Fall Foliage in New York City
Fall Foliage in New York City
Mid-October to Mid-November is the time when fall foliage in New York City is at it’s peak. You think Central Park is beautiful in the spring and summer? Wait till you see it in the fall, with trees covered in bright red, orange and yellow leaves.
Best Places to See the Fall Foliage in New York City
Fall Foliage in Central Park, Manhattan
Central Park is a great place to see fall foliage in New York City without going out of your way if you are in NYC for a short period of time. For the best colors, head to the Pond (near 59th Street and 5th Ave entrance ), the Pool (between 100th and 103rd St on the West Side), the wild North Woods (mid-park at 102nd St), and the Literary Walk, also known as “The Mall” (mid-park from 66th to 72nd St), where yellow leaves of tall elm trees create a golden canopy. Take a look at the Central Park Conservancy’s map of best autumn viewing spots.
Autumn Colors at New York Botanical Gardens, Wave Hill and Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx
The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) offers wonderful views of the changing colors of autumn in NYC. Explore the Thain Family Forest at NYBG, a 250-acre woodland area which is the city’s largest patch of old-growth forest (with some trees dating to the 19th century). Wave Hill and the Van Cortlandt Park are also good places to enjoy the fall foliage in the Bronx. NYBG’s Fall Forest Weekends are a great event to attend since it includes guided foliage-themed tours among other activities.
Fall Colors at Prospect Park and Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Brooklyn
If you are in Brooklyn, be sure to visit The Prospect Park and Brooklyn Botanical Garden during the autumn season. The Ravine, a densely wooded area at the center of Prospect Park, boasts a small stream and thick concentration of trees similar to a forest.
Autumn Foliage at Queens Botanical Garden and Alley Pond Park, Queens
In Queens, the best places to visit during fall are the Queens Botanical Garden and Alley Pond Park which is also home to New York City’s first public high ropes adventure course.
Hiking Trails at Green Belt Conservancy, Staten Island
Green Belt Conservancy has 2,800 acres of park and natural wooded areas. Tucked away in Staten Island, this Conservancy has four woodland trails that take visitors on a tour of the changing colors of fall as well as many species of migrating birds.