As autumn arrives in October, the vibrant hues of red and yellow emerge across upstate New York, marking the beginning of the maple leaf viewing season in the Greater New York area. Just a few hours’ drive from New York City, popular fall foliage destinations include Mt. Van Hoevenberg, Minnewaska State Park Reserve, and Bear Mountain State Park. Visitors can plan their trips based on their preferences and circumstances.
**Thrill-Seeking Fall Adventures**
Due to geographical differences, the foliage in upstate New York changes color earlier than in the central and southern parts of the state. This week, the stunning reds and golds around the Adirondacks have reached their peak, with about 80% of trees showing their fall colors. Notably, Mt. Van Hoevenberg has gained popularity in recent years thanks to the opening of the 1.4-mile-long Cliffside Coaster in 2020, which is hailed as North America’s longest alpine slide.
Originally designed for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, the coaster offers an approximately eight-minute ride with timing and audio systems, allowing guests to feel like Olympic athletes. While enjoying the scenic mountain views, visitors often encounter friendly chipmunks, who are known for their boldness, coming right up to curious onlookers. After the ride, guests can take a leisurely stroll around Mirror Lake to soak in the tranquil surroundings. For more details, visit [mtvanhoevenberg.com](https://mtvanhoevenberg.com) or stop by at 31 Van Hoevenberg Way, Lake Placid, NY 12946.
**Diverse Natural Landscape at Minnewaska State Park**
Minnewaska State Park Reserve, located near New Paltz, is renowned for its stunning lake and mountain vistas. The park’s beauty is a year-round draw, featuring forests, cliffs, lakes, waterfalls, and caves. Among its three natural lakes, Minnewaska Lake is the most famous, surrounded by rugged cliffs that provide spectacular fall foliage views.
Visitors can engage in a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, picnicking, diving, rock climbing, boating, and horseback riding. It takes about an hour and a half to drive from New York City, but due to the peak tourist season, it’s advisable to start early. More information can be found at [reurl.cc/E6MAd0](https://reurl.cc/E6MAd0), with the park’s address being 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446.
**Convenient Access to Bear Mountain State Park**
For those in New York City seeking a shorter drive, consider taking the Palisades Parkway, one of America’s top ten scenic roads, which leads to the colorful fall landscapes of the Hudson River Valley. In just an hour’s journey, visitors can arrive at Bear Mountain State Park. Guests have the option to park at the base and hike up or drive directly to the summit for breathtaking views—ideal for those with mobility challenges.
For adventure seekers, there are several hiking trails ranging in difficulty, with an average ascent time of about two hours. However, some trails are currently under maintenance, and it’s important to note that there are no restrooms on the mountain, so preparation is key. In addition to hiking, the park offers bike and boat rentals, along with fishing and camping opportunities. Find more details at [reurl.cc/WNZn99](https://reurl.cc/WNZn99), with the park’s address at Palisades Parkway or Route 9W North, Bear Mountain, NY 10911.
