Fall foliage around New York typically peaks from early October in the Catskills and higher elevations to late October and early November closer to the city. The best scenic drives within a few hours of Manhattan include the Palisades Interstate Parkway to Bear Mountain, the Storm King Highway (Route 218), the Taconic State Parkway, Route 9D along the Hudson, the Catskills and the Delaware Water Gap. On peak weekends, a chauffeured drive lets everyone enjoy the views — including the person who would otherwise be driving.

Top drives

Drive From Midtown Why go
Palisades Interstate Parkway 15–60 min Wooded parkway along the Hudson cliffs
Bear Mountain & Seven Lakes Drive About 1 hour Mountain lakes and summit views
Storm King Highway (Route 218) About 1 hour Road carved into the cliffs above the Hudson
Route 9D (Cold Spring–Beacon) 75–90 min River towns and Hudson Highlands
Taconic State Parkway 1–2 hours Rolling hills and farmland
Catskills (Route 28, Route 23A) 2–2.5 hours Earliest peak color, waterfalls
Delaware Water Gap (Old Mine Road) About 1.5 hours River valley and forests

Timing the peak

Color arrives first at higher elevations and further north. The Catskills often peak in early to mid-October; the Hudson Highlands mid to late October; the Palisades and northern New Jersey later in October. State tourism agencies publish weekly foliage reports.

Beat the crowds

  • Go on a weekday if you can.
  • Start early — parking at Bear Mountain and popular trailheads fills by mid-morning.
  • Combine stops with lunch in Cold Spring or apple picking.

Why a chauffeur

On a scenic drive, the driver misses the scenery. With hourly service, everyone looks out the window, and the chauffeur handles parking and pickups at trailheads. Read Bear Mountain day trip, Hudson Valley day trip and the Palisades Parkway scenic drive.