Central Park

fall foliage nyc - central park

(Getty Images)

A no-brainer. Central Park is stunning all year round, of course, but it’s particularly magical in the fall, when its 18,000 trees (yes, that many!) form a glorious riot of color. Guided foliage tours are already sold out for peak week, but not to worry: The Central Park Conservancy produces a highly detailed fall-foliage map of the entire park, complete with the types of trees in each area and the colors they turn. Follow the map, or just wander — and don’t forget your camera!

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Prospect Park

fall foliage in nyc - prospect park

(Getty Images)

It’s directly adjacent to the renowned Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a foliage wonderland to be sure, but the park itself is well worth a leaf-looking expedition this time of year. The Prospect Park Alliance is happy to help, with an array of fall events, foliage walks, and even an Instagram-inspired photo gallery dedicated to its autumnal beauty. Tag your own pics with #ProspectPark and they might get added!

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fall foliage in nyc - green-wood

(Getty Images)

Green-Wood Cemetery

Autumn leaves don’t need a setting as dramatic as Green-Wood to be worth seeing, but it sure doesn’t hurt. This National Historic Landmark location, always a gorgeous green oasis, becomes absolutely enchanting when fall’s vibrant reds, oranges and yellows make their appearance. The grounds are home to 8,000 trees and shrubs, so look for a good range of colors mixed in with the history.

Fort Tryon Park

fall foliage nyc - fort tryon park

(Daniel Avila/NYC Parks)

Speaking of drama, this park near the northern tip of Manhattan – home to The Cloisters – combines fabulous foliage with sweeping views of the Hudson River and the Palisades. The combination is enough to take your breath away, especially when you consider that John D. Rockefeller, who donated this land to the city in 1931, also purchased the land directly across the river from it to preserve the spectacular views.

Van Cortlandt Park

fall foliage in nyc - van cortlandt park

(Friends of Van Cortlandt Park)

This 1,000-plus-acre gem in the Bronx has a robust schedule of fall events to help you enjoy all it has to offer this season, including foliage and mushroom-hunting hikes with park rangers. There are many nature trails to follow as you leaf-peep, including the National Historic Landmark Old Croton Aqueduct Trail, which travels the route of the city’s original water-supply aqueduct up into Westchester.


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