Best Places to See Fall Colors in the Finger Lakes
Bristol Mountain has some of the region’s broadest views of fall foliage. Fall Sky Rides carry visitors above the Bristol Hills, while marked hiking trails, aerial adventures, and the annual Bristol Mountain Fall Festival make it a favorite stop during the season.
Carolabarb Park overlooks the southern end of Canandaigua Lake from one of the area’s highest vantage points. Open fields, wooded hillsides, public viewfinders, and picnic areas create an ideal place to take in the changing landscape or pause during a drive through the lake country.
Ontario Pathways follows a 23-mile rail trail through forests, farmland, and small communities. Walking or cycling the trail offers a quieter way to experience fall foliage beneath the tree canopy, with scenery that changes along the route.
At Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area, enjoy colorful hillsides, wooded trails, and scenic overlooks above Honeoye Lake. The park offers changing perspectives on the season from elevated viewpoints and forested landscapes throughout the property.
The Colors of the Season Driving Route connects Canandaigua, Bristol, Naples, Geneva, and other Finger Lakes communities on a self-guided drive through vineyards, scenic forest overlooks, and small towns.
Fall Activities Beyond the Foliage
Ride the chairlift to the summit of Bristol Mountain, hike or bike Ontario Pathways, or follow the Rochester/Finger Lakes Craft Beverage Trail for wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries surrounded by vineyards and farmland. Harvest season also brings farmers markets, U-pick farms, orchards, and seasonal specialties including apples, pumpkins, grapes, and maple products.
