Leaf Peep In NYC: The Carless New Yorker's Guide To Fall Foliage

NEW YORK CITY — Get ready for brisk and breezy walks under technicolor trees. It's leaf-peeping time and all New York City's fall lovers need to enjoy it is a MetroCard and a pumpkin muffin (obviously.)

While some crazy-living, car-owning New Yorkers may decide to wind their way to the Berkshires or Vermont, the city's Park Department want the rest of us carless city dwellers to know we too can enjoy the signs of the season's change.

“Our parks are the best places in the city to bask in the wonders of fall foliage,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “While the days may be getting shorter, there’s no shortage of fun activities available to New Yorkers and visitors in parks throughout the city. I encourage everyone to come out, celebrate nature and enjoy the wonderful views.”

The Parks Department has organized a slew of fall-friendly events this month in some of the city's lushest corners. Here's where to go, and what you'll find.

Watercolor In Wave Hill

Where: Wave Hill House at 675 West 252nd St. in The Bronx

When: Oct. 10 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

What: Create vivid watercolor renderings of Wave Hill’s evergreens and late-blooming perennials as the background foliage changes from week to week. Work in plain air and participate in weekly critiques with artist Wennie Huang.

Tree Trail Walk in Fort Greene Park

Where: Fort Greene Park Visitor Center near Willoughby Avenue

When: Oct. 12 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

What: Our Urban Park Ranger hiking guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of Fort Greene Park.

Fall Foliage Canoeing in Clove Lakes Park

Where: Martling Avenue and Brooks Pond Place in Staten Island

When: Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

What: Enjoy an afternoon of canoeing in Clove Lakes Park while our Urban Park Rangers explain why leaves change colors. Be sure to bring your camera. First come, first served.

Fall Foliage Hike

Where: Seaman Avenue and Isham Street in Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan

When: Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

What: Hike through Inwood Park while our Urban Park Ranger naturalists introduce you to the diversity of trees found in our urban forests. Be sure to bring your camera and prepare for the kaleidoscope of colors.

Queens Park of the Month: Highland Park Fall Foliage

Where: Vermont Place and Highland Boulevard in Highland Park, Queens

When: Oct. 26 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

What: Explore Highland Park as our Urban Park Ranger naturalists explain why leaves change colors and introduce you to the diversity of trees found in our urban forests. Be sure to bring your camera and prepare for the kaleidoscope of colors.

Natures Workshop: Autumn Crafts

Where: 218th Street and Indian Road in Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan

When: Oct. 26 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

What: Join the Urban Park Rangers for an afternoon of creativity using materials provided by Mother Nature and our most colorful season, autumn.

To read more about fall foliage season and to find a full list of Parks Department events, visit the Fall Foliage in Parks page.