Autumn in the Hudson Valley isn’t just a season, it’s a spectacle. As the leaves turn from green to a fiery tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, the landscape transforms into a living canvas that begs to be explored.
But why limit yourself to ground level when the most breathtaking views are waiting up high? If heights don’t make your knees wobble, we suggest
you ascend to the top fall foliage experience of witnessing the breathtaking landscape from on high.
Climb a fire tower
Standing high above the treetops, the Hudson Valley’s fire towers offer one the most exhilarating ways to immerse yourself in the region’s spectacular fall foliage. These towering structures elevate you to a vantage point where the landscape below transforms into a vibrant tapestry of color stretching to the horizon.
Don’t be surprised if there’s a bit of a line to go up during peak leaf-peeping times. There’s a reason people flock from all over to see these incomparable views. The exhilaration of the climb, the wonderful fall air, and the unmatched vistas from the top combine to create an experience both thrilling and serene.
Begin your ascent with the Overlook Mountain Fire Tower near Woodstock. This moderate five-mile round-trip hike isn’t just about the destination. The journey itself is peppered with intrigue as you pass the haunting ruins of the old Overlook Mountain House.
When you finally scale the tower at the summit, you’re rewarded with 360-degree panoramas of the Catskills and the Hudson River Valley. It’s as though nature unfurled a canvas of autumn splendor just for you.
The Hunter Mountain Fire Tower in Hunter is one of the highest fire towers in the state, standing tall at 4040 feet. You have options here: challenge yourself with a rigorous hike or take the scenic chairlift partway up before tackling the rest on foot. Either way, the climb culminates in a view that seems to stretch into infinity — a skyline painted with the hues of fall.
Don’t miss the Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower in Hardenburgh. The 5.9-mile hike meanders through serene woodlands, building anticipation with each step. Reaching the tower, you’ll find sweeping vistas of rolling hills awash in autumn colors. It’s a peaceful reward that makes every mile worthwhile.
For those looking to expand their tower tour, the Red Hill Fire Tower in Denning offers a less crowded but equally captivating experience. The hike is relatively short, and the summit provides stunning views of the surrounding forests and distant peaks.
And let’s not forget the Stissing Mountain Fire Tower in Pine Plains. A steep but quick hike brings you to this tower, where you’re greeted with a 360-degree view that includes the Catskills, the Berkshires, and the Hudson Highlands. It’s a hidden gem that offers big rewards for a small effort.
Last but certainly not least, the Ferncliff Forest Fire Tower in Rhinebeck is a must-visit. This easily accessible tower requires only a short hike, making it perfect for families or those looking for a quick adventure. Climb to the top, and you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the patchwork of fall foliage that blankets the countryside.
Dramatic bridge walks
Rosendale trestle. (Photo by Genia Wickwire)
Bridges aren’t just for getting from point A to point B. They’re also perfect vantage points for soaking in the scenery. The Hudson Valley boasts several bridges that offer pedestrian access and stunning views.
The Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie is like walking on air through a canvas painted with the richest hues of autumn. As the world’s longest elevated pedestrian-only bridge at 1.28 miles, it offers unobstructed views of the Hudson River and the surrounding kaleidoscope of fall foliage. It’s a flat, easy walk suitable for all ages.
The Mid-Hudson Bridge connects Highland to Poughkeepsie and provides a shorter stroll with impressive views. For a longer, more dramatic trek, the pedestrian walkway on the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge is a relatively new addition to leaf-peeping options, offering panoramic river views and the feeling you’re one among the sky.
For a bit of history and charm, visit the Rosendale Trestle, part of the Wallkill Valley Rail-trail. This former railroad trestle stands 150 feet above Rondout Creek, offering a unique perspective of the vibrant treetops.
Soar in a hot-air balloon
If you’ve ever dreamed of floating among the clouds and above the trees, fall in the Hudson Valley is as popular a time as any to replicate that experience.
Companies like Hudson Valley Balloon Rides in Middletown and Blue Sky Balloons in Clinton Corners offer sunrise and sunset flights. As you ascend, the world below transforms into a patchwork quilt of warm colors. The gentle breeze guides you over forests, rivers, and towns glowing under the golden light of autumn.
For a more intimate experience, Adventure Balloon Flights in New Paltz provides personalized tours. And if you’re near Lagrangeville, Above the Clouds, Inc. offers flights that often include a post-landing celebration with a traditional champagne toast.
Helicopter and plane tours
Craving a bit more speed and adrenaline? Helicopter and small plane tours offer a thrilling way to cover a lot of ground—and sky—in a short amount of time.
Independent Helicopters in New Windsor provides customized helicopter tours departing from Stewart International Airport. Fly over landmarks like Bannerman’s Castle, the Shawangunk Ridge, and the expansive forests ablaze with color.
In White Plains, Westchester County Airport is home to several companies offering fixed-wing aircraft tours. Wings Air Helicopters can whisk you over the Hudson Valley and even down to the New York City skyline, blending urban and natural beauty in one flight.
For a vintage twist, check out Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in Red Hook. They offer biplane rides that let you experience the thrill of early aviation while taking in the stunning landscape below.
Hike peaks and cliffsides
You can’t go wrong picking a place to hike in the Hudson Valley during the peak fall season.
A few peaks famous for drawing people peeping leaves include the following:Breakneck Ridge in Cold Spring is famed for its challenging trails and rewarding vistas. The steep ascent includes rock scrambling, but each lookout point offers a better view than the last. You’ll see the Hudson River winding through mountains painted in fall’s finest colors.
If you prefer a slightly easier hike, try Mount Beacon. The trailhead is near the City of Beacon, known for its vibrant arts scene. The hike leads to a former incline railway and a summit with panoramic views. Climb the restored fire tower for an even higher perspective.
The Shawangunk Ridge, affectionately known by locals as The Gunks, offers multiple trails with varying difficulty levels. Sam’s Point Preserve in Cragsmoor features unique landscapes like ice caves and a rare dwarf pitch-pine barren, all set against a backdrop of autumn foliage.
Other notable hikes include Storm King Mountain in Cornwall, Mohonk Preserve in New Paltz and Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Kerhonkson, where you can traverse miles of trails through forests, over cliffs, and around serene lakes.
Ziplining
Who says you can’t fly? Ziplining offers the thrill of flight without the need for wings—or an airplane.
At New York Zipline Adventure Tours at Hunter Mountain, you can experience one of the longest, highest, and fastest zipline canopy tours in North America. This adrenaline-pumping adventure lets you soar above the treetops at speeds up to 50 m.p.h., offering expansive mountain views draped in autumn colors.
For a family-friendly aerial escapade, visit Catamount Aerial Adventure Park in Hillsdale. With over a dozen courses of varying difficulty, you can spend hours navigating through tree-top obstacles, ziplines, suspension bridges, and more. It’s an adventure park that caters to both novices and seasoned thrill-seekers.
Another option is Mountain Ridge Adventure in Schenectady. Though a bit farther from the heart of the Hudson Valley, this park offers a thrilling zipline canopy tour and a treetop challenge course suitable for adventurers of all ages. The courses weave through the forest canopy, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant autumn scenery.
Chairlifts and gondola rides
Prefer to sit back and let the machinery do the work? Chairlift and gondola rides provide effortless access to high elevations and the stunning views that come with them.
Hunter Mountain’s Scenic Skyride is a six-passenger chairlift that takes you to the 3200-foot summit. At the top, enjoy hiking trails, picnic spots, and views that extend across the Hudson Valley to the Berkshires.
Over at Belleayre Mountain, the gondola ride offers a comfortable enclosed ascent to the summit. From there, you can explore walking trails or simply relax and take in the panoramic views from the observation deck.
Windham Mountain also offers a skyride that provides access to hiking trails and mountaintop yoga sessions. It’s a peaceful way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the season.
Paragliding and hang gliding
For the ultimate airborne adventure, try paragliding or hang gliding. It’s as close as you’ll get to flying like a bird over the autumnal landscapes.
Ellenville Flight Park is renowned as one of the best free-flying sites on the East Coast. It offer tandem hang-gliding flights with experienced pilots. Launch from the Shawangunk Mountains and glide silently over forests and fields.
If paragliding is more your style, Paragliding Instruction of the Northeast in Accord provides lessons and tandem flights. Feel the rush of the wind as you navigate the skies, with the stunning backdrop of the Hudson Valley below.
Mountain climbing
Climbing up a rock face to enjoy fall foliage is obviously not for everyone. If you’re a newcomer to climbing, you’re probably going to want to start indoors. That said, there’s nothing quite like immersing yourself physically and mentally in nature by tackling some of the region’s superb rock-climbing spots.
The Shawangunk Ridge (the Gunks) is a world-class climbing destination. With over 1200 established routes, climbers of all levels can find a suitable challenge. The cliffs provide not only technical climbs but also sweeping views of the valley.
At Peterskill Climbing Area within Minnewaska State Park Preserve, you’ll find a variety of climbing routes amid a tranquil setting. After your climb, explore the park’s trails leading to waterfalls and lakes.
For guided climbing experiences, Alpine Endeavors in New Paltz offers instruction and tours tailored to your skill level, ensuring a safe and exhilarating adventure.
See you at the top!
Join the family! 
