Where to See Fall Foliage in NYC 2023
Fall is here, and if you head upstate, you’ll notice the leaves are already starting to change. Yet here in the NYC, the leaves tend to change later and there are fantastic spots to leaf peep so you can experience Fall Foliage’s beauty right in your neighborhood. From New York City’s own forest/park, Central Park, to gorgeous Wave Hill in the Bronx, visit one or more of these spots to take in all the charms of Autumn.
Psst…check out The Best New York Fall Family Bucket List 2022
nycgovparks.org
Little Neck Bay, L.I.E., Union Tpk, bet. Springfield Blvd, Douglaston Pkwy, Hanford St
This park in Queens offers glimpses into New York’s history, geologic past, and even its current conservation efforts. Its natural features of freshwater and saltwater wetlands, meadows, and forests create the perfect environment for some leaf-peeping. The park also offers other great amenities such as playgrounds, barbeque areas, and various hiking trails.
334 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Offering superb views of Lower Manhattan and the Harbor, this is the perfect mix of nature and the city. With various walkways throughout the park and alongside the river, you are able to pass by several piers with access to some serious fall foliage. This includes the Environmental Education Center, 99 Plymouth, and Jane’s Carousel.
New York, NY
New York’s most famous spot has a handful of places to admire amazing fall foliage during the season. Go to the 90-acre North Woods located in the northwest corner of Central Park. According to many visitors, this area can be considered the most natural portion of the entire park, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. To capture some serious colors, walk along The Mall which is located in the middle of the park. It is lined with the largest collection of American Elms. Check out their Fall Foliage map.
Located in upper Manhattan, this park honors the history and prehistoric roots of old New York. The park has caves, valleys, and ridges left by the shifting of the prehistoric glaciers. A hiking trail and the Hudson River Bike Trail are open to visitors who want to appreciate this park’s natural history and beauty. Especially during the fall season, its forested areas are perfect for fall foliage.
New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, NY 10458
If you missed leaf peeping upstate, don’t fret when NYC has one of the best woodsy spots at the New York Botanical Garden. The garden consists of 250 acres in the Bronx, which is no more than an hour-ish train ride away for many. Fall Foliage tours run until November 30, 2023 and our free with garden admission. Check the site, bbg.org at seasonal highlights for the listed tours.
Brooklyn, NY
A 585-acre park nestled in Brooklyn serves as the ultimate spot for nature and admiration for some fall foliage. The amenities in the park like ice skating at LeFrak Center at Lakeside( usually opens by mid-November but always check site to be safe), Prospect Park Zoo and the playgrounds are perfect for a full day of family fun. Whether you are looking to go for a stroll or a bike ride, the park offers everything you need to enjoy the fall season.
20 Randall’s Island Park, New York, NY 10035
Randall’s Island Park has various ways to enjoy its recreational space. There are approximately ten miles of biking trails and pedestrian pathways, making it a getaway to admire nature while in the city. Over nine miles of waterfront pathways and all passive recreational activities are available, as of now barbecuing and grilling areas are open but there are specific areas, we suggest visiting the general information page on the randallsisland.org page if planning to barbeque .
Queens Botanical Garden
43-50 Main St, Flushing, NY 11355
A New York Family favorite – this garden located within Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is a quick train ride away for an autumn Saturday of leaf-peeping. Make sure you check out what events are happening the day you visit, like Fall Bird Walks with NYC Audubon (visit queensbotanical.org calendar for dates)-many included with admission or a small fee.
Wave Hill
4900 Independence Ave, The Bronx, NY 10471
A botanical garden that surrounds the Wave Hill House, which dates back to the mid-19th century this spot in the Bronx offers views overlooking the Hudson River. If you’re looking to take a Fall walk, check out the tours at wavehill.org at the calendar section where you can find tours like the Garden Highlights walk (free with admission) or Bird watching walks which are usually $15.
nycgovparks.org
Broadway and Van Cortlandt Park S, The Bronx, NY 10471
Ranked as New York City’s third-largest park, Van Cortlandt park spans over a thousand acres with ridges and valleys highlighting the Bronx. With various playing fields and playgrounds scattered throughout the park and oak forests surrounding them, it creates a wonderful atmosphere for an autumn trip.
