New York’s Fall Foliage Season Begins as I LOVE NY Releases First Weekly Report

September 18, 2026 Vacationer Staff

Leaf-peepers, take note: New York’s annual fall foliage season has officially begun, and I LOVE NY has released its first foliage report of 2026.

The weekly report tracking the changing colors across the Empire State launched on Wednesday, September 16, just days before the official start of autumn on September 22. The early signs of color are already appearing, particularly in the Adirondacks and Catskills, although much of the state remains predominantly green.

Old Forge Pond, NY. Photo by James Mirakian/Pexels

The Adirondacks are currently leading the seasonal change. Tupper Lake and Mount Arab are reporting as much as 30 to 35 percent foliage change, while Long Lake and Lake Pleasant are around 20 to 25 percent. Old Forge is also beginning to show yellow, gold, orange, and touches of red.

Further south, the Catskills are beginning to turn, with Delhi reporting around 15 per cent change, while parts of the Hudson Valley — including New Paltz, Hudson and Poughkeepsie — are seeing the first splashes of yellow, orange and red. New York City and Long Island, meanwhile, are still waiting for their autumn show to begin.

So, when is the next update? Every Wednesday.

Shandaken, Catskills. Photo: Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

I LOVE NY has published its foliage reports for more than 40 years, and the 2026 reports will continue to be issued weekly throughout the season. Nearly 100 volunteer observers across the state provide on-the-ground reports detailing the percentage of leaves that have changed, prevailing colors, and progress toward peak foliage.

That means travelers can keep checking the map each week to decide when and where to plan their autumn getaway. Historically, New York’s foliage season runs from early autumn into November, with peak color arriving at different times depending on location and elevation.

For now, the message is simple: the leaves are starting to turn, but the big show is still ahead. It’s time to start planning!

Check out all the resources I Love NY has for your Fall Travel here.

Browse top NYS hotels with a view here. The top 10 in the Catskills are here.