Western New York has beautiful tree-lined landscapes as far as the eye can see, making the Upstate a great place to watch the leaves change colors in the fall. The cooler air sending the smells of apple and pumpkin spice through each neighborhood puts everyone in the mood for Halloween and the first lit fireplace of the season. As the leaves change from green to red, orange and yellow, it’s the perfect time to head outdoors and take in the lovely scenery.
5 Places to Go Leafing in Western New York
- Whirlpool State Park
Located in Niagara County, Whirlpool State Park overlooks the Niagara Whirlpool and offers more than beautiful fall views; it also draws people here for its colorful backdrop. The leaves changing colors over the falls makes for a great experience as October and November settle in the Upstate.
- Allegany State Park
One of the largest parks in the state, Allegany State Park puts on a massive show each fall as the leaves transition from vivid green to red and gold. This park also includes hiking trails, so you can observe the changing leaves up close and personal. It’s more than an hour away from Buffalo but totally worth the trip.
- Letchworth State Park
If you enjoy Sunday drives, taking an hour trip to Letchworth State Park is in order. This lush park has numerous hiking trails, a waterfall and cabins to rent if you want to spend more time exploring and discovering the scenery. You can even go rafting down the river and check out all the colorful leaves from the water.
- Chestnut Ridge Park
You don’t have to leave the Buffalo metropolitan area to admire the color change. This park gets its name from the chestnut trees that grow among the hills, which come alive each fall with an explosion of color. Chestnut Ridge Park has hiking trails and offers a prime local spot for taking photos of the fall leaves.
- Hoyt Lake at Delaware Park
Hoyt Lake sits within Delaware Park in Buffalo, giving the locals a great place to gather and admire the changing leaves. You can sit on a bench and admire the view or rent a rowboat for a serene moment on the water. The lake and changing leaves create a wonderful backdrop for photos or serve as lovely inspiration for painting with watercolors on the shore.
Need a place to stay in Western New York while viewing the foliage? Contact Ellicott Hospitality to learn how we can help you find the best place to stay in Buffalo and the surrounding areas.
