Beginning in late September and through late October, the Finger Lake region flames with gorgeous red, orange and gold fall colors.
If you’re thinking of traveling throughout the Finger Lakes to do some leaf peeping, this NYS Fall Foliage Guide from I Love NY will help you discover which weeks are peak season for the area you want to visit. If you’re the type who likes to mix education with adventure, don’t forget to print out their leaf identifier
Enjoy the fall splendor of the Genesee River Gorge aboard the Harbor Town Belle
By Water
Fall Foliage Cruise aboard the Harbor Town Belle- Beginning daily in early October – Take a two hour tour of the beautiful lower Genesee River Gorge aboard an 80 foot paddle boat. Adults $12, Children under 10 years $6. Food is additional. Leaves from the Charlotte Pier at the Port of Rochester up to Three Times per Day 12 p.m., 3 p.m., & 6 p.m. Call 585-342-1810 or 800-836-8930 for reservations and to confirm schedule.
Downtown Rochester Fall Foliage Luncheon or Dinner Cruise aboard the Colonial Belle - Saturday, October 1 from 11a.m. – 3 p.m., Sunday October 9 from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Autumn in upstate New York produces a palette of brilliant reds, deep golds and vibrant yellows along the Erie Canal. The fall foliage in New York State is one of the best displays in the northeast. Leaves from Schoen Place in Pittsford, NY and cruising to the Genesee River. Package Includes 4 hour cruise, seasonal meal and live entertainment. Cash bar available. $52 for luncheon cruise on October 1, $70 for dinner cruise on October 8. Advance reservations required by calling 585-223-9470. October 1 1-3 $52. Be sure to watch “Cruisin’ on the Erie Canal” featuring Captain Lee Poinan, owner of the Colonial Belle.
By Air
Fall Foliage Balloon Ride over Letchworth State Park – Throughout October – Enjoy a spectacular view of the Grand Canyon of the East from a hot air balloon gliding over the gorge. Flights leave at sunrise and two hours before sunset. $225 per person and Groups of 5 or more are $210 per person, plus $10 per person surcharge during October. Private “Sweetheart Flight For Two” is $790 with no other passengers. Leaves from the Southern end of Letchworth Park, near the Glen Iris Inn in Castile, NY. Advance reservations required Please note: departure is dependent upon weather and wind.
Glider Rides at Harris Hill Soaring Center - Weekends to the end of October – Get a bird’s eye view of fall as you soar high above the vibrant-colored hills and valleys of the Finger Lakes in the cockpit of a glider. $90 – $95 per person (one person per flight) depending on glider. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Departs from Harris Hill in Elmira. (While at Harris Hill, be sure to check out the National Soaring Museum!)
By Ski Lift
Fall Sky Ride at Bristol Mountain Winter Resort – Saturdays & Sundays through September 30, plus Columbus Day, Monday, October 10 – Ride the Comet Express chairlift to the summit of Bristol Mountain for a tranquil 15-20 minute ride providing breathtaking views of the Bristol Hills and the valley below. This is truly a unique opportunity for all ages to view Mother Nature at her best. On a clear day, a glimpse of Canandaigua Lake is visible from the summit.Adults (ages 13-64) $9, Children (ages 3-12) $6, Seniors (65+) $6, Groups 920+) $6, Children (ages 2 & younger) Free. Located at 5662 Route 64 in Canandaigua.
By Train
Fall Foliage Train Rides on the Finger Lakes Scenic Railway, sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Railroad Historical Society – Saturday, October 8, 2011 – Enjoy the fall foliage while taking a 90 min historic round-trip train ride departing from 8 East High Street in Shortsville, NY and traveling east throughout the beautiful countryside of Upstate NY.4 Rides throughout the day at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.Fare: $15. Lapsitters 2 and under free. Tickets may be purchased online or by phone at 315-374-1570.