By leah jones
The bustling of New York City is beautiful and exciting in its own way but with the changing of seasons, you may want to get away to see autumn’s nature elsewhere.
Here are several fantastic fall day trips from NYC for visiting charming towns with scenic views, hiking and seasonal activities like apple picking and leaf peeping.
An hour away from NYC is the beautiful Bear Mountain State Park located along the Hudson River. Here you can explore hiking trails, the lake, the zoo, Perkins Memorial Tower and even a day cruise.
Cold Spring is a charming riverside town perfect for fall about an hour and a half from NYC. Enjoy antique shops, cafes and hiking trails like Breakneck Ridge for stunning views.
Storm King Art Center is a beautiful outdoor park that blends art and nature. Get there from NYC in about 1.5 to 2 hours and witness huge sculptures against a colorful autumn background.
Known for the “Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” this historic town is especially fun around Halloween, with events like the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, haunted hayrides and tours of the famous cemetery.
The Mohonk Mountain House is a Victorian castle resort 2 hours from NYC. Guests and visitors can visit the nearby Mohonk Preserve, featuring hiking trails, rock climbing and serene fall views.
This trendy small town, 2 hours from NYC, is known for its art galleries, antique shops and dining options. In the fall, try exploring local wineries or taking scenic drives along the river.
About 2.5 hours from NYC, this park is a fall wonderland with multiple hiking trails, waterfalls and lakes. The beautiful fall foliage makes it a great getaway from the city.
The famous Woodstock, NY, is an artsy, bohemian town with lovely fall foliage, art galleries and farm-to-table restaurants. It’s 2.5 hours from NYC and also near the Catskill Mountains.
Harriman is one of NY’s largest state parks, with over 200 miles of hiking trails, plus lakes, rivers and beautiful nature. It’s a perfect spot for hiking or a relaxed picnic one hour from NYC.
These neighboring towns along the Delaware River offer a mix of history, boutique shopping, galleries and cafes. The riverfront views are lovely in the fall, and the towns are 2 hours from NYC.