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Best Family-Friendly Fall Foliage Spots in Upstate New York: Scenic Drives, Hikes & Fun Activities🍁
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items Looking for the best fall foliage spots in Upstate New York that the whole family will love? 🍁 From easy waterfall hikes to stroller-friendly paths and scenic drives, this list highlights the top kid-friendly places to enjoy autumn colors. Whether y...
Sections
4
Finger Lakes – Waterfalls & Outdoor Fun
Hudson Valley – Walks, Bridges & Scenic Paths
Adirondacks – Lakes, Lookouts & Easy Trails
Catskills – Waterfalls & Scenic Adventures
Finger Lakes – Waterfalls & Outdoor Fun
Best for families who love exploring the outdoors, gentle trails, and picnic-friendly views.
Easy access to the 215-foot waterfall with kid-friendly viewing areas and picnic spaces.
Taughannock Falls State Park
Short, safe trails with cascading waterfalls, perfect for little adventurers.
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Gentle trails, forest walks, and open spaces for kids to explore safely while enjoying autumn colors.
Finger Lakes National Forest
Famous for its gorge trail with stone bridges, tunnels, and waterfalls.
Watkins Glen State Park
Hudson Valley – Walks, Bridges & Scenic Paths
Made for families who enjoy combining scenic strolls with historic charm and fun snapshots.
Family-friendly trails with safe overlooks and picnic spots. Autumn colors here are breathtaking.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Stroll across this pedestrian bridge while taking in sweeping river views, great for strollers and little walkers.
Walkway Over the Hudson State Park
A flat, paved trail perfect for walking, biking, or scooters. Kids will love the freedom to explore safely.
WRS Dutchess Rail Trail
A massive outdoor sculpture park where kids can run around, explore, and enjoy art surrounded by fall colors.
Storm King Art Center
Adirondacks – Lakes, Lookouts & Easy Trails
Wonderful for families craving relaxed hikes and breathtaking lake scenery.
Take a relaxed drive around Mirror Lake, enjoy the fall colors, and stop for a picnic or paddleboat ride. Perfect for little ones to stretch their legs.
Mirror Lake Drive
A 2.6-mile round-trip hike with moderate difficulty. Kids who can handle a short hike will love the sweeping mountain views.
Owl Head Lookout, Lake Placid
Stop for a quick walk and photos at this picturesque historic bridge surrounded by autumn leaves.
Jay Covered Bridge
An easy, family-friendly walk along safe boardwalks where kids can see waterfalls, streams, and fiery fall leaves up close.
High Falls Gorge
Catskills – Waterfalls & Scenic Adventures
A fun pick for families who enjoy nature walks, splashing falls, and railroad adventures.
A short, easy trail leads to a gorgeous waterfall, perfect for kids to explore safely.
Vernooy Falls Trail
Hop on a nostalgic train ride and enjoy colorful foliage without tiring little legs.
Catskill Mountain Railroad
A quick drive and short walk reward families with panoramic views of five states.
Five State Lookout
New York’s tallest waterfall with a family-accessible viewing platform near the top, no need for a long hike.
Kaaterskill Falls Visitor Information