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Family Friendly Leaf Peeping in the Hudson Valley



Enjoy the changing of the leaves before it's too late

Hudson Valley Leaf Peeping with Kids

Here in the Hudson Valley we are lucky to have so much beautiful fall foliage spread across our region. We only have a short time to map out day trips up the Taconic, down Route 55, across New Paltz and through Montgomery to get the full Hudson Valley Fall experience. We asked Hudson Valley Moms for their favorite spots and compiled a list of favorite family friendly places for fall foliage sightings around the Hudson Valley.


The Walkway Over the Hudson is a great place to spend an afternoon taking in the beauty of the Hudson from above. Take a walk across the bridge and the new elevator down to the park or Mid- Hudson Children's Museum to make a day out of it with the family.

Head over to Port Jervis to Point Peter at Elks-Brox Park. Point Peter offers panoramic vistas that overlook Port Jervis, New York, as well as the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Delaware River.

A picnic basket is in order for this great spot, Winding Hills Park in Montgomery, NY. Lots of fun stuff for kids while adults enjoy the scenery.


Newburgh offers a fabulous and relaxing area to peep those leaves at the Newburgh Waterfront. Enjoy a meal with a sidewalk stroll or take a cruise on one the boats leaving from Newburgh Landing.

Another Hudson Valley Parent favorite spot is Minnewaska State Park in Ulster County. Vistors can enjoy hiking, biking or simply just walking and taking in the views. The park features numerous beautiful waterfalls, 3 lakes, forest and many trails to explore.

If you are up for the trip, maybe with older kids in tow, take the hike which is a little over a mile up to the top of Mount Beacon, the views of the Valley below are breathtaking. Bring a picnic on a warmer fall day and enjoy the afternoon.

 A popular spot for families year round in Dutchess County, Bowdoin Park is a 301 acre park on the banks of the Hudson River. With spectacular views of the river, the brightly colored trees in the fall set a beautiful scene for a fall picnic, day at the award winning playground or just a family stroll along the river. The park also has spaces for recreational sports and pavilions to rent for events.

 Vanderbilt Mansion is another family favorite spot in Dutchess County for picnics and views and in the fall the mansion grounds come to life with beautiful colors. The mansion (not air conditioned) itself is open for tours only but the grounds are free and always open for some natural family fun. Plenty of space to let little ones run and gorgeous views of the rivers and trees!

As the season changes and the leaves turn, many families in the Hudson Valley region head to Clermont Estate in Columbia County to take in the true beauty of the season. Here you can enjoy the views from a short hike, leisurely walk, tour or a spot under a colorful tree  on a picnic blanket. There is something for everyone at Clermont and a great place to check out the fall foliage this year.

From the zoo to the lake to the carousel, families love to take the trip to Bear Mountain in the fall. The beauty of the season can be enjoyed even before you arrive, the roads that lead to the state park are over flowing with fall colors and the bridge leads you to what seems like another time as you arrive at the beautiful Bear Mountain State Park. Here your family can enjoy the trailside museum and zoo, the old merry-go-round, a picnic by the lake, play fields, biking or a hike up the mountain. In late October, visitors can ice skate at the outdoor rink. 

Discover all that Olana State Historic Site has to offer in the fall. The beautiful landscape offers rich colors and beauty of the Hudson Valley. Walk the carriage drives, the family farm and orchard, the lake, the meadow and forest. Learn about wildlife and nature as you experience a true Hudson Valley gem. Visitors can also enjoy picnics, history, culture and gorgeous views.

If you love the outdoors, you might want to take a short hike and enjoy the scene at Fahnestock State Park. The Beautiful mountains and colorful fall foliage that reflects off the lake is simply amazing. If you are a camping family, the park has more than 70 campsites for the overnight fall stay.

Another beautiful place for families to explore this season is Mills Mansion at Mills-Norrie State Park. The house is open for guided tours and the gift shop is rated top 10 of the Dutchess County (need to make reservations). The grounds are history rich, beautiful for hiking, an afternoon stroll or picnic with family or friends.

We are lucky here in the Hudson Valley to have an expansive rail trail that runs throughout most of our communities connecting the greater Hudson Valley area with paths, walkways, bridges and bike paths. Families can take in the beauty of our area along paved paths strictly for pedestrians away from the hustle and bustle of every day life. Some of our favorite trails are the Dutchess Rail Trail, Mohonk Preserve, Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, The Heritage Trail and Catskill Scenic Trail.

Other favorites:
Tribute Gardens
Locust Grove Estate
Storm King Art Center
Seven Lakes Drive

Updated 9/7/2024


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