Fall foliage in Orange County

As summer fades into autumn, vibrant fall foliage bedecks the picturesque landscapes of the Hudson Valley. Send off summer and welcome in fall with loved ones with a trip to any must-visit spots for the most beautiful foliage in Orange County.

The eye-popping change begins in mid-September, building to a riot of red, orange, copper and gold throughout October.

Where to go

Below are some must-visit spots to witness vibrant fall foliage. Before visiting any of the locations, contact the venue directly to confirm that they are open and practice safe social-distancing.

Hawk’s Nest Drive, Route 97, Sparrowbush

A snake-like portion of Sparrowbush, the Hawk’s Nest connects the railroad city of Port Jervis to the bluestone village of Hancock. The unique highway along the Delaware River has been featured in many car advertisements and commercials.

upperdelawarescenicbyway.org

Schunnemunk Mountain State Park, 339 Otterkill Road, New Windsor

Explore 25 miles of hiking trails along 3,300 acres of rolling meadows and spectacular mountaintops including Schunnemunk Mountain, Orange County’s highest peak. Eight marked trails offer hikers thrilling 360-degree views of adjacent valleys, portions of the distant Hudson River and surrounding forest and farmlands. The park extends from Cornwall through Woodbury, Blooming Grove and Monroe.

palisadesparksconservancy.org

Seven Lakes Drive, Tiorati Circle on Route 6, Bear Mountain

This beautiful drive runs through Harriman State Park to Bear Mountain. The road winds its way through pristine forests filled with colorful trees mirrored in all seven lakes. A perfect blend of exciting curves and scenic views, Seven Lakes Drive offers drivers and motorcyclists a gorgeous spectacle of the mountain and lake.

Storm King State Park, Route 9W, South of Cornwall

This undeveloped park made headlines in the 1960s and 1970s when Storm King Mountain inspired the ecological movement in the United States. Climb the steep, rocky trails for breathtaking views of the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson Valley.

Palisadesparksconservancy.org

Storm King Art Center, 1 Museum Road, New Windsor

Autumn leaves are a dramatic backdrop to the huge works on the 500 acres of Storm King Art Center, the country’s largest outdoor sculpture park. The park-like setting contains a wide variety of trees producing a veritable rainbow of colors to set off the muscle-y sculptures carefully placed within the scenery.

stormking.org

West Point, 2107 New South Post Road, West Point

The oldest military academy presides over the Hudson River with some of its highest points offering spectacular views of the Hudson River valley.

westpoint.edu/visiting-west-point

Fort Montgomery, 690 Route 9W, Montgomery

The ruins of this Revolutionary War, a 14-acre fortification, are perched on a cliff overlooking the magnificent Hudson River. Don’t miss the long footbridge that crosses the creek for a great view of the Bear Mountain Bridge and surrounding fall foliage.

parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/28

Winding Hills Park, 1847 Route 17K, Montgomery

Commune with nature at the picturesque Winding Hills Park which offers hiking trails, a 40-acre lake, and four-acre pond. Bring a picnic and surround yourself with the crisp air and autumnal splendor as you walk around the lake.

orangecountygov.com/1491/Winding-Hills-Park

Heritage Trail, Goshen, Chester and Monroe

A converted rail bed of the Erie Railroad, the Heritage trail invites visitors to walk, jog, and bike along its 10-foot wide, 14-mile scenic route. With trail entrances in Goshen, Chester, and Monroe, the trail winds through a bird/wildlife sanctuary, historic landmarks, murmuring streams, and rolling meadows.

orangecountygov.com/1475/Heritage-Trail

Kowawese Unique Area at Plum Point, Route 9W, New Windsor

Located on the banks of the Hudson River, this site boasts magnificent vistas of the Hudson gorge and a 2,000-foot sandy riverfront.

orangecountygov.com/1478/Kowawese-Unique-Area-at-Plum-Point