The first reds, oranges and yellows of fall are showing up across New York, and three of the state's early-season foliage hot spots are close enough for a weekend getaway from Long Island.

I LOVE NY released its first 2026 foliage report this week, naming Delhi, Utica and Lake Pleasant among the places expected to see significant color change this weekend. 

While no significant foliage change is reported in Nassau or Suffolk counties from Sept. 16 to 22, Lake Pleasant, Delhi and Utica are seeing a 15% to 20% color change, according to the report. 

Tupper Lake and Mount Arab are noted as seeing the most significant color change so far, at 35%, though that drive from central Long Island is about six hours. For Long Islanders looking to turn leaf peeping into a fall escape, not as far away, each destination offers a different kind of weekend to take in the early signs of fall.

🍁 Delhi 🍁

Foliage report: 15% change in Delhi with touches of red, orange and yellow. Some pockets and valleys are approaching midpoint of change with most of the trees frosted with hues of yellow, gold and orange.

3-hour drive from central Long Island

Delhi offers a more relaxed Catskills getaway, with the West Branch Delaware River running through the center of the village. Visitors can stroll Main Street, browse local shops and restaurants, then follow the river for views of the surrounding hills as they begin to change color.

Take a scenic hike on the Bramley Mountain Trail, a 4-mile loop that passes an old quarry before climbing to a restored fire tower. For more foliage, follow Route 30 or explore the Catskill Scenic Trail, a 26-mile former rail corridor popular with hikers and cyclists.

Make it a weekend by staying at the Buena Vista Inn (18718 NY-28; buenavistadelhi.com; 607-746-2135), an old-style motel in the heart of Delhi with single, double and family rooms starting at $125 per night. For dinner, the Brushland Eating House (1927 County Hwy 6; brushlandeatinghouse.com; 607-832-4861) serves a three-course family-style meal every Saturday for $75 per person.

🍁 Utica 🍁

Foliage report: Less than 20% change in Utica with muted to average touches of yellows, reds, and oranges.

4½-hour drive from central Long Island

Utica swaps mountain-town quiet for a small-city weekend, but it comes with an easy way to get into the foliage: a seasonal Adirondack Scenic Railroad (321 Main St; adirondackrr.com; 800-819-2291) excursion from the city's historic Union Station. The railroad's fall rides offer a chance to watch the landscape change from Utica to Old Forge. Tickets cost $55 for adults and $40 for children for the 5.5 hour trip.

For families, the Utica Zoo (1 Utica Zoo Way; uticazoo.org; 315-738-0472) holds more than 99 species of animals including African lions and red pandas.

Among various lodging options is Rosemont Inn Bed and Breakfast (1423 Genesee St; rosemontinnbb.com; 315-797-9033), a cozy boutique hotel serving farm-to-table dining walking distance from downtown Utica. Rates start at $195 per night.

🍁 Lake Pleasant 🍁

Foliage report: 20% foliage change in Lake Pleasant with average shades of red and orange, along with a few yellow shades.

5-hour drive from central Long Island

This Hamilton County hamlet in the southern Adirondacks sits between two lakes, Lake Pleasant and Sacandaga Lake, giving leaf peepers two distinct water views. Locals point to the beach and park on the north end of Lake Pleasant as the single best spot for foliage photos.

Hikers can tackle Panther Mountain or Auger Falls, or take a lighter walk along the Sacandaga River Walk. Kunjamuk Cave adds a bit of natural mystery to the trail system, and paddlers can put in on the Kunjamuk River, one of the state's most popular canoeing destinations.

Golfers get their own foliage view at Lake Pleasant Golf Course (2537 NY-8; lakepleasantgc.com), a public nine-hole course starting at $20.

Newsday Staff contributed to this story.