Best Fall Foliage Road Trips from NYC (2025 Guide to the Catskills & Beyond)
Not sure whether to book hotels or camp out on your fall foliage road trip? Check out our post on the 6 reasons to camp in fall, and we think you’ll be convinced!
When the air turns crisp and the trees blaze with fiery reds, oranges, and golds, it’s time to swap subway cars for scenic byways. Fall in the Northeast is legendary — the kind of season where cider donuts taste better, campfires burn brighter, and every road seems to lead to magic.
For New Yorkers, the best fall foliage in the country is just a short drive away. Whether you’re chasing peak leaf season, cozying up around a fire, or mixing apple-picking with a weekend under the stars, these road trips are your ticket to an unforgettable autumn escape.
When to See Peak Fall Foliage Near NYC
🍂 Catskills & Hudson Valley: Late September – mid-October
🍂 Delaware River Valley: Early – mid-October
🍂 Adirondacks: Late September (earlier at higher elevations)
📌 Insider Tip: Check the I Love NY Fall Foliage Tracker to time your trip — the leaves change fast!
Top Fall Foliage Road Trips from NYC (Within 4 Hours)
1. The Catskills Scenic Byways
A New York classic. Roll along Route 28 through Phoenicia and Woodstock, or cruise the Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway for ridge-top panoramas. Between farm stands, waterfalls, and winding mountain roads, the Catskills are a fall favorite for good reason.
Perfect For: Camping trips, motorcyclists, and food lovers.
Don’t Miss: Kaaterskill Falls, cider donuts at Saunderskill Farm, and a pint at Catskill Brewery.
Pro Tip: Want the insider version? Join us for Autumn Glow (Oct 3-5) — our signature fall weekend blends scenic drives, chef-prepared meals, and fireside community under peak foliage.
2. The Delaware River Valley
Just a couple hours from NYC, this river region glows in early October. Drive Route 97 as it hugs the river, stopping at scenic overlooks and charming small towns like Narrowsburg and Callicoon.
Perfect For: Slower weekends, antique browsing, riverside camping.
Don’t Miss: Tubing (early fall), local farm-to-table dining, and the historic Roebling Bridge.
3. Hudson Valley Harvest Trail
For leaf-peepers who also crave apple orchards and farm markets, head north along Route 9W. From Bear Mountain to Storm King, you’ll find a blend of art, food, and rolling foliage.
Perfect For: Families, foodies, and quick day trips.
Don’t Miss: Storm King, Warwick’s legendary orchards, and roadside farm markets overflowing with seasonal treats.
Spend the morning at Storm King Art Center, then pick apples at Ochs Orchard or Masker Orchards. Don’t skip cider donuts at Apple Ridge Orchards, and if it’s a Sunday, stroll the Warwick Valley Farmers’ Market. For Saturday travelers, the Heart of the Hudson Valley Farmers Market in Milton is packed with fall treats.
4. The Adirondacks (Worth the Drive)
If you’re willing to go a little farther (4–5 hours), the Adirondacks reward you with sweeping mountain views and early peak foliage. Think alpine lakes, high peaks, and cozy towns that feel a world away. The winding High Peaks roads are as thrilling for motorcycle riders as they are scenic for leaf-peepers.
Perfect For: Longer camping trips, serious hikers, alpine scenery.
Don’t Miss: High Peaks hikes, Mirror Lake in Lake Placid, Whiteface Mountain, and the craft breweries of Saranac Lake.
Where to Camp on a Fall Foliage Road Trip
Basecamp Brooklyn Experiences
✔ Join Our Campout: Skip the planning and just show up. We handle the gear, chef-prepared meals, and cozy camp vibes so you can soak in the season.
Autumn Glow (Oct 3–5, 2025) It’s our final campout of the season — your last chance to catch peak foliage with the Wolfpack in 2025. Picture crisp mountain air, fires crackling late into the night, and one big family table under the stars. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect fall escape, this is it.
✔ Rent Camping Gear in NYC: Grab a tent, sleeping bag, and pad from our Brooklyn HQ. Easy pickup, easy return.
✔ Stay With Us Soon: Our Catskills cabin + camp spots (launching 2026) will offer prime foliage views and effortless booking. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when reservations open.
Public Campgrounds
We’ve rounded up our favorite fall camping spots near NYC — the ones our community comes back to year after year.
Book early for iconic spots like North-South Lake or Woodland Valley — they fill quickly in fall.
Note on Closing Dates: Most New York State public campgrounds, including North-South Lake and Woodland Valley, close for the season around Columbus Day weekend (mid-October). If you’re planning a late-October or November trip, look for private campgrounds or Hipcamp stays.
👉 Want more campground options? Check out our full guide to Best Fall Camping Near NYC for details, tips, and insider picks.
Hipcamp Stays
Perfect for last-minute escapes. From riverside clearings to farm stays, Hipcamp has plenty of unique foliage-view campsites.
Tips for the Perfect Fall Road Trip
🍂 Pack Layers: Catskills nights dip into the 40s — hoodies and wool socks are essential.
🍂 Bring Comfort Food: Nothing beats a Dutch oven of chili simmering by the fire or a steaming mug of cider in your hands.
🍂 Leave Room for Stops: Pull over at orchards, farm stands, and breweries — half the fun is the detours.
🍂 Start Early: Roads and trails are quieter in the morning, and sunrise makes the foliage glow.
The Bottom Line
Fall in the Northeast is fleeting — but that’s what makes it so magical. Whether you’re apple-picking in the Hudson Valley, chasing ridgeline views in the Catskills, or joining us at a Basecamp Brooklyn campout, the perfect autumn adventure is closer than you think.
