Best fall foliage spots in New York, 2026.

Located in the very heart of Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park is easily one of the most beautiful parks in New York City, especially during autumn. The energetic mood is contagious and you’ll notice park visitors from all corners of the world congregate on the various benches.

She still talks about it.

The park isn’t a big one, less than 10 acres, but it’s nonetheless home to some of the best it. The pathways leading to the fountain the middle of the park are lined with trees that turn to beautiful shades or orange, red and yellow.

Fun fact. The American elm in the northwest corner of park is more than 300 years old and is one of the oldest trees in Manhattan. It was also site of the (rumored) hangings of traitors during the American Revolutionary War.

Hudson River Park, stretching from Battery Park to 59th Street, spans 550 acres with stunning NYC fall foliage views. The wide paved paths are well-kept, making them popular with runners and walkers. You can people-watch to your heart’s content with a cup of good coffee in hand under the canopy of New York City’s fall foliage.

Perhaps the most famous section of the park is the recently-opened Little Island, one of the most unique parks in New York City. The views are spectacular and the experience feels like being on an adult playground. In fact, more than 400 acres of Hudson River Park is located on piers that stretch over the water.

Not the flashiest spot on the list, but maybe the most memorable.

During fall, the High Line showcases a stunning array of fall foliage along its distinctive urban oasis. The park’s carefully picked plantings, including native grasses, perennials, and trees, burst into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Visitors can take in a unique view of the city skyline while strolling along the distinctive pathway amid the stunning fall foliage.

I never get tired of this view.

Prospect Park was designed by Frederick Olmstead and Calvert Vaux, the architects responsible for designing Central Park, so you know this park is an autumnal masterpiece. Boasting more than 30,000 trees across 200+ species, some of the best fall foliage in NYC can be found at Prospect Park. But if you’re pressed for time during your hunt for New York City’s best fall color, the Ravine is where you should spend your time!

Have more time? Here is where to find the best it’s Prospect Park.

Situated along the Hudson River in the Upper West Side, Riverside Park is often regarded Manhattan’s most scenic waterfront park and I can’t say I disagree. Stretching from west 59th Street to 181st Street, the park spans 400 acres. It’s full of healthy trees, plenty of park benches, and even has some charming gardens to explore. You can easily spend a morning basking in the beautiful NYC fall foliage here.

Fun fact. During your tour of Riverside Park you might notice a unique Japanese lantern in the northern tip of the park. The lantern is a gift to NYC by the City of Tokyo to celebrate the Tokyo-New York city sister affiliation.

The fall foliage at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a stunning spectacle, attracting nearly a million visitors annually. With its diverse collection of trees, the 39-acre green space acts like a museum, vibrantantly displaying autumn colors during the fall season. For prime fall foliage, explore the Japanese Hill & Pond Garden, where three Japanese maples blaze into fiery red hues during peak colors, a yearly must-see!

Home to more than one million living plants, the New York Botanical Garden is a sight to be seen during the autumn. The NYC fall foliage is on full display for a naturally-occurring annual art show. The garden is located within Bronx Park on a 250 plot of land, giving ample space for it to spread its roots (pun-intended).

Indeed, during peak fall color the New York Botanical Garden takes on a fairy-tale appearance. Between the prolific maples and breathtaking oak trees, you won’t know which way to look.

Roosevelt Island, nestled between Manhattan and Queens in the East River, offers one of the best spots for NYC fall foliage. Take the tram from the Upper East Side to Roosevelt Island for the price of a subway ride ($2.75) and spend the morning hanging out in Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park. There’s plenty of seating and you can soak in some of the best skyline views of New York City.

The mature cherry trees burst with color in the fall and the island swells with tourists like moths to a flame. Roosevelt Island is home to both Yoshino trees and Kwanzan trees, giving visitors plenty of fall foliage to enjoy.

Designed in 1839 as a town square, Union Square Park is a bustling hub for street artists, professionals, students, and tourists. Amidst its vibrant atmosphere, a true gem is the stunning fall foliage. Kwanzan cherry trees form a beautiful colorful canopy, providing breathtaking views. For a quieter experience, visit on weekdays, especially in the morning, as weekends can get busy.

P.S. Union Square Park has a great year-round greenmarket. You’ll find everything from local honey to fresh baked bread and original artwork. Check it out while you’re in the area.

Father Demo Square is a tiny triangular park that’s only a quarter of an acre. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in stunning fall foliage.

The small park was named after Father Antonio Demo, a priest and civic activist from the early 1900’s who served at the neighboring church Our Lady of Pompeii Church. In the Northwest corner of the square, you’ll see the church still stands and makes for a remarkable background.

In the middle of the square there is a fountain that serves as the principle attraction and offers a peaceful reprieve while folks sit on the surrounding benches to rest their feet. Engulfed by bursting tree’s of red, it’s easy to get lost in the enchantment when enjoying the New York City fall foliage.

The Wild Asia Monorail is a seasonal attraction that covers about two miles (of the otherwise 256 acres that makes up the zoo) from up above. The monorail works from May through October, and the best part? It’s included with the standard Bronx Zoo Admission ticket or an additional $7 if you have the limited admission ticket.

I suggest making a visit at the end of October. This way you’ll get to see the most fall foliage before the monorail goes out of commission for the winter. The monorail makes for a unique experience when checking out it, and one of the best with kids. You just sit back and relax while the tracks take you past stunning, colorful foliage and zoo animals.

Visitors can expect to see Asian wildlife like elephants and red pandas along with epic NYC fall foliage. Visitors get a view into the animals own space without the separation of a walls, glass or bars.

Brooklyn Bridge Park offers a captivating display of fall foliage along the East River waterfront. With diverse tree species, the park transforms into a canvas of vibrant autumn hues. The promenade and lawns provide ideal spots to immerse yourself in the beauty of the changing seasons, offering stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline amidst the colorful foliage.

How could I make a post about where to find the best it and not end with our crown jewel, Central Park?

During autumn Central Park is ablaze in the rich colors of New York City fall foliage. You’ll see mature oaks, maples and elms transform from cheery green to vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow.

Home to more than 18,000 trees, the fall foliage in Central Park is a sight to behold. And to walk through the postcard-like autumn setting with New York City’s skyline as further backdrop makes an unforgettable experience.

But Central Park spans 843 acres and it’s hard to know exactly where see the best fall color. Good news my friend, I start every morning with a walk through the park (I live a mere two blocks away) and am here to tell you exactly where to look!

Where to see the best fall foliage in Central Park.

The Central Park Conservancy has an official fall foliage map that’s a useful tool for navigating the park and knowing what trees to look for and where.

Further Reading.Check out 12+ Epic Spots to See Fall Foliage in Central Park for more recommendations.