including rivers, forests, and peaceful surroundings.
Scenic train rides, leaf-peeping, bird migrations, and ghost walks happen only in autumn in Rochester—take advantage of them while you can!
🧟 Paranormal Activities: Our Favorite Haunts for 2025
There is something about October that piques our interest in paranormal activities. Explore the other side of Rochester!
Where are your favorite places to observe the fall foliage changes around Rochester?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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Any info on bus tours or train rides to see fall foliage?
It may be too soon for companies to announce any, with the uncertainty as the pandemic evolves. I took a quick look at Arcade & Attica RR and they have their autumn schedule up: https://www.aarailroad.com/train-rides/