The two weeks on either side of Halloween (late-October through early-November) 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 destinations offer colorful fall foliage and varied landscapes so you can appreciate them each in their own unique way.
Table of Contents
- Harriet Hollister Spencer
- Mount Hope Cemetery
- Letchworth
- The Jump Off
- Durand-Eastman
- Genesee Valley Park
- Highland Park & Sunken Garden
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!
7. Highland Park
Highland represents a more intimate approach to enjoying fall foliage and other seasonal changes. There are unique structures and plant life to appreciate here.
Scenic train rides, leaf-peeping, bird migrations and ghost walks happen only in autumn in Rochester–take advantage of them while you can!
Spend less time traveling and more time exploring with these fantastic getaways from Rochester. They’re all within a two hour drive from home.
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!
Where are your favorite places to observe the fall foliage changes around Rochester?
Please share your thoughts and stories with us in the comments. Your insight and experience are invaluable!
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/