The spectacle of changing leaves is a much-anticipated fall tradition. Typically, peak fall foliage can be observed across the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region in NY during early to mid-October, but that is very much contingent on weather conditions. Start planning your leaf-peeping bucket list now to make the most of gorgeous fall days to come.
1. Audubon Community Nature Center – The Audubon Community Nature Center in Jamestown aims to connect people and the natural world. There are 5 miles of trails on this 600-acre wetland preserve, nature play spaces, educational gardens, and a native tree arboretum. Some of the fall foliage identifiable here include beech, sugar maple, birch, sycamore, black walnut, and more. Tour the three-story Nature Center’s interactive exhibits, see live animals and children’s play spaces. Visit to experience the Enchanted Forest, a non-scary nighttime Halloween event perfect for younger children featuring luminary-lit trails, talking animals, crafts, and snacks. Check our event calendar for event dates and times *Reservations are required for Enchanted Forest.
2. Peek’n Peak Resort – Peek’n Peak Resort is a one-stop-destination for all things fall. The Mountain Adventures aerial park features 69 obstacles and 8 courses of varying difficulty. Climb up cargo nets and ladders while navigating various elements including ziplines in this treetop challenge. You seriously can’t get any closer to the vibrant fall foliage in New York than this! Golfers are treated to an impressive valley view on the championship 18-hole Upper Course.
3. Chautauqua Institution – Chautauqua Institution’s picturesque National Historic District campus features every expression of American architecture dating back to the late 1800s. Walk or bike the paths of this pedestrian-first designed community situated on 750-acres of Chautauqua Lake’s shoreline with plenty of opportunities to see the fall foliage. Discover landmarks and gems like the Athenaeum Hotel, Hall of Philosophy, Amphitheater, Chautauqua Cinema, and more. Several shops and dining options will remain open through much of October, making Chautauqua Institution a perfect autumn day-trip destination. Golfers will revel; there are two 18-hole public courses at the Chautauqua Golf Club.
4. Dunkirk Lighthouse, Lake Erie – While the grandest view the Dunkirk Lighthouse affords guests is one of Lake Erie from the 61’ tower, looking back at land offers a unique perspective of Point Gratiot Park and the treetops surrounding the City of Dunkirk. Get a broader look at the fall foliage in Chautauqua NY with this view. Inside the lighthouse and keeper’s cottage is a collection of artifacts dating back to 1827, when the lighthouse was first established on Point Gratiot. There is also a massive exhibit of US military and maritime regalia and relics.
5. Erlandson Overview Park - Sitting at an elevation of approximately 2,040 feet (second highest in the county), this 76-acre site offers a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside including Onoville Valley to the east, the Allegheny Mountains to the south, and Chautauqua Lake to the west. Hike the 1.5-mile loop trails then enjoy a picnic at the covered pavilion while enjoying the fall scenery. Plan your visit before November 1, when the park closes for the winter season.
6. Johnson Estate Winery’s Vineyard Walks – Johnson Estate Winery is New York State’s oldest estate winery. They grow a total of 13 grape varietals in their vineyards to produce over 40 types of wines, including European Vinifera, French American Hybrids, and American Labrusca. Embark on a self-guided walk through the Johnson Estate vineyards, where participants are encouraged to fill their baskets with harvest-ready Riesling grapes fresh off the vines! The vineyards are framed by the hillsides in their surrounding fall foliage. After, enjoy Johnson Estate wines paired with cheese and charcuterie at their outdoor dining venue. Check out event calendar for tour dates and times. Please make advance reservations.
7. Lucille Ball Memorial Park & the Celoron Lighthouse – Have your photo taken with Lucille Ball’s likeness, surrounded by the colorful trees. There are two Ball statues in this park; “Scary Lucy” shows Lucille Ball during her famous tipsy TV pitch for Vitameatavegamin health tonic. A new “Lovely Lucy” statue arrived in August 2016, after Scary Lucy became an internet sensation in 2015. Just beyond the Desi Arnaz Bandshell, a boardwalk, fishing pier, and Celoron lighthouse gaze toward tidy cottages nestled between the yellows, golds, and reds of native trees on the opposite shore of Chautauqua Lake. Plan an evening visit for a chance at catching a breathtaking autumn sunset over Chautauqua Lake.
8. Luensman Overview Park – This stunning 70-acre overlook near Brocton provides a vista of Lake Erie and the surrounding Lake Erie Wine Country. Hike the mile-long interpretive trail or just take in the landscape from the multiple viewing platforms. If conditions are just right, it’s possible to see across Lake Erie to Long Point, Ontario, Canada. Half the reward is the drive up Thayer Rd., which is a winding, climbing, trek through bucolic Amish country. Bring cash in preparation of an impulsive stop at an Amish roadside stand for fresh local produce, blooms, or baked goods.
9. Panama Rocks Scenic Park – Escape into a world of towering rocks, deep crevices, passageways, and small caves hidden in an ancient forest at Panama Rocks Scenic Park. Grotesque roots snake down the rocks and delicate ferns, mosses, and lichens add to Panama Rock’s unique, jungle-like charm. Kids of all ages will delight in searching for Panama Pete’s lost treasure – gold robbed from a bank carriage in the 1800s when it is rumored real outlaws and counterfeiters used these giant quartz-conglomerate rocks as a hideout.
10. Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History – Walk through the same woods that first inspired a young Roger Tory Peterson, the unparalleled American naturalist who illustrated and chronicled the natural world to the public in the 20th century. Over a long career that began with nature study in the seventh grade in Jamestown, NY, he observed, recorded, and published for lay audiences the incredible beauty and diversity of plants and animals from North America and around the world. Curated exhibits at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History highlight Roger's lifework as well as rotating natural history, art, and photography exhibitions. The building itself is an architectural landmark situated on 27 acres with walking trails.