Disclosure: This content may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
The New York Fall Foliage Report is updated weekly, direct from the Catskills and Adirondacks. Scroll down for everything you need to know and amazing fall foliage photos direct from the hills.
The Hudson Valley offers a trio of outstanding destinations for those seeking to bask in the beauty of autumn’s grand spectacle. The Catskill Mountains, Adirondacks, and Shawangunk Ridge (also known as the Gunks) are the crown jewels of New York’s fall foliage treasures.
In the Catskills, the landscape awakens as maple, oak, and birch trees put on a mesmerizing display of color. Visitors flock to this region, exploring the Catskills’ extensive trail networks, scenic drives, and charming towns to witness the fiery transformation of the forests.
Meanwhile, the Adirondacks, with their vast wilderness and serene lakes, provide a breathtaking canvas for nature’s artistry. Here, the contrast of deep green conifers against the brilliance of deciduous trees creates a tapestry of colors that captivates the soul.
Down in the Shawangunks, a different kind of magic unfolds as the rocky cliffs and tranquil forests come alive with autumnal brilliance. This region, known for its world-class rock climbing, also offers unparalleled opportunities for fall foliage enthusiasts to immerse themselves in nature’s symphony.
Catskills & Adirondacks Fall Foliage Reports 2024
Catskills & Adirondacks Fall Foliage Report 2024
Week 6: Oct 21-27
On Sunday, I visited Kaaterskill Falls, one of the most popular spots in the Catskills. Typically, as it’s a very protected clove, the leaves stay here longer than in other parts of the Catskills. But you can see from these photos that… well, it’s over for this season.
Your best bets for any remaining fall foliage are all down low—places like the Ashokan Rail Trail, Ashokan Quarry Trail, Israel Wittman Sanctuary.
Stick season is upon us…
This season was a little shorter than previous years, and it was not a banger year. But, as my dad always says, that means we’re one year closer to the next good one.
In previous years, Kaaterskill Falls has been stunning. Here’s a quick peek…
On Saturday, I took a quick walk through Falling Waters Preserve after eating too many crepes in Saugerties. High winds are blowing through the area today and stick season is definitely on the way.
This is how it is at the end of October. And things can change quickly. Last weekend, the foliage was still poppin’ in the Catskills. Amazing weather, no big storms, and many leaves were still on trees…
If you haven’t made it to the Catskills yet, now is the time to show up. The fall foliage continues to creep down to the lower elevations, so there’s still lots of color to see.
Final notes for the 2024 season…
- Bookmark this page and check back often. I update this page several times a week with current photos and real-life observations so you can plan your visit to the greatest show in New York.
- In the meantime, follow me at instagram.com/TotalCatskills/ for lots of great Catskills/hiking content.
You might also enjoy…
- Prepare › How to Winter Hike: The Essential Roundup
- Explore › The Devil’s Path
- Easy Hike › Ferncliff Forest Fire Tower
- For Supporters › Black Chasm Falls
- Follow › Sean’s content on Instagram
- Read › My writing for Times Union
- Hike More › Catskills, Adirondacks, Hudson Highlands, Gunks, Berkshires
Catskills & Adirondacks Fall Foliage Report 2024
Week 5: Oct 14-20
This week, the high/low division continues. For most people traveling to the area who are not avid mountain hikers, there’s still plenty of fall foliage to see and more on the way. The weather looks fantastic through this weekend and for next week, too.
This is what I mean by patchiness: some tree species are much further along than others…
Up high, things are definitely thinning out. More photos as I hike this weekend.
Catskills & Adirondacks Fall Foliage Report 2024
Week 4: Oct 7-13
On Saturday, I took a walk along the Ashokan Rail Trail, one of the Catskills’ gems. Great views of Samuels Point and the Burroughs Range.
Down low, the Catskills Fall Foliage is still only beginning to turn, as you can see from these photos. The eastern escarpment is also still quite green.
Up high, near summits, things are much further along. Mountains hikers will have a great fall foliage experience in the Catskills no matter where they hike.
If the weather co-operates, and the leaves don’t get blown from the trees, we may get two more excellent weekends in October. Stay tuned…
Catskills & Adirondacks Fall Foliage Report 2024
Week 3: Sept 30-Oct 6
Heading into the third week, we can expect fall foliage to increase in intensity. The next two weekends will see peak foliage throughout the region.
On Saturday, October 5, I hiked The Catskill 6, a long through-hike over the some of the most remote and difficult Catskills high peaks. Fall foliage is here, up high! Down low, things are still pretty green. But the next two weeks should see amazing fall foliage at all elevations in the Catskills and Adirondacks.
The photos above are all from elevations above 3000 feet. Lower down, the orange is just starting to kick in…
On Thursday, October 3, I drove by The Catskills Escarpment where things are still pretty green. Some fall foliage is beginning, though, up high…
Note: this area is always one of the last areas to turn in The Catskills. The fall foliage is definitely further along (in a patchy way) almost everywhere else, here.
On Tuesday, October 1, I took some local walks around Cairo, NY. At ground level, where most people will stay, everything is still quite green…
Up high, however, the change has definitely arrived. The summits of The Catskills Eastern Escarpment mountains are looking nice and rusty…
Note: keep an eye on any storms that might blow through the area and get here ahead of them. Once the leaves dry out, even a quick storm will knock the majority of the fall colors from the trees. Fingers crossed, we stay storm free for the next 2-3 weekends.
Catskills & Adirondacks Fall Foliage Report 2024
Week 2: Sept 23-29
On Sunday, September 29, I was in Thacher State Park to walk the Indian Ladder and Escarpment Trails — trail guides coming soon! The foliage is definitely heating up now, and I predict this weekend of 10/5 & 10/6 will be the beginning of peak fall foliage in the Hudson Valley…
Right now, there are small patches of gold sprinkled among the green…
In other areas, the foliage is a little further along. The Catskills are patchy but clearly on their way. The Adirondacks are heating up nicely too. The next two weeks will bring the big show.
Catskills & Adirondacks Fall Foliage Report 2024
Week 1: Sept 16-22
It’s beginning! Things are maybe a little ahead of last year’s fall foliage change. But there’s still no rush to get to the mountains…
On Saturday, Sep 21, I hit the Adirondacks for two banger hikes: Hurricane Mountain and a small local mountain. Similar to Catskills Fall Foliage, Adirondacks Fall Foliage is only just beginning…
BTW, my original plan for the day was to hit Mount Colden from the Loj, but the lots were full and even the roadside parking was a mile long. The person in at the gate said the lots are filling up right now by 7, 6, even 5:30 am, especially at the weekends. Leaf-peeping season is here.
Interestingly, on the way in, other trailheads along Route 73 were not full — but the Loj is the biggest hub in the ADKs for a some of the area’s most incredible hikes; it’s basically the Schiphol Airport of the Adirondacks.
The photo below was taken at the summit of Windham High Peak on Sunday 9/15/24. On summits, for obvious reasons, the foliage turns earlier than down low…
Down low, things are still very green…
Sept 12, 2024 — Trees are just starting to yellow slightly in the eastern Catskills. It’s beginning, more or less on schedule.
August 26, 2024 — It’s too early right now, but this page is already picking up some fall foliage search traffic for the season, so I want to welcome you to the best on-the-ground Catskills Fall Foliage reporting direct from the Hudson Valley every year!
Frequently Asked Questions about New York’s Fall Foliage
When is the best time to see fall foliage in New York?
Catskills foliage typically begins to peak toward the end of September and usually runs until the last week of October. However, it’s different every year — so keep an eye on this page for the latest intel and photography.
When can you see fall colors in upstate NY?
Late September and early October.
Does the Catskills have foliage in October?
Absolutely. The first two weeks of October is usually a pretty solid bet. Sometimes we get lucky and the foliage stays on the trees all month long. Every year is different.
How long does Catskills/Adirondacks fall foliage last?
In 2021, it wound down around the end of October.
In 2022, the show was largely over by Oct 25 — though, if you knew where to look, there was still amazing foliage to be seen in some magical patches.
In 2023, it also lasted until near the end of the month.
Where is the best place to see fall foliage in upstate New York?
The great views are in the mountains. Plan on visiting the Catskills, the Adirondacks, and the Gunks.
Where’s the best place to stay for fall foliage in the Catskills?
Check out these incredible Catskills vacation rentals for an amazing stay in our world-famous mountains.
How should I plan to see the Catskills fall foliage change this year?
Plan your visit with these helpful fall foliage guides…
- Read › Best Fall Foliage Hikes in The Catskills
- Read › Hike Giant Ledge
- Read › Amazing Western Catskills Hikes
- Read › 6 Incredible Adirondack Fall Foliage Hikes
Can I see Catskills fall foliage reports from previous years?
You bet! Here they are…
Read More
Get full access…
Get instant access to the full version of this site and enjoy great supporter benefits: full galleries, full trail notes, early access to the latest content, and more.
Hot on the website right now…
Follow for more…
Follow my @TotalCatskills content on Instagram for regular hiking inspo and safe, inclusive community.
This was great! Thank you for taking time and writing this.
Glad you liked it! Hope you can get out there to enjoy some of those amazing hikes we have!