The two weeks on either side of Halloween are perfect for witnessing peak fall foliage changes. With diminishing day light and temperature, the trees hasten their colorful leaf transitions before losing them completely.
Set your sites on a sunny day to truly highlight the colors.
These six destinations offer colorful fall foliage and varied landscapes so you can appreciate them each in their own unique way.
1. Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area
Harriet Hollister is a New York State recreation area located in the hills six miles south of Honeoye Lake. There you will find one of the best scenic views overlooking the lake.
You can also take in the view from your car if mobility is a challenge.
2. Mount Hope Cemetery
Mount Hope Cemetery is a special place all year-round, but there’s something about Autumn that turns it into a virtual painting. Learn all about the arboretum during the late-October Autumn Foliage at Mount Hope tour.
3. Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park comprises 14,350 linear acres along the Genesee River. It takes 30 minutes to drive from the Mount Morris entrance to the Glen Iris. Stop and appreciate the unique views at every single overlook!
4. Jump Off Trail
The Jump Off Trail in Ontario County Park is ADA-accessible and affords one of the most beautiful scenic views in the Finger Lakes Region.
Down below is CR-33 West Hollow Road which makes an incredible scenic drive as you can imagine!
5. Fall Foliage in Durand-Eastman Arboretum
Though you can enjoy a drive through the park, stopping at several small parking lots along the way, it is best explored on bike (paved roads only) or by foot.
There are 3 main foot trails that take you around the largest lakes in the park.
6. Fall Foliage in Genesee Valley Park
Genesee Valley Park is a Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park located at the intersection of the Erie Canal, Red Creek and Genesee River.
The foliage along the river and canal paired with the stone bridges makes for a visually-stimulating walk or bike!
Scenic train rides, leaf-peeping, fall bird migrations and ghost walks happen only in autumn in Rochester–take advantage of them while you can!
Geologic History of the Rochester Area
These day trips into Rochester’s geologic history, filled with drumlins, fossils, house-sized boulders and a meromictic lake, will leave you awe-struck!
Transcending Places: 40 Alternate Reality Destinations Around Rochester
Rather than an escape, I prefer to think of these as transcending places that encourage us to transcend space, time, and state of mind.
7 Wineries with Scenic Keuka Lake Views
For your Finger Lakes wine tour, our priority is simply to show you which wineries have the most spectacular scenic Keuka Lake views!
34 Roadside Waterfalls Near Rochester
Impressive waterfalls are not all buried in dark ravines accessible only by difficult trails. And for some, you do not need to get out of your car.
Where are your favorite places to observe the fall foliage changes around Rochester?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!