Destinations & Things To Do
17 Hidden Gem Fall Foliage Spots in New York State
Fall in New York is like nowhere else! Each year, visitors from all over the world come to see the vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues that transform the state into a beautiful autumn mosaic. Whether you’ve already crossed foliage hotspots off your fall bucket list or you’re just looking for something a little off the beaten path, there’s something for everyone. You may find yourself high above the Ausable River in the Adirondacks or admiring a view of the Hudson from one of Manhattan’s highest points. Check out this list of fall foliage hidden gems and plan your New York fall adventure. Credit: @mozmount on Instagram
Credit: @oakandspurs on Instagram
Listen to the calming sounds of Fox Creek as you admire the bright foliage surrounding this charming covered bridge in Schoharie. Built in 1982 as a replica of the original 1890 bridge, take in the rustic vibes, intricate Town Lattice design, and autumn atmosphere as you stroll this scenic landmark.
Credit: @andrewgriesmann on Instagram
It’s no secret that Niagara Falls is spectacular this time of year, but if you’re looking to escape the crowds pay a visit to Whirlpool State Park. Just three miles north of Niagara Falls, this 109-acre park overlooks the Niagara Whirlpool on the Niagara River and the lower Niagara Gorge. There’s a variety of trails for all experience levels showcasing breathtaking autumn views at the river level and from above.
Credit: @mozmount on Instagram
For hikers looking for a moderate route and spectacular 360-degree views, head 30 minutes south of Lake Placid to the Owl Head Lookout. The 2.6-mile trail will lead you over streams and through the woods towards the jaw-dropping overlook, where you’ll be greeted with sweeping mountain views decorated with fall colors.
Credit: Anna Pakman
What better place to experience the fall season than from one of Manhattan’s highest points? Sitting high above the Hudson River, this 67-acre hidden gem offers unrivaled views of the 300-foot Palisade cliffs best seen from Linden Terrace. For more autumn hues, take to the eight miles of pathways or wander through the Heather Garden, the city’s largest public garden.
CREDIT: @STEPH_ANN_EE ON INSTAGRAM
Once the estate of avid conservationist, artist, and animal lover, Robert G. Wehle, this 1,100-acre park in Henderson is sure to display some superb fall foliage. Explore 14 miles of hiking trails, showcasing Lake Ontario shoreline, a forest of changing colors, and cliffs reaching as high as 80 feet. The Snakefoot Trail is perfect for those looking for an easy walk with breathtaking vistas.
Admire a birds-eye-view of Catskill Mountain foliage without a long trek into the woods at the Upper Esopus Fire Tower in Shandaken. Just a quarter-mile walk from the parking lot of the Catskill Visitor Center, the unrivaled beauty from this 80-foot tower is sure to take your breath away.
Credit: @sandspointpreserve on Instagram
Gold Coast elegance meets brilliant autumn colors at the Sands Point Preserve. Set out on a gentle walk throughout 216 acres, where you’ll discover the elegant castles, forests sprinkled with fall hues, and beautiful shoreline that inspired the Great Gatsby’s “East Egg.” The preserve is also holding a guided fall foliage walk on November 2, celebrating the changing seasons with hands-on nature discovery activities.
Credit: @leadstohs on Instagram
For a view of Canandaigua Lake that’s sure to take your breath away, head to Carolabarb Park in Naples! When fall comes around, the colors surrounding this Finger Lake are truly a sight to see. Pack some snacks and have a picnic at the top or take a closer look at the lake through the viewfinders.
Credit: @photographingstuffsometimes on Instagram
Just 15 minutes from downtown Albany is a 3,350-acre ecological gem. As a rare inland pine barren ecosystem, the Albany Pine Bush is home to a variety of unique plants and wildlife. Take to the 20 miles of trails and stroll alongside rolling sand dunes blanketed in pine, oak, heaths, and prairie grass decorated with fall hues.
With a breathtaking lakeside vista, spectacular sunsets, vibrant foliage, and superb birdwatching, Luensman Overview Park has it all! Walk through the woods on the easy one-mile interpretive trail and admire the view of Lake Erie from lookout, on a clear day you may even see a glimpse of the Canadian Shore.
Credit: @jrtpics on Instagram
Find peace and relaxation on a stroll through this Hudson Valley garden in Millbrook. Innisfree’s timeless design was influenced by Chinese and Japanese style dating back more than 1,000 years and is packed with changing fall colors around every corner. Take a self-guided tour through the garden’s waterfalls, sculptures, and bridges or experience a guided Curator’s Tour of the grounds. Plus, the garden is offering Fall Foliage Weekends on October 19-20, 26-27, and November 2-3.
Credit: @pnw_drew on Instagram
From 1823 to 1963 the Catskill Mountain House stood atop the Catskill High Peaks, serving as an enchanting mountain getaway for distinguished guests like President Theodore Roosevelt. Today, all that remains is the majestic view of the Catskill Mountains, which becomes even more spectacular in the fall. To unlock these historic views, follow the blue trail from North South Lake Campground for an easy half-mile hike to the lookout.
Credit: @snugharborccbg on Instagram
28 historical buildings, 14 botanical gardens, and acres of wetlands make up the tranquil 83-acre campus of Snug Harbor in Staten Island. For superb color sightings, take a relaxing walk through the New York Chinese Scholar Garden, Healing Garden, or RCSF Tuscan Garden. Get the full Snug foliage experience with a fall foliage guided tour (November 7 and 9) through the garden’s best leaf-peeping spots.
Scenic vistas of Lake Ontario, 10 miles of hiking trails, and beautiful fall foliage await at the Sterling Nature Center. Throughout the 1,400-acre site, you’ll find glacially-formed bluffs and may even see some wildlife. For a truly stunning fall sight, take a stroll down the Lake Ontario shoreline or get out on the water in a kayak or canoe. Be sure to pop into the interpretive center with exhibits focused on the region before you go!
Credit: @mergs87 on Instagram
Fall at the Reinstein Woods is truly a special time when the 292-acre preserve transforms into a sea of bright oranges, yellows, and reds. Just 15 minutes outside of Buffalo, stroll on the walking trails that weave through forests, ponds, and wetlands. Be sure to check the calendar for seasonal events such as an Autumn Colors Walk (October 23) and Birding 101: Fall Farewells (October 19).
Credit: @morganannette_ on Instagram
Whether you’re looking to check-off a hike on the Lake Placid 9er Hiking Challenge or just searching for surreal views of the Adirondack foliage, Bear Den Mountain won’t disappoint. Located high above the West Branch of the Ausable River, this 3.4-mile round trip hike is perfect for those in search of a challenge with a 1,350-foot elevation gain and one-of-a-kind views of Whiteface Mountain.
Credit: @rob.ceee on Instagram
Admire dazzling lakeside vistas enveloped in bright fall hues at Fahnestock State Park in Carmel. This sprawling 14,086-acre park covers land in Putnam and Dutchess Counties, making it an easy add-on if you’re visiting Beacon or Cold Spring. Trails of varying difficulty run throughout the park, including the Appalachian Trail, showcasing dazzling lakes, clifftop views of the valley, and forests adorned with vibrant foliage.
Looking for even more autumn adventures? Check out these must-try fall hikes and fall for these New York State waterfalls.
Don’t forget to post photos of your New York adventures on Instagram and Twitter with #ILoveNY and #FindWhatYouLoveNY and tag us on Facebook!
Leaving the motel room where I’d rested the past 3 nights felt a little sad but I wanted to be moving again. I grabbed a sandwich for lunch and another for the road from a cute deli nearby too. This did mean I got to the trail a little late though, roughly 2:30. My stupid ankle was hurting again now and it made the walk fairly unpleasant. I got to Red’s Meadow where I’d heard they were serving ice cream but it was the evening now and it looked like they had closed down for the day. My mood already low and not wanting to pay for camping, I continued onward instead, forgetting that they also had a hot spring.
I ended up finding a tiny tent site nearby Sotcher Lake and grumpily set up there. Lesson learned here; try not to spiral. My ankle hurting led me to skip past Red’s Meadow which meant I missed the hot spring there.
Day 83: Uneventful Days
The night was cold and I slept in then had a slow morning. My pack was heavy and I was moving slowly which, combined with getting out of camp late, limited my miles today; I barely did 12. I ate lunch at a campground and had to scare away an particularly industrious Stellar’s Jay who kept trying to get to my food. I respect the effort but this food is for me, little bird.
The rest of the walk was largely uneventful. The entire day was one long but thankfully gradual uphill and the views of the valley and surrounding mountains only got better. I continued to churn through audiobooks as they were kinda the only thing keeping me going. I ended up making camp on the side of a mountain with a gorgeous valley below. It was surprisingly well-sheltered for being up on a ridge. I ate dinner staring out at the snowcapped peaks and the trees and lakes below.
Day 84: Donohue Pass; Into Yosemite!
The night was again cold and I was glad my habit of stuffing my water filter into my sleeping bag had stayed so consistent this trail. For the curious, our water filters are vulnerable to freezing. If the water inside turns to ice it will expand and compromise the filter in a way that is almost undetectable. Usually this is only a risk at night thankfully so simply going to sleep with it usually means it will stay warm.
The morning was fairly unremarkable as I walked to the base of Donohue Pass, save for Thousand Island Lake which was absolutely gorgeous. I met a hiker called Trooper there before taking my lunch and nap. Afterwards I began the climb and while going up I began to hear distant thunder. It remained distant thankfully which was a very good thing as I was well above the tree line and with limited places to take cover. The numerous marmots showed no fear of course; must be nice having a hole you can retreat to. Thankfully there was almost no snow on the ground so although the ascent was steep it did go quickly.
As I reached highest point and crossed into Yosemite National Park snow flurries started and the thunder suddenly got louder. I could see it was raining a few miles ahead in the valley below. Wanting to get below the tree line in case the storm turned my way, I hustled downhill, the fast speed also helping to keep me warm on a day that had turned quite cold. The snow intermittently fell all the way down though it was thankfully mild. There were many JMT hikers around again too.
While descending on a gravely switchback, my shoes suddenly lost traction on the rocks underneath me and before I knew it I was falling. Falling backwards thankfully, not forwards or to the side down the mountain. I cried out in expectation of the painful impact of my butt on the earth but to my surprise it never came. Sitting there I realized my pack had cushioned the fall almost completely, turning a bone-jarring jolt into just a bit of a jerk to my hips. Thank you, backpack.
I camped that evening in Lyell Canyon, enjoying the gorgeous meadows surrounded by the sharp canyon walls. Remembering my fall, I inspected my shoes and discovered that the tread was seriously worn down. The shoes it seemed were near their end of life and I suddenly realized that they were probably contributing to my ankle irritation now that they could no longer provide sufficient support. Clearly new shoes were in my future.
Day 85: Burgers in Tuolumne Meadows
The day began with a nice, gradual downhill through beautiful meadows. I passed many JMT hikers but started to see more and more day hikers as I approached Tuolumne Meadows. Suddenly, the trail joined with a well-paved road and I abruptly re-entered civilization. Cars were passing, tourists were walking about goggling at the sights, and at least two groups of deer were practically posing for photos.
I reached Tuolumne Meadows Grill right at lunch time. The hunger was in full swing and I consumes two burgers, fries, a salad, and a soda while my electronics charged. It was reasonably priced too, a surprise for such a touristy area!
I headed out around 3, quickly running into Myles and Swing Set who I’d met in Mammoth. We hiked together past multiple waterfalls and vast views. Yosemite felt noticeably different than the previous stretch of the Sierra; the mountains felt lower but rocker somehow. I camped that night at Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, quite close to the base of Tuolumne Falls. I was still full from those lunch burgers too so slept early.
Trail Stats:
Catholes: 28
Stops to filter water: 117
Resupplies: 14
Hitches: 15
Zeros: 15
Crys on trail: 12
Blisters: 12
Gear repairs: 19
Miles Skipped: 212.3
Significant Water Crossings: 75
Falls: 1
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek’s ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!
To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
Destinations & Things To Do
Iran Now Joins The UNWTO Top 20 Global Tourism Destinations, Showcasing its Strong Recovery and Growing International Appeal Made Through Heritage, Culture, and Strategic Reforms
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Sitting, now, among the top 20 tourist destinations, for the first quarter of 2025 according to the latest figures released by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). This is a milestone that marks how far Iran has come in tourism aspects, a testament to a maturing policy environment, sector resilience and improved global perception as a safe, culturally rich and diverse travel destination.
Tremendous Increase in International Tourism Arrivals
One of the highest growths in the region, as UNWTO publishes first World Tourism Barometer of the year According to the UNWTO report, international tourist arrivals to Iran increased from 4.9 million in 2017 to 7.3 million in 2018, the best growth amongst the 40 most visited countries in theos world. This significant growth has been thanks to several strategic measures such as efficient government planning, huge growth in infrastructure and proactive attempts to give a positive turn to the country’s global image.
That increase in the number of visitors not only reflects the country’s natural potential for tourism but also reveals how it has successfully dealt with historical misinterpretations. The strong numbers reflect Iran’s dedication to welcoming international tourists alongside the country’s ever-expanding number of historical attractions, diverse landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage, while also serving as a testament to the world’s proclivity to see past political headlines and to not confuse individual people from a country with wider… political issues.
Strategic Initiatives Driving Tourism Development
Given this focus on digital engagement, Iranian tourism officials have undertaken a complete digital overhauling. Key features of the Trust’s programme is the programme is the next step for the Trust in using advanced audience insights to create personalized, engaging web experiences. Future developments are set to include an interactive travel guide aimed at enthralling prospective tourists with Iran’s long history, rich culture and beautiful scenery, using rich multimedia to tell the country’s story.
What’s more, tapping into social media has become a key prong of Iran’s tourism approach. By leveraging local storytelling and genuine stories, India aims to strike a chord with the world, i.e., ‘A chord is struck when the world connects with such stories, enabling a room for genuine interest and curiosity for potential travellers’.
Focused Efforts in Strategic Branding
Iran’s tourism ministry is also involving homegrown and foreign professionals to make riveting multimedia content. The purpose of this branding campaign is to elevate the visibility of Iran on international stages and introduce to the world the unparalleled attractions of this country. Local talent meets global branding know-how: Iran has set itself up to draw in a wide spectrum of global travellers, ensuring steady tourism growth.
Infrastructure and Access: The Foundations of Tourism Development
Improvement of the infrastructure has also contributed to Iran’s success in tourism. Excellent transportation systems, accommodations, and guest facilities have made tourism easy and comfortable. Such developments have been instrumental in helping Iran emerge as one of the hottest destinations in the world, providing the facilities of accessibility and comfort for the world travelers.
The powerful part of Iran experience is the wide range variety of cultural heritage you will find there. With its historic legacy (The ruins of Persepolis and Isfahan’s cultural and architectural splendor) and various and complex landscapes of deserts, mountains and coastlines, the country offers a wide range and variety of experiences for adventure-seekers. “Promotion of different aspects of Iranian tourism has been highly effective in promoting the country as a global tourist destination. However, by pushing these features using targeted marketing, this has helped to greatly increase Iran’s overall tourism profile globally.
Economic and Social Impacts
Rising tide of international tourists Having thousands of foreign visitors adds up significantly to the country’s economy and welfare. Tourism plays a role in driving local economies, supporting jobs and fostering cultural interaction. Such enhanced interaction would not merely lead to more economic welfare, but also pave the way for greater global knowledge and respect for Iran’s unique culture and past.
Future Prospects: Sustaining Momentum for Tourism in Iran
In the future, the further development and expansion of Iran’s tourism industry will depend largely on ongoing policy innovation, effective marketing, and investment in infrastructure. The country’s success in being an early adopter of digital platforms, strategic branding and authentic storytelling will become essential in sustaining the winning momentum.
The fact that Iran is considered one of the world’s most sought after tourism destinations is an important step in globalizing and diversifying the economy. The list of winners is our place at the top 30! We believe that if we take advantage of this win, we can make Iran Muslim Friendly Destination as a more popular place among tourists in the world for the next years.
- Hightower Parking Lot (908.8) zero at Country View Lodging, Elkton, VA
- 0 feet ascent, 0 feet descent
We assessed the heat damage. It was not inconsequential. Three days hiking in 100 degree weather had taken its toll. I was covered in heat rash, some so bad I could not move without pain. The Historian was feeling very weak. We both felt hot to the touch, even after an overnight sleep in an air conditioned room.
We decided it would be unwise to go back out to try to hike. Heat exhaustion is real and can be dangerous. We didn’t want to end our hike or put others at risk if we needed help. Hike Smart. The sign at the beginning of the Shennandoah told us that. We smartly requested another night. The heat was supposed to peak today.
Our Kingdom for the Day
Our room was delightful. We had two double beds, one to sleep on and one became the continent for pack explosions.
It was a luxury to be able to sort our resupply and rumage through our gear without bending over.
We Even Have a Kitchen
We did not expect a kitchenette but there was one. We availed ourselves of all its glories.
The Historian braved the heat to get ice from the office. After giving us “water with treats,” he put the ice bucket in the freezer. Clever man. We had ice all day.
Water with Treats
I should explain what water with treats is. We dream of it on the trail and discuss it often. We had a dog who loved ice cubes out of the refrigerator door. She would sit below the fridge and stare longingly after ice dispenser, I suppose dreaming of an opposable thumb. We were careful never to let her see how it worked when we offered her “treats”. Over time, she trained us to give her ice cubes in her water, aka “water with treats.”
In the heat we guzzeled warm water from our bottles dreaming of it having treats. Today, we had water with treats.
Grocery Delivery
We had leftover pizza for breakfast. By second breakfast we wanted real food. After last night’s 1 1/2 hour delivery saga of right room number, wrong hotel, we were concerned.
I also needed more medicated powder for my heat rash. Quite by accident, I discoved the grocery store had delivery. We could get our chores done without leaving the confines of our Kingdom for the Day.
I filled our shopping cart and took a lot out. Finally, I was satisfied. Not too much but plenty of what we wanted.
The groceries arrived flawlessly. Our shopper had called to see about apples. They were only available in 3 pound bags. I asked her if she could use the extra apples and she said she could. We took three for us, plenty to carry and gave her the rest. It was a good compromise.
Our Main Meal
I rehydrate our home dehydrated pork with green tomatoes. We added this to a salad. It was so very satisfying.
We feasted on wet food all day. The watermelon and other fruits were particularly satisfying. After days of poor calorie consumption due to the heat (except for our wayside affair!) it was good to be able to eat and not be nauseated.
ET Call Home
When I was on the trail in 1975, we communicated by letter mostly. When I came to town, I would look for a phone booth and call family collect. We had to keep the calls short as they were very expensive. If I remember correctly, it was about a dollar a minute. Calls were interrupted by a human operator at 3 minutes to remind you how much money you were spending.
Now days, the most common association with pay phones is the Tardis from Dr Who.
The motel had a real, working payphone!
We did not call home on the pay phone, but we did take time to communicate with family. The support and love of family has not changed since 1975.
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek’s ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!
To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
-
Mergers & Acquisitions1 week agoAmazon weighs further investment in Anthropic to deepen AI alliance
-
Mergers & Acquisitions1 week ago
How Elon Musk’s rogue Grok chatbot became a cautionary AI tale
-
Mergers & Acquisitions1 week ago
UK crime agency arrests 4 people over cyber attacks on retailers
-
Brand Stories2 weeks ago
Voice AI Startup ElevenLabs Plans to Add Hubs Around the World
-
Asia Travel Pulse2 weeks ago
Looking For Adventure In Asia? Here Are 7 Epic Destinations You Need To Experience At Least Once – Zee News
-
AI in Travel2 weeks ago
‘Will AI take my job?’ A trip to a Beijing fortune-telling bar to see what lies ahead | China
-
Mergers & Acquisitions1 week ago
EU pushes ahead with AI code of practice
-
Mergers & Acquisitions2 weeks ago
ChatGPT — the last of the great romantics
-
Mergers & Acquisitions1 week ago
Humans must remain at the heart of the AI story
-
The Travel Revolution of Our Era1 month ago
CheQin.ai Redefines Hotel Booking with Zero-Commission Model
