While apple picking, cider doughnuts, and Halloween are all on the horizon here in Westchester County and throughout Hudson Valley, fall foliage is at the forefront of our minds. Whether you’re appreciating the fall scenery on land or from an aerial point of view, there are numerous tours and experiences throughout Hudson Valley. Keep an eye on foliage reports to determine the best time to book your adventure.
Catskill Mountain Railroad
Kingston
All aboard the Catskill Flyer! Although this railroad tour is only available on September 7 and 14, it offers a unique way to appreciate the early foliage in the area. The roundtrip ride departs and arrives out of Westbrook Lane Station in the Kingston Plaza. Passengers will board the 1951 Alco RS1 diesel locomotive and sit either in the vintage coaches or on the open-air flat cars. The 90-minute ride chugs through some of the oldest farmlands in the Unites States and crosses the Esopus Creek, ventures through the Hurley Flats, and climbs Hurley Mountain. Tickets cost $18 for adults, $12 for children, $17 for seniors, military, or veterans, and free for toddlers two and under.
Hudson Valley Detours
Saugerties
Biking aficionados won’t want to miss these pedal-pushing adventures out of Saugerties. Running multiple dates throughout autumn, including September 15-20, 22-27, and September 29 to October 4, Hudson Valley Detours are weeklong bike adventures that take participants through beautiful pathways around Ulster County that are ripe with opportunity for fall foliage sightings. During the activity-packed weeks, attendees can look forward to luxury stays at Diamond Mills, expert tour guides from Alpha Win Racing, scrumptious meals, and personal concierge service for any additional activities.
Hudson Valley Helicopter Tour
White Plains
This helicopter tour will give you a bird’s-eye view of the blazing reds, yellow, and oranges that cover the Hudson Valley. The tour departs from Westchester Airport and cruises over the lower Hudson Valley with the option of a 30- or 45-minute flight. An experienced pilot will give passengers a live tour narration while flying over historical landmarks like Lyndhurst Mansion, Bear Mountain Bridge, West Point, and more.
Revolution Rail Co.
Hadley Â
Fully immerse yourself in nature on this six-mile out-and-back rail adventure that’s just north of the Hudson Valley. The railbike tours are available as a two-person or four-person bike and last about an hour. At the Hadley location, which is a short drive from Saratoga Springs, riders will cross a spectacular 500-foot-long and 90-foot-high bridge that crosses over the confluence of the Hudson and Sacandaga Rivers. The bridge overlooks a historic parabolic bridge and a great set of rapids, so this might not be the adventure for you if you’re afraid of heights. After crossing the bridge, the rail adventure continues through the forest canopy, where you’ll see wildlife and be surrounded by the beauty of the fall foliage. This tour runs through peak season until November 3, and tickets cost $90 for a double railbike and $160 for a quad railbike.
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Scenic Skyride
Hunter
Before you know it, snowcaps will be covering the region and hot chocolate will fill our cups. Before that happens, Hunter Mountain offers scenic skyrides on the Kaatskill Flyer. Passengers will take a ride to the summit of Hunter Mountain and catch outstanding views of the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts and the Green Mountains of Vermont. If you choose to take the exploration to the next level, set out on the four-mile hike to the Hunter Mountain fire tower for a breathtaking view. The skyride is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from September 7 to October 13.
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Related: These Rail Car Day Trips Along the Hudson River Are So Luxurious
