As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, fall unveils a breathtaking transformation across the United States. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn foliage attract millions of visitors each year, creating a perfect opportunity for scenic road trips and nature walks. From leaf peeping in Colorado and California to the best fall foliage in New England, here’s how to make the most of this stunning season.

The Empire State may be best known for the hustle and bustle of New York City, but it is also a leaf peepers dream. Check the I Love NY Fall Foliage Report to track the onset of fall colors to ensure you don’t go to early or too late. Letchworth State Park(about an hour east of Buffalo) has short and long trails offering prime peeping at every turn (including along the flat, accessible rim trail), along with unique activities like rafting and hot air ballooning. The Adirondacks (a 6-million acre swath of mostly wilderness upstate) is another guaranteed destination for the best fall foliage in New York. However, if you’d prefer to base yourself in fun and fabulous New York City, you can find excellent fall foliage two hours away in the Catskills.

Leaf peepers on the hunt for epic fall foliage in Upstate New York often flock to the Adirondacks.

And that is a solid decision: The Adirondacks Mountains are particularly stunning in autumn, when fall paints the trees in brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow and the mountainside towns transform into a colorful slice of Americana that Norman Rockwell would’ve been tempted to paint.

But a new ranking recognizes beautiful Upstate fall foliage waiting to be admired beyond the Adirondack High Peaks.

The Finger Lakes have been named among the 10 best places to see fall colors in the United States by USA Today’s 10Best. The region famed for wine and waterways snagged the No. 8 spot on the list; The Adirondacks were voted No. 10.

The fall foliage destinations on 10Best’s ranking were picked by an expert panel and voted on by readers.

The small communities that call the Finger Lakes home have “a prime seat” for leaf-peeping season, 10Best wrote in its ranking. The region also offers a variety of fun ways to explore fall colors — from bikeways and hiking trails to scenic driving routes and boatable lakes.

10Best encouraged travelers to stop by Carolabarb Park in Naples, where viewfinders and picnic tables provide a “perfect perch” for seeing Canandaigua Lake dressed in its autumnal best.

During a fall trip to the Finger Lakes, we recommend grabbing a grape pie from Naples, the proud “Grape Pie Capital of the World,” and taking a rail bike tour through Upstate New York’s Wine Country.

For travelers planning to leaf peep in the Adirondacks, which 10Best called a “top spot” for catching vibrant fall foliage, the sprawling mountainous region offers endless great fall base camps — including Old Forge, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake.

Leaf peepers can soak up the changing colors by booking a fall foliage train ride through the Adirondack Railroad or taking a scenic gondola ride up a High Peak mountain.

The Fall Foliage Showdown: Finger Lakes vs. Adirondacks

So which region reigns supreme for fall foliage in Upstate New York? The Adirondacks offer a dramatic, mountainous landscape painted in brilliant hues, while the Finger Lakes boast a more intimate, lakeside setting with vibrant colors reflected in the water. Ultimately, the best choice comes down to personal preference.

The Adirondacks: Mountain Majesty

The Adirondacks, with its towering peaks and vast wilderness, offers an epic backdrop for fall foliage. The region is known for its stunning views from overlooks and trails, and the vibrant colors paint the landscape with a majestic beauty. Consider a gondola ride up a High Peak mountain for a breathtaking perspective, or take a scenic train ride through the Adirondack Railroad to soak in the colors as you travel.

The Finger Lakes: Lakeside Charm

The Finger Lakes, with its rolling hills and sparkling lakes, offers a more intimate and charming setting for fall foliage. The region’s vineyards and orchards add to the picturesque scenery, and the colors are reflected beautifully in the water. Explore the region by bike, hike along scenic trails, or enjoy a leisurely boat trip on one of the lakes.

The Best of Both Worlds

If you can’t choose between the two regions, consider a multi-day trip that includes both the Finger Lakes and the Adirondacks. You’ll experience the best of both worlds, from the mountain majesty of the Adirondacks to the lakeside charm of the Finger Lakes.

No matter where you choose to go, be sure to plan your trip in advance. Fall foliage peaks vary by region, so check local websites for updated reports and forecasts.

And don’t forget to bring your camera! The vibrant colors of fall foliage are perfect for photography. Early morning or late afternoon light can provide the best conditions (and tend to have smaller crowds).