10 Instagram-Worthy Fall Photo Spots in Ellicottville
10 Instagram-Worthy Fall Photo Spots in Ellicottville
Capture the best of Ellicottville this fall with a photo tour featuring downtown landmarks, mountain views, colorful gardens, Pumpkinville and more.
SKI TREE
Only in a ski town could a pile of donated skis become a landmark. Built in 2017, Ellicottville’s 31-foot Ski Tree brings together more than 400 skis in a display that outgrew its original temporary purpose. Stand beneath it to show off its impressive height, or return after dark for an illuminated shot. This stop gives your Instagram feed a little mountain-town personality without leaving downtown.
GAZEBO
Grab your friends and claim a spot on the gazebo steps. In the heart of the village, this familiar gathering place gets its seasonal flair from the Alley Katz volunteers, whose decorating efforts make it a favorite fall backdrop. Frame your photo with the railings, gather everyone for a group shot, or let the autumn decorations steal the spotlight. It’s an easy stop between shops and festival activities.
DOWNTOWN SKI CHAIR
No lift ticket needed for this ski chair. Outside Alpine Bistro, the downtown seat brings a little slopeside fun to Washington Street, giving visitors a playful place to pose without heading up the mountain. Settle in with a friend, add a coffee to the shot, and capture a different side of Ellicottville’s ski culture. Afterward, step inside the bistro for a breather before continuing your photo tour.
SCENIC CHAIRLIFT RIDE
Take your feed on the real deal with a scenic chairlift ride at Holiday Valley. One of the highlights is a ride up the Mardi Gras 6 Express, running all weekend to take guests to the top of Mardi Gras, where food, drinks, live music, and incredible views await. Colorful treetops and wide-open skies give this stop a different perspective from the landmarks along your downtown photo route.
ELLICOTTVILLE MURAL
Send a greeting from Ellicottville without buying a postcard. The mural on the side of The Boardroom Snowboard Shop makes your location part of the photo, with bold lettering and mountain-inspired artwork that celebrates the town’s outdoor identity. Pose solo, bring your crew, or show off your favorite riding gear. It’s a natural addition to an Instagram carousel documenting a weekend of exploring, shopping, and mountain adventures.
PUMPKINVILLE
Pumpkins, a cow train, and a corn maze: Pumpkinville gives you plenty to work with beyond the usual selfie. A short drive from Ellicottville, the family-owned farm offers a setting made for autumn photos. Climb into the oversized chair or keep things classic among the pumpkin patch. Leave room on your camera roll for the little moments that happen while exploring the rest of the farm.
AMATO HASHIDATE BRIDGE
Follow the garden paths to the Amato Hashidate Bridge, where red railings and wooden gateways create a frame for your next photo. Lean against the railing with someone special or capture the walkway stretching behind you. Surrounded by trees, this peaceful corner offers a change of scenery from downtown. Let the bridge’s lines lead the eye, with autumn foliage adding color to your feed.
POLLINATOR GARDEN
While visiting the arboretum, spread your wings and strike a pose at the butterfly mural, tucked into its pollinator garden. Learn about the bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that help plants thrive, then continue your adventure through the grounds. Discover the memorial walkway, explore the stone garden, and see what else catches your eye. There’s plenty to enjoy beyond the camera lens.
ELLICOTTVILLE CLOCK
Meet you at the clock! At Ellicottville’s four corners, this familiar landmark anchors a classic downtown photo, with the historic 1887 Building adding character behind it. Try a close-up beneath the clock face or step back to include more of the streetscape. It’s a handy place to document your day in the village, from a shopping outing to a Fall Festival stroll through the heart of town.
U.S. MILITARY MISSILE
Here’s a photo stop that’s hard to miss! The towering U.S. Military missile at the Legion points skyward, creating a dramatic backdrop with its red, white, and blue details. Stand nearby to show its impressive scale, or photograph it from below with the sky filling your frame. This Ellicottville landmark adds something unexpected to your IG lineup while inviting a moment to reflect on military service.