Fall Foliage Hikes in Upstate New York Parks

See Colorful Autumn Leaves While Walking the Trails Near Albany NY

Aug 5, 2009

Seeing autumn leaves change color in Northeastern United States is breathtaking. Plan a trip to upstate New York to hike the trails to see fall foliage at its peak.

As autumn approaches, travelers from around the country and the globe plan trips to see the beautiful fall foliage in Northeastern United States. There is probably no other region that has such a dramatic change of colors in the landscape as when the leaves, once green, begin to turn shades of vibrant red, burnt orange and vivid yellow.

This breathtaking spectacle of nature can be viewed from distant hill top overlooks, or up close on hiking and walking trails in New York state parks.

Peebles Island State Park

A view of the rivers including some rapids accompany hikers along the wooded path edging Peebles Island at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson rivers. A leisurely walk around the island takes about 45 minutes, and hikers need to pay attention to tree roots that frequently cross the path.

There are picnic tables scattered along the path, and narrow paths down to the water's edge for fishing. Some areas along the trail have a considerable drop to the river without any barrier fences. Herons, ducks, geese and occasionally a bald eagle can be part of the scene.

The paths are not wheelchair accessible, but there is a platform overlooking the Hudson River and a picnic shelter that will accommodate wheelchairs at the entrance to the park.

John Thatcher State Park – Helderberg Escarpment

The overlooks and scenic trail along the ridge of the Helderberg Escarpment offer spectacular panoramic views of the Hudson and Mohawk valleys with distant views of the Green Mountains of Vermont on clear days. A stone wall and wooden fence edge the escarpment with signs warning of the 100-plus-feet straight-down drop for those who might dare to venture over the wall.

Indian Ladder Trail wanders up the side of the escarpment with a 25-foot metal ladder incorporated into the trail, and is not for the faint of heart or for those who might choose to wear flip flops. This trail is only open from May 1 – November 15 and is dependent upon weather conditions.

There are more than 14 miles of trails plus connector trails. The overlook area is wheelchair accessible.

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center

This public park developed by the New York State Conservation Department through the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1933 continues to expand its trails and educational programs.

The trails range from flat open fields to pathways through the forest and along marshes and ponds. There are also relatively wide trails used for cross-country skiing in winter. The term "five rivers" is a bit deceiving. According to the Department of Environment Conservation's webpage, the Five Rivers "comprise the watershed within the Center's service area, namely the Hudson, Mohawk, Hoosic and Sacandaga rivers and the Schoharie Creek."

With over 450 acres and 10 miles of trails, Five Rivers has a diverse topography with rolling hills that can accommodate various degrees of walking and hiking vigor, and nothing is very steep. One of the shorter trails is wheelchair accessible, and there are Braille, large print and audio format guides available at the Visitor Center.

More Fall Foliage Trips Ideas

Another spectacular way to see the colorful array of autumn leaves is to take the Amtrak train across New York state from Buffalo to Albany, or along Lake Champlain and the Hudson River from Montreal to New York City. Book train tickets early for one of the busiest times for train travel as leaf peeping begins in earnest in late September and October in Northeastern United States.

If planning a fall foliage trip in upstate New York, include a drive through the Berkshires in northwestern Massachusetts and combine the beautiful display of autumn leaves with brilliant works of art at three art museums in Williamstown and North Adams Massachusetts only an hour by car from Albany.

The copyright of the article Fall Foliage Hikes in Upstate New York Parks in Hiking & Trails is owned by Barbara Shema. Permission to republish Fall Foliage Hikes in Upstate New York Parks in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.