Summary
- Fall is a great time to visit New York with plenty of free attractions, such as visiting Niagara Falls, Central Park, and taking a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry.
- Sleepy Hollow is a haunted and mysterious town to visit during the fall, perfect for Halloween enthusiasts looking for haunted hayrides and Gothic mansions.
- Enjoy the beauty of fall foliage by hiking the Appalachian Trail or exploring the Adirondacks High Peaks Wilderness Complex, offering stunning views and natural landscapes.
Fall is a beautiful time to visit New York. There are so many things to do in the state in the fall and many places to see autumn colors. Since it's an action-packed season, travelers also need to be on the lookout for festivals, events, holidays, and other things to avoid missing out. Deciding where to start can be overwhelming in a state that offers plenty of ways for guests to entertain themselves.
While New York is wonderful during the fall, many things in this place are costly. The state is ranked among the most expensive states to live in, with the cost of living for a single person estimated at $5,300 per month. The good news is that there are plenty of ways individuals can enjoy themselves without emptying their pockets. Whether visiting on a tight budget or looking for ways to have fun without spending anything, here are free things to do in New York State in the fall.
10 Visit Niagara Falls
A trip from New York City to Niagara Falls is one of the best things to do in New York State. While there are many things visitors can do in the park, the best thing is that it is absolutely free to tour the park.
Niagara Falls State Park was founded in 1885 and is considered the oldest state park in the U.S. This 400-acre area has tons of water flowing over the falls, which attracts many people to this park all year long.
It also has hiking trails, gardens, and many viewpoints of the falls.
- Address: 24 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls, NY 14303
- Time: Everyday, 24 hours
While the park itself is free to visit, the Niagara Falls Observation Tower offers a clear view of all the sections of the fall at a fee.
9 Take A Trip To Central Park
Central Park has many attractions, including beautiful gardens, stunning bridges, and tranquil waters. It boasts natural green landscapes and vistas that are captivating.
While individuals are welcome to visit here anytime, fall is the magical time to visit this park. It's a chance to experience fall foliage, and guests witness the breathtaking views of yellows, reds, and oranges formed by about 18,000 trees. If visiting for leaf peeping, plan a trip from mid-October to mid-November.
Exploring the park is free, but some attractions require a fee.
- Address: Central Park Conservancy 717 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10022
- Time: 6 am to 1 am
While in NYC, visitors should also stay safe and avoid walking in Central Park at night.
8 Enjoy A Free Ride On The Staten Island Ferry
Staten Island Ferry is a no-cost passenger ferry that was launched in 1905 to transport commuters between Staten Island and Manhattan. Recently, it has gained popularity among tourists who want to enjoy stunning views of the New York City Skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
The ferry takes around 25 minutes for each trip of the island and voyage. Fall is the best time to use this ferry, as one can check out the views from the open-air decks for free.
- Address: Whitehall Ferry Terminal, 4South Street, New York City, 10004
- Time: Open daily, 24 hours
7 Stroll Around Sleepy Hollow
Sleepy Hollow is a fantastic free spot to visit during the fall. There is a host of things one can do and see in a single day, and it is one of the best novel vacations in the state. It is home to "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," a literary piece designed by Washington Irving.
One can see many attractions here, from scary sculptures to spooky bridges and the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where Irving was buried. Sleepy Hollow is said to be a haunted and mysterious town, which is why many people love visiting it during fall.
It's a perfect spot for those who love to haunt during Halloween as they enjoy haunted hayrides, Gothic mansions, and blazing pumpkins.
- Address: 28 Beekman Ave. Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
- Time: Depends on the specific place
6 Hike The Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail offers many scenic routes that individuals can enjoy while hiking. Visitors can access the trail via Train from New York City. Fall is the best time to head here because of the cool temperatures and beautiful autumn colors.
The trail has thousands of trees that turn to beautiful colors during the fall on every section of this trail. Here, hikers can witness the orange hues and golden leaves. Pair that with the crisp fall air, and one will have an incredible hiking experience.
- Address: 3299 State Rte 55, NY 12564
- Time: morning hours
- Hiking here is free.
5 Explore Times Square
Times Square is one of the first stops that many guests make when visiting New York. The place is vibrant and filled with energy and excitement. After all, there are many cocktail bars in Times Square that catch tourists’ eyes.
It's worth planning the visit during the fall as the area is not very crowded. Also, note that while the entrance is free, visitors may need to purchase tickets in certain places in Times Square.
Some things one can do for free include sitting on the Red Staircase, admiring the billboards, and checking out the many statues in this place.
- Address: Broadway, New York City, NY 10036, Manhattan
- Time: Open 24 hours
4 Climb To Adirondacks High Peaks Wilderness Complex
Don't leave New York State without visiting its largest wilderness space. The Adirondacks High Peaks Wilderness Complex is home to Mount Marcy and Algonquin Peak, which offer many trails for hikers of all levels.
Guests like to come here during the fall because the weather is cool and the area is less crowded. Don't forget to check out this place's waterfalls, clearwater brooks, and natural pools. There are also several gorgeous lakes in the Adirondacks to see reflections of fall colors.
- Address: 1115 NYS Rte 68. Ray Brook, NY 12977
- Time: 24 hours
3 Visit The New York State Capitol Building
The New York State Capitol is among the country's most beautiful buildings. Built in the 19th century, this iconic sight attracts many people from all over the world. It is located on the State Street and is a grandeur symbol.
Visitors love to see the stunning staircase featuring 44 steps with a carving of George Washington and Susan B. Antony. Not so many people are visiting here during the fall, making it the best time to come here.​​​​​​​
- Address: State St. and Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12224
- Time: Monday to Friday, 10 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm
Tours are free, but online reservations are recommended.
2 Relax At Buttermilk Falls State Park In Ithaca
Buttermilk State Park offers many activities and scenery, including a beautiful lake, stunning hiking trails, play fields, and picnic areas. At the lower part of the park lies the Buttermilk Falls, which is the park's main attraction.
Guests can also access the other waterfalls by hiking the Gorge Trail and the park's other beautiful trails. The Buttermilk Falls measures 165 feet high and is divided into two segments. It is an excellent place to relax and take pictures while admiring the beautiful scenery.
Besides waterfalls, this is a great area for camping and hiking. Fall is a great time to visit since the trails are closed after November, and few people are around.
- Address: 112 E. Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
- Time: 8 am to 7:30 pm
- No access fee, but parking has a cost.
1 Attend A Free Concert On The Thousand Islands
Here is a chance to mingle with other people while enjoying good food and great music. 1000 Islands offers many free concerts for music lovers. As guests are entertained by the performers, they also get to see the beautiful view of Alexandria's Bay Park Pavilion.
Make sure to visit the place on a Wednesday, as it's when one can catch a free show. Also, arrive early and stroll the Alexandria Bay Riverwalk or tour the Otter Creek Preserve nearby.
- Address: 310 W. Main St., Sackets Harbor, New York 13685
- Time: Wednesdays 7 to 8:30 pm