Best Day Trips From NYC To See Fall Foliage

 

Best Day Trips From NYC To See Fall Foliage

 

Autumn is the perfect time to travel outside New York City for some leaf peeping. No car? No problem. There are plenty of ways to experience the beautiful fall foliage in the northeast that are easily accessible by train and public transit.

 

 

 

1. Fall Foliage Train Rides From NYC

 

  • Walkway Over the Hudson

    Once part of a rail line and reopened as a pedestrian bridge in 2009, the Walkway Over the Hudson spans the river between Poughkeepsie and Highland. From 7 a.m. until sunset, walkers can enjoy a 360-degree view from 200 feet above the water. Take Metro-North or Amtrak to Poughkeepsie; the Walkway is just a 10-minute walk from downtown.

    Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes (Amtrak) or 1 Hour 26 Minutes (Metro-North) From NYC



  • Cold Spring, New York

    Located on the Hudson River, Cold Spring is a peaceful, walkable village that offers wonderful riverside views of the trees on Storm King Mountain. To get a bird's-eye view of some of the most breathtaking foliage near New York City, hike up Breakneck Ridge, but it's considered one of the most strenuous hikes in the region. The trailhead is located just a mile north of Cold Spring, and Metro-North also offers limited service directly to Breakneck Ridge on weekends.

    Time:     1 Hour 15 Minutes From NYC

2. Fall Foliage Bus Tours From NYC

 

  • Storm King Art Center

    With more than 100 outdoor sculptures on 500 acres known for their breathtaking fall foliage, Storm King Art Center is a popular (and often photographed) autumn destination. Adhering to NY state mandates, visitor capacity is reduced, timed-entry tickets are required for all visitors (including Members), and all tickets must be reserved in advance.

    Metro-North provides service from Grand Central Terminal to Beacon station.

    Time: ~2 Hours From NYC


3. Fall Foliage Boat Cruises from NYC

 

  • Classic Harbor Line Luxury Yacht Cruise

    This fleet offers passengers a variety of fall foliage cruises from Chelsea Piers (Pier 62 at W. 22nd St.) :

    - Full Moon -- a cozy, elegant, fully restored 1950 Grebe Yacht -- to explore the grand foliage of the Palisades Park on the Hudson River. The 2.5-hour ride is available for adults and children; beverages -- wine, beer, hot chocolate -- are available for purchase.

    - The Manhattan or Manhattan II, 1920s-style yachts, also cruise out of Chelsea Piers. Guests can enjoy the autumn cruise out of the busy city of Manhattan, heading north on the tree-lined, scenic Hudson River. The 2.25-hour cruise has brunch and lunch options and one complimentary round of drinks, with more available for purchase.

 

 

Written by Amber James