Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the beginning of the fall foliage travel season across New York State. The autumn period is a major draw for visitors, with New York offering one of the country’s longest and most colorful foliage seasons. The state attracts travelers from both within the United States and abroad, who come to see seasonal attractions in various regions.
“There’s simply nothing like autumn in New York. Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or visiting us from around the world, our beautiful, colorful foliage is second to none and provides the perfect backdrop for any fall getaway,” Governor Hochul said. “The State’s weekly foliage reports make it easy for travelers to plan a weekend trip or a longer stay, and to enjoy not just the breathtaking scenery, but the incredible experiences and communities that make our state so special.”
The I LOVE NY campaign will launch an integrated marketing effort to encourage fall travel. Weekly foliage reports will resume on September 10 and continue every Wednesday throughout the season. These reports have been issued for over four decades by I LOVE NY, with more than 90 volunteers providing updates on leaf color changes, transition percentages, and progression toward peak conditions. Peak foliage generally occurs between late September and mid-November depending on location. Reports can be accessed at iloveny.com/foliage or by calling 800-CALL-NYS (800-225-5697).
An interactive map on the I LOVE NY website tracks weekly changes in foliage and offers suggestions for viewing locations as well as information about local attractions. Travelers are encouraged to share photos using #NYLovesFall on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Threads.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight stated: “Fall is the perfect time of year for a New York State getaway, with seasonal attractions and events in communities stretching from Niagara Falls to Montauk Point. This year, special commemorations — including the Erie Canal Bicentennial and the Ryder Cup competition — offer even more ways to experience an autumn in New York. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State continues to invest in the tourism industry, supporting state and local economies, and encouraging even more visitors to love New York.”
The fall foliage program is part of a broader marketing campaign that includes digital outreach and an upcoming television advertisement targeting audiences statewide and in nearby markets. Additional details about attractions such as apple picking, pumpkin patches, Halloween events, hiking trails, craft beverage routes, fall festivals — as well as information on commemorative events like the Erie Canal Bicentennial or Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park — are available at www.iloveny.com/fall.
Tourism remains important for both state and local economies. In 2024 alone, over 315 million people visited New York State; this resulted in $94 billion in direct spending with an overall economic impact of $145.2 billion (https://www.iloveny.com/industry/research/). Tourism was also reported as New York’s second largest private sector employer last year—supporting about 924,000 jobs—or one out of every nine jobs statewide—and generating enough visitor-driven tax revenue to save each household nearly $1,500.
More information about planning trips within New York can be found at www.iloveny.com.
