Where to See the Best Fall Foliage in NYC (Without Leaving the City)
Every October, our social media feeds fill up with photos of friends on weekend trips to see the fall leaves. While those trips look nice, sitting in hours of traffic to see some trees can be a lot of effort.
So, what if you could get your fall foliage fix right here, without ever leaving the five boroughs? New York City has some great spots to see the autumn colours, and you don’t need a car to experience them. We have looked at the most popular places people are sharing online to find the best spots to visit in 2025.
A quick tip for 2025: “Peak foliage” can change each year based on the weather. Usually, the best time to see the brightest colours in NYC is from late October to early November. It is a good idea to keep an eye on local foliage trackers as the season gets closer.
10 Stunning Spots to See Fall Foliage Without Ever Leaving NYC
The Big Parks: Classic Choices for a Reason
The Ramble, Central Park
Central Park is the top spot for fall foliage in the city. For a real escape, head to The Ramble. It is a 36-acre “wild garden” with winding paths that make you feel like you have left the city completely.
- Location: Mid-park from 73rd to 79th Streets, Manhattan
- Good to Know: It’s easy to get lost, which is part of the fun. It is a great place for a quiet walk.
- Website: https://www.centralparknyc.org/locations/the-ramble
Prospect Park
Brooklyn’s answer to Central Park is just as impressive in the fall. The park’s wide variety of trees creates a great range of colours. For the best views, walk along the Long Meadow or find a bench by the lake to see the leaves reflect on the water.
- Location: Main entrances at Grand Army Plaza, Park Slope, and Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn
- Good to Know: The Ravine section offers a more rugged, forest-like hike.
- Website: https://www.prospectpark.org
Fort Tryon Park & The Cloisters
For fall colours with a view of medieval-style architecture, head uptown to Fort Tryon Park. The high points of the park look over the Hudson River to the Palisades, where the colours are amazing.
- Location: Riverside Dr to Broadway, W 192 St to Dyckman St, Manhattan
- Good to Know: The park is hilly, so wear comfortable shoes. It is also home to The Met Cloisters.
- Website: https://www.forttryonparktrust.org
More Than Just Parks: Other Great Spots
Governors Island
For a different perspective, take the ferry to Governors Island. You can see the fall colours with the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty in the background. Rent a bike and ride around the island’s paths for great photo opportunities.
- Location: Ferry from 10 South Street, Manhattan or Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Good to Know: The ferry ride itself is part of the experience.
- Website: https://www.govisland.com
Green-Wood Cemetery
A cemetery might sound like an odd choice, but Green-Wood in Brooklyn is a 478-acre park with rolling hills and a large collection of mature trees. In the fall, it is a very nice and peaceful place to walk for a few hours.
- Location: 500 25th St, Brooklyn
- Good to Know: Please be respectful, as it is an active cemetery. Grab a map at the entrance.
- Website: https://www.green-wood.com
Jackson Heights, Queens
Sometimes the best foliage is on a quiet street. The historic district of Jackson Heights is lined with large, mature trees. Walking down streets like 84th or 85th between 35th and 37th Avenues can feel like you are in a tunnel of golden leaves.
- Location: Historic District, roughly from 76th to 88th Streets, Queens
- Good to Know: This is a residential neighborhood, so it is best for a quiet walk.
Worth the Subway Ride
Van Cortlandt Park, The Bronx
As the city’s third-largest park, Van Cortlandt has actual forests to explore. The John Muir Nature Trail is a highlight, taking you through different landscapes where you can see some of the oldest trees in the borough.
- Location: Broadway and Van Cortlandt Park S, Bronx, NY 10471
- Good to Know: Accessible via the 1 train. Its large size means you can find quiet spots.
- Website: https://vancortlandt.org
The New York Botanical Garden, The Bronx
The NYBG is impressive any time of year, but it is especially nice in the fall. The 50-acre Thain Family Forest is the largest remaining old-growth forest in NYC. There is an admission fee, but the gardens are worth the price.
- Location: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458
- Good to Know: Tickets are required. Check their website for special fall events.
- Website: https://www.nybg.org
Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens
The area around Meadow and Willow Lakes in the southern part of the park is a calm spot to see the leaves change. It offers a more open landscape than some of the forested parks.
- Location: Between Grand Central Pkwy and Van Wyck Expy, Queens
- Good to Know: Accessible via the 7 train. A great spot for a flat walk or bike ride.
- Website: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park
Clove Lakes Park, Staten Island
For those willing to take the ferry, Clove Lakes Park is a Staten Island highlight. It has a series of lakes and ponds, and its paths are great for a peaceful fall walk.
- Location: 1150 Clove Rd, Staten Island, NY 10301
- Good to Know: A good and often less-crowded alternative to the bigger parks.
- Website: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/clove-lakes-park
So there you have it. Proof that you can have a great, foliage-filled autumn without ever leaving the five boroughs.
Want to Get an Earlier Start on the Season?
This guide is great for when the colours are at their peak in late October and November. But if you want to find that autumn feeling a little earlier in the season, some neighborhoods are great for a walk even before the leaves fully turn.
Find the best spots for a stroll in our guide to The Best NYC Neighborhoods for Early Fall Vibes.
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