Halloween’s gone and the busy holiday season is just ahead, but a few days into November, there’s still ample time to enjoy the best of the season, with sensational foliage throughout New York City. Yes, everyone sprints to Central Park, but lesser-known parks, gardens and areas of beauty offer serene settings and spectacular late-autumn views. Here are a selection of secret spots to make the most of the last weeks of fall before the Thanksgiving fray begins.
Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan
Way uptown in Manhattan’s northernmost neighborhood lies this nature lover’s secret: Inwood Hill Park. Thankfully, its old-growth forest and dramatic hilltop views of the Hudson River are here to offer an immersive escape from city bustle. Orange, red, and yellow colors burst from the oaks, maples, and hickories here during autumn. Take the trails up to the park’s highest points for sweeping foliage views, and don’t miss the chance to spot eagles soaring over the river.
Greenbelt Nature Center – Staten Island
The Greenbelt in Staten Island is one of the most undisturbed natural wonders in NYC, generally not talked about by townsmen. Begin at the Greenbelt Nature Center and explore its many trails surrounded by dense forests that emerge with color in fall. The serene ponds and rustic wooden bridges make this spot feel worlds away from the city, perfect for a tranquil fall foliage adventure.
Pelham Bay Park – The Bronx
The largest park in New York City, the hidden paths and scenic landscapes of Pelham Bay Park aren’t in short supply. Its setting along the coast gives this park a pretty good combination of autumn foliage and views over the water. Inside of it, the Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary is truly a sight to behold, especially during fall with trees reflecting in the waters and the serenity it begets. Bring a camera; this is a singularly appropriate setting for golden and amber hues in late autumn.
Wave Hill – The Bronx
Wave Hill isn’t entirely “hidden,” but it’s a more subdued place compared to the city’s more popular parks. It sits atop a hill, overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades; this public garden/cultural center offers some of the most stunning views that fall foliage has on offer within the city. Stroll through the gardens, landscaped to perfection, with trails meandering through redden-gold trees and colorful flower beds. And if that’s not enough, well, there’s also the added attraction of a river-view café for a perfectly leisurely fall day.
Fort Tryon Park – Manhattan
Enjoy everything that Fort Tryon Park in Washington Heights has in store, from dramatic cliffside views overlooking the Hudson River. Home to the Met Cloisters, this park is particularly exceptional in November, when the paving of vibrant leaves covers every path and frames the historic buildings. The Heather Garden blows up in a patchwork of color with its mix of shrubs and trees. For a quiet spot to reflect on the beauty of late autumn, the ranking of Fort Tryon is high.
Forest Park – Queens
While most people visit the more famous Flushing Meadows in Queens, Forest Park is a little more subdued when it comes to people there for fall foliage. With over 500 acres of trees and trails, Forest Park does indeed offer the spectacular views of the autumn leaves and a place to walk around with not too many people around. The park’s twisting trails and open spaces make it easy to find a cozy spot where one can relax and soak in the last colors of fall.
Prospect Park Ravine – Brooklyn
While Prospect Park starts to get pretty packed on any given sunny day, the Ravine section is one of those lesser-known spots. Entering this woody part of the park full of high trees come fall will literally be like stepping into a sea of reds, oranges, and yellows. Secluded from the busy lawns and sports fields, almost away from the city like going into a forest quite a distance from town, The Ravine is secluded. This seclusion alone makes it an ideal escape in which to enjoy the final moments of autumn’s splendor.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden – Staten Island
Yet another treasure from Staten Island, the 83 acres of Snug Harbor house various gardens, including a Tuscan Garden and the enchanting Chinese Scholar’s Garden. The trees around Snug Harbor are stunning during fall and add a splash of color to this historic site. The secret paths, quiet ponds, and beauty of the architecture make this setting quite picturesque for an autumn stroll in serenity.
Alley Pond Park – Queens
Often referred to for its Adventure Course, Alley Pond Park houses a beautiful fall foliage. Wetlands, meadows, and forests of this park turn into the mosaic of autumn color beautifully reflecting off their ponds and lakes. Take little adventure up on the highest point of the park via the trail and catch panoramic views of changing trees, which is really worth it.
Riverside Park South – Manhattan
One of the lesser-known foliage spots in the city, Riverside Park South has much to offer during the fall months without drawing too large a crowd. A quiet walk towards the river down one of several paths through golden trees makes this an accessible spot in town. Its proximity to a couple of piers and seating around the water will make it an excellent place to relax and enjoy the season before it drifts away.
This November, take the time to travel to some of NYC’s more obscure parks and gardens to see fall in all its colorful glory. Each spot listed here provides a different view of autumn and gives an opportunity to find respite before the crowd disappears into the holiday season. So grab a warm coat, take a friend, and enjoy these hidden gems while the leaves are still putting on their best show.
