4 Great Spots to Enjoy Fall Foliage in the NY Suburbs
Autumn’s enchanting transformation bestows upon the world a breathtaking spectacle, as the leaves don their final, radiant attire. Nature’s brushstroke paints the landscape with a kaleidoscope of fiery reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows. Each leaf is a delicate masterpiece, a testament to the ephemeral nature of life, as they gracefully dance and flutter to the ground. The gentle rustle of fallen foliage underfoot is a sonnet to the season, echoing the whispers of ancient trees. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting a warm, ethereal glow that seems to infuse the air with a touch of magic. The trees stand tall, their branches adorned with this splendid tapestry, creating a living canvas that evokes a sense of wonder and nostalgia. Autumn leaves, with their vivid hues and gentle descent, are a poignant reminder of the cyclical beauty of existence; and here this fall, in the NY suburbs of Westchester County, you too can take in these breathtaking views.
Untermyer Gardens Conservancy
I absolutely love this place. No matter what time of year I visit, the landscape is different each time. With waterfalls and hilly terrains to explore, this beautiful park is a hidden gem in Yonkers, just on the cusp of the village of Hastings on Hudson and only a few minutes drive from downtown Hastings and Ardsley.
Free parking is available for about 75 spaces on site, however, during busy seasons, or if you arrive in the middle of the day, especially on a weekend, be prepared to park on the street along North Broadway.
Untermyer Gardens is truly a photographer’s delight and a must see during Fall. The park is a remnant of Samuel Untermyer’s 150-acre estate “Greystone” and boasts gorgeous views of the Hudson River. I’m regularly astounded by how many people in Yonkers and surrounding towns have never visited! Be sure to stop by during the holidays too to see the gorgeous display of holiday lights.
Location: 945 N Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701
Greenburgh Nature Center
Another cool place to visit during the fall to take advantage of the beautiful fall foliage whilst amongst our furry friends, is the Greenburgh Nature Center located in Scarsdale. The Nature Center is a 33-acre nature preserve with trails, a vernal pond, a Native Plant Meadow, Native American Replica Village, Barnyard, Organic Garden and Children’s Playground. The Center impacts close to 90,000 individuals each year and is a wonderful educational and scenic place to take young children any time of the year. It’s especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves are fiery reds, burnt orange, and golden yellow. My daughter loves coming here (as you can see in the picture above).
Parking is easy, free and on site. There is a fee of $7 for adults and children ages 2 and up for the Manor House where you can be up close and personal with the various animals and insects. Also, if you don’t see the huge tortoise on display, be sure to ask them bring it out for you. They just might do that for you if you ask. If you prefer to visit to just explore the grounds, the Barnyard, or have your kids run around the playground, entry is free. There’s also plenty of picnic tables for warmer weather.
Location: 99 Dromore Rd, Scarsdale, NY 10583
South County Trail
I’m a little biased about this trail because I live just over the way from it. I walk it as often as I’m able and I particularly enjoy it first thing in the morning when it’s empty…because that’s when you can spot a family of deer and listen to the flowing water from the mini waterfalls without the noise of too much foot traffic; (it’s where I get my inspiration). Plus, in the fall, every day looks different. So why venture out and worry about parking when I can get this year round. One of our favorite things to do (my daughter and I, that is), is to marvel at the many beautiful bird houses along the way carved and painted by Westchester County volunteers. They’re really fun to look at!
The trail runs for about 14 miles stretching from the Putnam Trail in Van Cortland Park in the Bronx to the North County Trailway in East View, New York.
Bear Mountain State Park
Ok, so Bear Mountain State Park shouldn’t actually be on this list of places to visit because it in fact falls between Rockland and Orange County, yet it’s only 40 minutes from Ardsley so I felt it mention worthy.
Bear Mountain State Park is situated in rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River. The park features a large play field, shaded picnic groves, lake and river fishing access, a swimming pool, Trailside Museums and Zoo, hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails. An outdoor rink is open to ice skaters from late October through mid-March. The Perkins Memorial Tower atop Bear Mountain affords spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands and Harriman State Park. Perkins Memorial Drive and Tower are open from April through late November, weather permitting.
The Merry-Go-Round at Bear Mountain State Park features hand painted scenes of the park an 42 hand carved seats of native animals including black bear, wild turkey, deer, raccoon, skunk, Canada goose, fox, swan, bobcat, rabbit and more. It’s a magical place with something for everyone, and it boasts spectacular foliage in the Fall. I hope you decide to visit to witness nature in its glory this Fall season.
