Bright reds, golden yellows, and deep oranges are lighting up hillsides across the Finger Lakes and Central New York, with peak foliage expected in several spots through the weekend.
From Corning to Cooperstown, leaf colors are nearing their most vibrant stage of the season. Observers in Steuben County reported peak conditions in Bath, Corning, Hammondsport, and Hornell, where bright fall hues are painting the landscape. In Chenango County, Bainbridge, Guilford, and Norwich are also reporting peak foliage, dominated by orange and yellow with wisps of purple.
Farther north, Cooperstown is seeing around 65% color change, with a full mix of reds, oranges, and browns. Cherry Valley is close behind with similar shades. In Madison County, about 60% of the leaves have turned in Cazenovia, where yellows and oranges are leading the way, along with some vivid red accents.
Even Binghamton is seeing the show pick up speed — leaf watchers there noted a 50% change and a bright mix of seasonal colors.
Finger Lakes color heating up
The Finger Lakes region is quickly approaching its peak, especially in the southern and central zones. Peak foliage is being reported in Castile, part of Letchworth State Park — often called the “Grand Canyon of the East” — where vibrant reds and oranges are spreading across the gorge.
In nearby Watkins Glen, up to 65% of the leaves have changed, with reds and oranges emerging against a backdrop of muted browns. The same can be said for Penn Yan in Yates County, where half the foliage has turned.
Fall color is also taking hold in Onondaga and Ontario counties. Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville is showing more than 40% color change, featuring average to bright reds and oranges. In Canandaigua, 50% of leaves have shifted, bringing a mix of vivid seasonal shades.
More spots to watch
Cortland County is showing over 50% change, with orange and red leaves dominating many trees. Auburn is not far behind, at 55% change, with yellow tones accented by red and purple. Ithaca and Trumansburg are also reaching the halfway point, with a full palette of fall colors coming into view.
The foliage report, compiled weekly by I LOVE NY, is based on updates from more than 90 volunteer observers across the state. This week’s update says the best color in New York is now showing in the Thousand Islands-Seaway region, but Central New York and the Finger Lakes are close behind.
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