Fall in New York State is a magical time when forests transform into canvases of red, orange, and gold. As a dog owner, I’ve discovered there’s nothing quite like experiencing these autumn wonders with my four-legged hiking buddy, Max.
The crisp air, crunchy leaves, and spectacular views create perfect adventures for both humans and canines.
Here are ten spectacular New York State parks where you and your furry friend can make unforgettable fall memories together.
Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve
This preserve offers some of the most jaw-dropping fall views I’ve ever experienced with my pup. The Breakneck Ridge trail might be too challenging for some dogs, but numerous gentler paths wind through colorful maple and oak forests.
My Lab absolutely loves the Cold Spring trail with its moderate terrain and plenty of spots to rest and take in the scenery.
The park’s 8,000+ acres ensure we never run out of new paths to explore.
Remember to bring plenty of water and keep your dog leashed, especially near the steeper sections.
Bear Mountain State Park
The Perkins Memorial Drive offers spectacular panoramic views, while the more secluded trails provide peaceful walks through crackling leaves.
What makes this park special is its accessibility. Many trails are wide and well-maintained, perfect for dogs of all energy levels.
Last October, we spent a whole day exploring the paths around Hessian Lake, where the reflection of colorful trees on the water created a double dose of fall beauty.
The park even has designated picnic areas where you can rest with your pup after a good hike.
Harriman State Park
With over 200 miles of trails, Harriman is a doggy paradise wrapped in autumn splendor!
The second-largest state park in New York offers endless opportunities for canine adventures among stunning fall colors. My Lab particularly enjoys the Pine Meadow trail with its moderate terrain and beautiful lake views.
Pack some treats and plenty of water. The numerous interconnected trails might tempt you to stay longer than planned!
Walkway Over The Hudson State Historic Park
For dogs who prefer panoramic views over rugged terrain, this converted railroad bridge is an absolute gem! The flat, paved surface makes this an ideal spot for senior dogs or pups with mobility issues. I love visiting at sunset when the fading light sets the colorful hillsides aglow on both shores.
Water stations for dogs are available at each entrance, but bring your own bowl.
The park connects to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail on the west and the Dutchess Rail Trail on the east, allowing you to extend your adventure if your four-legged friend still has energy to burn.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
My dog and I never tire of the carriage roads that wind through forests of oak, maple, and birch trees showing off their autumn finery.
The Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road loop is our go-to trail, a moderate 2-mile path with jaw-dropping views of the lake surrounded by vibrant fall colors. The white quartz cliffs create a stunning contrast against the red and gold foliage.
Dogs must stay on leash and stick to carriage roads only (no footpaths or swimming areas).
The park’s high elevation means fall colors often peak earlier here than in surrounding areas, sometimes by mid-September.
John Boyd Thacher State Park
The Indian Ladder Trail at Thacher Park knocked my socks off the first time I took my Lab buddy there in October!
Situated on the Helderberg Escarpment, this park offers some of the most dramatic views in the Capital Region, with fall foliage stretching as far as the eye can see.
The park’s varied terrain includes open meadows and dense forests, providing different fall color experiences in a single visit.
Most trails are moderate and well-maintained, though some have stairs that smaller dogs might need help navigating.
The park’s high elevation means you’ll often enjoy crisp, clear fall days perfect for photographs with your furry explorer.
Grafton Lakes State Park
The park features six ponds, each offering different but equally stunning backdrops for fall adventures.
We often spend hours on the gentle woodland trails, crunching through fallen leaves and spotting wildlife preparing for winter.
Pack a picnic, there are plenty of lakeside spots where you and your pup can rest while soaking in the autumn beauty. The park’s relatively flat trails make it accessible for dogs of all sizes and energy levels, and the variety of short loops means you can tailor your walk to your dog’s stamina.
Taughannock Falls State Park
Imagine a 215-foot waterfall framed by towering gorge walls draped in autumn colors. That’s what awaits you and your furry friend at Taughannock!
The contrast between the flowing water, dramatic rock formations, and foliage creates scenes that seem almost too beautiful to be real.
For a more challenging hike with even more sweeping views, take your pup on the Rim Trail, which offers panoramic vistas of the gorge and Cayuga Lake beyond.
The park is especially magical in late October when the morning mist mingles with peak fall colors.
Letchworth State Park
The Gorge Trail offers the most dramatic views, though some sections might be challenging for smaller dogs. I prefer the more moderate trails near the Middle Falls, where the combination of rushing water and fall colors creates a sensory feast.
The park’s vast size means crowds disperse easily, giving you and your pup plenty of space to enjoy nature.
Fall weekdays are particularly peaceful, and the park’s peak foliage (usually mid-October) coincides perfectly with comfortable hiking temperatures for dogs.
Watkins Glen State Park
Stone staircases, misty waterfalls, and swirling autumn leaves make Watkins Glen a fairytale setting.
My pup and I were absolutely enchanted by the Gorge Trail with its 19 waterfalls and 800-foot ascent through a magical stone corridor.
Fall transforms this already spectacular place into something truly extraordinary.
The park can get crowded on peak fall weekends, so we prefer early morning visits. Some sections feature narrow passages and stone steps that might challenge larger dogs, but taking it slow allows both of you to fully appreciate this natural masterpiece.