Fall foliage in the Finger Lakes 2023: Where to see peak colors this weekend
Peak fall colors are waning in the Finger Lakes, leaving behind a brilliant spectrum of reds, oranges and yellows that captured our hearts and attention. But there are still several spots in the region where the splendor of fall can be spotted before the week's end.
According to New York's weekly fall foliage report, here's the latest on the region:
Fall foliage in the Finger Lakes, broken down by county
Tioga County: Spotters in Owego report past-peak foliage with more than 95% color change and primarily yellow and brown leaves, and the occasional pop of red.
Wayne County: Expect past-peak foliage by the weekend in Lyons predict 95% change, with yellow, orange and brown leaves.
Onondaga County: Spotters in Syracuse expect peak foliage with 90% color change and mostly yellow and mustard leaves of average brilliance, along with a few shades of red. Peak and past-peak conditions are expected around Upper Onondaga Park, with more than 85% leaf change and yellow leaves accented by pops of orange and dark red.
Steuben County: Observers in Corning, Hammondsport, Hornell and Bath predict a 90% change and peak foliage by the weekend..
Cortland County: Spotters in Cortland predict past-peak foliage by the weekend with 85% transition with some brilliant red and orange leaves remaining.
Ontario County: Spotters predict that foliage in Rushville should peak this weekend with 80% change and vibrant seasonal shades.
Yates County: An 80% color transition is expected in Penn Yan by the weekend, which is also just past peak of color change.
Livingston County: Peak foliage is expected in Geneseo by the weekend with 75% or more color change, with yellow and orange leaves highlighted by pops of red, despite significant leaf droppage
Monroe County: Most of the area will be past-peak by the weekend, with a chance of some peak colors, including varying shades of yellow, orange, red and brown leaves on trees along Lake Ontario. Observers in Brighton predict just-past-peak conditions, with plenty of yellow leaves, along with some gold, orange and red brightening the entire landscape. The fallen yellow leaves reflect the available light.
Cayuga County: Spotters in Auburn predict past-peak foliage this weekend with nearly complete color change.
Chemung County: Expect past-peak conditions in Elmira with complete leaf change, considerable droppage and only a few colorful leaves remaining.
Tompkins County: Leaves are expected to be just past peak in Ithaca and Trumansburg by the weekend, with complete color change and muted to average shades of brown, burnt orange and red.
5 places to visit in the Finger Lakes for great fall foliage photos
Letchworth State Park - The park encompasses roughly 17 miles that spans Livingston and Wyoming counties. The Genesee River runs through a 550-foot-tall gorge that cuts through the park, with cascading waterfalls.
Ithaca - They say "Ithaca is gorges" with good reason. Located at the southern end of Cayuga Lake, autumnal views are breathtaking in Ithaca, Tompkins County. Nearby state parks include Taughannock Falls, Robert Treman and Buttermilk Falls, which all offer unique hiking, waterfalls and leaf peeping opportunities.
Naples - In southwestern Ontario County, the foliage near Naples cannot be beat. Walk through Grimes Glen Park or Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreational Area as the leaves transition or take a drive on Route 21, stopping at seasonal roadside farm stands
Watkins Glen - located at the southern end of Seneca Lake in Schuyler County, Watkins Glen is home to the oldest state park in the Finger Lakes. The park is best known for the gorge trail, as hikers follow a path through chiseled tunnels, spiraled steps and stone bridges in fall splendor. Head to nearby Montour Falls for another spectacular waterfall - Shequaga Falls.
Keuka Lake - Hammondsport, a village at the southern end of Keuka Lake, has spectacular views. Due to the lake's unique Y-shape, though, fall foliage is aplenty from any vantage point - or winery - by the lake. The Bluffs are a favorite spot that offer a full panorama view.
5 places to eat while checking out fall foliage in the Finger Lakes
Moosewood Restaurant - There are many stellar dining options in Ithaca, Tompkins County, but none are quite like the Moosewood. Located in a former high school building on Cayuga Street in Ithaca, the iconic eatery serves a seasonal menu of vegetarian and vegan dishes. moosewoodrestaurant.com
Roots Café - American cuisine is served at the café, which is attached to Inspire Moore winery on North Main Street in Naples, Ontario County. rootscafenaplesny.com
Doug's Fish Fry - With locations in Cortland, Cortland County, and Skaneateles, Onondaga County, the loved Finger Lakes institution also offers a trailer that travels to towns around the region, including near Ithaca, Elmira and Binghamton. dougsfishfry.com
Salt of the Earth - This cozy hidden gem offers farm-to-table ingredients on the eastern side of Cayuga Lake in Union Springs, Cayuga County. soteunionsprings.com
The Park Inn - Located in Hammondsport, Yates County, this upscale farm-to-table restaurant is located at the south end of Keuka Lake. parkinnflx.com
More: 7 must-try restaurants while enjoying fall foliage in the Finger Lakes
Where is the peak foliage in other places in New York?
Check out the latest NY foliage report and map for the entire state.
Where to see the best fall foliage in the Adirondacks this weekend.
See the current state of fall foliage in the Hudson Valley and the Catskills.
Here is what to expect for fall foliage in the Southern Tier this week
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Finger Lakes fall foliage 2023: Where to see best colors this weekend
