The Best Destination To See Beautiful Fall Colors Isn't In New England

Following a brutally hot summer, you might be thinking about an escape to the north to watch the beautiful transition from summer greens to autumnal golds and reds. While New England has a much-deserved reputation for exploring the colors of fall, it's not the only option. In fact, the Adirondack Mountains of New York State have earned the top spot for fall foliage in 2026, according to online travel agency Priceline.

Leaf peeping, as it's come to be known, is the act of finding and appreciating fall foliage. According to Priceline, the Adirondack Mountains are the top destination for the activity this year, based on its analysis of October hotel searches in areas known for their breathtaking scenery and hiking trails. Fortunately, even with the mountains topping the list of fall destinations this year, avoiding the crowds is still possible. There are more than 100 communities throughout the Adirondacks, and it stretches across an expansive 6 million acres of protected land.

As the largest publicly protected natural area in the Lower 48, the Adirondacks are a leaf-peeping haven. New York's scenic byways stretch across the region in nearly every direction, meaning visually stunning drives are simply part of the adventure. The Adirondacks are also home to Lake Placid's pristine waters and mountain views.

The sheer size of the Adirondack region is impressive, but the variety of ways in which to explore it may be even more so. Luckily, the Adirondacks are home to one of the longest-lasting fall foliage seasons in the country, meaning there is ample time to witness the vibrant colors of autumn for yourself. Foliage begins to turn during the last week of September in areas around Lake Placid, Tupper Lake, and Saranac Lake. By the end of October, bright colors stretch to the Lake Champlain region and the Adirondack Coast.

Of course, each year brings a different timetable, but you can keep tabs on the season via the region's Fall Foliage Report. The website is regularly updated to let leaf-peepers know which parts of the expansive region are offering up the best foliage experiences throughout the season. If you don't have time to chase the changing leaves in one area, there are plenty of other options available.

In fact, one of North America's most scenic train rides is a fall foliage journey through the Adirondacks. For those hoping to get a peek at the changing leaves from above, there are gondola and ski lift rides available at Adirondack ski resorts like Gore Mountain and McCauley Mountain Ski Area. You can even find leaf-peeping flights that offer a full bird's-eye view of the season as it stretches across the mountains.

There is no single entrance into the Adirondacks. The area is segmented into dozens of regions (depending on who you ask), and you'll encounter no toll booths or have to pay entry fees when visiting. Whether you plan to explore the top hiking destinations in the Adirondack Mountains or enjoy the "all-season vacationland" in the town of Speculator, getting to and enjoying the region all comes down to your individual preferences.

The Adirondacks are located in the northern region of New York. Ogdensburg International Airport sits within easy driving distance of the region, and Plattsburgh International Airport is just shy of 90 miles to the east of the park. To reach the mountainous region where fall colors are brightest, motorists can travel about four hours north from New York City or five hours northwest from Boston.

For those looking to extend their stay in the Adirondacks, accommodations vary throughout the region and cater to individual needs and preferences. Campsites and cabin rentals are available in multiple towns in the area, as are luxury resorts and pet-friendly hotels. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Adirondacks' autumnal beauty.