New York State definitely has a more wild and rugged vista than New England's more manicured parks and states. The same can be said for their towns, which are alternative in nature, catering more to the hipster Brooklynite in all their glory. From hidden bars in the middle of the woods to breweries and outdoor pizza joints, it has a certain je ne sais quoi to it that makes it vastly different to New England. They're also known for some very vibrant towns like Woodstock and Hudson that offer a vintage and antique vibe rich in historic estates, art galleries, and thrift shops. Over the years, I've explored many upstate New York fall foliage picturesque towns. Here, I offer my honest town-by-town review—a tale of what to expect and what to discover in each upstate New York fall foliage town. When it comes to ratings, you'll see I don't give 9 or 10s away very easily. Rest assured, when I bestow a perfect 10, it's truly worth its weight in autumn gold. If you have a cherished favorite among these towns, make your case in the comments at the end of this post, perhaps I'll add it to my cherished list of must-visit destinations for the next fall!
A Town-by-Town Upstate New York Fall Foliage Review
- Mohonk Preserve: Private hiking preserve with a historic hotel mansion & drive-in movie theatre
- Mountaindale: Fly fishing, trout, and secret bars in the woods
- Livingston Manor: Craft beers and breweries, farm-to-table food, a Brooklyn vibe, and a small hike
- Woodstock: Bohemian charm village with eclectic shops and a side trip to a monastery in the mountains and hidden wooden church
- Cold Spring: A charming, small village with a very challenging hike with views of the Hudson River
- Storm King Art Center, Cornwall: Art installations
- Beacon: Grunge shopping, diverse food scene, and one of the most popular contemporary art museums in New York state
- Hudson: Shopping, antiquing, and cool bars for miles on end
- Alternatives: New England
1. Upstate New York Fall Foliage Town Review: Mohonk Preserve
Exploring Mohonk Preserve: A Colorful Journey in The Shawagunks
Go here if you like: A private preserve with a hotel mansion perked above the lake and a drive-in movie theatre.
Ratings:
Hikes: 10/10
Town: 2/10
The reason why we chose Mohonk Preserve as our fall foliage hike one year was primarily because of the majestic Mohonk House. In order to hike in this park, you need to purchase a ticket. I know right? You need to pay to visit a preserve? Yes, you do. And if you know me, while I find that appalling...I'm a sucker for red tape. If you need to pay for it, it's likely super well-maintained and worth the money. And I have to say, Mohonk Preserve was. After miles of trekking into the preserve and passing by fellow hikers and mountain climbers, we are greeted by the sight of water, a lake, mirroring the kaleidoscope of autumn colors surrounding us. Fun fact: This lake is man-made and was created in the late 1800s by the Smiley family, who founded the Mohonk Mountain House, perched regally atop the Shawagunk Ridge. The house, or hotel, has been welcoming guests since the 1800s.
Following our hike, we headed to the Four Brothers Drive-In in Amenia. This is my favorite retro drive-in movie spot. It feels like I'm back in the 80s. We parked our Jeep Grand Cherokee in the movie lot and went over to the old school diner to grab some delicious burgers, shakes and fries—a well-deserved reward after our many miles hiking.
2. Upstate New York Fall Foliage Town Review: Mountaindale
A Day in Livingston Manor, NY: Your Ultimate Guide
Go here if you like: Fly fishing, craft beers and breweries, and a secret bar in the woods.
Ratings:
Hikes: 5/10
Town: 4/10
Embarking on a scenic day trip to Livingston Manor, NY, nestled amidst the breathtaking Catskill Mountains, the journey took an unexpected turn when we drove by a weathered signpost in the town of Mountaindale that read "Creek Bar." This led us to the discovery of a hidden bar in the woods. This rustic retreat, aptly nicknamed "Mountaindale's Best-Kept Secret," nestled amidst the pristine Catskill wilderness, boasts a picturesque riverside setting along the Neversink River. We enjoyed lunch next to an outdoor fire pit and enjoyed some trout toast, an homage to the Catskills' rich trout fishing heritage.
3. Upstate New York Fall Foliage Town Review: Livingston Manor
A Day in Livingston Manor, NY: Your Ultimate Guide
Go here if you like: Fly fishing, craft beers and breweries, farm-to-table food, a Brooklyn vibe.
Ratings:
Hikes: 7/10
Town: 7/10
Continuing the journey to Livingston Manor, known as the "Gateway to the Catskills," revealed a Main Street adorned with charming boutiques and galleries. The area's farm-to-table ethos is celebrated in its restaurants, cafes, and eateries. A visit to Upward Brewery perched on "Beer Mountain" showcased the areas commitment to sustainability and breathtaking panoramic views. Note: Don't be persuaded by the name. There is no beer at the top of the mountain, you have to bring your own from the brewery below! The day culminated in a visit to the iconic Kaatskeller for wood-fired pizza.
4. Upstate New York Fall Foliage Town Review: Woodstock
A Day in Woodstock, NY: 9 Things to Do
Go here if you like: Bohemian charm and eclectic shops with a side trip to a monastery in the mountains and hidden wooden church.
Ratings:
Hikes: 5/10
Town: 9/10
Not to be confused with Woodstock, VERMONT. These are two very different places. Woodstock, NY is known for its 1969 music festival (which ironically took place 50 miles away in Bethel due to restroom regulations). Woodstock is a haven for art, culture, and community spirit. Here you can explore unique local shops like The Gilded Carriage and Mexica Crafts, savor meals at spots like Mud Club, and discover quirky sites such as the 8-foot tall wax "Drip Candle Mountain" at Candlestock. The adventure culminates in visits to the serene KTD Monastery and the historic wooden Church of the Holy Transfiguration, each offering a glimpse into the town's rich cultural tapestry.
5. Upstate New York Fall Foliage Town Review: Cold Spring
Things to Do in Cold Spring, NY: A Day Trip Guide
Go here if you like: A charming small village with a very challenging hike with views of the Hudson River.
Ratings:
Hikes: 6/10
Town: 6/10
Cold Spring offers a mix of outdoor adventures and charming small-town vibes. Cold Spring is perfect for hiking, particularly the challenging Breakneck Ridge Trail. The town itself is divided into Upper and Lower Villages, with the Lower Village offering waterfront views and a charming gazebo. After hiking, enjoy homemade ice cream at Moo Moo’s Creamery and explore antique shops, galleries, and unique stores along Main Street. Bonus: It's easily accessible by Metro North from NYC.
6. Upstate New York Fall Foliage Town Review: Storm King Art Center, Cornwall
Go here if you like: Art installations.
Ratings:
Hikes: 7/10
Located in Upstate NY, Storm King Art Center has over 500 acres of land with unique art exhibits galore. This isn't so much a town or hike as it is a huge playground for those interesting in walking up and down rolling hills while finding intriguing art installations around every corner. If you're art inclined or just want to see landscaping and nature from a different perspective, this is the perfect place for a stroll. And if you ever get tired, you can hop on and off the golf carts roaming around the grounds who will take you from one area to the next.
7. Upstate New York Fall Foliage Town Review: Beacon
Go here if you like: Grunge shopping, diverse food scene, and one of the most popular contemporary art museums in New York state.
Ratings:
Town: 5/10
Now the only reason I give Beacon a 5/10 is because I personally am not really into this alternative, grunge, Brooklyn vibe. However, if that is your thing, you'll love this town and likely give it a 10/10. It's full of tattooed striving artists, poets, musers, those who want to get into a good debate over liberal topics and the state of the world. It's also home to lots of diverse dining scenes. I mean, you can find any food you want here, from the standard Mexican, Tex-Mex, Greek, Chinese, Italian, Southern BBQ, Thai, Japanese, Chinese and English Pub food, to more unique Indian, Palestinian, Nicaraguan, Turkish, Nepalese, Sri Lankan, Afghani, Ecuadorian, Jamaican, Honduran, German, Dominican, Salvadoran, Colombian, Moroccan...and the list goes on. There are also many gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options available everywhere. Yes, and this is all in the suburbs, you're not in a city. Of course, the town is also famous for Dia Beacon, a very popular spot among New Yorkers for contemporary art.
8. Upstate New York Fall Foliage Town Review: Hudson
Go here if you like: Shopping, antiquing, and cool bars for miles on end.
Ratings:
Town: 9/10
Hudson is a really, really—and I mean really—cool town. I absolutely loved it here. I only got to spend an afternoon in the area, but would totally go back to spend more time. It wasn't as grungy as the previously mentioned Beacon. It was a bit more upscale and posh, with an eye towards antiquing and vintage finds and locales, but not the grungy kind. Think Alexander McQueen or Vera Bradley. The main street goes on for miles and is full of great stores. It is also home to some of the coolest bars and restaurants in the area like the upscale Maker Lounge at The Maker Hotel, lovely dinner restaurant Feast & Floret, and vintage diner Kitty's.
9. Alternatives: New England
Town-by-Town New England Fall Foliage Review
Go here if you like: More of an alternative and grungy, New York State vibe. It's Brooklyn, but in the suburbs.
Ratings:
Hikes: 8/10
Town: 8/10
From the hiking trails in Kent, CT, to the scenic drives and alternative foliage-viewing experiences in Essex, CT, and the vibrant activities in Bar Harbor, ME, each town is celebrated for its picturesque landscapes and autumnal beauty. Woodstock, VT, offers small-town charm with biking opportunities, while Burlington, VT, presents a more youthful scene by Lake Champlain. Stowe, VT, is ideal for those seeking a mix of outdoor adventure and craft beer, and the White Mountains in NH are a hiker's paradise with breathtaking vistas. The reviews emphasize the distinct experiences each town provides, from tranquil walks and historic sites to thrilling hikes and unique local activities, making New England a perfect destination for fall foliage enthusiasts.
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