NYC Turns Gold: Peak Fall Foliage Guide
Fall color moves through the city on its own schedule, roughly late October into early November. These four outdoor spots reward a clear afternoon, and a quick look at the weekly foliage map before you head out.
Central Park's East Meadow
On Central Park's east side near 97th Street, wide lawns open under tall oaks and maples that turn gold and deep red. The clear sightlines make the whole canopy easy to take in. Color usually holds from late October into early November.
Mount Prospect Park
This small hill between the Brooklyn Museum and the central library packs bright maples onto a sunny rise. Climb to the top for red and orange framed against open sky. Peak color tends to land in the first days of November.
Forest Park
Central Queens holds one of the city's largest stretches of continuous oak woodland. Shaded trails fill with yellow leaves underfoot, and the old bandshell clearing frames the turning trees. Expect strong color from late October onward.
Harlem Meer
At the northeast corner of Central Park, the Meer mirrors a full band of red, orange, and gold along its far shore. Walk the shoreline for reflections in low afternoon light. The colors read most vivid in early November.
