The #1 Fall Foliage Spot in America Is Right Here in New York

Fall is officially here, and with it comes all the little joys that make this season unforgettable: pumpkin spice lattes in hand, cozy scarves around our necks, and those long, crisp walks where the air smells like woodsmoke and apples. But here’s the big question: when it comes to fall foliage, where’s the best place to take in the view?

A new study by CanadaCasino looked at Google search trends across North America, and the results reveal that New York doesn’t just show up on the list, we shine.

Niagara Falls Crowned America’s Top Fall Foliage Destination

You already know Niagara Falls is a world wonder, but did you know it’s also the most searched fall foliage destination in the entire U.S.? That’s right. With a staggering one million searches between September and November 2024, Niagara Falls tops the list, nearly doubling the next closest contender. It’s not hard to see why. The roar of the falls paired with the fiery oranges, deep reds, and golden yellows along the Niagara Gorge creates a backdrop that feels straight out of a postcard. If you’ve never stood at Niagara Glen in autumn, you’ve been missing one of the most breathtaking sights our state has to offer.

READ MORE: A Lost New York Postcard Resurfaces After 72 Years

Lake Placid Shines as a Top Adirondack Fall Foliage Escape

Coming in sixth overall is Lake Placid, another gem right here in New York. With 165,000 searches last fall, it’s clear that people across the country know just how magical the Adirondacks can be when the leaves turn. Whether you’re hiking one of the High Peaks, strolling Mirror Lake, or just enjoying a coffee in town as the mountains glow with color, Lake Placid is the kind of place that makes you fall in love with fall all over again.

New York Ranks Among Top States for Fall Foliage Destinations

According to the study, New York tied with Ontario and Virginia for the most fall foliage destinations on the list, six each. That means when people dream about the best places to see the leaves change, our state comes to mind just as much as those famous Blue Ridge drives or New England coastlines. From Niagara Falls to the Adirondacks and beyond, we’re lucky to live where leaf peeping dreams come true.

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Why Fall in New York Feels Like the Best of Everything

Here’s what’s special about fall in New York: we get it all. Towering waterfalls framed by golden maples. Small towns where porches are lined with pumpkins and cornstalks. Lakes that mirror the fiery colors of the hills around them. And we don’t have to book a cross country flight to see any of it because it’s right here in our own backyard.