NYC Fall Foliage Report: September 24, 2026 — Where Color Is Changing

NYC SEASON WATCH · FALL 2026

New York City is still mostly green, but the fall color story is already unfolding further north. Our NYC fall foliage report for September 24, 2026 looks at the early changes in Manhattan and the more advanced conditions reported in parts of New York State and New England.

For anyone planning a leaf-peeping getaway, this is the time to look closely at regional differences. A colorful report from northern Maine does not describe the coast, and conditions in the Adirondacks can look very different from those closer to the city.

Report date: September 24, 2026
Reporting basis: Official regional updates, with source dates listed below.

What Is Happening in New York City?

I LOVE NY’s report for September 23–29 lists just over 5% color change on the Lower East Side and more than 5% in the Upper East Side section of Central Park. The latter remains mostly green with some muted browns. These observations cover particular locations, not all five boroughs.

Our advice for this NYC fall foliage report is to treat a local outing as a chance to follow the transition. Pick a route you can revisit and notice what changes from one walk to the next.

For location ideas, explore our guide to the best places to see fall foliage in NYC. You can also consult the Central Park Conservancy’s foliage tracker for park-specific updates.

Source: I LOVE NY foliage report, September 23–29, 2026.

New York State: The Adirondacks Are Further Along

The state report places Whiteface Mountain at 55% change and near peak, with Tupper Lake and Mount Arab at 50–55%. Delhi in the Catskills is around 30%, while higher elevations around Windham are at 25–30%. Cold Spring has no significant change reported.

Choose a specific destination before building your route. “Upstate New York” covers too much ground to serve as a single foliage forecast.

Source: I LOVE NY regional report, September 23–29.

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Maine: Northern Areas Lead the Color Change

Maine’s September 23 update describes 30–70% color change across much of the state. Its regional table provides a more useful guide for travelers: northern zones 6 and 7 are classified as high, western mid-Maine as moderate, and southern and coastal zones as low.

That distinction matters if you are considering Portland or Bar Harbor. A report from northern Maine should not set your expectations for the entire coastline.

The state also notes that dry conditions have accelerated the transition and could shorten the season.

Source: Maine’s official foliage report, September 23, 2026.

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Vermont: Keep an Eye on the Northeast Kingdom

Vermont’s September 23 report identifies the Northeast Kingdom as the state’s most colorful region, with some sections approaching peak in the coming days. It does not describe statewide peak conditions.

Foresters highlight Route 232 through Groton State Forest and areas around Maidstone and Brighton. Color is developing in other regions too, including the Green Mountains.

For a foliage-focused visit, choose a manageable area with several nearby options. Leave time to explore rather than rushing between distant stops.

Source: Vermont’s official foliage tracker, September 23, 2026.

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New Hampshire: The Far North Is Ahead

Visit New Hampshire’s September 22 report estimates 25–45% color change in the Great North Woods, compared with 5–15% in the White Mountains. The Lakes Region and Seacoast are both listed at 5–10%.

The report points to the Connecticut Lakes area for more developed color. If foliage is your main priority, compare the regional updates before settling on a familiar mountain destination.

Source: Visit New Hampshire foliage report, September 22, 2026.

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Pennsylvania: Check the Report Date

We could not verify a current 2026 weekly Pennsylvania report for this edition. DCNR’s reporting page includes archived material, so check the year and reporting period on any map or download.

For the Poconos and other Pennsylvania destinations, consult the official source before deciding where to go. Current color levels remain unclassified in this roundup.

Source to check: Pennsylvania DCNR fall foliage reports.

Fall Foliage Questions, Answered

When is the best time to see fall foliage in NYC?

Late October and November provide a broad planning window. I LOVE NY’s historical overview places NYC toward the end of the statewide progression, with peak color extending into mid-November. This is seasonal guidance, not a confirmed 2026 peak date. Read the state’s foliage timing guide.

Does 50% color change mean an area is at peak?

No. Color change describes the progression of the leaves, while peak refers to the overall display. Read each source’s condition label and notes rather than turning a percentage into a peak prediction. States also use different reporting scales.

Is this NYC fall foliage report based on firsthand visits?

This edition compiles dated official reports. Regional observations are attributed to those sources, while the trip-planning advice is our editorial interpretation. It does not claim firsthand visits to every destination.

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Reporting note: This NYC fall foliage report was compiled from official sources reviewed on September 24, 2026. It is a dated snapshot, not a live feed. Linked reporting pages may advance to newer editions; the observations above refer to the dates shown. Conditions can vary within the same region, town or park.