Fall Foliage Vibrant in the Hudson Valley
Every fall New York State draws millions of visitors from around the world because of the colorful foliage found across the area.
Known as one of the best foliage seasons in the nation, New York welcomed an estimated 62 million leaf peepers and generated more than $27 billion during the 2016 season, according to the Empire State Development Corporation.
“New York’s fall foliage season continues to be a huge boost to the state’s tourism industry,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky in a press release issued by Empire State Development. “We look forward to welcoming the millions of travelers who support our regional economies and local businesses throughout the state.”
Although the state has experienced above-average temperatures in recent months, Bob Smerbeck, senior meteorologist for AccuWeather in State College, Pennsylvania, told the Times-Herald Record that he is optimistic that this season will still be a pretty good year. Smerbeck explained that the trigger for the change in leaf color is a decline in a tree’s access to sunlight resulting from shorter days. The higher temperatures have extended the growing season despite a weakening sun, but it will not prevent the change in color, only slow it down and subdue the colors.
“Mild and dry weather, with a good cold snap, is ideal,” Smerbeck said. “Wet and warm are not. So October, when we’re predicting above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation, is a mixed bag.”
Throughout the season, Empire State Development’s tourism arm monitors the foliage throughout the state updating weekly reports with the help of more than 75 volunteers.
“Colorful peak and near peak foliage continues progression across New York State,” the website’s weekly report said. “Spotters reporting from Hudson expect 35 to 45 percent leaf change with golden-orange and yellow leaves of average brilliance, along with some orange and red leaves, emerging from the green.”
At this rate, experts predict that foliage in the mid-Hudson region will reach peak color in mid-to-late October.
“New York State’s fall foliage is second to none, and there are so many unique ways to take in the brilliant autumn colors,” said Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi in a press release issued by Empire State Development. “Visitors can enjoy a scenic drive along country roads; a gondola or chair lift ride up a mountain; a vintage train ride or a cruise on a beautiful lake.”
According to the I Love NY Tourism website, the most scenic fall foliage destinations in the Hudson Valley include:
- Trophy Point in West Point which overlooks the Hudson River Valley and is home to one of the largest columns of granite in the world, the Battle Monument.
- Catskill Forest Preserve in New Paltz which consists of 300,000 acres of forests with meadows, lakes, springs, waterfalls, cliffs, fire towers and wildlife.
- Catskill Mountain Railroad in Kingston which has train rides for the whole family including its Foliage Rides for the fall season.
- Mohawk Towpath National Scenic Byway in Clifton Park which follows the historic route of the Erie Canal between Schenectady and Waterford/Cohoes.
- Bear Mountain State Park in Bear Mountain which features hiking and biking as well as an outdoor rink for ice-skaters beginning in late October.
- Hunter Mountain in Hunter which is home to the longest and highest zipline canopy in North America and offers guest three adventure tours.
“Fall is the perfect time to visit New York and experience nature’s vibrant colors firsthand,” Zemsky said. “It is why it’s not surprising that so many visitors return year after year to enjoy the autumn splendor.”
