When autumn arrives in Upstate New York, forests, mountains, waterfalls and lakes take on brilliant shades of red, orange and gold. From dramatic gorges and towering waterfalls to scenic mountain towns and elevated viewpoints, the region offers countless ways to experience the beauty of the season.

If you're planning a fall road trip, these 10 destinations are worth adding to your itinerary.

1. Letchworth State Park

Often called the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park is one of Upstate New York's most dramatic fall destinations.

The park's enormous three-tiered gorge is surrounded by forests that become a spectacular mixture of autumn reds, oranges and golds. The gorge provides numerous viewpoints for taking in the seasonal scenery.

For an active visit, hikers can explore the Gorge Trail and its surrounding scenery. Visitors looking for a different perspective can also experience the changing canopy from above with a hot air balloon ride.

2. Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen State Park combines colorful autumn foliage with one of the region's most impressive natural gorges.

The park's dramatic stone gorge features 19 cascading waterfalls, with steep cliffs covered in fall foliage. The combination of flowing water, rock formations and colorful leaves makes the Gorge Trail particularly scenic during autumn.

After exploring the park, visitors can also make their way into the surrounding Finger Lakes region for local wine tasting.

3. Taughannock Falls State Park

At 215 feet, Taughannock Falls is one of the standout waterfalls in the Finger Lakes region and rises higher than Niagara Falls.

The waterfall sits at the head of a dramatic gorge surrounded by trees that become especially colorful in autumn. The relatively easy walk to the base overlook provides an excellent opportunity for photography.

For visitors looking for a scenic fall stop without committing to a strenuous hike, Taughannock Falls can be an appealing choice.

4. Kaaterskill Falls

Deep in the Catskill Mountains, Kaaterskill Falls provides another spectacular combination of waterfalls and fall foliage.

The two-tiered waterfall drops approximately 260 feet, making it one of the Catskills' best-known natural attractions. During autumn, the surrounding mountains become covered in brilliant foliage.

The trail from the Laurel House Road trailhead offers access to views of the falls, with early morning providing the possibility of misty scenery and softer light.

5. Lake Placid

Lake Placid offers a classic Adirondack setting for experiencing autumn.

The area's alpine lakes reflect the surrounding mountains, while the Adirondack peaks become covered in fall color. The combination of water, mountains and changing foliage makes the area particularly photogenic.

For panoramic views, visitors can ride the Cloudsplitter Gondola at nearby Whiteface Mountain, providing an elevated perspective over the surrounding landscape.

6. Green Lakes State Park

Just east of Syracuse, Green Lakes State Park offers a different kind of fall landscape.

The park is known for its striking blue-green glacial lakes, which stand out against the surrounding forests. When autumn arrives, the colorful upland trees create a dramatic contrast with the unusual color of the water.

Visitors can walk the peaceful loop trails around the lakes, making this a relaxing destination for enjoying fall scenery without heading into the mountains.

7. Walkway Over the Hudson

For a bird's-eye view of the Hudson Valley, few places offer a perspective quite like the Walkway Over the Hudson.

The elevated pedestrian bridge stretches above the Hudson River and provides sweeping views of the surrounding valley and autumn foliage.

Walking or biking across the bridge during the late afternoon can provide particularly beautiful views as the changing sunlight illuminates the landscape.

8. Lake George

Lake George is another classic destination for an Upstate New York fall getaway.

The lake's clear blue waters are surrounded by mountains that transform into shades of red, orange and gold during autumn. Islands scattered across the lake add another element to the scenery.

One way to experience the foliage from the water is with a seasonal cruise from the Lake George Steamboat Company.

9. Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Located along the Shawangunk Ridge, Minnewaska State Park Preserve combines dramatic cliffs, mountain lakes and expansive autumn scenery.

High-altitude carriage roads provide views over the surrounding forests and sky-blue lakes, while the rocky landscape creates a distinctive backdrop for the changing foliage.

Hikers can explore the preserve's trails, while more adventurous visitors can encounter the area's dramatic rock formations and cliffside scenery.

10. Niagara Falls State Park

Niagara Falls is spectacular at any time of year, but autumn adds another layer to the experience.

The enormous waterfalls are surrounded by colorful trees, creating a striking contrast between the bright foliage, rushing water and clouds of mist rising from the falls.

For an up-close experience, visitors can take the Maid of the Mist into the spray and experience the power of the waterfalls from the water.

Plan Your Upstate New York Fall Adventure

From the deep gorges of Letchworth and Watkins Glen to the Adirondack scenery surrounding Lake Placid and Lake George, Upstate New York offers an impressive variety of places to enjoy autumn.

Whether your ideal fall day involves hiking to a waterfall, walking along a scenic bridge, cruising across a mountain lake or simply photographing colorful forests, these destinations provide plenty of opportunities to experience the season.

Pack your camera, check the foliage conditions, and hit the road—fall in Upstate New York doesn't last forever.

 I Love NY.