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Discover Fall Leaf Peeping Hotspots In & Around Clifton Park

New York State is the place to be when the leaves begin to turn! There are so many parks and trails where you can see great views and experience the beauty of the season in and around Clifton Park. Check out these popular leaf peeping hotspots and plan your trip to see the colors of fall.

a large cluster of trees with fall foliage
Photo credit: Alan Nudi

Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve

By foot or by bike, the Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve in the Town of Clifton Park is one of the community's best places for leaf peeping. Throughout the season, the leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red, making the nature preserve even more scenic than usual. With multiple access points, you can customize your leaf peeping adventure and explore as many trails as you'd like.

Washington Park

walkway in park and trees with fall colors

You may not think of a city as a fall foliage hotspot, but Albany's Washington Park is one of the most beautifully sculpted and well-maintained public parks around. The park spans 89 acres, and it's a popular place for an easy stroll with the family. You can walk to the lake, cross over the stone footbridge, check out the monuments, and soak up the fall colors on the trees.

Thacher State Park

Take a short drive southwest of Clifton Park to Thacher State Park in Voorheesville. Featuring over 25 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, this State Park is a great location to see the fall foliage. Whether you want to relax at a picnic table and enjoy views of the cliffs, or go for a hike along the famous Indian Ladder Trail, your choice will not disappoint.

Grafton Lakes State Park

colorful leaves on tall trees

Located in the Town of Grafton, Grafton Lakes State Park offers a spectacular foliage viewing experience. From sitting and gazing at the leaves across the lake to hiking along one of the trails, there is an option for everyone. The trails at the park range from .5 mile to 3 miles in length, and there are benches along the way to stop, rest, and take in the scenery.

Saratoga National Historical Park

cannon near trees with fall colors
Photo Credit: SaratogaPhotographer.com

Open daily from sunrise to sunset, the Battlefield Grounds at Saratoga National Historical Park are a top choice for leaf peeping here in the Capital Region. There are hiking trails for pedestrians and a Driving Tour Road that leads to many scenic overlooks and views of the fall foliage. Go on a journey through local history for your next leaf peeping trip.

Moreau Lake State Park

sign for moreau lake state park

Enjoy a drive north from Clifton Park to Moreau Lake State Park in Gansevoort. In addition to a beautiful lake, the State Park features an array of colorful trees during fall. The trails will bring you through hardwood forests and to spots with exceptional views. While you're there, consider having a picnic under the shady groves of trees.

Prospect Mountain and Lake George

people walking on sidewalk toward lake

In the mood for a day trip? Take a spin to Lake George and see the views from Prospect Mountain's summit. The view from the top is incredible! Not only will the hike provide an excellent foliage experience, but you can drive up too and see the sights from the highway (open seasonally).

Or, park your car in Lake George Village and take a walk down to the shoreline. You'll be able to see colorful fall foliage on the mountains along the lake's shoreline.

Planning a trip to the Adirondacks and want to know where to find the best views? See Carl Heilman II's Adirondack Leaf Peeping Guide and Lake George Leaf Peeping Guide. You will discover photos of the fantastic fall foliage and learn where each photo was taken.

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