The fall colors are enjoyed in the rolling farmland of Western New York, generally in the first three weeks in October. If you have missed the foliage display in the higher elevations in late September, or if two weeks was just not enough, head to Western New York. The settings along the Finger Lakes are beautiful. The area offers many fun autumn activities and a few surprises to the traveler who takes the time to get off the Thruway (I-90) on the way to Niagara Falls.

Fall Foliage Viewing in the Greater Niagara Area
大瀑布秋色

The natural highlight of this region, after Niagara Falls, is Letchworth State Park, located south of Rochester. Here's how to do it right - get up really early and view the foliage display from above in a hot air balloon, at sunrise! Enter the park from the Nunda and follow signs. The 45-minute ride costs approximately $200 per person and reservations are advisable during peak season.

On the ground you are welcome to explore this park, called by some the “Grand Canyon of the East.” This refers to the park's 600-foot-deep and 17 mile-long (things are smaller in the east) Genesee River Gorge. The park in its full fall color can be explored by walking, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, rafting, and biking.

If you are fortunate enough to be in Niagara Falls during the fall foliage season, do not miss the displays of color on the banks of the Niagara River, north of the falls.

U.S. Highway 20A takes the long and scenic route from Geneseo, near Letchworth State Park and Wales Center, close to Buffalo. You may get to Niagara Falls an hour later, but the fall colors of the rolling farmland should compensate for that. U.S. Highway 20A connects to State Road 39 at Geneseo and to State Road 98 at near Wales Center. Both of those routes connect to the Interstate highways (I-90, I-390).

Fall Foliage Viewing in the New York Finger Lakes
手指湖秋色

Vineyards, rolling hills, deep blue lakes, waterfalls, and gorges make this one of the most scenic and popular areas to visit in New York State. The fall only make sit better. The crowds are lighter, the colors are brighter, and the wine-tasting is just as good.

The lakes most often recommended as foliage viewing locations are Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, and Keuka Lake. Explore the routes bordering the lakes - State Road 14 and State Road 414 for Seneca Lake, State Road 89 for Cayuga Lake, and State Road 54 for Keuka Lake. On Seneca Lake, Seneca Lake State Park is recommended and on Cayuga Lake, Taughannock Falls State Park is the location of choice for foliage viewing.

Another option is getting a good table overlooking the lake, while you enjoy a fine meal served with the local wines.

About Fall Foliage

Tree leaves at all stages of life contain multiple pigments, though these are masked by the dominant green of chlorophyll during the spring and summer seasons. Chlorophyll is an important element in the production of the plant's nutrition, a process that comes to a halt by fall. In non-evergreen trees in this season, the chlorophyll breaks down, allowing the latent orange and yellow pigments to finally appear. Additional chemical changes produce the reds, purples, gold and bronze, for an endless palate of fall colors. Ultimately, the combination of colors is dependant on many factors, including the type of tree, its elevation, the temperature, and conditions during the summer.


秋色集中营列表

Cayuga Lake
Keuka Lake
Letchworth State Park
Niagara River
Seneca Lake
Seneca Lake State Park
SR14
SR39 (Geneseo)
SR414
SR54
SR89
SR98 (Wales Center)
Taughannock Falls State Park
US20A (Geneseo - Wales Center)

地图

Regions:

Western New York

* Allegany State Park Autumn Leaves Drive
* Letchworth State Park Autumn Leaves Drive

Finger Lakes Region

* Seneca Lake Leaf-Lookers Loop
* Cayuga Lake Leaf-Lookers Loop
* Oneida Lake Leaf-Lookers Loop

Adirondack Mountains

* Plattsburgh/Underwood/Lake Placid Leaf-Lookers Loop
* Utica/Old Forge/Speculator Leaf-Lookers Loop
* Utica/Speculator/Amsterdam Leaf-Lookers Loop
* Watertown/Tupper Lake/Old Forge/Boonville Leaf-Lookers Loop

Catskill Mountains

* Catskill Loop

Harriman State Park

* Seven Lakes Pkwy Loop