Unearth The Voyage
Priceline has crowned New York’s Hudson Valley as the top fall foliage destination in America for 2025, and it’s easy to see why. This region offers stunning autumn colors mixed with historic sites, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities that make October unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for scenic drives, art-filled landscapes, or apple-picking fun, the Hudson Valley delivers peak fall magic just a short trip from New York City.
1. Walkway Over the Hudson (Poughkeepsie–Highland)
The Walkway Over the Hudson stretches 1.28 miles between Poughkeepsie and Highland, making it the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. No steep hikes or strenuous climbs—just pure, breathtaking views.
October brings special events that make your visit even more memorable. Check out Starry Starry Night for evening magic or Walktoberfest for daytime festivities. The bridge connects to riverfront parks on both sides, so you can easily extend your adventure with cafés and picnic spots nearby.
2. Storm King Art Center (New Windsor)
Art and nature collide in the most spectacular way at Storm King. This 500-acre outdoor museum displays massive sculptures against hillsides painted in crimson, gold, and rust. Walking among these monumental works feels like stepping into a living gallery where autumn itself becomes part of the exhibition.
A major 2025 renovation has improved how visitors move through the space. New amenities make your day more comfortable without disturbing the stunning landscape. Plan to spend several hours here—you’ll want to explore every corner as the fall colors frame each artistic masterpiece in a different, magical way.
3. Hudson River Skywalk (Olana ↔ Thomas Cole via Rip Van Winkle Bridge)
Walk in the footsteps of America’s most famous landscape painters on this incredible six-mile journey. The Hudson River Skywalk connects Olana and Thomas Cole’s historic homes via the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, offering the same Catskills and river views that inspired the Hudson River School artists.
Peak foliage turns this route into a masterpiece itself. You’ll understand exactly why these painters chose this region as their muse when you see the panoramic vistas from the bridge. Visiting both landmark homes adds cultural depth to your color-chasing adventure, making history and nature blend beautifully together.
4. Minnewaska State Park Preserve (Kerhonkson)
Sky-blue lakes meet dramatic cliffs in this fall wonderland that looks almost too beautiful to be real. Minnewaska combines waterfalls, carriage roads, and mountain scenery into one jaw-dropping package. Families love the relatively easy trails that still deliver big rewards in autumn color.
Here’s the insider tip: arrive early! Parking fills up fast during peak foliage weekends because everyone wants a piece of this magic. The carriage roads offer smooth, wide paths perfect for all skill levels. Crystal-clear lakes reflect the surrounding reds and golds, creating mirror images that photographers dream about capturing.
5. Mohonk Preserve & Shawangunk (“Gunks”) Ridge (New Paltz)
Ridge-top drama awaits just a short drive from New York City at the legendary Shawangunks. Locals call them “the Gunks,” and late October often delivers the most intense color show here. Classic overlooks give you sweeping views across valleys filled with autumn brilliance.
Scenic drives make this destination accessible even if you’re not up for serious hiking. Rock climbers flock here year-round, but fall brings a special energy as the forests below transform. The preserve offers trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging scrambles, so everyone in your group can find their perfect adventure among the blazing colors.
6. Bear Mountain State Park & Perkins Memorial Tower
Drive to the top of Bear Mountain and climb the historic stone tower for views that’ll make your jaw drop. Perkins Memorial Tower offers 360-degree panoramas of the Hudson Highlands exploding in autumn color. The seasonal Perkins Memorial Drive winds upward with pull-offs where you can stop and soak in the scenery.
Open from April through November, this spot hits peak perfection in October. You won’t need to hike for miles to earn these views—the drive does most of the work for you. The tower itself adds historic charm to your leaf-peeping adventure, standing as it has for decades as a witness to countless spectacular falls.
7. Hudson Highlands State Park (Cold Spring / Beacon)
Big river views have made Hudson Highlands famous among leaf-peepers and hikers alike. Important note for 2025 through 2027: Breakneck Ridge and several nearby trails are temporarily closed during construction of the new Fjord Trail. Don’t let that stop you, though—the park offers plenty of alternate routes with equally stunning vistas.
Cold Spring and Beacon serve as perfect base towns for exploring this area. Charming Main Streets filled with shops and restaurants complement your outdoor adventures. Plan your route ahead of time to avoid closed sections, and you’ll still discover incredible Hudson River panoramas framed by autumn’s most vibrant colors.
8. Walkway + Riverfront Two-Bridges Stroll (Poughkeepsie)
Combine the famous Walkway with Poughkeepsie’s charming riverfront parks for an easy half-day packed with fall color. This two-bridges stroll delivers maximum foliage payoff without requiring athletic prowess or all-day commitment. Nearby cafés offer perfect spots to warm up with hot cider between scenic walks.
October weekends often feature special happenings that add extra fun to your visit. Live music, art vendors, and seasonal festivals pop up regularly during peak foliage season. The combination of elevated bridge views and ground-level riverside paths gives you multiple perspectives on the Hudson Valley’s autumn transformation, making this a well-rounded fall adventure.
9. Route 9W Scenic Drive → Bear Mountain
Few drives in America can match Route 9W for big-screen autumn drama. This classic road hugs the Hudson River as it winds toward Bear Mountain, delivering one stunning vista after another. You’ll find yourself constantly tempted to pull over and capture yet another perfect photo.
The route showcases exactly why the Hudson Valley earned its number-one ranking. Hillsides cascade down to the river in waves of red, orange, and gold. Plan extra time because you’ll definitely want to stop at multiple overlooks. This drive pairs perfectly with a visit to Bear Mountain’s summit, creating a full day of wheel-based and tower-top foliage viewing.
10. Apple-Picking + Cider Donuts (Various; try Fishkill Farms)
Why choose between leaf-peeping and apple season when you can enjoy both at once? Fishkill Farms posts real-time pick-your-own updates and hosts weekend fall festivals complete with live music and wagon rides. Reserve your spot ahead because these experiences fill up fast during October.
Fresh cider donuts warm from the fryer make the perfect reward after filling your basket with crisp apples. Orchards throughout the Hudson Valley frame their fruit trees against hillsides ablaze with color, turning a simple harvest outing into a full autumn celebration. Kids love the hands-on experience while adults appreciate the Instagram-worthy scenery and delicious treats.
11. Dia Beacon + Riverside Color (Beacon)
Culture meets color in Beacon, where world-class contemporary art pairs perfectly with peak foliage views. Dia Beacon houses massive installations in a converted industrial space that art lovers travel across the globe to experience. After immersing yourself in cutting-edge creativity, step outside to find the Hudson River framed by hillsides bursting with autumn brilliance.
Beacon’s walkable downtown offers riverfront strolls and hill views that make this a well-rounded day trip. Storm King Art Center sits just a short drive away if you want to combine multiple art destinations. This blend of indoor and outdoor experiences works perfectly for groups with mixed interests.
12. Local Fire Towers & Forest Loops (e.g., Ferncliff Forest, Rhinebeck)
Sometimes the best adventures hide in lesser-known spots. Local fire towers and forest loops like Ferncliff Forest in Rhinebeck offer short climbs that yield big panoramas over the river and Catskills. These gems serve as perfect plan-B options when marquee destinations are packed with crowds.
You’ll get stunning views without the parking hassles or long waits that plague more famous locations during peak weekends. The climbs remain manageable for most fitness levels while still delivering that rewarding summit feeling. Locals treasure these quiet spots where autumn’s beauty feels more personal and less like a theme park attraction, offering genuine connection with nature.
