During the fall, cooler days and colorful hillsides make it easy to get outside in Ithaca. Plus, the city’s many fall events offer plenty of reasons to hit the town and explore!

Fall Foliage Adventures

Ithaca's foliage season typically begins in September, with the most impressive hues of red and orange lighting up the hillsides and lakeshores by mid-October. Ithaca’s diverse terrain, paired with the climate-moderating effects of Cayuga Lake, means our stunning colors often remain visible through early November! Get out in nature and snap the perfect selfie.

Top Hiking Trails in the Fall

  • Robert Treman State Park: One of the most popular attractions in Ithaca, Robert Treman State Park offers multiple hiking options, including the Upper Gorge Trail, which connects to the Upper Rim Trail for a mile-and-a-half loop. The challenging climbs here are rewarded with breathtaking views above a tree canopy that blankets the area, where you can see for miles across the Inlet Valley.

  • Black Diamond Trail: This beautiful 8-mile rail trail is particularly stunning in the fall, taking you through tree canopies, expansive fields, small waterfalls, and offering gorgeous views of the lake.

  • Sapsucker Woods: This easy 4-mile trail network is considered one of the best places for bird watching in the area and is perfect for enjoying Ithaca’s fall colors.

Spooky Seasonal Events

  • Historic Cemetery Tours: Learn about the Ithaca City Cemetery's evolution from a village burying ground to a Victorian landscape for the dead. Walk through several sections of this 16-acre green space and learn about our town’s spooky past.

  • Downtown Ghost Tours: Join a downtown walking tour and you might encounter some ghostly visitors along the way! Tours begin in the atrium of the Tompkins Center for History & Culture. 

Fall Farm Activities in Ithaca

Moore Family Farm: Get lost in Moore Family Farm's five-acre corn maze, pick the perfect pumpkin from the patch, test your aim with their apple cannons, and take Instagram-worthy photos with family and friends. With over 30 attractions, you’re bound to find your perfect fall activity here!

South Hill Cider: If you’re looking to unwind and taste locally made cider, this local watering hole hosts live music on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Enjoy beautiful sunsets on their outdoor patio, or cozy up in their tasting room. 

Apple Harvest Festival

Every September, the Apple Harvest Festival in Downtown Ithaca celebrates the fall harvest with treats like fresh-brewed cider and warm apple pastries, alongside exotic apple varieties! This celebration of all things fruit draws thousands to the Ithaca Commons and includes live music, games for kids, and plenty of apple-themed activities.

Other Fall Experiences in Ithaca

The Cornell Botanic Gardens provide an ideal setting to experience fall colors alongside expertly maintained landscaping. The Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway features an 87-mile loop around the lake, suitable for cycling, walking, jogging, and picnicking. And for something unique this fall, the Hammerstone School offers a range of weekly carpentry courses, including introductory workshops and more intensive sessions for seasoned woodworkers.

Planning Your Visit this Autumn

Peak foliage typically occurs around the third week of October, with 90-100% leaf change predicted for the weekend of October 25th, 2025. Learn more by taking a Fall Foliage Eco-Cruise!

Safety Tip: The NY Department of Environmental Conservation encourages wearing blaze orange or bright colors during fall outdoor activities, as many parks allow hunting during designated seasons.