The calendar has turned to fall, and for many in Western New York, that means one thing: leaf peeping season. With Cattaraugus and Allegany counties perfectly situated between New York’s Southern Tier and northern Pennsylvania, residents have access to some of the best fall foliage destinations in the entire Northeast — all within a day trip or weekend getaway.
Peak Colors Are Nearing
According to New York’s fall foliage report, higher-elevation regions like the Catskills and Adirondacks are already nearing peak color, while areas closer to home are expected to show their brightest reds and oranges by mid-October. Located less than two hours from home, Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon area, meanwhile, typically peaks around the same time and was named the No. 5 fall foliage destination in the country by USA Today’s “10Best” list.
Foliage Spots in New York Worth the Drive
Allegany State Park (Salamanca)
Just minutes from Olean, Allegany is the state’s largest park with more than 65,000 acres. Drive through the Red House or Quaker areas for rolling hillsides blanketed in red and orange, or hike the Bear Caves and Thunder Rocks trails for closer views.
Rock City Park (Olean)
Famous for its giant boulders and rock formations, Rock City Park offers panoramic overlooks of the Enchanted Mountains. In October, the treetops below burst with fiery color — and it’s only a 10-minute drive from downtown Olean.
Letchworth State Park (Livingston/Wyoming counties)
Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East,” this national award-winning park offers 66 miles of trails along the Genesee River Gorge and panoramic autumn views.
Chenango Valley State Park (Chenango Forks)
A 2-mile lakeside loop offers easy walking and bright autumn views, with the bonus of fall bass fishing.
Waterman Center Trails (Apalachin)
Five miles of paths wind through a stream gorge flanked by brilliant foliage — a mid-October must-see.
Wolfe Park (Binghamton)
About 3.5 miles of trails, wildlife, and a waterfall make this a peaceful spot close to home.
IBM Glen (Endicott)
Trails with historic stone bridges and steps lead past ravines, cliffs, and waterfalls.
Watkins Glen State Park (Schuyler County)
A showstopper with 19 waterfalls in a two-mile stretch, perfect when framed by fall colors.
Adirondack Park (#8 on USA Today list)
The Adirondacks are a fall classic. From family-friendly hikes like the Pinnacle to challenging climbs such as Prospect Mountain, the region offers fiery foliage across six million acres. Annual fall festivals and even foliage bus tours add to the experience.
>> More details can be had here.
Pennsylvania Foliage Adventures
Laurel Highlands (Near Pittsburgh; #4 on USA Today list)
Voted one of the nation’s top foliage destinations, the region shines in mid-October. Hiking and biking trails, plus October festivals, make it ideal for a family trip.
Potter-Tioga, PA (Near Coudersport; #5 on USA Today list)
Known for the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, this region boasts 10 state parks, 2 federal parks, and more than 400,000 acres of state forest. Colton Point and Leonard Harrison State Parks overlook Pine Creek Gorge, offering unforgettable vistas. Cherry Springs State Park adds starry skies to the fall color, while the Flaming Foliage Festival in Renovo (second weekend in October) makes this a perfect autumn road trip.
Salt Springs State Park (Montrose)
Just across the New York border, this 405-acre gem features old-growth hemlocks, waterfalls, and a rugged gorge carved by Fall Brook Falls.
Plan Your Leaf-Peeping Trip
Whether you’re looking for a quick hike close to home or a weekend adventure, the fall season offers endless opportunities. As USA Today wrote of the Laurel Highlands, “Autumn colors peak… making for a stunning show.”
With so many options just a short drive away, Southern Tier residents have their pick of the Northeast’s finest fall views — and there’s no better time than now to get outside and take them in.
🍂 Fall Foliage Travel Guide for Southern Tier Residents
Best Time to Go: Peak color in the Southern Tier and Laurel Highlands is expected mid-October. Higher-elevation regions like the Adirondacks and Catskills peak late September into early October.
Travel Times from Olean:
- Allegany State Park – 20 minutes
- Rock City Park – 10 minutes
- Chenango Valley State Park – 2.5 hours
- Watkins Glen – 2.5 hours
- Letchworth State Park – 1.5 hours
- Adirondacks (Lake George/Prospect Mountain) – 5 hours
- Laurel Highlands – 3.5 hours
- Potter-Tioga / PA Grand Canyon – 2 hours
- Salt Springs State Park – 2 hours
Pack a thermos of cider, lace up your hiking boots, and enjoy one of the best seasons to live in Western New York!
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