Fall Colors Return to Upstate New York: Where to See the Season Across Old Forge, Oneida and Madison Counties

UPSTATE NEW YORK — The first signs of autumn are beginning to appear across Upstate New York, marking the start of one of the most colorful and anticipated seasons of the year.

From the Adirondack forests surrounding Old Forge to the rolling hills, lakes, waterfalls and country roads of Oneida and Madison counties, Central New York offers countless opportunities to experience the changing leaves.

New York’s fall foliage season typically begins in the higher elevations before gradually moving south and into lower areas. Colors generally begin appearing during September, with many locations reaching their strongest displays from late September through October.

The state’s official weekly foliage reports launch September 16 and track changing conditions throughout New York’s 11 vacation regions. Because temperatures, elevation, rainfall and wind can affect the timing, travelers should check the latest report before leaving home. View the current I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report.

Old Forge Offers an Adirondack Head Start

Old Forge is often among the first nearby destinations to show noticeable fall color because of its northern location and higher elevation.

The drive north toward Old Forge provides its own fall experience. Routes 12 and 28 carry travelers through communities including Barneveld, Remsen, Alder Creek and Forestport before reaching the heart of the Adirondacks.

Visitors can enjoy views of colorful forests surrounding the Fulton Chain of Lakes, walk through the village or travel farther along Route 28 in search of additional scenic overlooks.

One of the area’s most recognizable foliage experiences is the scenic chairlift at McCauley Mountain. The ride provides elevated views of Old Forge, Gray Lake and the Fulton Chain of Lakes. On a clear day, visitors may also see distant Adirondack peaks. McCauley Mountain scenic chairlift information.

Those planning a chairlift trip should confirm operating dates, hours and weather conditions before traveling.

Oneida County’s Roads, Lakes and Wooded Hills

Residents do not have to travel deep into the Adirondacks to find impressive fall scenery.

Oneida County’s mixture of farmland, river valleys, wooded hills and historic communities creates a wide variety of foliage-viewing opportunities.

A drive north on Route 12 toward Boonville and Remsen offers broad views of the changing hillsides. From there, motorists can continue toward Forestport and Old Forge or explore the quieter back roads connecting the county’s rural communities.

Delta Lake State Park and the surrounding Rome and Westernville area provide views of autumn colors reflected across the water. The wooded grounds and trails around Hamilton College in Clinton also offer a quieter setting for a seasonal walk.

Southern Oneida County features rolling countryside around Vernon, Verona, Westmoreland, Clinton and the surrounding towns. Route 20 and nearby country roads pass farms, wooded ridges and open landscapes that become increasingly colorful as the season progresses.

Oneida County Tourism recommends Route 20, the Boonville area and the drive along Route 12 as fall destinations, noting that the county’s landscape transforms into shades of red, orange and gold. Explore Oneida County’s fall attractions.

Madison County’s Rolling Hills and Waterfalls

Madison County offers a different but equally impressive fall landscape.

The county is known for rolling hills, scenic byways, historic villages and picturesque small towns. Routes connecting Oneida, Canastota, Chittenango, Cazenovia, Morrisville, Hamilton, Madison and Bouckville provide miles of changing scenery.

Chittenango Falls State Park is one of the county’s most dramatic destinations. The 167-foot waterfall is surrounded by wooded hills that produce a colorful backdrop during the fall season.

Cazenovia Lake is another popular destination, offering waterfront views near the village and several public-access areas. The roads around Cazenovia, Nelson and Fenner provide sweeping views across farms, hills and wooded valleys.

Travelers can also explore Route 20 through Madison and Bouckville, the countryside surrounding Lake Moraine or the trails and forests near Brookfield.

Madison County contains more than 30,000 acres of state forest land, more than 15 ponds and lakes and hundreds of miles of trails. Madison County Tourism highlights its waterfalls, forests and outdoor destinations.

A Season That Supports Local Communities

Fall foliage is more than a natural display. It is also an important tourism season for local restaurants, shops, farm markets, orchards, lodging properties and other small businesses.

A day trip can easily include breakfast at a local diner, a stop at a farm stand, lunch in a village restaurant and shopping at locally owned stores.

Visitors are encouraged to plan extra time, support businesses along their route and avoid stopping along busy roads to take photographs. Scenic pull-offs, parks and designated parking areas provide safer places to enjoy the view.

Drivers should also watch for pedestrians, cyclists, wildlife and slow-moving vehicles—particularly during peak foliage weekends when popular routes may experience heavier traffic.

The Colors Will Continue Moving South

Fall foliage does not arrive everywhere at once.

Old Forge and the higher Adirondack elevations usually change first. The display then progresses into the lower elevations of Oneida and Madison counties, giving residents several weeks to follow the colors across the region.

Wind and heavy rain can shorten peak conditions, while cool nights and sunny days can help produce more vivid reds, oranges and yellows.

Whether viewed from a mountain chairlift, beside a waterfall, along a lake or from a quiet country road, Upstate New York’s fall foliage remains one of the region’s greatest natural attractions.

The season is beginning—and some of the best views may be only a short drive from home.