1. PUMPKINVILLE

Pumpkinville is back for another season of family fun, open daily through October 31 with more than 35 activities. New this year, the farm is celebrating 25 years of Spookley the Square Pumpkin with a themed corn maze, photo stops, and special merchandise. Visitors can also check out the new Bear Factory Build-a-Buddy experience, Groove Grove musical play area, Corn Barn, and new food service building. Add in pumpkin picking, hayrides, farm animals, apple blasters, cider, baked goods, and the Pumpkinville Express for a full day of fall fun!

2. GRIFFIS NIGHT LIGHTS

NIGHT LIGHTS returns to Griffis Sculpture Park for its 14th autumn, transforming the trails, woods and sculptures into an after-dark art experience. Beginning September 18, colorful theatrical lighting illuminates favorites including The Praying Mantis, The Bathers, and The Mushrooms along a 0.7-mile trail through the Mill Valley Road site. New immersive lighting schemes and installations are planned for 2026, with musicians, painters, storytellers, LED hoopers, poets, and other artists appearing throughout the run. NIGHT LIGHTS takes place on 15 evenings through October 17, creating an entirely different way to experience the sculpture park.

3. KINZUA SKYWALK

Fall is an especially good time to visit the Kinzua Skywalk in 2026. While the landmark is undergoing a multi-year rehabilitation project, the Skywalk is open now through October 31 specifically for fall foliage season. Walk along the remaining towers of the historic Kinzua Viaduct and step onto the observation deck high above the gorge for an incredible view of the changing leaves. The visitor center, exhibits, overlooks, and available trails add plenty to explore, while the remains of the viaduct below tell the dramatic story of the 2003 tornado that forever changed this engineering marvel.

4. SCENIC CHAIRLIFT RIDES

There may be no better way to take in Ellicottville's fall colors than from above. Holiday Valley's Spruce Lake chairlift carries sightseers up the mountain, offering sweeping views as the surrounding hills turn shades of red, orange and gold. At the top, visitors can spend some time exploring the Spruce Lake area before choosing to walk back down or simply enjoy another scenic ride on the chairlift. October fall rides are offered Saturdays and Sundays through October 25, weather permitting, making this an easy addition to a weekend spent shopping, dining, and enjoying autumn in Ellicottville.

5. REVOLUTION RAIL

Pedal your way through fall aboard Revolution Rail's Cattaraugus Run, a railbike adventure that puts a fun spin on leaf-peeping. The experience begins in the Village of Cattaraugus before riders climb aboard custom two- or four-seat railbikes for a six-mile round-trip journey along the tracks. The route travels through peaceful countryside and wooded scenery that becomes even more colorful as autumn settles into Western New York. Allow about one hour and 45 minutes for the excursion. Suitable for all ages, it's a memorable way for couples, families and groups to experience the season together.

6. FALL FOLIAGE TRAIN RIDES

All aboard for an old-fashioned autumn excursion! The New York & Lake Erie Railroad's Fall Foliage Train Rides offer passengers a relaxing way to watch Western New York's countryside roll by in brilliant seasonal color. Departing from Gowanda, the two-hour round trip travels to South Dayton and back, with a 45-minute layover in South Dayton for passengers to get off and explore. Rides are offered on select weekends during peak foliage season, with onboard concessions available along the way. It's part sightseeing trip, part railroad nostalgia - and a great choice for families who'd rather ride through the leaves than hike through them.

7. ALLEGANY STATE PARK

With 65,000 acres of forests, lakes and trails, Allegany State Park practically begs for a fall road trip. Take a scenic drive through the Red House and Quaker areas, hike among the giant formations at Thunder Rocks, climb to Stone Tower, bike the five-mile paved loop around Red House, or simply find a quiet spot beside one of the lakes to enjoy the view. Hiking, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping can stretch the visit into an entire weekend. Campsites remain available through the end of October, while select cabins and cottages extend the season even longer.

8. NEW YORK’S AMISH TRAIL

Take the back roads and slow things down with a drive along New York's Amish Trail, winding through the rural communities of Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties. This self-guided experience leads visitors past working farms and small home-based shops offering handmade quilts, furniture, baskets, baked goods, jams, maple syrup, produce, candy and more. There are no big commercial attractions here - just hand-painted signs, country roads, and unexpected finds along the way. Pick up a current trail map before heading out, bring cash for purchases, and remember that Amish-owned businesses are closed on Sundays.