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Thanks to dry weather over the past few months, the fall foliage around New York City might not be as extravagantly colorful as we're used to. But we happen to think that even muted fall leaves are worth admiring. Plus, some arboreal experts say we should hold onto hope that this year's leaves might still pull off something stunning.
That's why we've rounded up all the best fall foliage trackers around the region. The exact dates for peak hues vary by year and by location, so these trackers will help you make the most of your time. Use these to find colorful leaves around your neighborhood or even to venture outside of the city for a leaf-peeping adventure.
RECOMMENDED: Where to see fall foliage in NYC
I Love NY
How it works: This detailed map covers the entire state, noting when foliage is reaching its peak. Plus, the site provides a weekly report based on reports from observers.
What to see: Exceptionally vivid reds, oranges, golds, and purples, especially in higher elevations in the Catskills around Livingston Manor and Bethel. Meanwhile, the Adirondacks are lighting up in oranges, rusty brown, russets, golden yellows, reds and occasional dark red leaves near Crown Point. Buffalo is about 45% toward peak with golden yellow, plum and red leaves.
Where to find them: First peak colors are arriving in Capital-Saratoga, Central New York, Hudson Valley and Greater Niagara Regions.
Time Out tip: Make a weekend of it and book one of these cozy Catskills Airbnbs.
Central Park
How it works: This easy-to-navigate map tracks where leaves are changing across the park.
What to see: Leaves have started changing in the North Woods, the Ramble, Hallett Nature Sanctuary and at The Mall & Literary Walk. There's no change yet along the Reservoir where Kanzan cherries will eventually glow in shades of bronze and red along the west side. There's also no color yet around the Great Hill, where American elms and pin oaks will come alive in with brilliant yellows, deep russets and rich reds.
Where to find them: Across 843 acres of the park, you're bound to stumble upon some fall color no matter where you stroll, but the park's map will help direct you. If you're on the southern part of the park, the Hallett Nature Sanctuary is a peaceful go-to. On the northern end of the park, The Pool offers a particularly photographable vista.
Time Out tip: For even more seasonal splendor in the park, check out The Pumpkin Flotilla at Harlem Meer. Look on as the Harlem Meer lights up with a flotilla of floating pumpkins at twilight on Thursday, October 30. It's one of the coolest Halloween events of the year.
New York Botanical Garden
How it works: This real-time list offers intel on early-, mid-, and late-season trees.
What to see: Trees with early fall color, like sugar maple and dogwood, have reached peak color. But you've still got time to see mid-season trees, including sweetgum and red maple, and late-season trees, including oak and ginkgo.
Where to find them: New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is home to several excellent leaf-peeping spots, including the Thain Family Forest, Steinhardt Maple Collection, Native Plant Garden, Rock Garden, and Maureen K. Chilton Azalea Garden. The Thain Family Forest, in particular, is worth visiting for an urban hike; this 50-acre forest is the largest uncut expanse of New York’s original wooded landscape. It even includes paths that follow the original hunting trails of the Lenape people.
Time Out tip: While you're there, also check out the garden's beautiful Van Gogh exhibit.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
How it works: Though it's not live in real-time, this round-up helps visitors understand what flora and fauna to see at the botanic garden.
What to see: A 100-foot-tall, century-old sweetgum tree with deep crimson foliage, a black tupelo tree that transitions from golden to red, and sumacs with dramatic multihued foliage.
Where to find them: Stroll through BBG's Oak Circle, Cherry Esplanade, Discovery Garden and Shelby White and Leon Levy Water Garden to look for autumn hues.
Time Out tip: Sure, fall foliage usually focuses on the big trees, but tiny trees are also in the spotlight here as the garden celebrates 100 years of its bonsai collection. Check out bonsai displays and workshops this fall.