Despite the city’s reputation as a Concrete Jungle, there are plenty of great spots to see beautiful fall foliage in New York City. There’s no shortage of vibrant reds, oranges and yellows gracing the city come November. On that note, let’s cover the best spots for fall foliage in New York City.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (10 Best Neighborhoods +3 to Avoid. Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.)
Best Time to Visit New York City for Fall Color
Peak fall color varies from year to year, but a safe bet is to plan your visit around the first or second week of November to see the best fall color in New York City.
And yes, I know that mid-November sounds late. But I can’t tell you how many times we’ve had folks visit in October expecting to get fall color only to leave surprised by how green the trees are during that month.
Best Fall Foliage in New York City
Table of Contents. New York City Fall Foliage
Table of Contents. Where to Find Fall Foliage in NYC
Washington Square Park
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
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.
The High Line
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
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.
- Neathermead – Middle of the park
- White Levy Esplanade – West side of the lake
- Vale of Cashmere – North end of the park
- The Ravine – Middle of the Park
Riverside 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.
Local tip. Pro tip that most travel blogs won’t tell you. visit on a weekday afternoon for the most authentic experience.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
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!
New York Botanical Garden
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
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.
Union Square Park
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
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.
Address. 220 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014
Wild Asia Monorail at The Bronx Zoo
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.
Address. 2300 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, NY 10460
Brooklyn Bridge Park
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.
Central Park
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 Pond. South end of the Park near 5th Avenue
- Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. 85th Street to 96th Street
- The North Woods. West Side from 101st to 110th Street
- The Mall. South end of the Park on the East Side
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.
Best Places to See New York City Fall Foliage (Post Summary)
- Central Park
- Washington Square Park
- Prospect Park
- The High Line
- Riverside Park
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- Hudson River Park
- New York Botanical Garden
- Roosevelt Island
- Union Square Park
- Father Demo Square
- The Bronx Zoo
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
Frequently Asked Questions. Fall Foliage in NYC
The best time to see fall foliage in New York City is the first or second week of November. You’ll start seeing fall colors near the end of October, slowly trickling into the start of November.
Central Park
Washington Square Park
Prospect Park
The High Line
Riverside Park
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Hudson River Park
New York Botanical Garden
Roosevelt Island
Union Square Park
Father Demo Square
The Bronx Zoo
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Yes, New York City is stunning in October. Especially if you visit towards the end of the month. Autumn colors start to paint the streets and the weather starts to drop making it ideal for exploring.
Central Park is home to some of the best fall foliage in New York City. The 842 acres swell with radiant colors of red, yellow and orange.
Further Reading for Fall in New York City
Things to Do During Fall in NYC. 25 Fantastic Fall Activities in New York City
Where to See Fall Foliage in Central Park. 12+ Epic Spots For Fall Foliage in Central Park
Delicious Fall Treats. 15 Festive Fall Treats in New York City
Best Apple Cider Donuts in NYC. 10 Amazing Apple Cider Donuts in NYC
What to Pack for Fall in NYC. Autumn in New York City. Outfit Ideas (& Helpful Packing List)
More Fun Things to Do in New York City
Romantic Things to Do. 19 (Non-Cheesy) Romantic Things to Do in New York City
Unique Things to Do. 25 Unique (Non-Touristy) Things to Do in New York City
Free Things to Do. 20 Unique Free Things to Do in New York City to Keep Your Wallet Happy!
Things to Do at Night. 15 Things to Do in New York City at Night
Best Things to Do in NYC. 30 Best Things to Do in New York City
Map of the Best Places to find Fall Foliage in New York City
And there it is, my suggestions on where to find the best fall foliage in New York City. If you think I missed a spot let me know.
I hope you found it useful, cheers!
Final Thoughts
That wraps up our guide to 10+ Stunning Spots for Fall Color in New York City. Have a favorite spot we missed?
Planning a visit soon?
If you liked this guide, you might also enjoy exploring my other local recommendations.
I’ve had a few people recommend the parks around here during the Fall and I think it’s about time I get my family over to one! We’ve been pretty busy over the last few months with home renovations, but now that we finally finished the last thing on our to-do list, cleaning our furniture, I think it’s about time we take a break and head outside! Thank you for sharing!
Aw, this made my day — thank you! So glad it resonated with you!