Central New York and the Finger Lakes are beginning to show the first signs of fall, with subtle yellows and reds starting to appear across the region — and more vibrant foliage expected in the weeks ahead.
According to the latest I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report, most of Central New York is still in the early stages of color change, but there are a few standout spots. Cherry Valley in Otsego County is showing 10–15% change with muted yellows, while areas like Bainbridge and Norwich in Chenango County have light touches of orange and brown.
In the Finger Lakes, colors are arriving slowly. Steuben County is leading the way with about 15% change in places like Corning and Bath, where average-brilliance reds and oranges are emerging. Penn Yan in Yates County is also seeing early pops of bright red.
Other counties — including Cayuga, Tompkins, and Monroe — are still mostly green, with only 5% or less change. In Onondaga County, Beaver Lake has some red creeping into treetops, and Canandaigua in Ontario County is seeing early hints of red and orange.
While the Finger Lakes region is known for a slower start to the foliage season, that just means the best is still to come. Local photographers and hikers are already sharing glimpses of the changing scenery, often paired with misty mornings and golden hour light.
So far, peak color is still weeks away — but now’s a great time to start planning those scenic drives and weekend hikes.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].