Minnewaska State Park Preserve
State park · New York
On the Shawangunk Ridge 90 miles north of the city, sky lakes and white quartz cliffs frame pitch pine, chestnut oak, and maple color. Old carriage roads make the big overlooks easy to reach on foot or by bike.
Don’t miss
Peak: October 15–October 19
Color builds from October 2 · mostly bare by November 8
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at Minnewaska State Park Preserve’s own coordinates and elevation (490 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve on the map
More things to do in New York
Central Park
City parkPeak November 1
Olmsted's 843 acres turn late for the latitude, and the park's elms, maples, and oaks usually hold color into early November. The Mall's American elm cathedral and the wooded paths of the Ramble are the classic circuits.
Don’t miss: The Mall's elm canopy · The Ramble · Bow Bridge views
Prospect Park
City parkPeak November 2
Olmsted and Vaux considered Brooklyn's 526-acre park their masterpiece. The Long Meadow's tree lines, the Ravine's woodlands, and the shores of Prospect Park Lake give it some of the city's most varied late-October color.
Don’t miss: Long Meadow · The Ravine · Lullwater bridges
New York Botanical Garden
GardenPeak November 1
The Bronx's 250-acre garden wraps fall color around the Thain Family Forest, one of New York City's last stands of old-growth woodland, with maples, tulip trees, and oaks peaking from late October into November.
Don’t miss: Thain Family Forest · Azalea Garden maples
Fort Tryon Park
City parkPeak November 1
High on a ridge over the Hudson, Fort Tryon pairs foliage with river views: the Heather Garden's late perennials under turning oaks and maples, and the Cloisters framed in gold at the park's north end.
Don’t miss: Heather Garden · Hudson River overlooks · The Cloisters
Plan from a city
Frequently asked
- When does Minnewaska State Park Preserve peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 15–October 19 (best estimate October 17). Color starts around October 2 and is mostly bare by November 8.
- How do I get to Minnewaska State Park Preserve?
- The closest city is New York City, about 71 mi away. It's part of New York's fall lineup.
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