Fun Autumn Day Trips From Long Island: Circle Line's Bear Mountain Oktoberfest, Fall Foliage Cruises

LONG ISLAND, NY — With Mother Nature unveiling a dazzling display of fall foliage colors and leaf-peeping season in full swing, Patch is presenting a series of day trips from Long Island sure to delight.

First up, the Circle Line’s Bear Mountain Oktoberfest Cruise, a beloved tradition for generations, offers an eight-hour excursion along the Hudson River, during which guests travel 50 miles to Bear Mountain State Park.

"Along the way, guests are treated to a front-row seat for fall’s most spectacular show: fiery leaves ncascading down the Palisades, sweeping river views, and iconic landmarks like the George Washington Bridge and the Cloisters," a description of the event said.

Onboard, the festivities include guides sharing stories of the river and live music — alt-country rock band Divining Rod plays on Saturday departures, while the Street Beats Brass Band brings a mix of jazz, polka, pop and funk on Sundays.

A hearty Oktoberfest menu includes bratwurst, schnitzel, and Bavarian pretzels, plus a collectible refillable mug of seasonal brews including Warsteiner, Spaten, Sam Adams Octoberfest, and local pumpkin ales.

The cruise docks late morning at Bear Mountain, where guests have two to three hours to hike wooded trails, explore the Trailside Zoo, or breathe in crisp mountain air beside the lake.

"It’s the rare New York City day trip that blends nature, festivity, and relaxation — no traffic required," the event description continues.

And, for those who prefer a shorter trip, Circle Line now offers the 4-hour Hudson

River Fall Foliage Cruise.

"This option delivers the same lively atmosphere, seasonal menu and spectacular foliage views along the Hudson, but skips the Bear Mountain stop. With twice as many sailings this year and new Friday departures, it is the perfect way to embrace autumn’s magic on a flexible schedule," the event's description said.

"Our Bear Mountain Oktoberfest Cruise has become a fall tradition for New Yorkers and visitors alike," said Craig Kanarick, CEO of New York Cruise Lines. "With more sailings than ever before by adding the shorter Fall Foliage Cruise, we’re giving guests more opportunities to leave the city behind and join in on what we think is the best fall adventure you can take from New York."

Tickets are available now for both cruises, with standard and premier seating packages, departing from Pier 83 on West 42nd Street. The Bear Mountain cruise departs at 9 a.m. and runs every Saturday and Sunday through November 2, with a special sailing on Monday, October 13 for Indigenous People’s Day.

The Fall Foliage Cruise departs at 10 a.m. on select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from October 11 through November 9.

For additional information, click here to view the Bear Mountain Oktoberfest Cruise schedule and here to view the Hudson River Fall Foliage schedule. For full details on Circle Line or to book a boat ride, click here.