See New York State fall foliage by water, rail and sky
A trio paddles a kayak rented by A Day Away Kayak Rentals, based in Kingston, NY. Credit: A Day Away Kayak Rentals/A Day Away Kayak Rentals
During the fall, the Empire State is awash with natural beauty. Bucolic scenes dot much of the countryside from Montauk to Niagara Falls.
Before winter washes white over the land, trees turn striking oranges, reds and yellows — and seeing this transformation occur is as easy as hiking through woods or driving along suburban and rural roads. But there are also ways to see fall foliage by water, rail and air.
BY WATER
Upstate New York is rife with paddling opportunities . Kayakers using A Day Away Kayak Rentals (1000 Rte. 213, Kingston; 845-750-6538, adayawaykayakrentals.com) in Ulster County receive instruction before heading out to paddle the Rondout Creek to see the changing foliage. Along the way, they can view a waterfall, pass by bridges and see the historic Kingston waterfront. Continue to row out to the Hudson River to check out a lighthouse after passing through an active boatbuilding dock. Be sure to look for bald eagle nests. (Single kayak rentals start at $20, tandem kayaks at $40, stand-up paddleboard and canoes are also available.)
