NY Fall Foliage Report

There are many incredible spots to take in the fall colors in New York, whether you’re in the City or other popular spots like the Finger Lakes and the Catskills. you’re probably wondering when you can expect the leaves to be in full color for 2024; we’ve got the guide for you 

We’re here to provide travel tips and a van life guide to help you create some great memories this fall. In this guide, we’ll review the current fall foliage predictions in 2024 to help you decide when to plan your trip and pick an ideal spot in New York to take in the colors.  

Why Are the Fall Leaves Dull This Year?

When looking at New York Fall Foliage 2024 predictions, one of the hot topics is whether the fall leaves will be dull in the current year. 

A key factor that can cause leaves to dull, change color early, and not be at their brightest during usual peak times is a lack of rain. The National Weather Service currently shows that there have only been about 0.8 inches of rainfall so far in September. 

When you look at the NY fall foliage reports today, many show that the leaves are starting to change color a little earlier than normal due to that lower rainfall. 

Other aspects that can contribute to dull leaves are low soil moisture, summer drought, or a warm period during fall. However, most of these conditions seem to have held in check this year. Therefore, we can expect the leaves to still look pretty vibrant even though they’re changing color a bit earlier. 

Where Is the Prettiest Fall Foliage? 

When you look at fall foliage maps in 2024 for New England and New York, you’ll find that some of the most popular places for fall foliage in New York are the Finger Lakes, the Catskills, the Adirondacks, and even right in New York City. Let’s review some of the top spots where you can take in the vibrant colors in each area. 

Best Fall Foliage Spots in Finger Lakes

• Finger Lakes National Forest: Here, you’ll find 16,000 acres of wilderness offering plenty of foliage and space to explore. With many hiking and biking trails throughout and scenic spots to take in the views, you won’t be disappointed. 
  • Robert H. Treman State Park: This is a scenic gorge area with many trails and vistas. It’s a unique landscape offering a great way to see the fall colors. 

• Cayuga and Seneca Lakes: You can walk around the shores of these popular lakes or take nearby drives to view the foliage and landscape surrounding them. 

Best Fall Foliage Spots in Catskills

• Catskill Mountain House Overlook: Get a full view of the area at this scenic high-peak overlook. Here, you’ll see the Hudson River, beautiful mountainous landscapes, and a wide range of trees with wonderful colors. 
• Mountain Top Arboretum: Take in nature at this 178-acre arboretum with wonderful trails, wetlands, and gardens. 
• Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway: A very scenic 52-mile drive that goes through the Central Catskills with mountainous views and lots of trees that’ll be in full color. 

Best Fall Foliage Spots in the Adirondacks

• Lake George: Whether you walk along the lake or explore the 50 miles of hiking trails here, you’re certain to see some great fall colors. 
• Lake Placid: A breathtaking spot with the fall colors reflecting off the crystal clear waters of the lake. You can find a great vantage point if you drive to the top of Whiteface Mountain, where you’ll find a panoramic 360-degree view of the full landscape. 
• Long Lake: With 14 miles of waterfront beaches and great hiking and rock climbing spots, you’re sure to find a good vantage point here to take in the views. 

Best Fall Foliage Spots in New York City

• Park in Manhattan: Take a walk through the popular Central Park, where you’ll see wonderful hawthorn trees covered in red berries and large tupelo meadows. 
• Fort Tryon Park in Manhattan: This park has amazing arching trees that extend over the walkway, making for a great experience. Plus, you can stop and sit at the Linden Terrace, one of the highest spots in Manhattan, to look out at the views over the Hudson River. 
• Prospect Park in Brooklyn: This is one of the best spots in NYC to see sugar and red maples, especially when you go to the densely wooded area at the center of the park. 

What Delays Fall Foliage?

One of the things that can delay fall foliage is if there is a late spring that year. When that happens, it pushes the trees’ cycle back. 

Having a warmer fall can also make the leaves turn color later. Some say that climate change could affect this in the future if temperatures get gradually warmer. 

That said, fall foliage in 2024 for New York looks right on track or slightly earlier than normal, so there shouldn’t be any delays in seeing the colors. 

What is the Best Time to See Fall Colors in the Catskills?

Typically, the best time to see the fall colors in Catskills, New York, is the first or second week of October. So far, New York fall foliage 2024 predictions for October are looking right on schedule or slightly ahead of schedule, so it should be on track for peak color during the first half of the month. 

Rent from Escape Camper Vans for a Great Fall Foliage Viewing Experience in New York

When you want to take a scenic road trip to New York to view the fall colors, having a great travel vehicle with sleeping space and where you can pack all your essentials makes all the difference. Escape Camper Vans has a pickup and dropoff location in New York to conveniently start your trip. 

Our vans come equipped with helpful features like:

• Queen size beds
• Propane stove
• Refrigerator
• Sink with a water tank
• Extra storage
• Foldaway tables and benches
• And more

Ready to see some stunning fall colors? You can reserve your van online today or contact us with any other questions.